Multidistrict PETS goes paperless

The Far West Multidistrict Presidents-elect Training Seminar (PETS) in San Jose, California, USA, went paperless this year. Instead of the usual binder full of training materials, participants received a flash drive with all the files needed for the meeting. In addition, each attendee received a leather folder and pad of paper for taking notes. 

“We surveyed previous attendees and discovered that most of them never opened the binder once they took it home. So we decided that the expense was not a great value for our participants and selected using flash drives instead,” explains 2009 PETS Chair Candy Pierce, who also noted that a post-event survey will provide more feedback on this change. Careful research and planning resulted in a smooth transition to a paperless training seminar. “The [flash] drives were very well received, and many folks complimented us on this innovation to PETS.”

Nine districts participated in the event, at which approximately 460 presidents-elect were trained. With a large audience, a paperless seminar is more cost-effective and eco-friendly. And in the current economic climate, paperless seminars are a growing trend.

Have you noticed this trend in your area? Share your thoughts or experience with us by e-mailing leadership.training@rotary.org.