Winter 2015 (Volume 25, Number 4)

Should Canada Night Head to Europe?

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CRA members overwhelmingly indicate that one of the key reasons they belong to the CRA is for networking and connecting with Canadian colleagues. In our quest to expand opportunities, the CRA surveyed members about the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meetings, and the possibility of hosting a Canada Night during future EULAR events. We queried our members on their thoughts about a European adventure. The survey was sent to the entire membership, of which 130 provided their input.

Starting locally, North American attendance rates are consistently high, with the vast majority of those polled “always” (43%) or “sometimes” (40%) attending the annual ACR meeting (Table 1). Canada Night remains a solid draw with three-quarters of participants “always” (54%)
or “sometimes” (21%) attending the event while at the ACR meeting
(Table 2).

Broadening the horizon, we noted a decline in attendance rates, with less than half of those surveyed (42%) regularly attending EULAR meetings (Table 3). When queried on their thoughts regarding a potential Canada Night at future EULAR meetings, we received a range of responses (Table 4). The cost of attending EULAR meeting was the most common concern; as a consequence, numerous members do not attend the meeting, and the offer of a Canada Night would not influence their attendance. Among members who do attend EULAR meetings, many noted they would prefer to use the evening to network with European colleagues, or visiting the host city during downtime.

Canada Night at the ACR meeting continues to grow and be a very successful event for networking with your Canadian colleagues. Let us know how you think we can make it even better.