ICW 2018: Celebrating Success!
International Coaching Week (ICW) 2018 represented the most significant event—and success—in ICF Edmonton’s history. How do we come by that claim? Several key results objectively tell us this was so:
- Highest-ever attendance of any Chapter function since our formation—with a combination of coaches and public members in attendance
- Strong financial performance from the event—more than broke even
- Successful “speed coaching” event at conclusion of our signature event
- First-ever sponsor for an ICW coaching event
- Continuation of our pro bono coaching event focused on supporting nonprofit, charitable organizations in Edmonton
- Strong financial contribution to community fund of our local science center
- Strongest-ever media exposure for a Chapter event, including use of Facebook Live, Twitter, LinkedIn, Chapter website AND television coverage in the days leading up to our signature event
- Obtained a proclamation of ICW from the Mayor of Edmonton
How did we achieve this success? The most salient learnings from previous years’ efforts came down to two key elements: (1) as much advance planning and thought as possible and (2) having the courage to try something new and different. The approach was consistent with our informal theme for 2018 of “What if?” In the case of ICW 2018, what if we tried something new and bold?
The foundation of ICW 2018 has led us to the planning for ICW 2019. Again, we have tried to further advance the timing of our planning and be even bolder than last year. The goals are simple: exceed our previous results. The expectations and plans for ICW 2019 include:
- Increased and longer sustained media exposure than in 2018
- Our request for a Mayoral proclamation has been placed and will be received in advance of ICW 2019
- We have taken a much more robust and proactive approach to sponsorship this year; our target this year is at least $2,000 in sponsorship revenue for ICW that will offset event costs and provide non-member revenue for 2019
- We are targeting an increase in participation and attendance at our signature event (May 2). We would like to fill our chosen venue, which is back at our local science center
- We will be taking our pro bono coaching initiative to the next level by a formal commitment to the Ignite initiative
- We are expecting to engage—again—our Chapter membership as speakers at our ICW signature event on May 2. The focus will be on the Neuroscience of Coaching
- We will be looking to further engage our full membership as best possible—in terms of promotion of coaching and ICW, as volunteers in support of our signature event, as coaches for our speed coaching event and as participants in our Ignite initiative
Ultimately, we are striving to recognize the coaching prowess and commitment of our Edmonton and Northern Alberta coaches while at the same time making every effort to enhance the awareness of coaching in the Northern Alberta marketplace.
We are excited for the future of coaching!!