We received feedback in total from 14 people. Overall 21 people registered into the event. Half (7) of the answers came from Finland, five (5) from Sweden and two (2) from Norway. The open feedback shows that biggest reasons to participate to this event was interest towards Our Stories project and opportunities that it can bring for tourism and using stories for businesses.
Feedback of day program
Opening speech of the Seminar that was held by Inger Birkelund and Saila Puukko, was rated successful. The part was clear, warm and good introduction for the agenda of whole event. The first keynote speaker Tove I Dahls “The Psychology of Storytelling” part got excellent rating. The speaker and the content of lesson received lot of very good feedback and thanks from participants. The second keynote Speaker Young-Sook Lee on her topic “Tourism & Storytelling” were rated important and interesting topic, especially from perspective of Asian tourists. The presentation was seen very interesting, but at in some points a bit heavy. “Examples & Experiences of using Storytelling in Travel Industry” by Björn Ylipää was good example of story of product. Ylipää’s presentation was a little bit confusing according to some feedback, but still interesting concept.
“On personal level made me realize that I’m doing what I should be doing.”
Evening Session & study visits
Inger Birkelund’s workshop received good feedback and according the feedback was described efficient and compelling. However, one part of workshop has mixed reception. “Your stone & story” theme was seen a little bit too static and it failed in some stages of grouping as goal. There were hope for something more dynamic program to place this like for example, walking in nature or something similar. Björn Ylipää’s part in evening workshop received a good feedback. The study visit was seen interesting also from mostly according the participants. “Wrapping up, connecting the dots & next” by Tove I. Dahl received also warm and good reception.
“Very good evening activity to get to know each other.”
“Long days but totally worth it. Schedules were a bit overlapping at points.”
Open word from feedback
Overall Our Stories – Heart of Story event received successful reception and feedback. It gave many ideas and inspiration to participants and raised a new vision to Northern Lights Route and to regions tourism and business of using storytelling. However, days were a little bit too long and during the trip, there was schedule and organization problems that gives room to improvement.
Most valuable lessons learned during the program were many as there was participants. For some it was the keynote lessons, the whole experience, possibility of arranging activities across borders and the meaning of sincerity and integrity in stories and business.
Thank you all!