Association Profile
The Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA) is the trade organization representing the independent sector of the Canadian music and sound recording industry. For 30 years CIRPA has been the collective voice of independent music in English-speaking Canada.

Challenge
Conduct a survey among attendees at a recent international music convention to gather feedback on CIRPA’s performance, the goals and achievements of the convention attendees, and their recommendations for next year.

Background
The need for quick, efficient, timely membership feedback is critical for CIRPA. Survey feedback is used for a variety of organizational objectives at CIRPA, but most importantly as a basis for project planning and government funding.

Previously, surveys were prepared, printed, mailed out, completed by members, mailed back and the data entered into a database for analysis. This was a time consuming, expensive process and the response rate had been low. A cost-effective alternative was needed to increase the response rate from their members.

Solution
1.   Use Baseline CMS online survey functionality to create a custom survey that CIRPA members and non-member attendees could complete online.

2.   Use Baseline CMS eBlaster to notify attendees of the survey with a direct link back to the survey page.

3.   View real-time reports on number of completions.

4.   Send out reminders to attendees who haven’t completed surveys.

Result
The results were dramatic - 73% of attendees completed the surveys and in a fraction of the time -- no printing out, filling out, and mailing back. For CIRPA, it was a significant improvement from previous survey participation rates.

The Association was able to easily send out friendly reminders to non-respondents. This was a key to success since the convention was completed and attendees had no reason to complete the surveys.

Making it quick and easy was the best way to encourage participation.