Kudos Everyone! Outstanding Conference!

From 2 More Sleeps to Kudos Everyone!  How fast time flies when we are having fun. It is hard to believe that the conference has come and gone.  I sure hope you had as much fun as I did.

It was an amazing conference.  Friday Fun Night was outstanding.  The costumes were great.... by comparison, mine was so lame but I had fun anyway.  Those who were in costume looked fantastic. It sure showed lots of spirit as well as lots of time and effort to create just the right look.  Thank you for doing that.  It gives such a spark to the event for all of us to enjoy not to mention enjoying them all over again as we watch the slide show during our meals.

I have heard wonderful things about the workshops. What did you hear?  Please offer comments so we can all learn from the experience.  Sadly to say, it is impossible to go to all of them so let's learn from each other.  The ones I attended were great.  Thank you presenters for being willing to step up and provide added educational value to our members. 

By the way, if you would like to be one of the presenters for the spring conference, it isn't too early to start the process. Head on over to the website and check it out.  Don't procrastinate as time will fly and suddenly the spring conference will be here.  And while you are at the website, why not register? There is a special price running from now to the end of November: $175. 

The contests were outstanding.  Both our contest chairs, Bill Brodie and Mike Proudlock did us proud.  The winner of the Humorous Speech contest was Gregory CN Smith of Toastmasters of Hanover. The winner of the Table Topics contest was Max Kalles of GROW Toastmasters.  Congratulations to you both.  Look for pictures on our website soon.  If I had any now I would post them. In fact, if someone sent me pictures I can edit this blog and insert them.....  Anyone out there got pics handy?

And of course, who can ever forget Jamey and Molly French. What a story!  What a message!  What a testimony to the value of Toastmasters!  If you missed it, then check out the Toastmaster magazine. I think it was in either January or February of this year. 

I am continually amazed at the people who work on conference committees.  It takes many people all working as a team to bring out the best we have to offer.  If you have a program, check out those who were instrumental in making the conference a huge success.  I won't list them all here for fear of missing someone. They did an outstanding job and it just couldn't be done without them.  (I kept sharing my program and now I'm without one...for the moment!)  Learn who they are and when you see them be sure to extend a big handshake to congratulate them on a job well done!

If you were to ask any of the committee members, they would tell you that there is something truly magical about working with such a team.  There is a common goal which creates a genuine bonding amongst them. If you have never experienced something like this, then you are truly missing out.  Why not step up and out and let people know you are ready to get involved?  Let it be known that you are interested.

So, here we are two days past the fall conference and in just a week and a half, we are beginning our meetings for the spring conference.  Can't wait to see what the team will have in store for you next!

Merri

PS - If you are reading this blog and getting anything out of it, please let me know.  I welcome your comments too. 

Only 2 More Sleeps

Can you believe it?  The Fall Conference is almost here. Are you ready to go?   I got my list and I'm checkin' it twice...oh, wait...that's another list.

Yes, I'm ready to go.  Got registered; got a hotel room; got times and places to meet up with friends; got my notepad for the workshops; got my dancing shoes packed.  Like I said, I'm good to go.

If you are one of those folks who have never been to a conference before, then you are in for a real treat. You will be expected at the First Timers' Reception at 7:00 pm so you can mix and mingle with the other First Timers and get to meet the district officers.  Come and join in the fun.  There's also food just for you.

Can't wait for Friday Fun Night...it will be a blast with all the Vaudeville entertainers coming.  You won't believe who you'll see. I think I heard that Charlie Chaplin was coming as well as Mae West.  And many more too.  Who will you dress up like?  Did you know that there are prizes for costumes?  I'm coming as a...no, I think I'll keep that as a surprise.

District 86 never fails to amaze me with the quality of workshops put on by our very own.  There are 12 to choose from and that's going to be tough.  In fact, why don't you conspire with a friend as to which ones you will attend so you can share the learning.  Get more out of your conference experience!

The contests are always such fun. And what can be more fun than a Humorous Speech?  Why the business meeting of course, following right after. Then dress up in your finest and come on out to the Governor's Banquet & Ball.  Great food, great company, recognition presentations and then dance the night away to the sounds of DJ David Terryberry.  Got your dancing shoes packed?

Sunday morning begins with a workshop by Lori Lococo, DTM, PDG and you don't want to miss that.  Following her is the Table Topics Contest.  You'll be amazed at what comes out of people's mouths with only seconds to prepare and minutes to present.  A valuable skill by all accounts. 

Sunday Brunch features our keynote speaker Jamey French and you won't believe the story he has to tell.  You'll be moved by what he has to share.  It will touch your heart and forever leave its mark. 

So...only 2 sleeps to go....are you ready?   Got your dancing shoes packed?  Then come on down....and I'll see you on the dance floor.

Merri

Hershaw's Celebration

Congratulations to Hershaw Toastmasters, the winner of the Above and Beyond Contest.  It was great to present both the President, Vitaly Fursov and the Immediate Past President, Dennis Bartel with the badge for their banner at their Open House.

The club combined their winning Pizza Party with an Open House and many attended.  At the end, guests commented on what they experienced with coming to the event.  I do believe a few joined as  a result.

Below is a picture of the presidents: Vitaly on the left and Dennis on the right.   Also a picture of one of the founders of the club, Isobel Hershaw.

                                             

Congratulations Hershaw!

Merri