Thank You to our Fall Conference Team

Dear Raisa, Neerja and Conference Committees:

As Dana LaMon would say: You asked “Is it Possible” and you answered “ Yes!” At his workshop on Wednesday night this week, he defined the characteristics of a presentation packed with POWER in a way that also pertains to this conference and the job that you did:

PDid you have a purpose? Absolutely! You chose a wonderful series of workshops to expand our knowledge and get us thinking in new ways about issues that are important to our growth as a Toastmaster and human being. You structured a conference that included so many wonderful elements of recognition for clubs and individuals, allowed the business of the District to be conducted smoothly, arranged for delicious food (I heard many raves especially about the salmon), and two terrific contests with organized and efficient officials.

OWere you organized? Yup, think you hit that one right on. Conference ran beautifully and ended fewer than 5 minutes over schedule. Everyone seemed to know what was expected of them, and the facilities coordinators interacted with the hotel smoothly.

WThe Wow factor – did each of you show off the best of yourselves as speakers and leaders – and I think the answer is yes. Committee chairs seemed to have their roles and their committee members absolutely under control, and everyone was calm and efficient all day long (or at least they were successfully using “fake it until you make it.” The decorations made the tables seem more intimate, the journal was outstanding. Raisa’s glorious smile was there every time she was at the mic, and Neerja held it all together.

EEntertainment was a running theme. Both contests were true showcases of the best of our District’s speakers. I hope people were entertained by my fortune cookies (and if you don’t know what that means, you weren’t at the business meeting – come to the Super Saturday TLI December 10th and find out!). You had lots of raffle prizes and first timer awards, and the presentations were decorative and fun.

RWere the attendees remunerated for their attendance? Did they gain anything from the conference? Was there a “payback?” Judging by the number of people who came up to me with praise for the jobs you all did, I’d say – ABSOLUTELY! I loved the chance to meet so many members and particularly so many first timers. Who would have dreamed that Zarb School of Business Toastmasters would have 9 people in attendance! That LI Speakers would carry their banner (one of 58 clubs to do so!!). About two dozen Toastmasters received their Traveling Toastmasters District crank light, and 3 clubs boasted the new banner ribbon for Capturing the Gavel.

Congratulations to all of you! I know how hard you worked to make this Conference a success. On behalf of the District and all of us who attended.

Thank you!
Penelope Boehm, DTM, District 46 Governor

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