You've heard other Toastmasters mentioning District 84's Fall Conference, “Once Upon a Time; A Fairy Tale Conference”, scheduled November 11-13 th in Daytona Beach, Florida, and may be wondering what goes on at a Conference that could possibly interest you...
You probably have some very valid questions that sound a lot like: Why should I care about attending some conference? What's in it for me?
MC's Top 5 Reasons District 84 Conferences Rock:
1) Amazing Speech Contests – If you have never seen a District Speech Contest, it's an amazing event. On Friday night, after dinner, the Speech Evaluation Contest takes place, with the best evaluator from each of Divisions A through I squaring off against one another. Then on Saturday night, the 9 top Humorous Speech Contestants entertain the attendees with their humorous speeches. When you consider that there are almost 4000 Toastmasters in our District, once you get to the top 9 competitors, you've got one outstanding contest! We learn by observing the best, and believe me – we can all learn from watching these District level contests! Besides, it's riveting entertainment – definitely laugh out loud fun…
2) Networking – For many of us, our only contact with Toastmasters is within our Clubs. However, Toastmasters International is a global organization, with nearly 200 clubs in District 84 (our District) alone. Imagine coming together with 300+ Toastmasters, all interested in self-growth and enhancement of communication and leadership skills. The opportunity to meet other toastmasters, exchange ideas, interact with District leadership, share experiences, and create contacts from across the district is invaluable, both personally and professionally. We're a diverse group – you never know who you'll meet next! You'll make friends from all over Central and Northern Florida – one thing you'll learn very quickly is that Toastmasters are a friendly lot. And guess what? They like to talk!
3) Education – In addition to the Speech Contests which are invaluable training forums, Saturday morning is devoted to educational sessions, with your choice of up to 3 out of 9-12 classes on such diverse topics as Social Media, Evaluations, and Member Mentoring. Watch the District 84 Conference site for updates on the classes being offered this year. With our own Dennis Wooldridge overseeing the course selections, it's guaranteed the subject matter will be thought-provoking, useful, and entertaining.
Additionally, there is another even more valuable education on offer at our conferences -- one you will never receive if you don't step outside your local club. I speak from experience. Our LGET compares the revelation to an encounter with an iceberg. At the club level, we see and interact with that portion of Toastmasters that would be comparable to the tip of the iceberg – the portion that floats above the water. It's pretty cool, and offers a lot to us as members, but once you take that step into District territory, your eyes are opened to the vast network, educational opportunities, and expansive personal connections that are possible within the greater Toastmasters International organization. Attend just one conference, and you'll start to see the body of the iceberg, gaining appreciation as to what Toastmasters International is really all about.
4) Location – I understand the Hilton Daytona Beach is beautiful! The conference room rate is a steal! That hotel? At $89 a night? Unbelievable! And what better time to enjoy a weekend at the beach than mid-November, just before the holidays hit? Bring your family, or extend your trip by a night or two. Chillax, my friends! We're in Florida – let's enjoy our good fortune and soak in some sun by the Atlantic. Other people have conferences where it's cold and icy in November… brrrr!
5) Fun – You haven't experienced Toastmasters until you've attended a Conference Theme night. On Friday November 11 th at our “Once Upon a Time… A District 84 Fairy Tale Conference” , you'll find the craziest contingency of witches, fairies, princes and princesses, ogres, sorcerers, and goblins that you could ever hope to find gathered under one roof. Theme Night is always like a giant costume party for adults, and our fellow Toastmasters embrace the fun wholeheartedly. (Of course, you don't have to dress up in costume – Friday night is fun night, but costumes aren't required. Business casual is fine, too!)
And how about food? We know Toastmasters love to eat! As part of your conference registration package, you have a Friday banquet, a Saturday luncheon, and a Saturday night Banquet, plus a hospitality room continental breakfast on Saturday morning.
Saturday night is our more formal evening – some of the women will be dressed in their evening-wear, and most of the men will wear suits. Toastmasters clean up pretty nice – check out some of the pictures on the District 84 website to see how glam we can look!
After hours on Friday and Saturday nights, once all the speeches have been delivered and the awards handed out, don't forget to visit the hospitality suite (appropriately named “Far, Far Away” to fit our theme!), where we offer free drinks and light snacks until the wee hours of the morning.
By the time you check out of your hotel on Sunday morning, you'll have gained a whole new view of Toastmasters International. Even more importantly, you'll have made a host of new friends you can't wait to see at the next conference!
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