The Journey to Connecticut – Friday 7 August 2009
I was very excited throughout the 31-hour journey (by air, rail and road) to Connecticut, USA as this was my first time experience attending the Toastmasters International Annual Convention. In my journey, I was accompanied by DG Ritchie, LGET-P Thanni, LGET-R Mohd Ariff, LGM-R Mien, Past ID John Lau, TLI Chair Sandrasegaran and District International Speech Champion Ong. We were later joined by IPDG Joseph and Past ID Maimunah who made separate travel arrangements. On board the flight, I was surprised to meet David Roa of Division A who had volunteered to be a SAA during the convention. I was amazed by his dedication to volunteerism and service.
The Arrival - Saturday 8 August 2009
We arrived at the convention hotel - the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut. It was a large complex which included hotels, casinos, shopping arcade and restaurants. The view from our big rooms was simply breathtaking. It overlooked vast acres of woods. Interestingly, the top of the trees were of similar height giving me the impression of a gigantic green carpet spreading out into the horizon.
The Training - Sunday 9 August 2009
The Senior District officers began the day with Districts Not Assigned to Regions (DNAR) training on leadership and district management. What I liked most during the 2-day training was the opportunity to meet DGs and fellow LGs of DNAR. We had a lot of sharing and motivating moments during the breakaway sessions.
In the evening we were invited to a “Wine Social” function hosted by District 74 (South Africa). It was well attended and the guests overflowed into the corridors. I later went to John’s room to help him prepare his materials for his campaign to be the 3rd International VP.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
There was no official program in during the day and the 3rd International VP and ID candidates took the opportunity to canvass for support by meeting the voting delegates by appointment. It was interesting to meet the candidates and listen to what they have to offer if elected. We were busy on the floor helping John in his campaigning.
In the evening, it was the Inter-District (DNAR) International Speech Contest which was split into 2 runoffs. We were out in full force supporting our District Champion Ong who performed admirably. The runoff was won by Mark Hunter from Australia who eventually went on to win the World Championship of Public Speaking 2009.
Later in the evening, we attended the DNAR Gathering and Fellowship. It was an informal function for us in DNAR to get to know each other better. We also put on a joint show with the ladies from China. It was fun and every one of us enjoyed the evening.
The Registration - Wednesday 12 August 2009
Registration for the convention began at 10:00am. I noticed that this was carried out smoothly by the WHQ staff despite the huge turnout. We attended The Board of Directors meeting in the afternoon which went on smoothly. I later went to the First-Timers Orientation where the International President Jenny Barnhill welcomed and briefed the first timers on the going-ons of the convention. This was very helpful especially to those who did not read the whole program before hand. I strongly encourage our District to add this item in our conventions.
The Opening Ceremony was held during dinner and we listened to a special presentation by the President of the National Speakers Association, Sam Silverstein with the title “No More Excuses”.
The Convention - Thursday 13 August 2009
There were educational sessions throughout the day and we took turns to assist John in his campaigning. The Golden Gavel Luncheon with TI honoring a leadership expert, Bruch Tulgan who shared with us why “It’s OK to be the Boss”.
The registration for the voting delegates began in the afternoon while the campaigning continued into the evening. This time, the delegates were seated in rooms and the candidates visited the rooms to articulate their plans, mission and vision which also allowed questions to be asked.
The Election & Hall of Fame - Friday 14 August 2009
The morning began with the Annual Business Meeting which included the eagerly awaited and keenly contested election for the 3rd International VP. Our own PID from District 51 John Lau stood from the floor against 2 other nominated candidates. One of John’s most memorable line was “write John Lau on the dotted line and tick in the box’. I couldn’t remember the exact tally but I remembered John won by polling more than 7,000 votes out of 12,000+. John was clearly the popular candidate by far. The room exploded in wild applause before the Chair could complete announcing the election result. It was a sweet victory because as a candidate from the floor John was the underdog. We are proud to have John serving TI as the 3rd International VP and in due course as the International President – the first from our District 51.
There were 2 breakaway luncheons with themes on discovery and leadership. I attended the Leadership Luncheon was uplifted by Johnny Campbell with his presentation on “The 21st Century Leader”.
After lunch, it was the Hall of Fame.
We were proud to be recognized on behalf of District 51 for achieving the following:
- District 51 – President’s Distinguished District.
- DG – Excellence in Leadership Award
- LGET – Excellence in Education & Training Award
- LGM – Excellence in Marketing Award
After this, each District and DNAR met in different rooms to roast their respective outgoing ID and to allow intending ID candidates to announce their plans. We wound down the day in John’s room to celebrate his victory with more fellowship and joyful banter.
The Contest - Saturday 15 August 2009
The morning saw the highlight of the convention, the International Speech Contest. It was electrifying to see world class speakers performing at their best. I met and spoke to several Toastmasters who drove hundreds of miles just to attend the contest.
In the evening, we went to the President’s Dinner and Dance when the newly elected International President Gary Schmidt held center court. This was when happy IPDG Joseph was invited to take a seat on the highest pedestal up there on the stage with the IP and Directors of TI in recognition of him achieving President’s Distinguished District. Our newly elected 3rd International VP, John Lau also spoke thanking the delegates for their confidence in him.
The Departure - Sunday 16 August 2009
We checked out in the morning with much sadness. Although we went on our separate itinerary, we were united in our camaraderie and fresh resolve to serve members of District 51 to the best of our abilities.
This was my experience in the Toastmasters International Annual Convention. However, the highlight of my experience was not the amazing drama, the lights and the sounds that I witnessed. The most inspiring experience for me was when I befriended PID Jim Smith. He was 77 years young (in his own exact words), sat in a wheel chair and breathed through a mobile oxygen tank. Despite his encumbrances he attended the Convention and was busy canvassing support for John Lau. He was extremely passionate about Toastmasters and lived his life in dedication to Toastmasters. I could still remember his words ringing clearly in my ears, “Francis, please continue to spread the message of Dr Ralph Smedley.” He passed away recently and I am inspired to do what as he has asked me to do.
I wish that more Toastmasters from District 51 will make the journey to attend future TI Annual Conventions to experience first-hand the rewarding and enriching experience that awaits them.
Francis Ng, DTM
LGM-P
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