All the news from Blenheim

Did you know that holding a pen in your mouth can improve your mood?

That was just one of the tidbits of information that were on offer at District conference in Blenheim. On the first weekend in November, just over 300 Toastmasters from all around the country gathered at Marlborough Convention Centre for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun.

The conference organisers had a fantastic schedule ready for us, with keynotes and educational workshops from all over the spectrum of communication and leadership. In the space of two short days, attendees learned about telling their stories in speeches, improving memory, mastering Table Topics, coming across as a leader, and even how to take control of their lives and be more productive. That tip about the pen? That was thanks to trainer Roydon Gibbs, who shared the insight that forcing your face to make a smiling shape can trick your brain into feeling happier - and a pen in the mouth is one way to do that!

Contests are the centrepiece of a District conference. The Table Topics contest on Saturday, and Humorous contest on Sunday, were both won by speakers from Division C (Otago/Southland). Table Topics champion Christine Livingstone spoke with passion and humour on the benefits of recognising diversity through public holidays. Humorous champion Bruce Caughey had the audience in stitches with his cautionary tale of what happens if you let a your tin of condensed milk boil dry.

Table Topics Winners - 3rd - Peter Scholtens, 1st Christine Livingstone, and 2nd Stephen Budai.
Photo credit: District 72 website

Division E contestants placed in both contests, with Peter Scholtens (Statistically Speaking) placing third in Table Topics, and Ella Kahu (Island Bay) coming third in Humorous. Congratulations, Peter and Ella!

At the business meeting on Saturday afternoon, club representatives had the opportunity to ask questions about the District's budget and financial performance, as well as the work going on to build new clubs and support members in achieving their educational goals. A change to the District Procedures for budgeting got everyone engaged in the debate, and the meeting finished almost exactly on time. (Minutes for the business meeting will be available on the District website in due course.)

The Saturday night dinner was great fun for all, with plenty of dancing and some new friendships being formed. The dinner theme of "Colour your world" gave everyone inspiration for their outfits, with some turning up in brightly coloured wigs or clown costumes, while others stuck with colourful dresses and suits - there were even a few fascinators left over from the Melbourne Cup.

As the conference wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, delegates spilled out of the Convention Centre into a blindingly hot Marlborough day. The Blenheim town square was full of stalls selling ice cream and other treats, and many people stopped off there on their way to the airport - where an impromptu Toastmasters meeting was held in the terminal, complete with a CC 6 speech, evaluation and Table Topics! Toastmasters never pass up a speaking opportunity!

L-R: Simon Lin, Rob Barton-Howes, Gael Price, Mike McKee, Kai Chan - admiring the scenery en route from the airport to the convention. 

Blenheim awaits!

The Division conference is over and our champions are making their preparations to travel to Blenheim, to compete at the next level. Will you be joining them?

What is District convention?

Convention is when all the Toastmasters from one District come together to learn and celebrate each other's achievements. All of New Zealand is one District - District 72. District 72 holds two conventions each year, one in November and one in May.

This November, convention is in Blenheim; in May we go to Rotorua, and the following November it's Invercargill. Convention is a great excuse to see the country!

What happens at November convention?

Each November we hold our national Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests. The nine Division-level winners in each contest will compete to determine the ultimate District champion.

But that's not all - convention is a full weekend of events, featuring educational workshops, social functions, and the semi-annual business meeting.

Who should attend?

All Toastmasters are welcome at convention! Everyone, from new members to club presidents and beyond, will find plenty to learn and lots of great networking opportunities. A convention as handy as Blenheim is a great opportunity to attend easily - it hasn't been this close to Wellington since 2013.

Check out the convention website for registration information (but book your accommodation first - accommodation in Blenheim is very tight already).

I'm already registered! What do I need to do before I go?

Talk to your club President about your club's votes for the business meeting. Every club has two votes, which can be carried by the President and Vice President Education, or assigned to another club member who is attending the business meeting. If you're the only person attending from your club, it's important that you get those votes assigned to you before you go - if there aren't enough club votes present, the meeting can't go ahead.

You can download voting documents from the meeting website. These need to be signed by your President and VPE and returned by email before 3 November.

If you're attending the business meeting, have a quick look at the meeting documents beforehand. You don't need to print out copies of everything, but try to familiarise yourself with the agenda and papers that will be discussed. There won't be any copies distributed at the meeting.

What should I expect when I get there?

Say hello to everyone you meet, ask them about their home club and how far they've travelled. Everyone is friendly and looking to meet new people. My favourite conversation starter is to ask people what they've learned at convention so far - chances are they've attended a session you missed, and by chatting to them you can learn all about it too.

Remember that convention is very full on! Make sure you have a few snacks in your bag for those long sessions between breakfast and morning tea, and don't expect to be able to escape from the convention centre, even for a short walk - you'll most likely be busy talking to people from start to finish each day.

I can't attend! What do I do?

Keep your eye on Facebook and Eat Your Crusts for updates! If no one is attending from your club, make sure you return a voter registration form with the club's apology before 3 November. Every club is invited to the business meeting, and it's polite to send an apology if your club can't make it.

See you there (whether in real life or here on the blog)!