On Sunday morning, we had breakfast which was included with registration. Our keynote speaker joined us and talked about how we can get more members into Toastmasters. Those in attendance at the breakfast added their input.
We got great feedback from our most seasoned members. Also talked about at the breakfast was the dues increase. For some clubs including one in my district, $60 is a lot for people living in the area. Does it pay to leave the lights on or to attend meetings twice a month? For those who have a LinkedIn, put your Toastmasters in your experience where it can really made visible for someone viewing your account.
The dues increase may have happened but you still get great value for the money you pay for a year’s membership in Toastmasters. Christy Uffelman asked us what our Why was for joining Toastmasters and What keeps us coming back. What keeps me coming back is new friendships that I can make that I wouldn’t have if I left after getting my DTM. Community involvement is also important and is something I definitely need to work on. Maybe on my coffee date this week , I can strike up a conversation about Toastmasters and invite someone to our next meeting on May 15.
Now for my review of this weekend’s conference.
I got to the hotel just after 5 and checked into my room. I took some time to relax and then it was off to the business meeting. I like that they had the meeting on Friday night instead of during the day on Saturday. The best part of Friday was getting to play DJ Trivia. I had a sense of dread when I remembered the right answer to the DO or DIE question but by then it was too late. We lost. But we had fun regardless and it was the best Friday night I had spent in quite a while. With this past weekend being the Kentucky Derby, the theme for the conference was appropriate, “Racing Towards Success”.
Saturday was the big day as we heard excellent messages from our keynote speakers. I made my rounds talking to everyone. I ate well. The parade of banners was smaller than I remember but the last conference I attended was PRE-COVID in April of 2019. I took a lot from what Dawn said yesterday morning and later, Christy’s speech really hit me, as I too am someone who is going against the status quo (for different reasons). I had to dry some tears from my eyes as her message had me crying. Dana saw it and knows what I go through. I thanked her and we waxed fashion sense at the end before we parted ways. Patti’s workshop was amazing and I have a lot to teach myself about humor. The contests as always featured District 13’s best. Jim Teague didn’t place in the top three but he did a great job regardless. For Don Michel, congratulations and bring home the World Championship trophy. For the first time at a conference, I got to take part in the DTM gauntlet. In July 2021, I did it at the DTM gala at WCCC just after all the craziness of COVID happened. We welcomed two new Distinguished Toastmasters to the fold as well last night.
Taking a page from my parents, I packed up early this morning. Also taking a page from my aunt, I left close to check out time. I was thankful to meet up with everyone for a free breakfast that came with registration. I am also grateful for this group of amazing speakers and leaders who keep coming back and finding new friends to join their respective clubs.
I made my way home after breakfast and decided that the shopping trip will happen the week that I’m on vacation. This already adds to a fun-filled week off. For my District 13 Toastmasters family, I’ll see them at my next meeting or at Summer TLI or see them when I see them.
Before I close off the blog, I’m already planning my first Cranberry High Noon visit of the year for June 24 and another visit to be determined for June 25 or 26 (South Hills or Pittsburgh or both). The first will be in person (because I might drive up to Slippery Rock afterward and maybe eat dinner up there too) and the second will be virtual. I’m thinking August or September for my in-person Johnstown visit.
Stylish 🍒 