November 5, 2011.
It was a spectacular, one-day District Conference.  For those who were able to attend, you know this event’s value.  For those who missed the Fall Conference, this article is intended to share with you, what your fellow Toastmasters experienced.

The location alone was almost worth the trip.  The beautiful Inn of the Mountain Gods in picturesque Ruidoso, NM was our host venue.  We who had not previously been to that part of NM were treated with majestic

Southern Rockies panoramas, top-notch hospitality and meaningful reacquainting.

Conference Co-Chair Jenny Zappone and District Governor Bay Stevens welcomed more than 100 Toastmasters from throughout our geographically vast District.  Merv Jersak was then introduced and opened the day’s program with a humorous and noteworthy message.  Merv shared the significance of humor, unexpected twists and the “power of threes” to enhance our stories.

During the day, we had opportunities to learn from four additional educational sessions, each of which provided attendees with useful information, new skills and savvy techniques.

  • John Freisinger entertained us with, “Why You Suck at Powerpoint”.  John blended tips on delivery style coupled with introducing us to unknown technical features in a very audience interactive setting.
  • Raymond Wolfgang admirably conducted leadership training for new Area Governors.  Who better to impart this wisdom than a past AG of the Year.
  • Lezlie Davis (District PRO) and Roger Coffey (Division E Governor) teamed to help us better understand “Beyond the Manuals-Creating a Message.”  This audience interactive session focused on audience analysis and creating a message to hit the audience’s hotspot.
  • Lark Doley, Toastmasters Region 3 Advisor, reaffirmed the importance of members and marketing in her engaging “Marketing Gold” presentation.

And we ate, but not before John Freisinger riveted us with his keynote in which he revisited the theme of his award-winning 2011 International Speech Contest “Big Scary” story.  John also played a video of his delivery at the Annual Convention.  Also during the Hall of Fame Lunch, DG Bay Stevens, LGET TK O’Geary and LGM Tracy Thomason presided over an abundance of awards and recognition, ranging from newly chartered clubs, to noteworthy educational achievements, to unique “Spark Plug” contributions by individuals.

We managed to conduct business, too, at the District Council meeting.  The most significant matter addressed was: by whom and where would future District Conferences be held.  For those long-term planners, the following will host our next four District Conferences:

Spring 2012 – Division D in Las Cruces
Fall 2012 – Divisions B&C in Albuquerque
Spring 2013 – Division F (likely) in Lubbock
Fall 2013 – Division A (likely) in Santa Fe

A District Conference highlight is, without doubt, the speech contests.  Always a crowd pleaser, both the Speech Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests lived up to the hype.  Six amazing contestants in each contest shined with evaluation excellence and individually unique brands of humor.  The judges did not have an easy time choosing winners!

A day that seemingly flew by, was capped with the Awards Dinner.  DG Bay Stevens proudly acknowledged Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG), Don DuBois, for his stewardship in leading the District to a 2010/11 Distinguished District, recognition that was formally accorded at TI’s International Convention in August.  On behalf of District 23 members, Bay presented Don with an engraved, commemorative Toastmasters gavel.

IPDG DuBois followed by presenting 2010/11 awards for:

Area Governor of the Year – Peter Murphy
Division Governor of the Year – Eric Tonningsen
Toastmaster of the Year – MaryTherese One Bear

Then, the moment everyone awaited; the District’s Fall Speech Contest winners:

Speech Evaluation
1st Place –  Gregory Lay, Tumbleweeds
2nd Place – Lewis Campbell, 30th Street Toastmasters
3rd Place – Dustin Simon, Midday Madness

Humorous Speech
1st Place –  Alan Berger, Santa Fe Sunrise
2nd Place – Jennine Michael, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber
3rd Place – Sam Alexander, Enriched Speakers

Congratulations to all contestants and those who took home well deserved trophies.

The evening’s festivities concluded with a DTM ceremony, honoring Lee Gardner of Farmington, NM for having achieved his DTM designation.

Thrilled Co-Chairs Jenny Zappone and Carolyn Peeler thanked everyone for making the day a huge success.  Post-conference, Jenny added that she was especially gratified with the number of “First Timers” present, many of whom stated they wouldn’t miss the next Conference.

With that cue, here’s a reminder to mark April 20, 21 & 22 on you calendars. Our Spring Conference will be held at the Ramada Palms de Las Cruces in Las Cruces, NM.  Registration information is available online at www.district23.org.

Plan to join us!