Day 1 Conference Recap

So we arrived in Toronto just fine. I made a new buddy on the train and he grabbed me some truffles from first class. Unfortunately, I left them on the train.

Yesterday was the official first day of the conference and it started early. By 7:30 we were downstairs for the first leg of the Wine and Dine Incentive that was awarded to new Unit Leaders and their Sponsors (I'm the sponsor).We wen't down to the St. Lawrence Market where we were able to sample fare from the different vendors. It was the first time every that I've had spanikopita and perogies for breakfast but they were yummy!

We got back to the hotel and were surprised with goody bags which included Lemon Grass Tea, Pinot Noir Wine from the ES vineyard, Satay and Thai seasonings and some Kaffir Lime Leaves.

We then had our opening session where they announced a new product! And yes I can share it with you when we get home. There are over 400 attendees this year and everyone got one (retail $49.95).

I was asked a few months ago by one of our corporate trainers to do a 2-3 minute testimonial. It's been a long time since I've stood in front of a ton of people to speak. I don't I've ever had to speak in front of a group that large. I knew I was shaking up there but thanks to the video camera projecting my speech on 3 large screens, everyone saw me shaking too. I'm ok with that though....it just goes to show that even at the level I've attained through hard work and perserverance within ES - I still get nervous. Having said that though, I'm really glad it's over. On our way out of the last portion, once again there was Head Office staff with even more goodies for us: Red Pepper Jelly, Salsa, CCB, Poppyseed Dressing, Summerberry, Pesto and an Epicure Apron. LOVE the free stuff.

Once all of that was done, we went on part two of the Wine and Dine Incentive where we were treated to a fabulous Thai dinner. They closed down the restaurant for us, broke us up into groups whereby we all got a cooking demonstration using our spice blends. Now I know what to do with the Thai Seasoning ;).

It was a long 15 hour day for some of us so I beelined for my room, called home then called it a night. The skill building sessions start today - time to learn yet more.

Fun and games?

So it's a big whopping 9:30pm and my Nfld house guest has hit the hay after only 2 hours sleep last night...I guess she deserves it. Another local leader came over and we chatted for an hour or so tonight. We chatted about who we're going to see, who we want to have a "chat" with, what we're packing....it all sounds very girly right? Maybe not.

This is the National Conference of a company that has grown in number about 3 to 4 times what it was a mere 3.5 years ago. This is firstly a business event where knowledge is key and networking is crucial. All of the fun and games are absolutely secondary (and cherished). Friendships and mentorships are born from this conference. Fortunately, a pay it forward attitude permeates the atmosphere.

I have specifically planned a very relaxing morning with my house guest. If I could have brought in a RMT, I would have - that's how relaxed it's going to be. We have a train to catch at lunch and business begins at 6:30 with my first dinner.

I look forward to catching up, picking people's brains and re enforcing bonds while establishing new ones.

Banter

Part of my favourite time in the lead up to our annual conferences is the jovial banter amongst consultants that seems to start slowly at first, usually about 8 weeks before the event. It progressively gets more frequent in the weeks leading up and crescendos in the days before we all gather at Conference.

Subjects usually include ribbing about what happened the year before, silly moments that transpire in our conversations during our downtime and mommy brain goofs that make us all laugh. Now, of course, most of these are inside jokes and only funny to those in the vicinity at the time but these are the moments that make the lead up to conference and the craziness that that entails all the more fun.

The banter is now facilitated through Facebook with friendly jabs about booking flights, invitations to annual "events" in a specified hotel room, reminders about missing consonants in words and the fact that "Cheryl knows" are all fair game this year for me both on the giving end and on the receiving end.

These humourous events are a result of a conference that nutures new friendships with extraordinary women from all over the country that I wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise. We come from all walks of life each with our own story. We work with a company that brings us together to celebrate our accomplishments, support our trials and empower us to find our own definition of success so we can live life on our own terms and not by punching a clock.

These are lifelong friendships that I have made and I welcome the opportunity to build those friendships stronger as well as make new friendships so that next year I have more people to tease. Bring on the banter....