News - Toastmasters International's 2008 Convention is coming to CALGARY!

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August 15, 2008 - it is funtastic!

Do we still need volunteers?  Yes, a few here and there.  We are asking interested persons to drop by the Volunteer Centre in the Telus 103 room (ground floor level of the North Telus Convention Centre).  We have sign up sheets for various events.  Please have patience as hundreds of people a day go through the Centre and it does get extremely busy at certain times.  

For those of you who have volunteered - thanks!  We hope you had a wonderful experience, rewarding time and met Toastmasters from around the world.  We have and it is great.  As I said on the 12th - things don't go 100% perfect but I hope that everyone had some positive experiences that make up for any rough edges.  I have.  C U at the Convention, Lloyd  

August 12, 2008 - things have begun!

The Inter District Contests were this evening so things are rolling along.  Special thanks to all of our dedicated Volunteers who are doing a fabulous job from square one.  I have to admit that things don't always roll smoothly, exactly as planned, or end up as we envisioned but it is encouraging to be working with such a fine, dedicated, family such as Toastmasters.  Incredible talent, incredible attitude and just a fine group to know.  My hats off to all - Lloyd

August 4, 2008 - A message from Host District Chair - Jacquie Schnider

Click here                    (you would have received this via email as well)

August 2, 2008 - YAHOO!  We are having a traditional Stampede style pancake breakfast!

For volunteers, delegates, and guests ( you do not have to be a volunteer to attend) we have arranged to host a Stampede Pancake breakfast.  This is a traditional event during Stampede where as many as 10,000 people eat at one on any given day during Stampede. The pancake breakfast is Wednesday August 13 from 8:00 am until 11:00 am on Stephen Avenue by the Salt Lik restaurant.  Stephen Avenue is 8th avenue and is closed to traffic.  It is located between the Hyatt and the Mariott.   Click here to learn more about them FREE pancakes!

 

Telus Convention Centre - North Main (volunteer center)        Telus Convention Centre - South Lower  

Telus Convention Centre - North Upper                                  Telus Convention Centre - South Upper

Map of the Area

July 20, 2008 - Volunteer # 300

From high atop the breathtaking Canadian Rockies our volunteer # 300 Laura Brule, with friend Joyce in the background, shares these words:

 

What Club and District are you from? 
I attend the Silver Springs Toastmasters Club in Calgary , AB – District 42. I have lived in Calgary for approximately 20 years and am originally from Ottawa , Ontario .

 

Have you been to an International Convention before?
I have never been to an International Convention before.

 

What inspires you to volunteer for this convention?
I want to give back to Toastmasters as I’ve been provided with a wonderful way to develop my public speaking and presentation skills in a safe and fun environment.

 

How long have you been in Toastmasters?
I originally joined Toastmasters 2 years ago.

 

Any words of encouragement for attendees and volunteers?
Just keep coming back to meetings and enjoy.

July 5, 2008 - an interview with our 200th volunteer.

Cindy Pavella, Past International Director  our 200th volunteer!  We are pleased to introduce you to Cindy, and share her perspectives on a Toastmasters International Convention.

 

Have you been to an International Convention before?  If so, when?  

My first convention was in Toronto in 1991 and I haven’t missed one yet.  I make it my annual vacation so I can see sightsee.  I’m already saving for the 2010 in Australia !

 

Why do you feel compelled to volunteer? 

This is first time I have volunteered.  A fellow Past International Director asked me to check out the volunteer site and that made it so easy to sign up!

                 

Have you ever been to Calgary ?  Canada ? 

Not to Calgary , but  I have been to Toronto , Ottawa , and Montreal .

 

How long have you been in Toastmasters? 

I joined in the 80s when I lived in Indianapolis and then moved to Michigan in 1990 and been a member ever since.

 

You were on the Board of Directors.  What was that like? 

I served on the Board from August 2002-August 2004.  What a phenomenal experience it was to collaborate with exceptional leaders.    It was two years devoted to continuing the improvement of processes and structures of the organization.  I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in strategic goal setting and writing policy.  And what a delight and thrill to meet so many of the district leaders not only in Mighty Region VI but all around the world.

 

Any words of encouragement for attendees and volunteers? 

The Convention experience can be described but is best uncovered first hand.  From the “overseas” speech contests on Tuesday night, through the Board Briefing and Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, to the Golden Gavel Luncheon on Thursday, and the Hall of Fame on Friday, and Saturday’s Regional Breakfasts, the Annual Business Meeting, and the International Speech Contest, seminars throughout and the traditional President’s Banquet.  So much to do, so many people to meet.  You’ll be made as welcome as the day you walked into your first Toastmaster club meeting.  You may find that like me, once you go to a Convention, you’ll not want to miss another.   I look forward to seeing the sites of Calgary , meeting new Toastmasters and visiting with Toastmaster friends.

July 3, 2008 - Less then 40 days!  Tell your fellow members to volunteer for the event of a lifetime!! (well, it will be a few years till it is back in Calgary)

June 19, 2008 - volunteer assignments announced!

Emails were sent out to all the volunteers describing the roles they have been assigned.  If you did not receive an email please contact Lloyd

We are between 2 and 3 hundred volunteers to date but we are still looking for more volunteers as a convention this size can easily use 4 to 6 hundred to keep the workloads balanced and programs moving smoothly.   Please let your fellow club members know that we could use more volunteers like you!   Volunteer here.

June 15, 2008  -  Updated news site!   (Previous News can be accessed here.)

Check out our Top 100 things to do or see or think about prior to and after the convention....click here.

Try our volunteer Bulletin Board - ask questions, post ads (shared lodging?), etc.  Give it a try and see if we can generate some value.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions site (FAQ)

Read a District 42 article on the convention at TROYmedia "AlbertaSource.ca the 'Toast' of Alberta - Toastmasters International 2008 convention to be held in Alberta"

Volunteer # 100 Joy Gittens, ATM/CL Lt. Gov Marketing 2007/08 District 81P in Barbados

Joy, have you been to an International Convention before?  If so, when?  
Yes.  I attended the Conferences in Miami, Washington, Toronto and last year in Phoenix, Arizona USA.

Why do you feel compelled to volunteer? 
It is one way to contribute to the Convention.  I have planned District Conferences in the Caribbean and I know you always want all the help you can get.  I am also gratified when I carry my countries flag at the opening ceremony.   It is also a way to meet new friends from all over the world.

Have you ever been to Calgary?  Canada?  
Not to Calgary, but  I have been to Toronto and Winnipeg.

How long have you been in Toastmasters?  
Since November 1992

You mentioned you are working on DTM - what has been your best memory along the journey?  
My High Performance Project which includes working with Toastmasters across several Clubs.  My year just completing as Lieutenant Governor-Marketing was also a learning experience I will not forget.  My hardest communication manual was -Humourously Speaking--since I do not see myself as funny.  However I believe I have become funnier because of that Manual.

Open question - any words of encouragement for other potential volunteers?  
I always encourage persons from the Caribbean to volunteer since it is an excellent method to network with Toastmasters from the host country as well as meet other toastmasters.  It is an experience you will never forget.

Check out District 81P here