D53 Fall 2005 Fall Conference News Bites

• The Conference was a superb event. All the more impressive when you consider that all the planning, all the educational sessions, and the contests were the efforts of volunteers who are willing to serve their fellow Toastmasters. You couldn't get better results if you paid for them.
  -- Walter Beveridge, DTM Putnam Speaks
• The 2005 District 53 Fall Conference was so entertaining I forgot it was educational! But that was the whole idea. Learning is best when it's fun! I came back to my club on Monday with all the new improv exercises. It loosened our creative juices and invigorated our meeting.
  -- Joanne Moore, CTM, Niantic
• Overall, the 2005 District 53 Fall Conference was interesting, but too long. The best part of the program was the improvisation theater; everyone could participate and it was funny.
  -- Gale Kotlikova, Travelers Noontime
• I've never attended any part of a District Conference before, ... it was a worthwhile experience to see the presentations. I was disappointed that I couldn't attend the Day Activities. -- Pat Kelly, Barnum Square
• Well organized and very enjoyable. Great job!
  -- George Hondro, Bank of America TST
• Just a big thanks to all who were in charge, it was an informative and dynamic conference.
  -- Dori Garcia, Area C1 Governor
• Once again I went to a Toastmasters meeting feeling well and left feeling great.
  -- Ray Bell, Area F3 Governor
• The 2005 District 53 Fall Conference was an exciting event. A great opportunity to learn new things and see some GREAT CONTESTS. Lots of people were inspired to compete in upcoming contests!
  -- Dave Wheeler, Area A4 Governor
• The evening dinner banquet and Humorous Speech contest were well organized. I can see a big change in our District over the past 2 years - very big improvement.
  -- Edina A. Soboleski, DTM, Barnum Square
• The 2005 District 53 Fall Conference was exhilarating. Participating in my first district level speech contest took me to a new level as a speaker. Thank you, Doug Comstock, for your wise advice about the contest. Fellow Toastmasters we must step up to this challenge and enter a speech contest. Our rewards will be many.
  -- Marilyn E. Jess, ATM-S, Last Word
• I loved the positive energy of attendees that permeated the entire event. It really feels good to be among turned on Toastmasters! For me the highlight was the improv session by World Class Indifference. Their process took the group to a real high and I'm seeing their improv exercises as applicable in a variety of venues in our District...even at club meetings where a spark of new energy is needed.
  -- Will Ryan, DTM, LGM
• The conference educational sessions were awesome! Both Virginia Kravitz and De Boone gave me a lot to think about and I hope they will run another workshop at one of the coming conferences!
  -- Karin von Känel, Division A Governor
• The District 53 Fall Conference was Toastmasters at its best. It's a long day, but there was never a dull moment. Our conference organizers did a superb job with organizing, scheduling, program and facilities. I can't imagine any other conference where so many interesting and valuable activities are packed into one day. I am absolutely certain that every one of us was positively impacted by this terrific event. I can't wait for the next one!
  -- Norm Thibodeau, Division B Governor
• The Conference was informative, entertaining, exciting, energizing and time very well spent (the food was great as well)! My mission to be an inspirational and productive Toastmaster was renewed and my commitment to the Greater New Haven Toastmaster's club is now stronger than ever because of the conference and the seminars there in. I highly recommend attending the next conference. I know I'll be in Wallingford for the spring event.
  -- Leo Petry, VPPR, Greater New Haven Toastmasters
• As a "First Timer", the highlight for me was the "networking" with other Toastmasters, both veteran and novice. The impromptu discussions, the exchanges of ideas, and the warm fuzzy feeling of being with others having the same goal -- better communication skills, made the day great. I agree with Will Ryan that the "Improv" group activity was super, particularly after a full day - we needed the extra spark.
  -- Bob Benn, Area F4 Governor
• The District 53 Fall Conference was one of the best conferences I've been to in years. I loved the improv-people, I want to try that as part of table topics or work it into a speech. The educational sessions were really inspiring and fun.
  -- Christina VanHoesen, Area F1 Governor.