Subject: Re: Many, Many Thanks from WCE&BAC

Amanda, Tom, Francie and the rest of our marvelous balloon industry, This message is LONG overdue! Since the WCBEC I have been singing praises of the convention and racking my brain to come up with the perfect analogy to explain to all who missed this convention about what you missed. So far, the perfect analogy is still missing, but the praises are immense! I have had the pleasure of attending every US decorators convention for the past 5 years and West Coast is definitely at the TOP. I rarely write on the forum, but need to now.

To all who missed the West Coast Convention here is a short list of the LONG list you missed (and the short list is long)

1. 1. Top-notch hospitality by Amanda and crew from beginning to end! Even though the number of attendees at this convention were far from what they expected which meant a financial hardship on them - here was NEVER a word of complaint expressed to delegates! Amanda made sure distributors and instructors were taken care of even down to bringing them boxed meals during exhibit hours! They always had smiles on their faces and kind words for all.
2. A group of excellent teachers--we got to learn from people who've been in the industry for several years. I was blessed to take 3 classes from Rob Stiff---man did I learn--numerous tips on increasing productivity, the many, many reasons why classic decor is so wise to sell (even if it gets boring), creative marketing ideas, super smart rigging ideas, always considering the WHAT IF's and numerous other tips, many of which I've implemented.
   
   We were awed and inspired by Treb Heining's words--most importantly, our most important job in running our business is to put up our feet and DREAM--and if we don't have time to do that, then we need to make some changes.
   
   Fantastic tips from Linda Soto, artist extraordinaire, on using hot foam wire! An awesome technique for customizing ANY foil balloon and incorporating fabrics for truly UPSCALE looks from Fernando--powerful in deed and I've already sold decor with this technique Humor and tremendous insight from Judy Bradt regarding how to best serve clients from the beginning of an event thru the end--loved the new way to lay out a room Judy! A fantastic new fabric design she and Dave created. CONNECTIONS, CONNNECTIONS CONNECTIONS with suppliers in the Fabric District, for lighting and much more! And that's only a FEW of the classes!
3. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL networking! WOW were we blessed! Only 65 delegates (not so good for Amanda), but for us incredible. We got to really spend quality and quantity time with each other, meeting new inspiring decorators---Loved spending time with you Treva, Leilani, Linda Z, Linda K, Mark B, PEGGY, Mary Queen, Graham, Els, Sharon, Steve, Linda S, Marcia, Dale, Fernando, and so many, many more! Man did those of you who didn't attend miss an opportunity--there was at least 200 years of experience at this conference all for the taking and gained through building friendships and networking! Imagine, a simple little balloon is connecting us around the world!!
4. Hands on classes that were fun!
5. Caring exhibitors who introduced us to the newest and best in our industry. Thanks Conwin for showing us the new Precision and the discount we got at the convention! Thanks Peggy for showing us the great new foil 2-part flowers that Burton & Burton is carrying--I've already sold them! Thanks Mark & KJ for the great new Sparkle book-- it's helping me selling more sparkle in my decor! Thanks to Spandex USA for showing us how classy adding Spandex items makes our decor look---yes there are more!
6. NETWORKING & FRIENDSHIPS--worth repeating!
7. Inspiration!
8. Beautiful California sunshine and clear skies while many parts of the country were cold, dreary, or under snow and ice.

Now to Amanda, Tom and Francie!

I hope the above lets you know how much I appreciate ALL of your hard work and dedication. I've planned conventions before so I know the endless hours, planning, investment, concern, prayer, frustration, and worry you put into this outstanding convention. I could keep going, but won't--The best I can say is THANK YOU and I will be there in 2011! Can't wait to see what you plan next time! I thoroughly appreciate you and thank you from the bottom of my heart! JOB WELL DONE! Dianna Glandon

 

…. Hats of to you… superb… hope you do it again… Diana Gladis

 

… Your instructors were great, hotel choice was wonderful (rooms, staff, facility were excellent choice) food was great…. Amanda, you, Tom & Francie did a marvelous job….…..  Leilani

 

….You should be proud… great show!

 

Thank you and congratulations on your inaugural event.  The time, money and efforts expended to attend has been worthwhile, inspirational and thought provoking.  May you continue to flourish as part of the overall educational program offered…. Rochelle Price from Australia

 

…Thank you for organizing this great event.  Great convention…. I soaked up as much information as possible.

 

…I had a great time all classes were fun and informational

 

…Appreciate the class notes… Event was well organized

 

Treb as keynote speaker… awesome

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