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Toastmasters 80th Annual International Convention: a Volunteer's Perspective
by Dr Patricia Adelekan, DTM, a convention volunteer
  At the 80th Annual Toastmasters International Convention at Bally's in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aug. 17-21, 2011, there were 116 countries represented and over 2,000 attendees. I feel very fortunate to have taken the opportunity to attend as a volunteer. Volunteers were called Conventional Ambassadors and we wore pastel violet sashes across our chests and Las Vegas Pins. We were exceedingly proud and humbled to have met and interacted with so many accomplished, dedicated, and talented world figures.
Also, as a volunteer Conventional Ambassador, I was selected to lead the long line of International "flag carriers" at the Opening Ceremony. The first flag (which I was honored to carry) was Argentina. This Ceremony ended with Dan Nainan, a stand-up comedian and Toastmaster who had us rolling off our seats with laughter from his humor. And then to close the evening, author Dave Logan, Ph.D. gave a moving inspirational Keynote speech based on his book, Tribal Leadership: How to Build a Thriving Organization. Every attendee received the book as a gift from TI—what a treasure!!!
Celly Adamo, DTM, PDG (also a volunteer), chaired the Golden Gavel Dinner where conventioneers had the honor to hear the Golden Gavel Awardee and Keynote Speaker, Robin Sharma. The Golden Gavel award is the highest award presented annually since 1959 to distinguished individuals in the fields of communication and leadership who are non-Toastmasters. As volunteers, we helped much.
There were about 200 convention attendees from Founders District. At the Hall of Fame event, we pranced across the stage with glee and laughter carrying our new Founder's District TI Flag to receive our awards and recognition for being a “Distinguished District” in 2010-2011.
Founder's District, Division E, semi-finalist Jamel Thomas won at the Semi-finals and was one of the 9 to proceed to the Finals to compete for the World Champion of Public Speaking held on Saturday, Aug. 21. For this event, I did not volunteer – I wanted to focus on the talented contestants.
To sum up my Convention experience, I can truly say it was one of "High Caliber." Of all my world travels (to over 20 countries), I have never witnessed a more meaningful and humanitarian- centered organization and event. "The positive spirit permeated the atmosphere and transcended the unimaginable. Indeed, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for having participated and volunteered at the 80th Annual Toastmasters International Convention at Bally's Las Vegas, Aug. 17-20.
“What I liked most," said Pat Nordberg, another volunteer “was the outstanding speeches of the 9 finalists. I was very very impressed at the level of expertise and achievement they portrayed. They truly represented the motto "Best and Nothing Less."
In conclusion, Founders' District must continue to be "Distinguished" or Better in 2011-2012, and proceed in even greater numbers to the Toastmasters 81st International Convention in Orlando, Florida.You will never ever regret it; but rather thank the stars that you decided to go, especially if it will be your first time. I look forward to next year and to seeing many more of Founders' District Toastmasters there. And volunteer for the experience.
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. and around the world. Landscape architectural designs feature strong concepts, sustainable practices and a ‘little soul’ in such a way that the end products bring together nature and people and endure over time. 
The hotel ballroom was jammed with conference attendees scrambling for seats at large round luncheon tables. I was feeling like a sore thumb or a fish out of water trying to find a place to land. A waving hand attached to a smiling face beckoned me to a place out of the sea of filled spaces. How good it felt to be rescued from my awkwardness by one who noticed and took care: Chris Gregory.