Whoa, it’s spring conference season already! Actually, I wonder if you could get a paid job just going around to conferences every week like this. It’s always nice to see your old friends again and catch up on things, and D54 has always worked especially closely with D30, since they practically surround us!

One really great thing that happened Friday night. I found the chief judge for the evaluation contest to offer assistance, and she didn’t need any — but she said oh wait, you’re from Chicago, let me introduce you to someone who needs to talk to you. Turns out that someone from D54 is now working in the Chicago Loop, and she wants to start a Toastmasters club there! It sounds very promising, we’ll talk again next week.

Darren LaCroix (2001 World Champion of Public Speaking) played a prominent role in the conference program, with both an hour of comedy on Friday night, and an educational session on Saturday afternoon. Both of the Region V International Directors were present, with Dietmar speaking several times, and Michael talking about how to make your club stronger. Jon Greiner (Past International President, he’s from D54) was there, and we had an extended conversation about the history of the Distinguished District Program, as well as how to keep the Board focused on what’s best for the organization, not just for one part.

The C&L award was presented to Deanna Frautschi for her work with many charities. D54 had a special contest to recognize the clubs with the best newsletter, and I thought that was a pretty good idea. I’d include web sites as well, either as another category, or in combination with that.