A review of the 2019 Conference weekend
Two years in the planning, and it feels like the 2019 Conference was over much too quickly and is fast fading into memory – yet it was less than two weeks ago!
Before we let go of it and start to plan the next one (because that’s how long it takes!) we’d like to share some highlights – as a joyful reminder to everyone who was there, and as a gift to those who couldn’t make it for whatever reason, so they can share in a little of the fun!!
We began the weekend on Friday morning with our largest attendance to date (roughly 230) and international guest Moses Urbano with the return of the complimentary Welcome Mat Class – back by popular demand! An ideal ice-breaker to get everyone moving (at 8am!) and remove any inhibitions. Who would have thought he’d get everyone cartwheeling!
The international presenters, Moses, Cara Reeser and Sherri Betz, were firm favourites with mostly full classes throughout the weekend. Their depth of knowledge and expertise were applauded as well as their experience, enthusiasm and sense of humour!
Following feedback from the 2017 conference, the internationals were this time supported by a full complement of Australian presenters, mostly drawn directly from the PAA membership. It was great to see them sharing their passion, skills and knowledge of Pilates and related business subjects.
On Friday evening we had the Meet Greet Shop, combining the social evening with an opportunity to visit the exhibitor’s room and check out the shiny, bright goodies on display – lunchtime is never long enough!
The evening was made even more fun by our inaugural Lip Sync competition and the energetic and creative performers who mimed their hearts out. The competition, which was judged by audience feedback, was won by the team from KDW Apparel but everybody involved deserved a special mention for being so enthusiastic, inventive and entertaining! The photos say it all!
The atmosphere for the entire weekend was fantastic! We have already received the most wonderful feedback about the warmth and friendliness of the event and the overall feeling of community spirit – it’s such a great opportunity to connect with enthusiastic, like-minded Pilates buffs! We have to mention the food as well, the ICC did us proud this year and the catering received many compliments.
Finally, when everyone in the volunteer team was exhausted on Sunday afternoon, the preparation put in place by Chris Lavelle and the equipment suppliers came to fruition and bump out was completed with a minimum of fuss in less than half the time of previous years. Well done, Chris!!
We would also like to send a very special thank you to Geraldine Perruchon who volunteered her time to be our official photographer (but is a little camera shy herself!). The images shared are thanks to her creative eye and will no doubt feature strongly in the next conference marketing campaign. Thank you, Geraldine!!
And to come full circle, planning for the next conference will begin very soon and will be guided by the feedback we receive from attendees at this one. We urge delegates of 2019 to complete your feedback survey, if you haven’t already (thank you to the 78 who have!), while it’s all still fresh in your mind, and please be frank 😊.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PAAConference2019
P.S. Photo gallery coming soon to the website!!
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