April 01st, 2013

The 2013 OAAS  Convention was quite a success.

With eighty nine energetic ambassadors, there were so many people to meet. The ambassadors started off the weekend with an Icebreaker party which allowed us to find ambassadors with common interests. This was one of my favourite parts of the weekend.  The evening showcase entertainment was quite spectacular. Some of the entertainment featured included JayDee hypnotist, comedy with a circus flair: Spin Cycle and country singer Kira Isabella!

Throughout the weekend I was able to attend many seminars on topics including, public speaking, the CNE, interviewing skills and leadership skills. Winning the Annual Calgary Stampede Speech Contest, Ryan Bickert shared his successful tips on public speaking. Mark Beaven, the OAAS general manager was excited to reveal the new OAAS logo and encouraged the ambassadors to become more involved in their fairs. 

We were also privileged to take a tour through the hotel. With 1217 employees as of the 2013 convention, it was amazing to see the background work that is done to keep the hotel running smoothly. We were told that if the kitchens were compiled together they would equal four football fields!

I was also able to meet up with the district 8 ambassadors and we all enjoyed a dinner together. Later in the evening, the ambassadors introduced themselves during the presidents reception and had a dance following. By the end of the evening, no one wanted to head back to their hotel rooms so many of us hung out for a while longer. 

Leaving convention felt like I was leaving family– a big family– as many of us had built close friendships even during such a short time period. I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the OAAS convention and am very thankful that the Howick Ag. Society gave me the wonderful opportunity to go to convention.