Last week I was the Master of Ceremonies for the bedroom furniture company's conference which was held in Christchurch New Zealand and it was one of the best if not the best I have participated in.
Forty winks have a reputation for being a family business and this was very evident throughout their conference. The theme of the conference was Getting a Better Future Together and each family member contributed to make it a success. From the start of the conference when the powhiri or Maori welcome (by the Brennan family) was given to all delegates including the children through to the last day when the children participated in the drumming activity co-ordinated by Human Rythms the whole family were provided for.
The adults, who were mainly business owners participated in a range of concurrent sessions that enhanced the business of Forty winks in an informative and entertaining manner. The sessions included E Commerce, Product, Team Building through Drumming and a session called Family Business Challenges which was co-ordinated by Errol and Rebekah. I applaud Forty winks for being so innovative in providing practical and strategic concurrent sessions which enhance their brand of being a Leading Family business. The Family Business concurrent session was not only informative but very practical with Errol and Rebekah co-ordinatiing the activities in a very lively and participative manner which included role plays.
In the meantime the children participated in their own activities that made use of the excellent resources available in Christchurch ranging from the Antarctic Centre and Wildlife Park through to rock climbing and producing their own movie. One of the many highlights of the conference had to be when the children presented their very professional movie back to the parents. One of the key whanau (family) moments was when one of the very young children looked down the camera and declared to everyone that he loved his Daddy and his daddy was his best mate - Well done David! Donna from Forty winks and Meagan from Exclusive events obviously went way beyond the call of duty to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for the children who participated.
Leadership is a key to success and the Forty Winks General Manager James Hayward is an outstanding leader. As an International Leadership Speaker I am privileged to meet many excellent leaders and James is one of the best. In the planning processes and during the conference James constantly displayed outstanding leadership attributes such as clear vision, realistic strategy, rapport with everyone, wisdom and precise communication. Another indication of James's leadership is that he has also developed an excellent leadership team around him who are highly competent and definitely motivated. Their individual work as MC's for the evening functions and opening presentations as a National Head Office delegates were simply brilliant. Leaders speak and Speakers lead.
The evening functions organised by Meagan and Samantha from Exclusive Events were outstanding functions in themselves with Night one seeing everyone welcomed by the indigenous Maori family followed by a delicious dinner. Night two was held at the spectacular Air Museum and complemented the conference theme of Getting a Better Future Together through an emphasis on being allies not just partners. Kara as the MC was brilliant with one memorable moment being her announcement that everyone was free to look at the museum exhibits but not touch -and that applied to her too! The final evening was hosted by the MC of the evening, the incomparable Danny Smulders who created an appropriate atmosphere for Forty winks to celebrate excellence. The Awards included Visual, Local area Marketing, Finance, Outstanding service and regional and National Store of the Year.There were many well earned rounds of applause as the best of the best were acknowledged. One of the most popular recipients was none other than Many Steadman who received the Ron Meade Award for outstanding service 2010. I can certainly vouch for her hard working professional aptitude which was evident throughout the planning and implementation of the conference. Congratulations to Mandy and all award recipients.
Sponsors are an important part of any conference and it is clear to see why sponsors are lining up to be a part of the excellent Forty winks brand. Conference sponsors included Westpac, Balance, Maxus, Seally, Rewardscorp, Bambi, Linenhouse, Ladelle, Kerry Rindfleisch, T&R Furniture and Wentworth who all contributed to ensure the conference was an outstanding event enjoyed by all.
I would like to conclude by thanking James, Mandy and the Forty winks team for including me in your conference. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of an outstanding team who add value to the lives of many and all Forty winks family members should be very proud of the event. The Forty Winks whanau (family) spirit is well and truly alive to ensure you enjoy a better future together. Kia ora! Ngahihi o te ra Bidois |
