Everything is a must-try.

My second home, the Asian Gaming Academy (AGA), had just concluded a successful conference for PAGCOR’s corporate training leaders last October 22-23, 2009, dubbed as BTCCON09.  And to me, it was by far, a challenging feat, a creative invention, and a memorable experience.

The conference emblem

A Challenging Feat

I sensed it. I would be in-charge overall for this event. And it seemed that I would again bring out my hard skills as second-rate eventologist to come up with something bigger–something that hasn’t been done before at AGA.

Worry’s the word that was contained only in my watch. Time was the only thing pressing.

Ideas? No worries. AGA has lots of brains scattered all over its vicinity ready to be picked up. But as the overall coordinator, I should first come up with something bright. A music band and an not-so boring inspirational talk would be bright–I hope.

Approved. Now those brains were picked up as we brainstormed to finalize everything. We did in a jiff. It’s not as challenging as I thought.

A Creative Invention

It must be theme-based. It was decided: a casual dining restaurant. Invitations to delegates should be in the form of a menu. Learning events must be enticing like delicious platter of Beef Marsala. Facilitators should look like restaurant waiters eager for tip. Everything should reflect the idea.

I was not alone for bringing it out. It was never monopolized.

But as we went along, all ideas were never from scratch but rather benchmarked–only twisted for a new look. It’s not as creative as I thought.

A Memorable Experience

Tthe Full House Band, perked up everyone at the beginning. Bro. Obet, of the Feast Manila, inspired everyone. They are the cream for this event. And something told me, the rest of Team AGA should play at par–or beyond. Then, the second day of BTCCON09, we succeeded. It was also a real treat.

We’re happy that we served training leaders well during the event. During the closing ceremonies, however, my greatest boss so far, Notty, was given a tribute. I found it hard to accept he’s leaving. Yes, the event was memorable, but somehow painful.

In the End

Some of the things I said were not true. Here are some proofs.

The Full House Band, I'm a fan.

 

AGA facilitators in their Friday's-inspired get-up.

 

Thez David holding the menu (referred to here as our learning activities for the conference).

 

The AGA boys before the closing ceremonies

 

One of the 6 learning tracks served. Hotkeno is the facilitator of the "Voice Personality and Development" track.

 

The signage used in the entrance of the conference room