Share Your Conference Feedback: What You Liked and Didn't Like

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around feedback from a recent conference, with participants sharing their likes and dislikes about the event. Various aspects of the conference, including recognition, workshops, and product offerings, are discussed, along with personal experiences related to the sessions attended.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, appreciated the recognition and improved classes compared to previous years but noted the spread-out layout and lack of certain recognitions.
  • Another participant shared a positive view, stating everything was fabulous and expressing no concern about the absence of gifts.
  • Several users mentioned issues with specific workshops, including suggestions that felt dishonest or manipulative, with one participant recalling a past experience of a presenter advocating deceptive practices.
  • One participant expressed excitement about new products, particularly the Spice Turn-About, while others commented on the new color themes, finding them less appealing.
  • Some participants discussed the lengthy survey process and the need for better class descriptions to cater to varying experience levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on certain aspects of the conference, particularly regarding workshop content and the effectiveness of the sessions. While some participants found the food and overall experience positive, others raised concerns about specific presentations and the need for more tailored class offerings.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences and reflections on the conference, highlighting individual preferences and concerns without implying any official stance from Pampered Chef.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in peer feedback regarding conference experiences and insights into specific sessions may find this discussion valuable.

C
chefkathy
What did you like?

What didn't you like?

I think it's important to let HO know our comments when we fill out the evaluations so I thought we could share them here. I know I jotted a few things down, but can't remember everything. If we share here, then we can remember to comment!
 
I liked how they did the recognition and the classes were much better this year. I didn't like how spread apart everything was and that they didn't even do stand up recognition for giving campaigns or career sales (except $million).I am a carrot person and missed the 2nd day lunch and exec gifts. I also wondered how what they did give added up to $100. ...I know, but just saying.Over all it was a great conference and just what I needed.
 
I thought everything was fabulous!!! I didn't miss the gifts... I have enough *stuff* so it was okay with me to not schelp it home. I did like getting the paperwork though. I like ribbons over the pins. I had one issue with a workshop and Doreen is going to hear from me tonight! I talked with my director about it and she said to contact Doreen directly.

Overall it was fabulous and so happy I got to see my friends!!!! :candyheart:
 
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  • #4
finley1991 said:
I thought everything was fabulous!!! I didn't miss the gifts... I have enough *stuff* so it was okay with me to not schelp it home. I did like getting the paperwork though. I like ribbons over the pins. I had one issue with a workshop and Doreen is going to hear from me tonight! I talked with my director about it and she said to contact Doreen directly.

So....are you gonna tell us what happened? :blushing:
 
DebbieJ said:
So....are you gonna tell us what happened? :blushing:

Just some really bad suggestions on how to get bookings. Some that I felt there was no way HO would approve/condone us doing these things. Some dishonest suggestions and twisting of the truth.

When HO reviews the recording, they'll hear it first hand.

I was very thankful I didn't have a consultant in the workshop hearing these things. I was bummed. :(
 
Awe, I'm sorry Colleen! I'm surprised that no one called them out on it in the workshop.As far as feedback, I don't get to do a survey since I didn't go ... but I'm super excited about most of the items. LOVE the Spice Turn-About and I'm so glad that they finally came up with not only a spice holder, but such an awesome one!!! I'm happy to see more bamboo products as well.Not too excited about the purple, orange & green "Halloween" themed colors. Someone at corporate sure loves green & purple, huh? ;)
 
Colleen - I had that happen a few years back - a presenter who was actually telling people to lie, and be dishonest...people called her on it right in the class, and many got up and left - not good. She was fairly well known in the Co., but I don't even see her name anymore...


One thing that I LOVED was the food. The best food we've ever had. My Sr. Director said it was the best she remembered in 18 yrs. of conferences. (hee hee, can you tell I'm all about the food?)
 
Chefbeckyd said:
Colleen - I had that happen a few years back - a presenter who was actually telling people to lie, and be dishonest...people called her on it right in the class, and many got up and left - not good. She was fairly well known in the Co., but I don't even see her name anymore...


One thing that I LOVED was the food. The best food we've ever had. My Sr. Director said it was the best she remembered in 18 yrs. of conferences. (hee hee, can you tell I'm all about the food?)


I agree with the food comment! I thought it was awesome!

My D told me that if a speaker goes against what HO wants them to present, they are banned from speaking at conference in the future. Maybe that's why you don't see her name? Not sure... is she still a consultant?

Either way, that was the only bummer... everything else was FABULOUS!!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
What type of dishonest suggestions did they make?
 
finley1991 said:
I agree with the food comment! I thought it was awesome!My D told me that if a speaker goes against what HO wants them to present, they are banned from speaking at conference in the future. Maybe that's why you don't see her name? Not sure... is she still a consultant?Either way, that was the only bummer... everything else was FABULOUS!!!!!
This was an upper level director from outside the continental US. ;) She used to be on stage for all sorts of achievements, but I don't hear or see her name in regards to those anymore - that's what I meant. So I don't know if she's a consultant anymore or not....I can't even remember her name!Becky - the one I was in was several years ago, and I don't remember the specifics, other than there was actually an audible wave of protest from the group. I remember it had something to do with what you tell people to get them to sign an agreement...and that someone in the audience spoke up and said "But that would be a lie!"...and she blew it off, pretty much saying something to the effect of the end justifying the means. She also was advocating other very manipulative tactics. I did end up leaving the workshop before it was over, because I felt like I didn't even want to be learning from someone who was willing to be that deceptive. A cluster mate was in a different workshop (one for how to manage your PC Biz with another FT job) where the presenter was advocating using your FT employer's time and resources (copy machine, fax machine, etc...) to manage your PC Biz! After that year may have been when they started requiring Workshop Speakers to have their whole transcript written up and submitted before conference. :DThis year, every one of my workshops was valuable and helpful to my business! I came away really feeling like I was coming home to be a better leader and coach! LOVED LOVED LOVED Tom Barrett & the Go For No Couple!
 
In regards to the new colors- I wasn't bowled over by them- but I went for a walk and visited Crate and Barrel and they have their stuff in the same colors. The decorating god must have deemed these the new in colors.
 
The survey takes forever. I think it took me almost an hour to fill out. I was very specific about my problems or suggestions though so that was part of it.

I took a team meetings class where when the first thing she said was this class is designed for new directors or people who are just starting to hold meetings. I have been holding meeting for like 4 years now. So it was a complete waste of my time.

I want better descriptions of the classes or same class but specify different perspectives of that same topic at different times. For instance a class about booths could be about where to find them or how to set them up (the look of them) or what to do to get and follow up with leads. While all of those topics could easily be covered quickly in an overall class most people are looking for something more specific and would rather focus on just one or maybe two of those topics.
 
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  • #13
cheftiffany said:
The survey takes forever. I think it took me almost an hour to fill out. I was very specific about my problems or suggestions though so that was part of it.

I took a team meetings class where when the first thing she said was this class is designed for new directors or people who are just starting to hold meetings. I have been holding meeting for like 4 years now. So it was a complete waste of my time.

I want better descriptions of the classes or same class but specify different perspectives of that same topic at different times. For instance a class about booths could be about where to find them or how to set them up (the look of them) or what to do to get and follow up with leads. While all of those topics could easily be covered quickly in an overall class most people are looking for something more specific and would rather focus on just one or maybe two of those topics.

Do you mind sharing some of your specific comments?
 
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  • #14
A few of my thoughts:I felt like the multiple category Excellence Award achievers got totally glossed over, especially the two ladies that earned in all four categories! In the past there was a big to-do and handblown glass bowls awarded.Also, the top 5 achievers in each category got NOTHING. If they didn't earn Circle of Honor, they got NOTHING. Just a little pin for their lanyard.There was no hospitality award!Little recognition for giving campaign achievers or career sales/recruits.No "on track for incentive trip" buttons or recognition.No dream room.I missed the Serve It Up squad. Jean and Marla's little shopping skit went on far too long.I also had a problem with a workshop presenter, but at least she wasn't advocating lying, cheating, paying out of pocket, etc. She just didn't really know or want to know how to use P3 to its fullest and poo-poo'd the feedback/idea I gave at the mic.Okay, trying to think of something nice.....The food was fabulous. :)I'm sure I'll think of more later.
 
DebbieJ said:
Okay, trying to think of something nice.....The food was fabulous. :)

I'm sure I'll think of more later.

All of your comments are spot on! Your comment about the food make me LOL!!! :)
 
Ok so are we all going to work our hineys off for that snuggie, LOL? A SNUGGIE?
 
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  • #17
Nanisu said:
Ok so are we all going to work our hineys off for that snuggie, LOL? A SNUGGIE?

LOL! And those pictures of the sales staff wearing them were just ridiculous!
 
Chefbeckyd said:
This was an upper level director from outside the continental US. ;) She used to be on stage for all sorts of achievements, but I don't hear or see her name in regards to those anymore - that's what I meant. So I don't know if she's a consultant anymore or not....I can't even remember her name!

Becky, I just gotta ask, since I think I'm familiar with most upper level directors from outside the continental US (except maybe Hawaii) from the past several years, was it Sherry Loftus or Tai Cunningham?
 
DebbieJ said:
There was no hospitality award!

Little recognition for giving campaign achievers or career sales/recruits.

No "on track for incentive trip" buttons or recognition.

No dream room.

I missed the Serve It Up squad.

I noticed all of these as well. I also missed seeing more of the HO folks in the skits and such from the past. They were usually so funny, I enjoyed them.

I also didn't feel is was completely necessary to bring each new National Executive Director's entire 3 generations of Directors out, though I fully recognize what a huge achievement that is.

The food was awesome BUT I didn't appreciate being herded through there and fussed at if we attempted to set our things down BEFORE we went through the buffet lines.

I also enjoyed that day before everything officially began to just get situated and check out Merrill and such.

Oh, and the scavenger hunt "prize"......seriously? Will we EVER see the end of the tiles linens?

Overall, I thought they did a fabulous job considering the number of people attending and this being our first time being combined. I heard SO many people complaining on Monday on what a mess it would be, but they did a wonderful job, IMO.

Also, I have to mention, the workshop I took about Show-How with Lisa Amblo............the best EVER!!!!! She is AMAZING!!!
 
DebbieJ said:
LOL! And those pictures of the sales staff wearing them were just ridiculous!

I know! I thought they looked like Monks!!!!

I'm not a big fan of the snuggie but I told my mom that it might come in handy... my apartment gets really cold in the winter! If I get one, I promise to post a pic!!!!!!!
 
Debi said:
Becky, I just gotta ask, since I think I'm familiar with most upper level directors from outside the continental US (except maybe Hawaii) from the past several years, was it Sherry Loftus or Tai Cunningham?

Debi - she was from Alaska...
 
Nanisu said:
Ok so are we all going to work our hineys off for that snuggie, LOL? A SNUGGIE?

LOL! That's what I said. In my opinion, Logo Wear that we earn should be something that is going to be SEEN outside of my home, and the Snuggie would never be used anywhere but my home.

With that said, I am signing someone in the next couple of days. :party:

What I really WANT AND NEED is that Trenchcoat!
 
Chefbeckyd said:
LOL! That's what I said. In my opinion, Logo Wear that we earn should be something that is going to be SEEN outside of my home, and the Snuggie would never be used anywhere but my home.

With that said, I am signing someone in the next couple of days. :party:

What I really WANT AND NEED is that Trenchcoat!

LOVE the trenchcoat and the quilted jacket! Just need a few more recruits. Have 1 signing this weekend and one more hopefully next week!!!!!
 
DebbieJ said:
LOL! And those pictures of the sales staff wearing them were just ridiculous!

Amy Neal just posted the pic she was in wearing the snuggie on FB!!!
 
I earned Excellence Award in recruiting in 1 category and they did not even read our names!!! I was so very disappointed by that whole thing. Missed Serve it Up, Snuggie sucks, car giveaway was awesome though
 
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  • #26
I almost fell off of my chair with the snuggie announcement. BUT... having said that, a couple of years ago I was freezing my hiney off at one of my son's baseball games in March.. you know how erratic Spring weather can be.
My friend had been given two snuggies as a joke and she had them both with her. She let me borrow one and I will say I can totally see myself using these during baseball season this year. I have a new consultant signing this week also. I am shooting for five between now and the end of August. Lofty goal much?
 
beckyjsmith said:
I have a new consultant signing this week also. I am shooting for five between now and the end of August. Lofty goal much?

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! :cool:
 
beckyjsmith said:
I have a new consultant signing this week also. I am shooting for five between now and the end of August. Lofty goal much?

LOL! So lofty! My goal is only two by July 31st (half way there!) and 2 by August 31st.

My longer term goal is 15 qualified this year!
 
I would have loved to have some type of protein for breakfast that didn't come from a pig or fake eggs....where was the yogurt? and no bananas -- after a morning run it was very disappointing to not have fuel to replenish me (although lunches were okay).
 
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  • #30
Chefbeckyd said:
Debi - she was from Alaska...

I know who you mean and I can't think of her name. She was Gillian's upline (remember Gillian?). I think she (the director) since moved to AZ.
 

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