I think if I had wanted to stay with the PSA, I would have made the effort to change things from within. As it was, and it was a personal decision, I decided that I was simply a round peg in square hole (see how awkward I can be) in the organisation and that there was no point going official. So these are simply my thoughts about the experience.

Above all else I tried to be honest. I know some people didn’t ask for my opinion and I haven’t given it to them. If they come to my blog and read the posts, then I take that as an unspoken request for my opinion. In that sense I feel that this post is within the realms of courtesy.

Thanks again for taking the time to comment Dave. As always, your professionalism is exemplary.

People take what they look for from such events.
Some look to take gold, some to learn, and others seek to give it.
I wonder which plan you went with?

I went with an open mind and took just two nuggets that have improved my speaking and my business. To me that WAS worth the fee by itself.
There will always be ways in which as a speaker, as an event organiser, or as an association, that things can be improved, yet for the majority it remains the highest rating convention (over 90% satisfaction) in our history. This surely can not mean that we got it so wrong for the majority can it?

As the convention chairman for this event I would have welcomed your feedback so that this years team could have worked with it rather than have read it like this, but I understand your comments and as I said, you are entitled to your opinion. We ALL have one eh?

Do remember though, that such events are run by volunteer members who worked VERY hard to put on this event. The event can be improved with more support given, yet often we find those most vocal post events to be those who do least to make it happen. That is not aimed at you by the way?

Some of your critique of speakers was valid, yet some I found to be a little personal for my own liking. Nothing wrong with straight talking feedback if it has been requested.

I like you Ivor, and respect you as a speaker. Your style is humorous and your content good, yet if I had such a strong opinion that I felt warranted comment maybe I would have given this to you face to face and not in public domain.

Maybe we differ eh?
I wish you every success in your speaking career

David Hyner

I can see how important it is to have a positive attitude towards an organisation that attempts to promote positivity. However, life is a circle and should be in balance. Any emphasis on one part of the circle produces a bulge which eventually makes the circle turn haphazardly.

There is negativity and there is also an honest appraisal of ‘reality’ with constructive suggestions as to how things can be improved. Without that honesty, how can any realistic evaluation be made?

Maybe I have burned a bridge with this post but my journey is ever onward, not backwards. Who dares to come with me?

I didn’t go to the Convention, and I’m glad I didn’t. I spent it at home with my wife and daughters, eating pie and peas, watching a bonfire and seeing a great fireworks display. More gold there than you could ever imagine!