I just ran out of puff

I had a ball at #Congress_2018.

Up front and eager to learn

By the time Day 3 - Sunday and my second presentation rolled around at 4:45pm I was breathless from exhaustion and excitement. I thought no-one would turn up to hear me on the graveyard shift but I was delighted to have a nearly full room.

I was out of puff by the time Jennie Fairs (L) introduced me on Sunday

I had a wonderful five days in Sydney catching up with genimates at the two day pre-Congress registration and at the first three days of the event.

Three happy young genies at Congress

On Day 4 - Monday I gave in to my asthma, called my doctor, attended the first morning sessions and left for home. I was sentenced to bedrest for a few days. This is quite frustrating as I have so much to share but I need to recuperate for our next travel adventure which is just around the corner.

I want to shower accolades on the Congress organisers for having the courage to select a world class venue to showcase our event. The marvellous volunteers, the exhibitors, the speakers and most of all my genimates came together in friendship to make the experience so memorable for all involved.

Tempatations

The standouts for me were Kerry Farmer with her DNA stats, Paul Milner on 17th and 18th Century Research, Liz Rushen on Mr Marshall's Immigrants and Judy G Russell on Copyrights and Copywrongs. For energy and enthusiasm Thom Reed from Familysearch took the cake. I was disappointed that while some of the speakers had valuable information to convey their fumbling with notes distracted from their talks. I was disappointed to miss Lisa Louise Cooke's final keynote as I know this would have been a knockout.

Paul Milner - a confident engaging speaker

I have gained much new learning to apply - when I finally get around to putting it into practice I will blog about it here.

101 Reasons to Attend #congress_2018 - The ICC

We know that Congress is going to be great. Even if we had to meet up in a shearing shed we genies would have fun but being in Sydney's new premium conference venue will create an environment that will enhance the event experience.

The ICC is just to the left of the tall Sofitel Darling Harbour Hotel

I get around in Sydney but haven't been to the new ICC (International Conference Centre Sydney), I hope to visit prior to Congress. One of our daughters had her wedding reception at the old conference centre on the site and that was pretty awesome, I can't wait to see this new one.

The views across from Darling Harbour to the CBD from the Conference Centre are stunning. Your strolls to and from the venue will be a delight. If you play hookey from some of the sessions you will be able to shop or dine at Harbourside, sit by the Harbour and watch the boats  or take a stroll through the Chinese Gardens. More energetic genies can take a stroll over the historic Pyrmont Bridge and head uptown for some retail therapy.

Pyrmont Bridge

I congratulate the Conference organisers on selecting this venue for our premium Australian Geneaevent - it is no less than the event deserves.

We're on the ICC Calendar