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[RC] AERC Convention - great job! - Stephanie Teeter

This was a fantastic convention - I really enjoyed it. The speakers were 
awesome, standing room only for many of them. San Antonio is a lovely city, and 
the 'Texas hospitality' was very special - including Mariachi bands, real Texas 
Square Dancing, and Texas-sized smiles all around. 
Friday Regional awards were packed - John Parke started doing the Regional 
awards several years ago, with slide shows, and his pleasant style of 
presenting awards and engaging the audience has made this a 'not to miss' event 
at convention. He wore a big sombrero and kept everybody laughing and clapping 
for their fellow riders. Plus there was a special presentation for the winners 
and participans of the 2005 North American Championship (October, Fair Hill)- 
special recognition of the International event. 
The Friday night dance was packed - and the dance floor was full of do-si-do's 
and alemande-lefts - twirling skirts, big hats and good humor. 
There were a lot of venders - the mall space was packed - tons of saddle 
vendors. I did my shopping duty with pleasure :) 
The speakers were excellent - standing room only for most of the. Holding the 
convention together with NATRC was a big boost I think - more people, more 
participants, a nice mix. Denny Emerson enthralled everyone with his humorous 
observations of Endurance, Equestrian sports in general, and life. Kerry 
Ridgeway, Deb Bennett - plenty of interesting topics.
The Saturday awards banquet was probably the best one I've seen yet. John Parke 
and Laura Hayes MC'd the 'show'. Bruce Weary (I didn't realize he was such a 
stand-up comic!) helped with some of the presentations, he was great! Patty 
Stedman also did some presentation, very cute - very funny. And her 
presentation of Mary Coleman and Hawk for the Pard'ners award was sweet and 
poignant. Bob and Julie Suhr gave an absolutely delightful presentation 
'Endurance: The way we were, The way we are' - slide show and anectodal 
comparisons of the 'old days' and the 'new ways'. very sweet - and some great 
old photos, along with music and a short skit with Robert and Melissa Ribley. 
Plenty of meetings all weekend long, some good philosophical discussions about 
AERC's present and future, how to promote growth, manage the revenue stream, 
and maintain the traditions of the sport. Sunday FEI/USEF meetings on the 
status of the sport, the 2006 WEG, and where the sport is going on the 
International level - where it is evolving rapidly into a sport that is 
somewhat different from what the original USA founders envisioned. 
Great convention - I would LOVE to see it back in San Antonio again!

Steph

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