Phoenix 2004!
Convention Highlights
by Donata Hunt

What a wonderful time! The weather was perfect, the company was exquisite and the memories are priceless. As the convention chairman I would like to thank everyone that made the trek to Phoenix. I sincerely hope that everyone enjoyed themselves. 

Monday’s Board of Directors meeting officially kicked off the event. The BOD enjoyed lunch in the Kosin Restaurant at the resort as a group. The Executive Chef came by the table after lunch to personally welcome ISA to the Sheraton. What a personable individual. Due to that visit, the women decided to have the BOD dinner with family and friends at the same restaurant that night. There was a great deal of wine consumed and a great deal of reminiscing that occurred. 

Tuesday started with registration in the Community Board Room which ended up being a gathering room to find friends. I would like to thank my mother and Laurie Reeves for smoothly running the entire registration process this year. Thanks! Carol Cansdale opened the ISA store. Mary Bradon, Strike and a few other volunteers handled raffle ticket sales which was very successful this year. Throughout the day a constant stream of members flowed through this room providing a buzz until it was time to get dressed for the cocktail party. 

The cocktail party was held outside under a crystal clear sky on the Grand Lawn. The atmosphere was elegant with just a touch of rustic flare. The h’ordorves included lobster popsicles and pork tenderloin just to name a few. The night started with a note of welcome and an introduction of AXA Advisors Susan Baldwin and Andrew Miller. Susie and Andy were responsible for the convention sponsorship that was provided by AXA Financial Group. The silent auction was a huge success as the evening progressed and the wine kept flowing. Once again Tiana and the membership put together a wonderful selection of items to raise money. Over all I think all the members had an incredible time just visiting. 

This year the kids that attended convention had their own party on Tuesday night. ISA arranged for babysitters for the kids in the Community Board Room (aka Hospitality Suite). Dinner was provided as well as games and goodie bags. 

Wednesday is always the busiest day of convention and this year was no exception. The Business meeting started at 0800 and was efficiently run by our fearless leader Tiana who ended the meeting at 1045. The group then paraded outside for a group photo that was shot by professional photographer “Flash” Gordon Murray. Gordon was truly a flash as he finished the group shot in about 25 minutes and was completely done taking smaller group shots and individual shots in about 45 minutes total. Everyone was provided with an 8x10 group photo that evening at the Western Dinner. 

During the business meeting some of the HALPS went golfing, attended a tour of an experimental helicopter factory, enjoyed mountain biking and relaxed by the pool.

Following the photos, AXA advisors Susan Baldwin and Andrew Miller presented “Smart Women Finish Rich”. This was a fun-filled but educational hour on what we as women should think about to insure financial success throughout our careers. They talked about the “Latte Factor” and handed out little kits for everyone’s flight bag which contained a tablet, earplugs, a calculator, etc. Husbands and family members attended the presentation as well. 

The luncheon immediately followed in the room next door. Lunch included a wild farm greens salad with candied walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles; and a roasted breast of chicken with kalamata olives, spinach, fire roasted peppers and feta cheese over wild mushroom risotto. A chocolate taco with chocolate mocha mousse drizzled with wild berry sauce finished the meal with a touch of sweetness. During the luncheon the raffle prizes were distributed. I think just about everyone that bought raffle tickets won something. Cammy McHenry and Emily Warner presented the Captain Club Awards. Sherry Anderson initiated the Special Volunteer Award inducting three new members into the program. Outgoing Board of Director members were recognized as well. With the publication of her book, Emily Warner was gracious enough to do a book signing at the end of the luncheon. 

There were a few hours to relax before the Western Dinner. Most members enjoyed the pool, the water slide, and the heat. The dinner was kicked off by a horse drawn wagon ride through the desert to the Equestrian Center which was about a mile from the resort. Some of us were lucky enough to see a few wild coyotes wondering by the trail. Upon arriving at the rustic western facility a BBQ dinner was served with a DJ playing music in the background. “Flash” Gordon attended as well recording the event capturing many great candidate shots of the group. Pictures from the entire convention can be purchases from Gordon via the website SuperHeroPro.com. It is very easy to order pictures - just click on online photos and then the ISA logo and follow the prompts to order. An absolutely gorgeous sunset highlighted the mountains off in the distance as the square dance caller had the majority of the group doosy- dooing. I was so happy to see that so many people liked to dance! The kids had a wonderful time running around playing together in the grassy lawn and dancing as well.

The convention came to a close with a continental breakfast provided by the AXA advisors, Susie and Andy, Thursday morning. Most people headed home after that but a few stayed in the area and explored Sedona. 

My goal as I planned this convention was to focus on the members and to regain a sense of comradery amongst the group. I truly hope that I accomplished my goal. With all the industry and life changes that have occurred over the last few years ISA as provided a sense of hope and friendship for me. For that I want to thank all the members that are great friends and the members that will one day be great friends. The Convention Chairmanship has been a great deal of work but also an enormous amount of fun! Thanks for 2 great years! Now I would like to introduce the new convention chairman for Boston in 2005 and ? in 2006. Most of you already know her as the person responsible for Captains Club. Cammy McHenry - Thank you for volunteering for taking over this great task. You will do an awesome job!

For more convention photos and fun, click on the Phoenix