Lower Hutt 2008
Once you have registered you will receive a pack containing all relevant forms to be filled out and returned to the host club. Once these are returned you will receive confirmation of your workshops etc, along with other information. Morning and afternoon teas are supplied, and you can order lunches and dinners all at very reasonable costs.
The weekend starts with a short opening ceremony on Friday, followed by an amazing shopping spree for delegates only. This is followed by two days of hard work for those doing some of the most exciting workshops. On Saturday night we have the NZAME AGM which is followed by a moonlight walk around the displays. Sunday night is Convention Dinner where you get to dress up or down and have lots of fun! Monday is the day for the round-table workshops (see below).
Workshops
A
selection of workshops by experienced tutors takes place over the weekend.
They usually follow a
central theme. For Hamilton this was "Slumber through the Ages". Lower
Hutt's theme will be "The Grand Tour".
Roundtable Workshops
Another
traditional and keenly anticipated event at Convention is the Roundtable
Workshops. Tutors set up to teach a project at a table. Delegates can move from
table to table and select the workshop/s they wish to do and sit down,
completing one project before moving on to the next.
Projects usually cost no more than $10 and are designed to be completed
in a short time frame.
Sales Tables
Every Convention has a room set aside for Traders and miniaturists to sell their wares. You've heard about the “kid being let loose in the candy store” … well this is much better! Dealers and artisans from overseas and New Zealand reside in this area and many delegates come to convention for the shopping alone!
This
area is open to the public as well as to delegates, although delegates get first
pickings on the Friday night when the opening of the doors resembles somewhat
the Harrods sale/stampede!
Exhibition Area
The exhibition area is full of miniature displays of all shapes and sizes that have been created by NZAME members to display. Many exhibits are unveiled here for the first time. This area is also open to the public and is what we are all about.
A
highlight for all delegates is the “Moonlight Walk” where all the lights are
turned off EXCEPT those in the exhibits and it is like walking through a magical
wonderland!
Meal Functions
The
meals and dinners are a great way to meet fellow miniaturists and the Convention Dinner is always a special event.
The in-house raffles will be drawn at the dinner and for this reason
alone, it is worth attending. There
is always a ‘table gift’ for delegates who attend the Convention Dinner
and these always prove to be treasured souvenirs.
Raffles/Door Prizes
There is always a main raffle and there will be Mini-Raffles throughout the three days the display and sales areas are open to the public.
Delegates
have the good-fortune to be able to buy tickets in the ‘in-house’ raffles
available to delegates only and these are sure to delight any miniaturist.
Goodie Bags
A longstanding tradition at convention is the goodie bag you receive when you arrive for registration. This is such a highlight of Convention. All clubs around the country take great pride in making a souvenir gift for the goodie bag, and it’s usually a quick scuttle back to the bedroom to upend the bag/box and ooh and ah over the treasures inside! Traders/dealers and other generous individuals and groups often donate items for the goodie bags as well.