What can you expect at your first Manager Conference? Four attendees share their experiences from 2008’s Party in Perth.

As a new Manager, you are probably longing to know what a Manager Conference is like. Louise Miller, Executive Manager of Milleresco with SunCity Sales in Brisbane, Queensland, was certainly hesitant at first. “I had never left my family to fend for a night, let alone a week. How would they cope without me and, more to the point, how would I cope?” she remembers. “On the day I left, I was excited and emotional. Running through my head as I boarded the plane, there were so many questions: will it be everything that they tell me it is? Will it be worth leaving my family for a week? Will it benefit my business?”

Kalena Finlayson, Manager of Indulgence at Seachange Sales in Tauranga, New Zealand, takes up the story.

“Jos Philip, one of our awesome Seachange Managers, recently described Sessions as a rock concert for plastic – well, Manager Conference is all that and more!”

The conference magic started immediately, on opening night. “We walked into a room that had been transformed into an Asian paradise,” remembers Louise. “We learned of the upcoming incentive trip to Hong Kong and some fabulous recognition was given to the top 10 Managers.” Louise subsequently qualified not only for that Hong Kong incentive trip, but she’s also heading to New Zealand for the 2010 incentive trip in Queenstown!

The five days of conference were packed with opportunities to train and learn from some of Tupperware’s most successful Managers. Leanne Madigan is now an Executive Group Manager at Evolution Sales in Melbourne. She was also a newbie at Party in Perth. “As I was so new, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone else with regards to training,” she says. “However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the training was split into different levels so it benefited everyone, from a brand new Manager to an Executive Group Manager.”

”Within these groups we got to brainstorm with other Managers on an equal level and get some great new ideas,” says Kalena. “I regularly still refer back to my notes and training from the conference, and I find myself referring to things that were said that have really stuck in my mind.”

Of course, Manager Conference balances every piece of training you get with the awesome treats, recognition and fun you’ve come to expect from Tupperware!

Kalena says: “There was plenty of time to look around the city, soak up the sights and sounds and, of course, to shop! I can’t wait to attend the Malaysia Manager Conference and I’d advise all new Managers to go all out, to get as much KL cash as you can.”

“We were wined and dined, went on tours, had amazing, show-stopping dinner events and loads of free time to explore the city,” adds Kathie Wilkie, a Manager with Diamond Sales in Sydney.

In true Tupperware style, the conference was rounded off with a farewell dinner themed as a Wild West evening, complete with live horse and rider right there in the conference ballroom.

Says Kathie: “To be spoiled and treated as amazingly as we were was a rare treat that I had never experienced. No one does a conference like Tupperware.”

Remember to pack your saris for a truly over the top experience at the Malaysia Manager Conference - the Bollywood-inspired Farewell Dinner on Tuesday 31 August. This will be an unforgettable occasion, an experience likely to surpass all expectations of new Managers and seasoned Tupperware event attendees.

Manager Conference is first an incentive to succeed, then an unforgettable experience, and ultimately a business game-changer. “The wealth of information I gathered on recruiting, team planning and motivation was priceless. I met some lovely people, including staff, who have helped me become a better Manager and build a team that enjoys the success it does today,” says Louise. “So, new Managers: pack plenty of blank paper to take lots of notes and don’t forget your party hat!”

“Pack your Berocca!” adds Leanne, who is one of the Managers working to be recognised in Malaysia. “This is a great opportunity to learn from others, especially Managers at different distributorships.”

Kathie agrees. “I took so much away from the conference in Perth and so many ideas that I couldn’t wait to implement when I got home.” Kathie’s 2010 goal is to achieve Executive Group Manager status and she knows that her own hard work and the support from the Tupperware team will make it happen. Conference is a great place to make connections across Australia and New Zealand.

“Apart from the formal training, just being able to talk to other Managers is a fantastic way to learn. I’d advise new Managers to take plenty of business cards, so you can keep in touch after the conference.

“If you are going as a new Manager, I almost feel jealous...”

The 2010 Manager Conference will be taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 26 August to 1 September. If you aren’t a Manager today, chat to your Manager and Director now, so you can join us!