NZAME Conventions are Biennial (occur every 2 years) and are held in various different cities throughout New Zealand – hosted by a different Club/s each time.
Registration is open to all NZAME members.
Registered attendants are Welcomed at the opening ceremony on the Friday evening and the Convention continues until the Monday afternoon – with various workshops available to the registered attendants only but a vast Display, also Sales Tables area open to the public from the Saturday morning – each day through to Monday afternoon.
The AGM is held on the Saturday evening for delegates/members, generally with a ‘Moonlight Walk’ to follow.
What goes on at Conventions:
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 generally 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 which will be themed, (more on that closer to the time). Dress up or down, but you will have lots of fun! Monday is the day for the round-table workshops.
Workshops
A selection of workshops are always available at Conventions and they take place throughout the weekend.
Many talented tutors apply to tutor at Convention and many of the workshops available will have some connection to the theme each Convention… but it is not a necessity.
These popular workshops allow the delegates to learn new techniques and they vary in size, not only of the scale they are in but also to the length of time required to finish or work with your tutor – all is advised beforehand but you must always remember to book in quick as many workshops have limited kits available and are held on a “first in- first served” basis.
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 – it is recommended/requested that you sit down with the tutor on the day to do the roundtable workshops on-sight rather than just take kits, this ensures all registered members get a fair chance to purchase/finish a few smaller projects at Convention and is a great ‘bonding’ time also for all those involved.
Sales Tables
Every Convention has an area 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 even 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 throughout the weekend, 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 and Clubs to display. Many exhibits are unveiled here for the first time. This area is also open to the public throughout the weekend and is what we are all about… sharing and showing the treasures we conjure up from the depths of our imagination.
A highlight for all delegates is the “Moonlight Walk” where all the lights are turned off EXCEPT those in/on 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 as well as lots of “spot prizes” drawn throughout the three days the display and sales areas are open to the public.
The ‘in-house’ raffles are available to delegates only and these are sure to delight any miniaturist.
Mystery Bus tour
The ‘Mystery Bus Tour’ is another iconic part of our weekend. Here members get the chance to unwind and see a little part of the host club’s surrounding town and area. This is sure to be popular so book promptly to avoid disappointment.
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.
PLEASE NOTE
Workshops at a Conventions are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis – to those who have registered for the Convention.
Once you have registered for a Convention, your workshop sheet gets sent out to you and we recommend/request you send your completed workshop form by July 31st, to the NZAME Convention hosts. This is to allow time for the hosts to contact tutors with numbers etc, giving the workshop tutors time to prepare their kits.
Workshop bookings may not be secured through the tutor. Bookings are accepted only on the Workshop Form issued to registered NZAME members.
~ Introducing NZAME’s 2018 Convention ~
Theme – Shop ’til You Drop
When – Labour Weekend – 19th to 22nd October 2018
Where – Awapuni Function Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
… watch here for updates!