Friday was the first full convention day.  The Vendor Room was open at 7:30am, the first session started at 9am.  I woke up early to blog (the only time I had as this is such a social event!) and made it into the convention room just in time to put in my draw ticket into the roll drum.

The first speaker was Dave Biron.  He was the lucky winner the Twisted Tea contest.  The grand prize was for two winners to go fishing with the host of Charlie Moore Outdoors.  They airred the show and Dave gave us the behind the scenes commentary afterwards.  It was really funny.

Of course before and after each speaker the entire weekend we had … PRIZES!

It was also announced the lead organizer of the 2010 ANSC, Bob Mannell, is very ill.  A large card was set-up in the vendor room for all of us to sign.  (If you know Bob, please send him your well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery and overall good health.)

Patti Osterheld

The afternoon session speaker was Patti Olsterheld, owner of SweepSheet.  Her speech was titled: How To Be A Responsible Sweepstaker | Avoid The Prize Hog Label.  She made a lot of good points, but I felt her best were: this quote, “Advertising and promotions has gone froma world of impressions to one of engagement.” and how partnerships like the one between Curalate and ePrize to better manager Pinterest contests only confirming a drift away from sweepstakes and one back to CGM (Consumer Generated Media).

great advice Patti!

Patti then invited Brent Reily of Online-Sweepstakes, Gwen Beauchamp of SweepsU and Tom Cavalli of IWINCONTESTS up to help her answer questions from the attendees.

When Ellen asked about Today’s Draw and what should she do to get her prize, Patti recommended all the standard methods sweepers should use to get a prize, that had been delayed, lost or just not sent.  I had to stand up and let Ellen know that Today’s Draw turned out to be a scam as the owner wasn’t ethical.  His investors had been scammed just like sweepers and contestors.

Local Website Fails to Deliver Cash Prizes to Contest Winners
(video embedded in online article)

I let everyone know I had also started a Watch List on my website so we can all avoid sites such as Today’s Draw.  I had also blogged about them several times in the past:

Waiting for a Prize

Waiting for a Prize – Part 2

My Recommendation: STOP ENTERING!

The Watch List

Today’s Draw – DO NOT ENTER!

Friday night the convention had an airing of The Prize Winner of Defiance OH complete with popcorn.  I had every intention of going, but decided to pass after hanging out with friends in the Club Lounge far too long and thinking I would cry too hard (as I personally knew the real Affadaisies), along with the fact Dortha passed this year.

If you want to be part of the fun, next year’s convention will be held from August 27th-31st, 2014 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando FL. Details can be found on the #25Orlando convention website (to be live soon).