by Sherralynne Smith
Seeing a familiar face in a different place is always comforting and helps to quell any anxieties.
Fortunately, the time difference between Canberra and New Zealand isn’t too big, so while we were tired, the adjustment was painless.
The SPoR Convention e-mail was sent by Rachel in December 2023. I had a few concerns about how I would manage the trip, given my injury and reliance on wheelchairs to cover any distances. After several e-mails between Rob and I, my husband agreed that he would travel with me to provide any necessary support. From then on, my excitement levels increased.
I was finally going to be meeting with people who I had engaged online with and spending time with them. I wondered who else would be attending the convention.
Nippin e-mailed me a few days before the Convention and asked if I was nervous, because he was feeling the same. Nippin asked if I would write a review of his new book “Are we learning from accidents? A quandary, a question and a way forward?” I readily agreed as it’s important to write reviews. I shared with Nippin that I had downloaded the Kindle version of his new book and had just read the first page. I shared that I was impressed with the first page and couldn’t wait to read more. I shared my nervousness and disclosed that I didn’t think I would finish all the recommended reading that Rob had sent through. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to participate as fully as I wished to. Nippin’s response to not worry was a real comfort for me. I responded to Nippin that he was a wonderful presenter and assured him he was surrounded by friends, who would support him.
Matt Thorne’s offer to pick me up from the hotel and drop me off at the convention venue further affirmed that this would be a great week. I enjoyed our trips to and from the convention venue during the week.
Knowing some of the other participants (Rachel and Steve from NZ), along with Nippin, Pedro and Rob, made it easy to walk into the Tuggeranong Community Centre. I knew that the week would be a valuable experience, especially for someone who has only just started on their SPoR journey. It helped knowing iCue, but I felt comfortable sharing during our introduction session that I needed more practice and was keen to learn more. Attending Nippin’s iCue workshop in Wellington in August 2023 was my second opportunity to learn about iCue, having attended a taster session with Nippin earlier last year. The first opportunity taster session sparked my interest.
I loved the timetable of the Convention, two days in the classroom, before a day out participating in the Semiotic Walk, followed by two more days in the classroom.
The Semiotic Walk was a great day, we had beautiful weather and extra people (spouses) joined us. Four completely different venues, GeoScience Australia, National Australia Film and Sound Archives, The Australian Academy of Science (also known as the Shine Dome) and a Hindu Temple. Each venue had its own special qualities. I’m still processing what I saw and heard that day. My husband and I had a wonderful conversation with a staff member at the Film and Sound Archives about LEGO and the history of the building. So much to absorb and learn. So many unknowns but sharing the experiences with others who were by then friends was humbling and meaningful. Dinner that evening was a lovely way to finish out our day and the inclusion of a magician who had us enthralled with his tricks added a light-heartedness to our evening.
Nippin asked if anyone was happy to participate in a group discussion and shared that he would be recording the discussion, before turning it into a podcast. Taking a risk like this would teach me something, so I volunteered. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but surrounded by friends who eased my self-consciousness, it was a meaningful and insightful experience.
SPoR has so many facets, but one in particular reasonates with me. It’s called being curious, seeking to learn the “second story” which I learned about from Nippin in the Costa Concordia masterclass series in 2020. Learning how to draw people out so they share their beliefs and experiences is a real skill, as is listening. Being present and solely focussing on the person who is sharing their story is very powerful. Since arriving back in New Zealand, I have used some of the techniques that I learned at the convention, and they have worked really well.
Craig’s sessions were very enlightening and I was humbled to be in his presence. The ability to meet Rob’s brother Graham was wonderful too. Two such learned people sharing their knowledge and experiences was amazing.
I’m looking forward to returning to Canberra in September 2025, for the next SPoR Convention. I’ve been spreading the word about my experiences to fellow New Zealanders and hope that they can join us all on this wonderful learning experience in 2025.
To conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone in our group for the experiences. Having 30 new friends, who are now scattered across the globe, who have shared this journey is wonderful. Thank you.
Rob Long says
Lovely review Sherralynne, you captured the culture of the conference well and so clearly what your learned. So much wonderful learning through socialitie, experiential and relational knowing. Thanks for joining in the week and bringing your wealth of experience and knowledge to the dialogue in learning.