Sales Convention & Johor Premium Outlet

For the first time in my banking career, I was invited to join the sales convention which was held in Johor this year. I've heard of how well these events are organized, how memorable moments are created especially when you travel with your colleagues so I was more curious than excited about going for the convention.

I hitched a ride from my colleague in a packed car. As a typical topic of conversation, we shared about ghost stories along the way to keep us entertained. And I also threw in a handful of Eric's Misadventures to lighten the mood.

The convention was held in this place called Pulai Spring Resort in Johor. The place was HUGE, easily accommodating over 900 of us. The resort style really was quite impressive however there was one big flaw. It was nowhere near a beach nor a lake so it felt a bit strange to look out over the pool to see... houses.

Can't really see the houses beyond coz I didn't want to spoil the photo.

As one can expect, there was a lot of ra-ra going on and everyone was so energetic! There were shows! There were contests! Dances! Performances! Parties! And I was... drained! from just watching all the action. =) Yes, still the party pooper...

Banners lining the path

Girls dressed as Greek goddesses

The packed marquee

The noisemakers

My very sporting boss who boogied with the hired performers

My car-mates =)

I did enjoy myself somewhat despite not joining in the nocturnal activities. And despite not being able to sleep both nights (a rare occurrence since I usually am able to sleep anywhere). So on the last morning, I gave up trying to fall back to sleep at 6:30 am and sat by the pool, lulled by the splashes until screaming kids came along.

On the way home, we also stopped by the much talked-about Johor Premium Outlet. I was determined to get a new pair of sports shoes since my old faithful came apart after years. People ask if the stuff is really cheap. I don't know how to answer that because I'd be the last person to know what a Burberry bag costs or er, some other brands. But Levi's was cheap, only if you had the waist size of 23 inches or apparently some branded shoes if you're a size 4 and below or 9 and above.

The place is gorgeous , very un-local like structures and layout. It's just off the highway so it's convenient to hop onto the highway after that (I won't know how to get there from the highway though). There's nothing surrounding the place at the moment, flat land waiting for further developments.

Would I recommend anyone to go? Well, yes if you have some hours to spare and if you don't mind past seasons. I guess this warehouse concept is pretty common overseas but this could be one of the first few in Malaysia hence the hype.