Young party activists "swamped" the SDLP conference in Belfast on Saturday, proving it was "alive and kicking", according to a party press release. Indeed, the young members had not only shown up, but had shown up "in force".
Armed with its new young converts, a dynamic interactive website and a conference slogan declaring "A new century, a new beginning", the civil rights veterans were mutating into a political movement for the millennium.
But whether it's the past, the present or the immediate future, the leadership of John Hume is a constant and he returned triumphant after illness to an overflowing hall of people anxious to raise the rafters for their icon.
However, the crowd seemed somewhat unsure of the follow-up act, and Peter Mandelson, the first serving Northern Secretary to address a party conference, had to be content with a more muted welcome.
But he soon won over delegates with a reference to his "scary man" image and his promise not to try to hug anyone.
Like a magician assuring his audience that the top hat is empty before the white rabbit appears, he told them he had "no cards up his sleeve. No smoke or mirrors - if I ever had them I left them behind."
George Mitchell has insisted he doesn't have a "magic wand" but Mr Mandelson might have one in his box of tricks.
With the excitement over, the next motion for debate didn't seem to capture the imagination of delegates as they scurried for the double doors faster than the camera crews trying to make a quick exit.
Members appeared happier catching up with each other over coffee or a pint. As Fine Gael's Austin Currie arrived in the lobby his old colleagues surrounded him. "I'm among friends," he said.
Some of the die-hard debaters remained in the hall determined to have their say. "I've left my wife sick at home and I've travelled a long way," said an elderly delegate when the motion tabled by his party branch was overlooked.
Another feisty delegate also kept the conference chair on its toes. Mr P.A. Mac Lochlainn's opinion of a manager of one's of Belfast's top hotels was ruled "out of order" and stressed not to be the view of the party.
By evening, one woman complained that only "a handful" of members had stayed for her speech. Downstairs the bar was doing great business and the beleaguered chairman concluded proceedings but reminded delegates of the private session yesterday: "It (the conference booklet) says 10 o'clock - that means half 10."