Hello, Sydney--Again!

Four years ago, we gathered in Sydney, Australia, for our first-ever Australian/New Zealand convention—and last week we were there again! Four years ago, there were many empty seats; this year we met in the same room and pretty much filled it. How fun and exciting to see the growth that is taking place Down Under!

Of course, one thing that hasn’t changed in the passing years is the enthusiasm of the demonstrators. My favorite part of convention has been, is, and probably always will be the people. Connecting with demonstrators, sharing stories and experiences, and strengthening our dedication to each other and what we all believe in is what convention is all about for me.

I also really enjoyed spending time with our staff. Despite our growth, we still haven’t reached the numbers we see in the United States and Canada, so in many ways it reminded me of the early years of Stampin’ Up!, where everyone pitched in, did whatever needed to be done (whether they’re assigned to or not), went the second (and third and fourth and more) mile, and smiled the whole time! There’s a camaraderie that occurs when a fairly small group of people works together to create something special, and I love being a part of that. I was so proud of our staff!

(A side note—it’s also this mentality that explains the lack of photos. I was so focused on helping out and fulfilling my assignments that I totally forgot to take photos! We had an outside photographer there assigned to take photos for the company, but we don’t get those from him for days. . . and I didn’t even stop to think that I’d need photos for my blog! I’m so sorry!)

We simply loved the entire experience. (Sterling is right here and he said to mention that he didn’t necessarily love the flight over and back!) The Managers’ Reception, which was held the night before convention started overlooking Darling Harbour, started things off perfectly. The Harbour is one of my favorite places to be in Sydney; there’s always something happening!  About 75 demonstrators attended the reception, and we had a yummy hot chocolate and pastry bar, along with great conversation. I invited them so ask questions, share comments, and talk about what they loved—and didn’t love—about Stampin’ Up!, and their compliments outnumbered their complaints by a long shot!

The two actual days of convention were full of wonderful presentations and classes, done by both staff members and demonstrators. I attended most of them, and was very impressed. The focus of convention was the workshop, and many demonstrators commented on how appropriate and helpful they thought everything was.

Our numbers are still small enough that we can do a dinner along with the awards program, which is fun. I always look forward to recognizing our demonstrators for their amazing achievements, so the Awards night is a highlight for me. And the announcement of our 2012 Australian/New Zealand incentive trip to Fiji was complete with talented Fijian dancers, who pulled demonstrators—and Sterling!—out of the audience to perform with them.

I talked to many demonstrators who had attended previous conventions, including several who had been to all four, and they all agreed that this was the best one yet! And as we left for the long flight home, both Sterling and I had to agree.

Comments

[Marlene]

Shelli this was my second convention, except for the 2 fire evacuations and loss luggage of my girlfriend, we had the best time ever. My other roomie became a Fijian Princess (LOL) for a short while dancing on stage. Sterling loved every minute up there. I am now counting the days to Regionals and then Convention here in Melbourne (and yes I am staying in town for 5 days whilst it is on). Thank you so much for making convention another day longer. See you next year and hopefully in Fiji :-)

[Maxine Conrad]

FIJI :) Oh my goodness that is so awesome! I don't envy the flight to Australia. Flying to England is long enough. Looking forward to seeing you in the office Shelli :) x

[Nicole Derendorf]

This was my third convention, and it was by far the BEST! I was thrilled to walk across the stage in my Tiara once again this year, and am already setting goals to reach for next year in Melbourne. See you there SHelli, thanks!

[sharon]

I have attended all Australian conventions and it is true - this was the best....bit more relaxed....bit more Aussie....we just need to get you some thongs (blingy ones!!) and Sterling a cork hat and it will be perfect.....LOL

Thanks again for assembling an amazing convention team..........totally unforgettable - just a real beaut time!!

[clare]

convention has been a highlight of my almost 3 years as a demo. i really enjoy it and always ahve come away invigorated, enthused andon a high creative streak. thank you shelli for making it a memorable experience. your down to earth yet professional presence makes it a wonderful experience. oh..and yes...stering did a fab job with the those fijian dancers lol

[Nikki Sadler]

This was my first time and it was so much fun. Your smile really is as bright in real life as it is in the photos - thank you for inspiring me to create and share with friends and customers.

[Tracy Penn]

Hi Shelli, Hi Sterling, lovely to see you again this year (lovely to meet you Sterling for the first time). Convention was fabulous, I actually got to bring some downline this year (my 2nd convention) so that was really special. Just a note though, you have Fiji as listed as 2012 I Trip, I think (and hope) it is 2011, as that is my goal! Thanks for everything and see you in Melbourne next year. xx

[Kim Evans]

How fun!! We love our Australian/New Zealand sister-stampers & I'm sure they enjoyed having you & Sterling there as much as we love seeing you at N. American Conventions!!! It's great to be part of something that is loved the world 'round!!!

[Christine Blain]

Sydney was my very first Convention, and WOW - what a memorable weekend it was! I will never forget the genuine warmth and enthusiasm displayed by you, Sterling (when he came out of hiding) and all the US and Aus/NZ staff. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Already counting down until Melbourne!!

[Karen Cumming]

I thoroughly enjoyed my first convention too. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. So many useful tips and tools. But most of all Shelli, it was a testament to you. I have heard from many friends what a special person you are, and you didn't disappoint. And a big thank you to Sterling for being a good sport & a great packer of shopping! Looking forward to welcoming you back in Melbourne (but you're welcome any time before then too!)

[Staci Miserlian]

Sounds like a wonderful time! I dream of going to Australia. If you ever need another person to pitch in and help on your Down Under Convention, you let me know! (You already know I can help sweep a floor. :))

[Di Barnes]

Many thanks to you & all your wonderful & inspiring people for another truly amazing convention. I enjoyed every minute of it & can't wait for Melbourne. Inky hugs, Di

[Peta Schirmer]

Hi Shelli and Sterling, Just wanted to say Thanks again for a wonderful convention I'm already counting down til we see you again in 2011 in Melbourne, My downline was very inspired by you the moment you walked on stage on Friday morning & she is planning to attend Melbourne now as well - I have already worked out my plan to see you both again after Melbourne in Fiji of course ....my hubby is just as excited.... thank you thank you again see you in Melbourne

[Marelle Taylor]

It was my 4th Convention, and I agree it was the best ever! Thank you so much to everyone involved who made it such a special experience.
Looking forward to seeing you on Hamilton Island, but I hope we don't have to wait until 2012 for Fiji...I'd much rather go in 2011 ;)

[Chrissy Graham]

Hi Shelli

This was my first ever SU convention. I must say it very impressive. It was the most positive convention experience I have ever had and I have been to a lot of work related conventions and conferences. I was even lucky enough to win a prize patrol.the whole experience was well worth the pre-convention fire alarm incident.

I am envious of all those who are going to the next convention in Melbourne as I will be in the USA.

Thank you again for making a wonderful positive experience. An extra special thank you to Bonnie, Pam & Shannon whose presentations were informative but more importantly thoroughly entertaining.

[Christie Wallace]

Thanks for an amazing first convention Shelli. It was very inspiring and lovely to meet you.

[Nikki Stalker]

This was my 4th Convention and as many have said it was definitely the best. I look forward to Convention every year for the social side as much as the Convention itself. I had one of my lovely downline with me who was the last dancer on stage and managed to get a couple of great shots with the Fijian dancers. I also have a couple of Sterling.....

As always it was great to see you and Sterling again and also the fabulous US staff that come along too and fill us with lots of new ideas and information.

I can't wait till Melbourne next year and am so glad it's an extra day.

[Gail Kirby]

Hi Shelli

This was my 4th convention and it was definately the best! I loved the first Sydney convention and thought that special vibe it had was just because it was all new to me but this year it was there again! (not that I didn't like the other conventions!). Thank you and thanks to all the SU staff. Looking forward to seeing you next year in Melbourne.

[Lyn]

I just wanted to say thankyou so much for a truely amazing experience. This was my first convention and until now, have only been a hobby demo. That is all about to change, as
I came home so inspired I can't wait to hold my first workshop.
See you in Melbourne next year.

[Lyn]

I just wanted to say thankyou so much for a truely amazing experience. This was my first convention and until now, have only been a hobby demo. That is all about to change, as
I came home so inspired I can't wait to hold my first workshop.
See you in Melbourne next year.

[Jenny Chilton]

Words cannot describe the feeling of being at another convention, my second. Its so funny that when I watch the American shows and see the ladies screaming and running with their arms in the air when they have won something I would think how silly. Well, I did exactly the same thing. Now I know the feeling. It is the excitement of being with so many positive and happy people. You make that possible Shelli, along with your wonderful staff. You are all amazing! You have thought of every last detail when organising such a large event. (Perhaps not as large as your US ones). Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know that many others feel the same. Loved the entrance for dinner. That was well thought out. Congratulations on such a success.

[Jeanette Dohnt]

Shelli this was my first convention and thanks to my upline encouraging me to attend I had the best time I have had in a long time.I still feel the excitement I experienced during the weekend. My hubby says I have not stopped chatting since coming home. I learned so much and was so happy to meet lots of lovely people. It has inspired me to get out there and share my love of stamping with lots more workshops. Thank you for the wonderful convention, and the extra day we will be having next year, that I will certainly be attending.I know you and your staff worked so hard for us to share and enjoy the weekend with each other.

[Ngaire Anderson]

What a fabulous convention Sydney was - and I agree with many others that it was the best yet! I hope this year flies by as fast and we're all in Melbourne enjoying a wonderful 3 dayer - woohoo, just LOVED that news! In the meantime it's time to get those workshops going and make it to Fiji - maybe I should get some dance classes going, not sure my hips are up to the Fijian standards - didn't Sterling do well though!! Thanks SO SO much Shelli for all that you and the company do for us, it's a privelege and pleasure to work for you!
Love Ngaire

[Lisa Jansen]

Hi Shelley
This was my first Convention and I had the BEST time. It was totally worth working so hard to get to Manager before Convention just so I could get to meet you in a smaller setting! Can't wait until my next Convention. Maybe in Perth?????? ;D

[Claire Daly]

Thankyou Shelli and Sterling and all the staff for coming to Sydney and giving us such a WOW weekend. It was my 3rd convention and easily my best. Loved the presentations so much and as always you were SO generous with your praise, hugs,time, smiles and stamps!! I hope I didn't crush you with my hugs, I was just a teeny bit excited (looking at the photos I think I may have - woops!!). Can't way for Melbourne - woohoo!!