A Little R&R

I won’t be posting for the new few days—I’m off for a little rest and relaxation—and won’t have access to the Internet. I hope you understand, and that the next few days (with school ending and seasons changing and all the fun things that take place this time of year) will be wonderful ones! If you don’t have any R&R on your calendar, schedule it now! We all need it! Talk again soon. . . .

Convention Is Coming!

Last week we had our Australian convention, and it got me all excited for our US/CAN convention, coming up in July! Hands-down, convention is one of my absolute favorite Stampin’ Up! events, and I am already looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with our wonderful demonstrators and feel the incredible excitement and motivation that always accompanies every convention.

Someone recently asked me, Why should a demonstrator attend convention?

While the question certainly made sense (after all, much of the information and training offered at convention can be found online), a long list of things came flooding into my mind—and I wanted to share them with you!

Certainly the opportunity to see new products being used for the first time is valuable. Watching people demonstrate how things work—and in some instances having the opportunity to do a little hands-on experimenting yourself—opens your mind to all sorts of exciting possibilities where new products are concerned.

The project ideas that are shown at convention are staggering. Besides the dozens of things you see on stage, there are literally thousands of projects shown on the display boards and in the marketing areas. I’m convinced you could find every project idea you need for the next year at convention!

The recognition and rewards that take place at convention are truly inspiring. The pride and excitement I see in our demonstrator’s eyes and on their faces when they march across the stage (and you didn’t think I was paying attention when I was back stage, did you?) makes me smile—and sometimes even tear up. And the Awards Night is a convention highlight for me—the chance to see demonstrators rewarded for significant achievements in their Stampin’ Up! career.  

There’s also classes taught by your peers, demonstrators who are going through what you’re going through and who have great ideas to share. There are classes taught by our professional training staff, who offer valuable tips and hints on how to strengthen your business in every aspect.

In addition, there’s our annual game show, live entertainment, prize patrols, the Memento Mall, the convention bag and Make & Takes (all that free stuff!)—none of which are even available online. The list goes on and on. . .

But by far, the most valuable aspect of convention for me is the intangible experience that takes place as we gather together, face to face, and share Stampin’ Up! with each other. The groups of demonstrators swapping in hotel lobbies, in the convention lobby, in corners of the hallways and at tables in the Gathering Place. . . I LOVE walking through that electric environment and seeing the creativity and camaraderie at work!

The  impromptu conversations that take place between new friends and old friends, as we discuss what we love most about Stampin’ Up!, and also what’s hard and challenging—then share stories and solutions and support.

And the opportunity you get to spend valuable time (sometimes even into the wee hours of the morning) with your fellow demonstrators. Women who get what you’re about, who share your passion for stamping and creating, who understand more than anyone else the role Stampin’ Up! has played in your life.

If you haven’t signed up to spend a few days with us in Salt Lake City in July, do it today—you won’t regret it. Convention is one of the most fun, exciting, and inspiring events we offer—I can’t wait to share another convention experience with you!

Shelby's Princess Party

I had to share the highlight of my day yesterday with you. On the way home from the office, I stopped by Sara’s house. Shelby was having a birthday party, and the house was full of five-year-old princesses! Sara had invited me to stop by, and I was so glad I did.

I knew I couldn’t stay long—I actually got there late and left early—but the few minutes I was there made my heart sing. The festive mood was set by the pink banner on the front door.

Inside were about 10 little girls dancing around wearing pink tulle tutus (Sara had made them, with our own Stampin’ Up! ribbons as accents) and crowns they’d made themselves, enjoying their party favors. (Sara had used our own Princess Party Kit, so I was partial, but I really did think everything looked adorable!)

I didn’t stick around for Shelby to open up all her presents, but it looked like she’d made quite a haul! And the princess party theme had carried over to the gifts; they all looked pretty girly-girl!

I needed to feel that five-year-old energy yesterday; I left way earlier than I would have liked, but feeling happy and lighthearted! That’s what hanging around a houseful of princesses will do to you!

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.

G'Day Mate

I’m in Australia for convention. Wanted to write more before we got started here, but there’s just been a lot going on and I haven’t even had a minute to gather my thoughts. I’ll report after convention. . . . .