Well I’m back from Convention…. I haven’t been away all this time of course- Just limited computer time since my return…..but I know you don’t want to hear any excuses about how busy I’ve been- You just want to hear about Convention- don’t you?
For those who are unaware- the Stampin’ Up! Convention is a once a year gathering of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. There are social and training opportunities as well as an awards night. This year I believe there were about 500 demonstrators in attendance for the Convention in Sydney.
Before Convention began I had a full day in Sydney for a bit of much- needed rest and relaxation. I had a very cruisy day with my upline, Claire Daly and a late lunch with some other members of the team.
On the Thursday night before Convention officially commenced there was a special Reception for Managers (and above) It was nice to meet with the US and Australian staff in an intimate setting and mingle with other Stampin’ Up demonstrators. As a special gift we were greeted with the most enormous mugs. They were filled with a big scoop of melted chocolate and frothy milk- the most delicious hot chocolate! Just divine! These mugs were SO huge that rather than being concerned about a ‘milk moustache’ I was concerned about getting milk froth on my forehead. See what I mean!!!
All Managers in attendance received a mug to take home. It was gift wrapped with the Matching ”Share a cup” Stamp set from the Autumn- Winter Mini. Stampin’ Up! are such a generous company!
The gifts didn’t stop there. All demonstrators who attended the Convention received a bag containing yet to be released stamp sets. We received three stamp sets in total as well as some yummy rub-ons. Now I wish I could share those stamp sets with you- however I can’t show them until the release of the new catalogue on the 1st of September! One of the things I really love about being a demonstrator is being able to see the new products that are available before they are released to everyone else! :-) (If this is something that sounds appealing please be sure to ask me for more information about becoming a demonstrator too!)
One of the great things about getting together with other Demonstrators is the opportunity to share ideas with each other. One of the ways this happens at Convention is through “swaps”. We all make some samples using Stampin’ Up products and “swap” these with other demonstrators. Most people make a card but I tend to make ‘mini scrapbook layouts’. Originally I didn’t think I would have the time to make any swaps before I left but at the last minute I chopped up some designer series paper and ran some dies through my bigshot and decided I would make some swaps after all! In the end I sat in the hotel foyer assembling my swaps and enlisted the help of my roomie Sue Madex to secure the ‘project recipes’ on the back. It was all a bit of a rush and to be honest with you- I was not competely happy with how they turned out. I wish I had the time to add a bit more detail- at the very least sponge around the edges of the cardstock but alas things didn’t work out that way…but at least I was able to share in the buzz of swapping at Convention. Here are the 6 x 6 layouts I created….
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER: Cottage Wall
STAMP SET: Cottage Garden
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Rich, Razzleberry, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Whisper white
BIGSHOT and DIES: Stampin’ Up! Top note die, Sizzlets Lots of tags, Stampin’ Up Little leaves
Over the next couple of days we watched talks and demonstrations and participated in ‘make and takes’ Here is Shelli Gardner (CEO) during one of her presentions on stage.
There was also lots of eating and drinking and chatting. One night at dinner we were even treated to fireworks.
Now although the fireworks were a ‘blast’- the biggest ‘bang’ for me was the Dinner and Awards Banquet on the final night. When the doors opened we were greeted by the paparazzi as we walked the red carpet. (Thanks for the pic Sue- I wasn’t prepared for this kind of welcome and didn’t have my own camera handy!)
The table centre pieces were to die for. Beautiful glass bowls filled with tulips and a candle. The photo really doesn’t do them justice.
I was so thrilled to be able to share in the night and witness my upline, Claire Daly and also my sideline/ fellow team member Sue Madex walk the stage to receive their awards. I was so proud to be sitting next to Claire when it was announced that she was Australia’s Top Demonstrator of the Year. How amazing is that!? It was so lovely to see all of their hard work recognised like that!
I got to ‘walk the stage’ to receive a sales award and also a ‘recruiting’ award. I was absolutely blown away when it was announced that I was Australia’s first “RISING STAR” (Top NEW Demonstrator of the year)
It was so nervewracking having to stand on stage for a photo- I was so blown away I didn’t even think to turn sideways for a more flattering photo LOL! I will share the pic if you promise not to laugh. This is me on stage with Shelli Gardner (Stampin’ Up Co-founder and CEO), Emma Parker Wilson (NZ Manager) and Aaron Scott ( Regional business development manager, Australia)
Here is the gorgeous Sue and I after the Awards night with our roses, certificates, pins and goodies (Yes more yet to be released STAMP SETS)
As I’m sure you can imagine I had such a wonderful time away and I have so many great ideas to share with you. If you are keen to book a workshop and see some of the products in action then please be sure to get in touch!
Cheers!
Miriam
miriamthomas@westnet.com.au
(08) 90917655
0419 947 047
