A Great Convention Down Under!

 

Just returned from Australia yesterday; Sterling and I were there for our annual Pacific Area (Australia and New Zealand) convention.

Enjoyed this convention for lots of reasons—I’ll share a few. Typically we arrive on Tuesday morning, take a quick nap and shower, and then dive into setting up and preparing for convention. This year, because of flights and layovers, we couldn’t get there early enough on Tuesday to get all the work done, so they actually had us come in Monday afternoon—those few hours made a huge difference!

We wandered around Melbourne (sorry I didn’t take any photos—didn’t have my camera or phone with me), had an early dinner, and FINALLY found some delicious sticky date pudding! We’ve been on the lookout for this tasty dish ever since first discovering it years ago in England.  Although we have found it on the menu in a few places since, none of the offerings compared to that first taste—until last week! We liked it so much that we spent the next few days looking for a free moment to go back and enjoy it again. Although we never did find that window of opportunity, we were grateful we had Monday.

We got to bed early Monday, had a great night’s sleep, and woke up early on Tuesday, ready to get to work! And that’s exactly what we did all day Tuesday and Wednesday. Our staff numbers were small; we had a group of people from the home office, as well as our Australia office and our New Zealand manager. (Check us all out in these staff pictures shot after the Awards Night on Saturday!)

What a joy to work together with such a great group of people—nobody complained, everybody went the second . . .  and third . . . . and fourth mile, and we had tons of fun while doing it!

And then the real fun began when convention started! We celebrated our 5^th anniversary in Australia by adding a third day to convention activities, and every minute was packed full of inspiration, celebration, and education!

As always, the general sessions were amazing (with lots of enthusiasm and excitement and a few fun announcements!). A general session highlight included Aaron’s and Emma’s entrance on live camels (memorable for both the sight and SMELL. . .of the camels, of course, not Aaron or Emma!) announcing next year’s incentive trip to Broome.

 

In addition, I got to attend all the classes (they were wonderful!), posed for photos, visited and chatted with demonstrators, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The people are always what I enjoy the most about Stampin’ Up! events, and this convention was no exception. I never tire of hearing our demonstrators’ stories, and Sterling and I had fun seeing old friends and making new ones. And as I mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our staff! After Awards Night (our final convention activity), we enjoyed working together one last time as we tore everything down. We worked into the wee hours of the morning—I’d be surprised if anyone got more than two hours of sleep before heading off to the airport to catch our flights home!

But those are the moments that make memories, and Sterling and I returned home with plenty of wonderful memories from our PAC Convention 2011. Thanks to everyone—both demonstrators and staff—who made it all happen!

Comments

[Anita Lovell]

Hi Shelli, this was my first convention and it exceeded all my expectations. Mostly, my friends could not believe the you, Shelli (CEO) and husband, Sterling, made the trip to Australia. You made me feel like I was part of a family, thank you for living what you believe. I can't wait to see you next year, God Bless and thank you to the entire Stampin Up family, Happy Stampin from Anita Lovell.

[Angela]

Thank you again Shelli and all the US staff (front and behind the scenes) that travelled down to Australia to make our Convention the most memorable one yet.

It was also an honor to be able to have dinner with you and Sterling on the Awards night.

xx
Angela

[Sue Madex]

Thanks so much for a wonderful convention. Loved the massive dose of inspiration I got from all the fabulous presentations, the warm, positive theme and the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. I very much appreciate all the work that goes into making convention such fun for all of us. Thank you.

[Michelle Dyson]

Thanks so much Shelli, Sterling and every one of the SU team for putting on the best Convention yet! Three days was just right, the whole experience felt so much more relaxed and like a real break away from my hectic life. I am enthused, inspired and rejuvenated, a wonderful thing! It was lovely as always to spend time with you, your warmth and generosity is boundless. I hope you get a chance to 'fill your bucket' again very soon!

[Janine Rawlins]

Thankyou Shelli for the best Convention ever!!! It was a wonderful experience and I loved having the extra day. Thankyou for all the lovely prizes and unexpected gifts. Stampin'Up! is so good to it's demonstrators and I could not think of a better company to be associated with - thankyou from the bottom of my heart. I will take your advice and do a +One for myself - more stamping time! I need it after seeing so many inspiring creations and ideas at Convention! Thankyou again Shelli and everyone at Stampin'Up!

[Melissa Berry]

Thankyou Shelli & amazing staff for making my first convention an unforgettable experience. I rushed home to tell my husband i'm off to Canberra next year to be involved again.

[Karen Cumming]

As usual Shelli, SU didn't disappoint. This was my second Convention and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The venue was exceptionally good and the professionalism of the staff, organisation and efficiency from start to finish was truly wonderful. Above all, thank you for starting SU - I sometimes pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. It's fabulous to be surrounded by kind, caring and inspirational people. Lots of good wishes to you and Sterling until next year in Canberra.

[Claire Daly]

Thank you Shelli, Sterling, Aaron, Emma and every single one of the amazing Stampin' Up! staff for the massive doses of energy and effort you put into Convention 2011.This was my 4th Convention and I think my best ever.I left feeling so inspired, cared for but most of all grateful to be part of a fabulous group of friends that have made my life a little more wonderful. Bring on Canberra!

[Charmaine Black]

Hi there Shelli, I want to say a huge thankyou to you and all the Stampin'Up! staff who made this year's convention down under the most exciting and inspirational yet. I had the most amazing time in Melbourne and have brought home some wonderful memeories and some great friendships which I will cherish always.
I feel truly blessed to be a part of this amazing family. Thanks again, lots of inky hugs from Charmaine in WA.

[Madonna Dunn]

Shelli, thank you so much for an awesome convention. I had a great time and appreciate all the effort and energy that goes into making such a huge event a success. Your graciousness and generosity humble me. Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor and inspiration. Hope to see you in 2012. xo

[Lyn Fox]

Hi Shelli
What an amazing time! This was my 3rd convention and the best! Stampin'Up has made such a difference in my life. I look at the world with new and creative eyes. Thank you.
Love Lyn ( The skirt lady !)

[Louise Layton]

Thank you once again Shelley and your amazing team for another wonderfully, amazing Convention. There wasn't a single moment that I didn't love completely and totally. I am so inspired to not only give more creativily and to my business but personally too. My bucket is full. xx Louise

[Marelle Taylor]

Thank You so much Shelli and everyone else who worked so hard to make our 5th Convention such a success. It was by far the best one ever and I have returned home brimming with motivation and inspiration!
I'm looking forward to catching up with you again in (much warmer) Fiji!
xoxo

[Joanna Wassens]

Thank you Shelli and the Stampin' Up! team for a wonderful convention experience. I loved it from the opening song (Well done to Australian Demo Support, especially Kate) to the closing session and Awards dinner and celebration.

[Tracey Eaton]

Thank you so much - you and all the staff. Being a part of Stampin Up has not only enriched my life so much, but it has also extended my 'family'. This was most definitely the best convention yet, from the opening number (Cate you are a rock STAR) to the final farewell. Inspiring. Motivating. Brimming with positivity. Not only will I be 'filling my buckets' regularly, but I will no longer be 'resistant' and will make sure that people are always people.
Thank you so much xxx

PS Thanks especially for letting me photo-bomb you :)

[Jodene Tripp]

It was so wonderful to attend another amazing Stampin' Up! convention! Thankyou so much to you and all of the Stampin' Up! staff that made it such a wonderful experience for all of us who had the privilege to attend.

[Emma Kirton]

I wanted to thank you Shelli for making the Melbourne Convention so wonderful. This was my first convention and I really didn't know anyone when I arrived. But I have to say the Stampin' Up! staff and the demonstrators made me feel more than welcome and part of the "family"! It was such a wonderful experience. I loved chatting with you on the first day, you are so lovely! I am so inspired by everything and keen to really get my SU business going. Thank you for taking the time to come to Australia and I look forward to Canberra 2012!

[Nikki Spencer]

A huge thankyou to you and all of the wonderful SU staff for making my first Convention such an amazing experience,l came home so inspired by the workshop wows and make"n"takes and the amazing new products we so generously received. It was an absolutely brilliant 3 days.

[Bronwyn Eastley]

Thank you Shelli and the team for making this one of the most memorable conventions that I have attended. The workshop wows were inspiring, not to mention all the wonderful sneak peeks, prizes and just pure 'awesomeness'. I'm looking forward to continuing the amazing journey I'm on with Stampin' Up!

[Marlene]

Ditto to all of the above replies. It was an awesome time with friends, new and old. I have 2012 penned, not penciled, in already. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your family. I love Stampin Up! and it's family xox

[Sharnee Torrents]

Dear, WOnderful, sweet Shelli!!
WOW OH WOW!!!! COnvention 2011 was totally, completely outstanding!! :) This was my 4th con and as said by sooo many others most certainly the BEST YET!!! You guys do such a super duper job, the love, the effort, the blessings, the sneak peaks, the giveaways, the friendships, the warmth that oozes from you all, it makes the such a thrill of a few days! I love everything about Stampin' Up! and am soooo happy to be part of the "family" it is truly AWESOME!!!
Thanks heaps, hope you've got some very well earned rest and relaxation now you're home!!
Huge HUgs from Tassie
Smiles SHarnee :)

[Ruth Clarke]

Hi Shelli
After living with a income affected by floods etc earlier in the year, I thought it would be a miracle to make it to my first convention but it was worth every aspect of saving, I was so impressed by every bit of the convention and value the integrity that under-girds the whole of Stampin Up vision,the wows were fantastic and I love the direction of the new products too. thank you Shelli, Sterling and all the wonderful staff, USA, Aust & NZ that made it an assurance to do it again in 2012!- God Bless- Ruthy :-)(Toowoomba,Qld)

[Fiona Harrison]

Thank you for coming back 'Down Under' for another fabulous Convention. It was great having the extra day and the extra fun it allowed us to enjoy. Even the staff and presenters seemed more excited and to have more fun than last year.
I hope you have had a chance to feel rested after the long flight & busy time.
Looking fwd to 2012!
Fi (NSW)

[Delys Cram]

I had so much fun! Thanks so much to you all for making this convesntion the best ever. Will definately be going to the next one. Thanks for the opportunity to present. It was a real buzz and I loved doing it.

[Mae Collins]

WOW Shelli what an awesome Convention, my first one and I am sure it will not be my last! SU! were so generous in what they gave us and the Workshop WOWs, presentations, ideas and techniques have given me so much inspiration for weeks to come. I also met up with so many of my online stamping friends too, which was awesome! Aiming for next year's Convention in Canberra.