Enjoying a Bit of Columbus

Had a great regional in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend! I think I’ve mentioned it before, but I really enjoy the new format of the regionals, especially the couple of “open” hours in the day that allows our demonstrators and guests to choose whatever they want to do. There’s plenty to choose from—demonstrator booths, Make & Takes, swaps, displays—and everyone can go wherever they want. It’s a fun, relaxed environment that I feel has really made our regionals more enjoyable than ever!

I especially like the demonstrator booths because the presenters are different at every regional, and I look forward to listening and learning from each one. I love the hints and tidbits that each demonstrator offers; everyone has valuable insight and experience, and I’m so grateful that they’re willing to share.

Columbus was our second to last regional for this season—we’re heading to Milwaukee in a couple of weeks for our last one—and things went smoothly! It was a nice size crowd—about 650, with more than 170 guests—and they were a warm, appreciative group. We’ve worked out the kinks, are feeling comfortable and confident in our presentations, and have the process down. . . set-up and take-down went great.

In fact, we got everything taken down and packed up so quickly after the regional was over that we were able to head out for dinner in the daylight—a bonus! We’d arrived Friday after dark and headed over to the convention center in the dark yesterday morning to set up, and we had expected it to be after dark when we got everything wrapped up, so it was a pleasant surprise to get done quickly enough that we were able to enjoy a tiny bit of the city. I enjoy architecture and there were some beautiful buildings where we were, and if it hadn’t been so chilly, I would have enjoyed strolling the streets instead of rushing back to the hotel through the biting cold.

It’s been my tradition for the past several years to share whatever current project I’m working on during my regional presentation, and at Columbus I shared the favor boxes for Shanna’s upcoming shower. I felt kind of silly because these boxes are so simple. . . I usually highlight a technique or have a tip or trick to share. But Shanna wanted it simple, and while these are certainly simple, I also think they’re beautiful—and they’re what I’m working on right now. So I showed how to make a project from start to finish. . . I did have one demonstrator come up to me afterwards and mention that she was looking for a favor for her own daughter’s upcoming shower and she was going to use the boxes. That made me feel a little less apologetic. (smile)

Hopefully a few of you are looking for a quick, easy favor box as well. . . .

Comments

[Nina Riley]

Shelli--we so enjoyed having you in Columbus and hope you'll come back when it's warm enough to stroll the streets. We could all stroll with you and go to dinner and do some shopping (well we'd have to go to the malls for that)but we could definitely find some places to visit together.

[Connie Kuhn]

What a fun day in Columbus, lot's of neat swaps, lot's of neat ideas and meeting you and having pictures taken you was just super. I was part of the big group after the event. Thank you for such a good day and being so gracious.

[SHH]

LOVE the boxes! When I saw the picture I was thinking they were probably the shower favors. It will be fun to hear more details after the shower.

[Mary Knabe]

What a fun day at the Columbus Regional! Thanks to you, Shelli, and your SU crew who made it a day to remember! I am so grateful to be a part of the Stampin' Up FAMILY! I'm looking forward to attending my very first convention! See you in Salt Lake City in July!

[Jeanie L]

Shelli, you and your staff did an excellent job at Regional! This was my second one and loved the more relaxed atmosphere this time also. You are always so kind and make us all feel so comfortable to approach you and say hello! My little girl definitely thinks we're 'BFF's' with seeing our picture together! Thank you appeasing me with that! It was so nice to chat with you for a moment. I really had a great time and am hoping I can someday make it to Convention and see you and your staff at the 'big show!'

By the way, I loved Shanna's 'simple' favors, they were lovely! I'm with Shanna on loving the more simple look also...looking forward to seeing her shower decorations...sure they will be beautiful!

[Michelle]

Shelli, I attended the Columbus Regional and it was so much fun! I brought my friend (guest) and we both can't stop talking about it. This was my first SU event and it exceeded my expectations. The highlight was getting to meet you and get my picture taken with you. I love your personality and sense of humor. You definately are a scrapper because after every picture you mentioned to check it out and make sure it looks ok and you like it. How wonderful for you to take the time to do that and meet us. I left being more motivated then ever and I can't wait to attend my first ever convention this July!!!

[Emily Troiano]

I have a great time, and loved that I got a picture with you. I also signed up under my sister. Question for you though, when I search for her name under find a demonstrator, I cannot get it to come up. Her name is Sarah Jernigan and she lives in New Albany, Ohio. Thanks again, and can't wait to get started!!!! Isn't Jeni's Ice Cream great? Hope you tried the salty carmel...my favorite!

[Jeni Szmyd]

Shelli, thank you so much to you & your crew. This was my first ever Stampin' Up! event, attended with my one of my downlines, Brittny Smith, and we had A BLAST! You are so gracious & down to earth - we thank you again for letting us get our picture with you & chatting for a moment & letting us have the opportunity to say "hi" from our upline, Kim Williams, in Butler PA!!

B & I are already planning our trip to Leadership next January - can't wait to find out where it is! Hopefully we'll be able to make it to Convention one of these days, too.

Thanks again for all the work you guys do for us demos. I really appreciate it as I come up on my one-year anniversary with Stampin' Up! LOVED the favor boxes for Shanna's shower - blessings to you & your family :)

[Kelly Haldaman]

This was my first Stampin Up event and I had a great time. It was especially wonderful to meet and chat with you for a bit. It was even more fabulous when you and your crew showed up at the restaurant that night, Tip Top Kitchen, that my group of SU friends recommended. I hope you and your staff enjoyed it as much as we did. Thanks to one of the uplines in group, we went back to the hotel and created a mini album - which we have now designated for this great regional event. Honestly, can not wait until the next event. Thank you for the great relationships I've developed through your company.

[Barbara Bower]

Shelli, my very first regional in Columbus and I can honestly say the meeting exceeded my expectations. I come home very inspired to "grow" my way! I made new friends and SU relationships that will last a lifetime. The highlight of my trip was meeting you. You are every bit warm and beautiful as I imagined. You make each and everyone of us feel a part of the Stampin Up family. What a beautiful quality and inspiration to pass on. I would like to mail my swap card to headquarters since I neglected putting one in the basket at registeration. I look forward to future meetings including this year's convention. Thank you to you and your staff for such a warm and welcoming day! I would be very interested in being a part of a research team in the future!

[Sue Valore]

Columbus was my first event (I've been a Demonstrator for 1 1/2 years). Although I've been stamping for many years, I did learn new tips at the booths and at the presentations. Thanks so much for those:) Plus it's really ironic because I was just looking at purchasing a bow maker to use at my Stamp Camps! The best part of everything was getting so many gorgeous swaps in return. It was great meeting you and thanks for the picture, too. Again, best wishes with #15 and #16 grandchildren!!!

[Gina Taylor]

Thanking you for posting. They are not only beautiful but easy to demo at my workshops and share that it was Shelli's project at a Regional! I love this little box, please, please, please do not retire it.