An Exceptional Experience

Back in the United States after a wonderful convention in the South Pacific!

      

I don’t love the long airplane rides, but I do love the time I spend with our demonstrators. This convention we upped our game a bit. There were several new additions that made this event better and more memorable than past conventions, and since we have a goal to improve and “better our best,” I was thrilled to see that happen at this event.

 

  Much of the credit goes to our staff in the South Pacific office; they planned much of the convention agenda, and we all worked together to make it happen. I was very proud of all our staff there—we were small in numbers, and we all worked extremely hard to create an amazing event for our demonstrators.

The event started on Thursday with an early VIP check-in for our leaders. Because we had optional leader classes that morning, our leaders got to check-in early, as well as visit the Memento Mall before the rest of the crowd. It was fun to provide our leaders with that extra recognition.

  

Regular check-in began Thursday morning, and then Thursday afternoon we had our opening general session. Friday and Saturday we had more general sessions, Make & Takes, and classes.

The general sessions included great stamping demonstrations, inspiring Workshop Wows, and other pertinent presentations (Aaron’s state of Stampin’ Up!, etc.). Classes were taught by both demonstrators and staff members, and were outstanding!

Some new convention features included our Demonstrator Resource Center, which included a product playground where demonstrators enjoyed valuable hands-on time with new product and a career plan booth where they met with a career plan expert to create a customized career plan for their individual goals.

We also had two outstanding guest speakers: a representative from the DSAA (Direct Sales Association of Australia), which we are a proud member of; and a fascinating speaker who shared relevant insight into a group of people (creative women ages 25-35) that we are hoping to reach out to more successfully.

Thursday night was our Managers’ Reception, a memorable opportunity to tour the Parliament House, as well as chat and network with our managers and above. During that activity, I shared some thoughts and perspectives about the company, we had an informal Q&A session, and enjoyed the chance to spend some great time together.

We ended the convention with our annual Awards Night, which included a delicious banquet dinner and then an evening spent honoring some of our highest achieving demonstrators. Demonstrators were recognized on stage for achievements in sales, recruiting, and leadership, as well as time spent with the company. We also recognized top demonstrators and Rising Stars and our Heart of Stampin’ Up! winner (a demonstrator who exemplifies our Statement of the Heart).

Ending the convention with that particular activity was wonderful—I love the opportunity to thank and recognize our hardworking demonstrators, and that is the total focus of Awards Night.

Now we’re all heading back to the post-convention world . . . confident that we did our best to provide our demonstrators with an exceptional experience and already looking forward to what’s next. That’s the great thing about Stampin’ Up!—there’s always something exciting and fun as we continue to move forward!

I have some catch-up work to do (you all know how that goes, when you leave town for a few days), but I’m taking it with me on our annual Lake Powell family vacation. That means I probably won’t blog for a few days; Internet access on the lake is unlikely. I am looking forward to getting caught up on my sleep, caught up on some work, and spending a rare but wonderful few days surrounded by family!

Comments

[Rebecca]

I find that this new font is hard to read. Maybe my eyes are getting older, but I have a hard time reading it.

[Debbie Blake]

Dear Shelli,
Demo support here in Aus called me today to tell me that I was the #1 Rising Star for 2011/2012. OMG! I squeeled and burst into tears. Problem was I was in the middle of the Bank at the time! I unfortunately missed this Convention but I will not miss next years in Brisbane. I can't wait! Thankyou for your amazing company, products and people.
Deb :-)

[Keryn Campbell]

Thank you Shelli and your team from the South Pacific and North America for a fabulous convention. My first and definitely not my last. Your photos are brininging back so many fabulous memories, thanks for posting them.

[Alisha Watson]

Thank you Shelli for the "I AM" theme and such inspiring convention, not only did it make me look professionally but very much personally. I thank you for my photo with you after losing all my weight, it was the one goal I was determined to got to this year.

[Laura Fernsler - Wichita, KS]

Thank you for sharing this glimpse into our distant stampin' family in the west! I love every time you share your SU event experiences, especially with those who I/we will likely not have the opportunity to share with personally. It looks like it was a wonderful time and now I am looking even more forward to our U.S. convention coming up!

[Gayle Wheeler]

What a lovely convention experience and don't those demonstrators look like a fun bunch! Looking forward to "meeting" them soon on Stampin' Connection!!

[Karen]

Hi Shelli,
I just checked out the new Stampin' Up catalogue and had to tell you how fantastic I think it is. You and your team of very creative people have outdone themselves. You have set the bar very high over the years, but this catalogue ranks among your best, in my opinion. I like the fresh, colourful feel and there's lots to look at on every page, but it's also easy to navigate at-a-glance. Great images and products in there too. Wonderful job!

[Sue Madex]

My brain is overflowing with ideas and inspiration after convention. Each year they get better and better. I keep thinking - it can't possibly be better this year, and each year you guys lift the bar a little higher. I love that I not only get tons of inspiration for my business, a boost to my creativity, but also so much that is relevant to other areas of my life. A huge thanks to everyone involved in putting together this marvellous event. (And I loved your projects by the way Shelli and your marvellous example of how to keep your grace and warm smile when things are not going as planned. I think we could all relate.)

[Debi]

Congratulations on a wonderful event!

Please add me to the list of folks having a hard time reading your page. The only way I can do it is to bump up the zoom to at least 150%. Please know that low contrast thin fonts are very difficult to read even if they are very artistic!. Thanks.

[Maddie]

It was my first, but it won't be my last! I cannot wait until next Convention, and I really appreciate the hard work that goes into organising a Convention such as this. Very inspiring, both creatively and professionally. (and thanks for signing my catalogue!).

[Dona S]

Shelli,
I love you, I love you, I love you-- and I've never had that response while feeling so completely foolish!!!! Just got my Stampin Success today and out LEAPS my favorite basic 8 colors..... that were there all along!!!!

It is a bit of a challenge to see that against the green background of this year's catalog --- a face saving excuse on my part--- but They ARE There!!
Love you, love you, love you!!!