Convention 2012 in Canberra was fantastic, with heaps of wonderful presentations, people and product announcements! I have created 8 photo collages to share with you and I hope you enjoy hearing about Stampin’ Up!s much anticipated yearly event.
Managers and above were treated to early access to Memento Mall, which is like a special souvenir shop. This was because we had an early leadership session, which would mean we would otherwise get much later access. Bec, Ursula and I were excited to see all the mementos; including Stampin’ Up! branded clothing and useful items such as craft bins, snail tethers and bags – just to name a few.
It was so exciting, waiting for the Opening Session to start. The theme of the Convention was ‘I am’, which is reflective of Stampin’ Up!’s ‘My Way’ campaign which is basically highlighting that demonstrators can run their business to suit their needs and goals. From personal shopper through to a team leader, all demonstrators are welcomed and honored equally and are encouraged to put their own personal stamp on the way they run their business.
Prize patrol is a much anticipated part of Convention, where demonstrators have the chance to win new release product bundles. A number of Paper Angel Demonstrators were lucky enough to win, including Zena who managed to win attending her first Convention in the first session – you can tell she’s super happy!
Continuing along the theme of ‘I am’, Stampin’ Up! held Manager’s Reception was held in Parliament House, with an ‘ I am Australian’ theme. Bec and I were thrilled to have the company of Ursula, who recently achieved promotion to Manager. Next year we hope to welcome more Paper Angels along to this special event, where we enjoyed nibblies, chatting with Stampin’ Up! staff from both the Sydney and US office, hearing a presentation from Shelli Gardner (Co-founder and CEO of Stampin’ Up!), as well as a Q& A time. We gathered in the ‘Mural Hall’ which is pretty well under the central spire of Parliament House and there was an awful lot of security! I heard later that there was a late sitting of Parliament. Perhaps they were worried we would stow away or try to infiltrate parliament proceedings? Obviously no-one told them, we had better things to do – after all, we had day 2 of Convention to attend!
Day 2 was opened by Dave Baugh, whose position at Stampin’ Up! Home office is Vice President, Global Operations. We then split up into smaller groups to attend a variety of classes. Our first class was ‘Make & Takes’, which was great and that is where all the photographs are taken. I really enjoyed getting to know some new demonstrators to our Paper Angels Group as well as spending time with the ones that have been to many other events.
Day 2 also offered an optional evening class, which was taken up by a huge number of people. We made a 3D Advent Calendar and enjoyed lollies from the lolly table, if we were quick enough!
I managed to take a few photos of Paper Angels at this optional evening class, as well as the lovely Jeanette and Amelia.
Day 3 was fabulous and was wrapped up with the Awards & Recognition Banquet. The food was delicious, with a ‘Sesame Beef with Cucumber and Dill Salad’ for Entree, ‘Persian Fetta Stuffed Chicken Supreme, wrapped in Pancetta, Yellow Lentil Ragout, Coriander Rice Cake’ for Main & for dessert a ‘Pineapple and Banana Souffle’ – it was actually cold with an ice cream component, inside a chocolate cup – Oh my goodness, it was fabulous!
After the dinner we moved to the Main Stage/Royal Theatre in the Convention Centre, for the Awards Presentations. I’d love to share some images of the stage walks by myself, Ursula and Bec for 5+ years, sales and so on, however, from where we were sitting all our photos were rear views which to say the least were not too flattering! Instead I’m sharing some pictures with Stampin’ Up! Australian Office Staff, Jeanette and Ana, as well as Bec and I with Aaron who is the Regional Business Development Manager – we are holding our certificates for places in the final ‘Top 25 Demonstrators of the Year’. Bec received 16th position, whilst I received 12th. Stampin’ Up! has now changed their awards system and ‘Demonstrator of the Year’ will no longer be a part of the Awards System. Instead, they are moving towards a system where demonstrators are competing against themselves and their own personal goals, which I think is great. I am proud that I have achieved ‘Top 25′ for 6 consecutive years since Stampin’ Up! began, because I believe this achievement is a result of our entire team’s efforts. Thankyou to all the Paper Angels for your incredible work this year and your unwavering focus on sharing your skills and friendship with others, as well as making a difference in other people’s lives.
Imagine being a part of our wonderful Paper Angels Group of Independent Demonstrators. This is a place you’ll find more than just products. You’ll find wonderful friends, be able to make a difference, and enjoy loads of creative ideas & inspiration. Talk to the Paper Angels Team member who sent you this link or if you are my customer or do not have a demonstrator, please contact me or check out my Demonstrator Business Website.
Happy Creating from Liz Collett 0448 896 001
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