Inspired, excited, moved, grateful, happy and so much more. That's how I'm feeling after getting back from the annual Stampin' Up! Convention in Canberra. This was my fifth straight Stampin' Up! Convention, and you would think I would get used to them right? WRONG! I was like a kid in a candy shop and just couldn't get enough. I think I ran on adrenalin from the moment I arrived at the airport to fly to Canberra to the moment I arrived home. Here is just a snapshot of some of the last few days ...
We picked up our bags on the Wednesday eveing which was exciting. The bags were just gorgeous, my favourite so far.
I loved this year's 'I am ..' theme. It was so empowering both professionally and personally. The Convention pin was so cute - a touch of vintage and very me!
Convention is not complete without a trip to Memento Mall. Here's my stash!
One of the most awesome things about Convention is having time to spend with my fabulous team ladies. We had about 30 of us there this year which was awesome! Here are some of the team, from L-R Christine, Di, Alisha and Barbara.
L-R in this one is Tobi, Tina, Ros, Teena, Jodie, Genna, Christine, Nikki.
and here is Tina again with Miriam and Kathryn after their memento mall shopping!
It's also a great opportunity to also catch up with dear friends from right around Australia. The relationships are definitely what makes being part of the Stampin' Up! family so rewarding. Here I am with Jenni, Tracey and Corina.
and here with Jacqui Crouch who is one lovely lady I really click with from Tenterfield in NSW. Her friendship means the world to me.
and a Convention wrap would not be complete without a photo with the 'Perth Sarah's'. Love these girls to bits!
One of Convention highlights is Managers Reception. This year I have 6 Managers in my team including myself, but only 5 of could make Convention. Here we are at Manager Reception (at Parliament House may I add) with our awesome CEO Shelli Gardner.
We are so spoilt at Managers reception. This year we received a lovely stamp set and a beautiful framed piece of handmade art work. So special!
Another highlight was the Awards and Recognition dinner. It is always a beautiful setting with floral centrepieces and the food was absolutely amazing! I felt thoroughly spoilt.
Convention is also a time for Celebrating, and there was lots to celebrate this year. First exciting thing was to be in the first group of ladies to walk across the stage being with the company for over 5 years. I was really thrilled to be in this inaugural group, and can't wait for the 10 year march!
Personally I was placed in the top 25 (number 20) and also received a Leadership award which I am super proud of. I am even more excited to say this year we had three of our team in the top 25 demonstrators in Australia - myself, Sue Madex at 17 and Kylie Bertucci at 23. How awesome is that? We received a certificate, a beautiful yellow rose from Shelli, and a cute handmade box with chocolates. So spoilt!
At awards night Shelli also announces where next years Incentive Trip (now called the Grand Vacation, which I love!) is, and also next years Convention. Next years Convention 2013 will be in beautiful Brisbane from May 23-25th. There was also much excitement when it was announced that next years Grand Vacation would be Salt Lake City Utah!
Canberra is such a beautiful city, especially in Autumn.
I'm really looking forward to taking the boys there one day to show them around. I know Josh would especially love it. After buying another suitcase to take home my free goodies and Memento Mall purchases, I took myself off to the National War Memorial which was an incredibly moving place. I took lots of photos and I will share them with you in another post soon. Here's just one shot.
I haven't even touched on all the fabulous presentations, and the amazing staff, so there will be another post soon.
Thank you Stampin' Up! for your fantastic Convention, and to the Australian and US staff who put so much time and effort into putting on this amazing show for us (and it really is a show!). Thank you Canberra for your beautiful scenery and hospitality, and thank you mostly to my fantastic team and fellow SU demonstrators who I loved chatting, laughing, ooohh and ahhing, hugging and celebrating with. You bring so much to my life, Mwah xx
I'll be back again soon with some stamping related posts and news, but in the meantime if you are thinking how much you would love to be a part of Convention experience in years to come, call me on 03 9735 2946 or email me . We'd love to have you as part of our fabulous Art with Heart team, either with me or one of my great team members. We're in every state and territory of Australia.
Until next time be happy, be grateful,
Claire xx
Sounds great and I'm glad you had so much fun.......hope to get to see you in 2013...
Posted by: sharon | June 05, 2012 at 08:51 PM
Congratulations on your top placements this year Claire! Such a shame I couldn't be there to see you walking across the stage! Doing the "happy" dance for you though ♥
Posted by: Paula Dobson | June 06, 2012 at 06:33 AM
Oh YAY!!! I've been hanging out to hear about it, love the pic's and the stories and all what you've shared! Thanks heaps lovely Claire,
look forward to more soon!
SMiles Sharnee :)
Posted by: Sharnee Torrents | June 06, 2012 at 08:03 PM
congratulations on placing #20, that is am amazing accomplishment, and I know I'm going to see you in Salt Lake City in 2013, save me a swap girlfriend!.
Posted by: Sandi MacIver | July 07, 2012 at 11:09 AM