The social side of the Stampin' Up! Convention Sydney ...

I left for Sydney a day early this year so I could have a day relaxing and catching up before Convention. That was a good move as I spent the day catching up with my lovely downline Miriam from Kalgoorlie in WA. We don't get to see each other too often, so it was nice to share a leisurely stroll and ferry ride, followed by a long lunch with a couple of my other downlines Sue Madex and Katherine Manglesdorf. Here's Miriam and I playing tourist.

 

and me seeing the sights of the harbour the cheap way - by ferry!

This year the Managers Convention was the night before Convention, so there was lots of hugging and chatting and catching up. I was thrilled to be able to have two of my team join me this year at Managers Convention, Sue Madex and Miriam Thomas. I was such a proud mother hen!!

 

We were given these awesome big mugs / soup cups with the Share a Cup stamp. Here it is with Yvonne, Jayne, Joanna and Linda. It was so great to see these girls again.

 

Convention itself was CRAZY the first morning - I didn't even take my camera because I wanted to have room for swaps and Momento Mall. I was a bit slow off the mark with both this year (too much chatting) but ended up with some lovely swaps which I am still oohhing and ahhing over.

I did manage to squeeze my camera in Saturday though and here are some snaps. This one is me and my lovely friend Jacqui Crouch from Tenterfiled NSW. Jacqui is so down to earth and full of great advice (not to mention SO cheeky!) - was lovely to have a real life photo with her.

and my beautiful mate Nicki T who is always there with a hug and a smile.

and my beautiful Thursday night stamping friends Christine and Judy, who joined my team this year and got to enjoy their first convention (well Judy's second but first as a demonstrator!).

 

It was so awesome to have so many of my Art with Heart team in Sydney this year - I think we had 24+which was a big effort. You wait til next year in Melbourne!! Thanks to everyone for coming along, it really made it a special convention. I've already shown one of the team pics in the last post, but here is our table at Convention dinner.

and how gorgeous were the tulip bowls??

Finally I wanted to acknowledge the success of some of my fabulous team who got to walk across stage for sales and recruiting awards, and Sue Madex who came in at number 15 in Demonstrator of the Year, plus Miriam Thomas, the first ever Rising Star for Stampin' Up! There wasn't a prouder mother hen in the room. Well done girls!! I didn't catch Sue on stage unfortunately, but I did get this pic of Miriam.

 

Then there's this photo, my Shelli hug for Demo of the Year. I was trying so hard to not crush the poor lady to death, but also wanted her to know I was mighty chuffed to be acknowledged in such a way, especially after a difficult year. I am very proud and incredibly spoilt to now own a Burberry handbag (I feel like a plus size Carrie Bradshaw!!)  and necklace. Wow is all I can say. Thankyou Stampin Up!

  
 
I think that's it for my first Convention Installment. I want to pop back soon with news about the fabulous presentations. I feel so inspired and motivated - if you didn't make Sydney you have to start putting some cash away each week for next years convention in Melbourne. It's going to be a blast.

Back soon,

Claire xx