Convention Highlights

I have been home a few days from Salt Lake City and Stampin' Up's annual convention which they now call Inspire, Create, Share. The day before I left my laptop computer died. I could not get it to open so yesterday I went to the Apple store and they spent some time working with it only to discover the hard drive was gone … dead. So after I recovered the initial shock of knowing all of my photos and everything else were gone too I bought a new laptop, the MacBook Air. I do all of my computing on a laptop. The new one is so wonderful. Light weight and doesn't get warm on my lap. So I am back in business and wanted to share a few photos from last week.

This is the calm before the storm hit the hallways.

And waiting for the doors to open … almost 4000 demonstrators!

The first opening session of course begins with Shelli Gardner, CEO and Confounder of Stampin' Up! She was announced not only with thundering applause, but with fireworks. And right off the bat she had an all attendee give-away. We all received a free stamp set. Woo Hoo!

There were several of the demonstrators from Catherine Harwood's 321 Stamp Group who attended this year. Catherine is not only my upline, but a good friend and my traveling companion and roommate. Her encouragement was huge in my striving to earn a Stampin' Up incentive trip. And I did! I am so excited to be going to Washington DC in September. Earning an incentive trips is one of the awards I received.

Along with the award it entitled me to have access to the Recognition Room during convention. This is a special perk for demonstrators who have achieved a special status. The room was filled with comphy sofas and chairs for relaxing and there was a never ending supply of sodas and chocolates. The room was all lit up with neon.

And the best part was the photo op booth. Thankfully, Catherine and I did our photos the first day when there were only a couple of people in line ahead of us. Any time after that the line was quite long.

There are always great classes and presentations during convention along with new products to see and try. We received our copy of the upcoming Holiday catalog let me just say it is the best! My bank account is in big trouble there is so much I want. That catalog will be out in August with ordering available on the 28th. Here is a sneak peak:

Gotta have it!

Display boards are always a favorite at convention. They are filled with such wonderful cards from other demonstrators.

There were a couple of more all attendee give-aways and there is always prize patrol during any Stampin' Up event. Every person has a particular color band and if that color is announced you receive something free. My color was not ever called however several of the demonstrators in our group did win something from the prize patrol.

After the Awards night there was a party with a Western theme. I didn't get any photos from this and I'm sorry I didn't. It was a fun night complete with a band, line dancing, and even a mechanical bull. It was fun just watching those crazy enough to try holding on, which wasn't long. And of course food … nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and more.

It was a fun filled four days and I am excited about many of the new products that will be coming out. I also have some ideas for some special classes so be watching for those.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by,