Stampin' Up Convention Fun

So, convention is over.  Even though I opted not to go this year, I enjoyed following the posts of those who did via their blog and Facebook.  Amazing how modern technology works!!  Yesterday was the last day of convention and for the first time, SU did a Convention Live Feed.  I think a lot of us hyped it up to be more than it was.  We really thought it would be some big announcement (SU did say it was going to be a "fun announcement".)  A lot of speculation went on as to what it might be with a lot of people hoping for some big new product or a change in venue for next year's 25th year convention site.  I was a little disappointed that it wasn't but it was cool to be at convention via the internet for a short while.  It started out with Shelli (owner of SU) and her daughter, Sara welcoming all of us.  Then they went over to a fortune teller booth where Rich Judkins, President of SU, was dressed up like the fortune teller.  They asked him questions about the next Grand Vacation.  

In order to get him to "work" they had to insert .... of course, rubber stamps -  right out of Shelli's new Convention Bag (that everyone received full of goodies) .... into the slot!  Clever, huh?

Not the same as being there, but you could still feel the excitement.BUT what the announcements were:

• The Grand Vacation Incentive Trip for 2014 will be.... Western Caribbean! The promo video they showed made it look like a LOT of fun.
• The online Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA) will now be available for ALL demonstrators. Demos no longer have to have a Demonstrator Business WebSite (DBWS) for you to sign up online.

While the Incentive Trip doesn't really impact me, the online IDA impacts ALL demonstrators. In the past, you could only sign up new demonstrators if you had a business website through SU which I do.  But, it only makes good business sense to have this online IDA available to all. By completing the information online, potential demonstrators don't have to wait for their applications to be sent to and received by SU! The potential demo can see right away if something went wrong with the application - and it can be immediately resolved! Everything is done online and the new demo has access to the website immediately! The new demo has an upline immediately and all is good.  Demos can access a number of fun sites and ideas once they have logged into the SU! website. It is a HUGE win-win for everyone.

So after the announcements, Sara did a show-and-tell/on-stage demonstration for all to see. Usually you have to be in attendance to see this, but seeing it on-stage/online - although still not the same, was the next best thing.   She shared several ideas using canning jars.  This one in the picture below she called a "Wedding Jar."  She simply placed the doily cutout on the jar and then spritzed it with our Shimmer Paint. After it dried, she removed the doily.  What a cute (and EASY) idea! Add a little ribbon and you have a wonderful gift!  She made a few "wedding wishes" cards (3x3) for people to sign and place in the jar at a wedding reception or shower.  Would also work for a baby shower, don't you think?  People could put their suggestions for the baby's name???  That's how I came with Ashley's name.  We had picked Erica until my cousin suggested Ashley at my shower during a game we played.  Ashley is so thankful for Caroline's suggestion!!

 

Next they shared a really fun part of Convention AND Regionals.  They announce that it is time for a Prize Patrol and post a picture on the screen of what the prize is.  Then they announce which color wristband is the winning color.  (I've never won at convention.... boo hoo)  But then the winners jump up to claim their prizes.  And it makes it so much easier for the staff to find you when you wave your arms.

 

Also - here's a cool video from Stampin'Up!'s Convention 2012. This year the theme is "I am." LOVE IT!!!

You get to see the offices where the wonderful Demonstrator Support people work, the fabulous warehouse (it is just so clean - they must work really hard at keeping it that way!), and then it finishes up with the STAGE AT CONVENTION!!!! 

Want to join me and my friends next year for SU's 25th year? Become a demonstrator! You can tell we have so much fun. What other job do you know of that has this much fun!

OH - you may want to watch this a couple of times (or even more...). Did you notice the unicycle?  What about the ladies shirts that match the SU! fabric behind them?  Recognize the lady at 1:33 of the video - YUP!   Co-founder and CEO Shelli Gardner!   What about the hula-hoops (I could never work those things - good thing I don't need one of those for my job, huh?)? AND, did you know that guy that pops out at 2:09 on the video - that is Rich Jutkins and he's the PRESIDENT of Stampin'Up!   What are some of the other things YOU notice?   Post a comment here so we can all see - the more eyes the better!

Enjoy the video!