Bella B Designs - Katie Burke: Stampin' Up!® Convention 2011 Highlights and Summary

The last day of Convention 2011 started out with classes and Make & Take sessions. Smiles were plentiful and enthusiasm abounded as demonstrators continued to be inspired in each classroom.
Before lunch, demonstrators lined up to receive yet another convention prize--a free stamp set they received for attending at least five breakout classes. More than one demonstrator commented on how wonderful it was to be rewarded for learning great things!

Lunch was filled with last-chance visits to the Memento Mall and Demonstrator Resource Center and last-minute photos of displays and projects.

Then the closing session of Convention 2011 began. The session included two milestone marches, marches that Shelli called "some of my favorite" because every single demonstrator can qualify! The marches celebrate milestones that demonstrators reach--the anniversary march (marchers include those celebrating their 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year anniversary with Stampin' Up!) and the career sales march (marchers include demonstrators who have reached increments of $100,000 career sales). The high career sales march was $1.3 million--congratulations, Mary Polcin!

Shannon West and Carrie Cudney presented fabulous stamping presentations, sharing a variety of adorable projects that demonstrators loved. Special on-stage guests included Santa Claus and Willy Wonka, along with some of his followers.

Stampin' Up! president Rich Jutkins delivered the keynote address, explaining that too often we get caught up in the "how" and "what, forgetting the thing that really matters--the 'why.'" Rich shared stories about how he discovered his "why," and encouraged demonstrators to discover--and focus on--their "why" as well.

Rich ended his address by presenting a convention challenge: any demonstrator who recruits one person between July 16 and August 16 will earn a free stamp set from the new Idea Book & Catalog or the Holiday Mini. He also explained how convention attendees could actually earn up to four free stamp sets by sharing Stampin' Up! with others. Demonstrators were thrilled with the opportunity!

During her remarks, Shelli thanked all demonstrators who are involved in any way with the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Making a Difference program, and she also announced this year's Heart of Stampin' Up! recipient--Jean Fitch, a demonstrator who struggles with health problems but who had found the perfect way to reach out and share what she loves with others through her service on Stampin' Connection.

To end the convention, Shelli shared the Convention 2011 Highlights video and gave out one last all-attendee giveaway, which included a free hostess stamp set and a My Digital Studio CD.

The session was the perfect way to wrap up Convention 2011. More than one demonstrator commented on how disappointed they were that convention was over, but that they were already looking forward to next year!