Whew! I feel like I blinked and the days flew past in San Antonio. Whirlwinds of stamping creativity, business ideas and the opportunity to visit with friends all made for a very busy couple of days. But I wanted to share some of my favorite moments — and of course, some fabulous stamping inspiration!
The 2nd day of Leadership started out with a general session where we all met together in the main theater. We were expecting the “state of Stampin’ Up!” report from Scott Nielsen, the CFO of Stampin’ Up!. But instead of a boring stream of numbers, Scott showed up on stage and changed his sweater and shoes, all while singing a Stampin’ Up! version of the Mister Rodger’s Neighborhood theme song! TOO funny! But yes, Scott can definitely sing. So not only was his presentation fun, but he also had a visit from the Speedy Delivery man (a la Spencer Willis), delivering the My Digital Studio album that Scott had created with the achievements he wanted to share from this past year. Way to go, Scott!
After visiting Mister Neilsen’s Neighborhood, we had a business class (we get to choose which ones we want to take) then our Advisory Board Reunion Luncheon. Stampin’ Up! treated us to lunch at the Little Rhein Steakhouse, for a fabulous meal. There was even a treat for us at the tables — a package of upcoming Designer Series Paper! I can’t share the paper on my blog, but check out the gorgeous wrapping!
After lunch we had more classes, then a final session. Our excitement reached the roof when my friend Mary Ellen Stites (fellow LovenStampfuls demonstrator) was picked for a Backstage Pass for the final session. Mary Ellen got the ‘behind the scenes’ tour, met with Shelli and the other Stampin’ Up! celebrities, and watched the show from behind the curtains. Talk about a front row seat! As if that all wasn’t enough, she got extra free stamps, too!
The theme of the whole Leadership Conference this year has been “my way”, since Stampin’ Up! encourages us to take our demonstrator opportunity and put it together ‘our way’. The executive team presentations followed the same ‘my way’ theme, and Chad Richards, CTO (tech guy) at Stampin’ Up!, shared his love of anything with a motor. Yup, he drove that Harley Davidson motorcycle right out on stage!
Of course demonstrators know what we like best… FREE stamps! There was no shortage of great giveaways during Leadership this year, both drawings for special winners, as well as giveaways for everyone. We even got a special package with the NEW Sale-A-Bration exclusive stamp set Fresh Vintage and the gorgeous Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper.
Remember that the Sale-A-Bration special begins TOMORROW, January 24th! Eek, I can hardly contain my excitement… stay tuned for details tomorrow and a peek at the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog, but the short story is that for every $50 you order, you get a free Sale-A-Bration gift… stamp set, Designer Paper, embellishments, etc. AND there will also be a special on the Demonstrator Starter Kit… $50 off, PLUS free Designer Series Paper for you, all year long. Like I said…it’s exciting stuff! Be sure to visit me online tomorrow for details!
Through the whole two days at Leadership (plus a day of registration!), great stamping ideas were shared. Here are some projects that were displayed with our Make N Take supplies — Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit (see it online), along with the Mixed Bunch stamp set (see it online).
And a few more… I loved the way they were displayed by clipping with clothespins to a rope.
Every Stampin’ Up! event… Leadership in January, Convention in July, Regionals throughout the year, incentive trips in the Spring …they are all done to the ‘nth’ degree and give us the chance to be inspired and motivated as demonstrators. So a huge THANK YOU goes out to Stampin’ Up! for taking such good care of us. Can’t wait for the next ‘big’ event!
Happy Stamping!