Stampin' Up! Convention USA Style!

Yesterday I showed you some of my adventures in Salt Lake City ahead of the 2013 US Convention starting, including some glimpses of the Convention Center.  Today I am going to share a bit more about Convention itself. 

My first impression was how big it was!  The doors opened and about 6000 excited Stampin' Up! Demonstrators poured through to be greeted by the staff - excitement building as we went to find a seat. Once everyone was in we were treated to an inspiring opening session which included a performance from American Voice contestant Ryan Innes and some fantastic presentations. This wonderful start was followed by a great party!

Here are just a few of the presenters we heard from during Convention (you can click on any of the pictures to make them bigger or see them in more detail on my facebook page here)

Lots more inspiring people shared their insights and knowledge too, both demonstrators and staff.  Here are some fellow incentive trip achievers getting ready to present

Here is a little video to give you an idea of the scale of the room and a feel for the excitement before sessions began

There was a special Recognition Room for people who had achieved awards and the Incentive Trip - complete with friendly doormen checking you were allowed in!  It was a great place to relax and spend time with achieving demonstrators and staff members who openly shared business tips - the room was full of chatter, hugs and lots of laughter.  

There was lots to do and see - some of the samples were stunning and they some were displayed to spell the words, Create, Inspire and

While we were there we broke the World Record for the most greeting cards sent from a single location - I was number 3342!  We all had a giggle and the man from the Post Service certainly seemed to be enjoying himself!

Here are just a few of the wonderful friends I spent time with during Convention

And a few fellow bloggers and inspiring crafters and achievers that we spent time with

And of course there were the parties - the top picture shows my Cruise Buddy Selene at the live band Karaoke - and wow can she sing!  I am excited that I am going to be meeting up with her and lots of my other new friends again next May - can't wait!  I am missing all the incredible people I got to spend time with already.

At awards night the very top achievers found out if they were part of Founders Circle and those that were all received a gorgeous handbag - here is a picture of me with the bag.  I would love to say it was mine but it was in fact the lovely Stella's (she is on the left in the picture taken in the Recognition Room).

We also had lots of presentations featuring the wonderful new products from Stampin' Up! and showing us some products that are going to be launched soon - I know you are going to love them all and I am looking forward to being able to share them with you when they come to Europe.

Convention was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to everyone.  The next convention is in Manchester in November and if you are in the UK, France, Germany, Austria or the Netherlands you could join me and my team there!  Email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk to find out how

Happy Stampin'