CONVENTION 2011 ON DAY 1

So sorry that there’s been a slight delay in getting the next instalment on the blog!  Still have Mum staying and we’re away visiting family.  We’re trying to make the most of Mum’s few remaining days here.  Only 2 more sleeps before she leaves on Sunday.

The picture above is of the main stage and the theme of Convention was “GROW” as you can see.

I took so many photos, I just had to make some of them into little collages. Look at these wonderful creations continuing the garden and “grow” theme. They were just stunning in real life and all made out of Stampin’ Up! products – I was just blown away by the creativity.

The displays in Memento Mall were equally stunning as I feasted my eyes on the vignettes everywhere.. .. and yes, if you look closely enough, there is even an umbrella with the Stampin’ Up! logo on it amongst other things! Look at that huge Spice Cake fabric flower in the bottom left picture. It is HUGE! Hmmmm…. can that be a clue for things to come you wonder?

After breakfast, we went to register for the event and this was the bag each attendee received.  It is just perfect as it will hold catalogues and has dedicated pockets for all the business supplies a SU Demonstrator needs to take to his/her workshop.

Inside Time Square where the main event was held, Amanda’s Inspiring Inkin’ team took up several tables as it was clear we couldn’t all sit at the same table.  I was relieved to be able to sit at hers  especially since my usual Convention buddy couldn’t attend this year.  I really missed not having her there this year to share in the event.

Straight after Shelli Gardner opened the Convention, the lovely Elizabeth – a fellow Inspiring Inkee’ stepped on to the main stage to give us the first demo!  Check out her blog here to see what she demoed.   She sailed through the demo without any sign of nerves just like an old pro!

Here’s the lovely Hayley – she’s had an amazing year and ranked #8 overall – she’s so modest – I made her pose for this photo to show off all her pins!  Dosen’t she look lovely?

Pre-dinner drinks at the Sequioa Lodge just before walking to the New York for the Awards Dinner.

Some kind soul took this photo for us so we could all be in the picture all glammed up for the Awards Dinner.  Thank you, whoever you are!  She had everyone’s cameras and looked like a professional photographer with a bank of cameras round her neck and wrist, busy clicking away!

We’re just about to tuck into our Starter course here. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the room “dressed” for dinner or even pick up the menu as a souvenir of this special occasion!

Amanda was one proud “mama” when so many of her team walked the walk across that stage and were congratulated by Shelli for their achievements.  Unfortunately being so far away from the stage, I couldn’t get very good pictures – the telephoto lens made them go a bit blurry and it didn’t help because of the low light conditions.   Kerry, a vision in pink, with Jane and Hayley waiting for their turn.

I love this pic of these two – just beaming with pride! “Lush” as Hayley would say!  I’m afraid I didn’t manage to get a pic of Rhoda or Caroline – congrats go to them too!

I had to take a picture of the screen rather than the people on the stage in the end, and on stage with Shelli and our Country Manager, Paula (on the end) are left to right standing next to Shelli – Jenny, Michelle in the middle and Amanda (our Stampin’ Up! mummy) who ranked #2 overall for the second year running, and in case you don’t know already, Michelle ranked #1 for the second year running too!

Congratulations to everyone who won an award or received recognition – all  so richly deserved!

I’m afraid because the venue was dimly lit, my pictures suffered and was terribly out of focus, but it’s the only one I’ve got of Rhoda and Elizabeth with Shelli.

Even yours truly managed to have her photo taken with the famous Shelli!   What a terrific memory to have – I am so chuffed and it was certainly a night to remember!

….and here I am again not quite believing I’m actually sandwiched between Shelli and her gorgeous daughter!

Some exciting news was announced during the day, but I can’t share right now – I just know you’ll all love it!   Will fill you in on Day 2 when I get Mum safely aboard her flight and get back to a normal routine!