Today, I am happy to share a summary of my trip to Houston for Stampin’ Up!’s Leadership Conference. What a wonderful time! I have pictures and stories for you. Before we start, though, please know that many of these pictures came right out of my iPhone, while others were lifted directly from other people’s posts (in blogs and on Facebook) about the weekend.
Wednesday
Every January, Stampin’ Up! hosts a 3-day event for demonstrators who are leaders in recruiting and sales. While this event has more of a business focused than Convention, there was still plenty of time for fun and excitement. I arrived Wednesday morning, met Justin Krieger at the airport, and we headed directly to the hotel (we stayed at the Hilton-Americas, which is attached to the Convention Center. As soon as we were unpacked, Mary Fish invited Justin and me to join her for lunch.
Throughout our meal, people approached the table to let us know they read our blogs and to have pictures taken with us. Some knew Justin, some knew me and all knew Mary. It’s still so strange for me (I am no celebrity), but I appreciate their passion and love to talk with my friends and blog readers. Moments after the above picture was taken, a woman at a neighboring table leaned over to us and hooted, “It’s stamping royalty! I have to let you guys know that I read your blogs every single day and love everything you have to say.” So sweet, right? I said, “Thank you” and smiled. Her response? “I don’t know who YOU are. I know Justin and Mary, but I don’t know YOU.”
We attended a training class that night with Lisa Pretto. Lisa runs InkBig Academy and provides amazing training for demonstrators and direct-sales consultants. The training was inspirational and informative. Dinner followed with card swaps and gifts from Mary and Lisa.
Thursday
Justin and I got up early on Thursday to sign in and pick up our Leadership materials. Every year, Stampin’ Up!’s Leadership participants are given a bag that’s exclusive to the event.
OK, so I probably won’t carry this bag around Atlanta, but it’s a great bag with an awesome pattern inside and cool pockets. The bag is perfect for my Mom. Happy Birthday, Mom! And Happy Mother’s Day! And Merry Christmas!
Thursday morning and afternoon were filled with General Sessions and training classes – we were able to select from several breakout sessions that were targeted to our needs. Lots of great information and ideas.
At registration, attendees are given a wristband with Stampin’ Up! colors. Justin and I were both given “Early Espresso”. During the General Session, Justin (also “Early Espresso”) and I both won a new stamp set and pack of Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper. Woo hoo!
At lunch, I was happy to meet Tami White, who was recently recognized by Stampin’ Up! for earning $1 million in sales. Here’s the catch – she knew me. 🙂 What an honor to have a picture with her.
While the Managers (and above) attended the Manager’s Reception at the Houston Aquarium, I went out to dinner with Maggie Mata, Nicole Watt and Justin Krieger. We had a great time.
Friday
Friday was filled with more training and product showcases. Two things:
- Blendabilities. You’ve already read about the Blendabilities markers, right? They are essentially Stampin’ Up!’s answer to Copic markers. I was able to play with the markers, and I have to say they are wonderful. We should expect to see them some time in the first quarter of this year. Oh, I can’t wait for you to see them – I was skeptical, but they are going to be a great addition to my craft space.
- My Paper Pumpkin. When Stampin’ Up! introduced My Paper Pumpkin last year, the kits were designed to appeal to crafty people who were new to paper crafting. Lots joined and several dropped, unhappy with the items in the kits. Stampin’ Up! has listened and has “upped the ante” on the quality of items in the kits. We were able to see the January, February and March kits (no pictures) – and I have to say that they are really great. I’ve re-subscribed and can’t wait to get mine. If these are any indication of what’s to come with My Paper Pumpkin, you’ll want to sign up now (www.mypaperpumpkin.com, Brian King, 30341).
Justin and I attended Bonnie Thurber’s training class and had to have our picture taken with this dynamic and entertaining woman. Stampin’ Up! is fortunate to have Bonnie!
In one of the General Session gatherings, folks were gathered to admire Janet Wakeland’s bejeweled heals. Lisa Pretto and I joined in the show show-off. 🙂
A king needs a crown:
Friday night was topped off with a Make-and-Take session with live training and walk throughs. It was great to hang out with friends around stamps and inks and punches. Woo hoo!
Saturday
General Session was super-fun on Saturday with more give aways and fun events. Here are some pictures with friends:
Heather Cooper, Janet Holmes and Julie Skotzke (fellow 2013 Rising Stars):
Justin Krieger, Ann Schach, Rita Wright and Ann Marie Hile:
Germaine Meilach, Dawn Walker-Randall and Justin Krieger:
As with all Stampin’ Up! events, this event was wonderful. With all the crafting ideas and sneak peeks at new products and product giveaways, the highlight of these events lies in the connections and friendships we make. It was so good to see my friends from all over the country, and I can’t wait to see them again soon.
I hope you have enjoyed this picture diary of Houston’s Leadership Conference.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
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That looks like so much fun, Brian! Loved the pictures. We were lucky enough to meet Bonnie at the European Convention in November: she certainly is dynamic and entertaining, and so inspirational.
Well Brian, the pictures speak louder than words, my goodness you guys really had a blast!!!!! I’m so glad you enjoy yourself and get to meet so many wonderful people and I bet you came back home full of wonderful ideas to share with all of us. Thanks for this great pictures of the fun you had.
Great recap! I am so glad that you had such a fun time. I literally LOL’d at the lady who didn’t know you. I bet after a nano second of ‘crickets’ you all did too.
What a fantastic blog post!! You are H I L A R I O U S !!!!
Thank you for making me smile. Xx
What a great journal of people and events . Thank you for showing us ! I felt like I was there too !.
Amazingly SUPER-FUN AWESOMENESS Brian!!! Your pictures and stories to go with them are fabulous and truly convey the great time you had!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 🙂
As always entertaining to read and love all the pics. That was HYSTERICAL about the lady at lunch….I mean really, how does she NOT know who you are….If she reads Justin and Mary’s blog…..your rock star name has been mentioned in both. I’m sure your mom will love the bag! Have a great day.
It’s not that I EXPECT people to know me – at the same time, I’m hard to miss in a crowd. As I was getting used to people recognizing me, I was put squarely in my place by this woman who didn’t recognize me. It’s all good. I probably needed to be taken down a notch. 🙂
Looks like loads of fun. I am a hobby demo and love all the inspiration
Looks like a super fun time! Thanks for sharing the excitement. And just for the record, ALL of us at Stamping Peace know who you are. : )
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Looks like it was a great one! I am super jealous as I wasn’t able to attend this one and get to see you too! Take care and happy stamping with all your new freebies!
Great summary! I LOL’d about the woman who didn’t know you. Well she does now. Thanks for sharing!
Love this recap of your week. I’ll bet you are super excited and ready to conquer the world…….right after a few days in the Fungeon. Lol.
And congrats to the lady who said she didn’t know you and kept a sweet, innocent face! That must have been hard for her…..another stamp world jokster!
Thanks for the details of the weekend and pics. I almost felt like I was there!
Oh, my! Brian! What a great recap. I was wonderful to officially meet you…(and thank you for the paper swatches). It was such an honor to be able to attend Leadership this year…looking forward, now, to Inspire.Create.Share. 2014 🙂
Brian,
Looks like you had a great time. I think you should ask Stampin’ Up to create a male version of theirs bags for all our wonderful male Stampin’ Up demonstrators. You and Justin and the others (I know there are more I have met several) should have bag to keep for all the events just like the women do. Although I know your mom will enjoy it just doesn’t seem fair.
Ooooo, Brian , those are Priceless Pictures
The only thing I didn’t like
IM NOT IN THEM !!!!!!!
Love then all ,
The King one is perfect !!!!!
Hugs Frenchie
Ps your so cute !!!
Hey Brian – to say it looks like you guys had a fun weekend is an understatement! How fun to be able to share stamping with so many talented people and to make so many friends from all over the country. Thanks for sharing what you people experienced and the photos that make me smile.
Loved your recap Brian! And so looking forward to Convention with you & Justin and all of your fun shenanigans!
Oh my, all those smiling faces in all your pictures were SO FUN to see! I think it is safe to say that a “fantastic time was had by all”! And I didn’t read the caption under the picture of you with your bag the first time I read your blog this morning (before coffee). My first thought when I saw the picture of you and your bag was that it would be a perfect gift for your mom! It was fun to reread the blog after coffee and see you were right on top of “re-gifting” the bag to Mom. Thanks, “King”! 😉
What fun, great pictures Brian! Looks like you had a fabulous time. Thanks for sharing!
Sure does look like you had a great time! What a great photo of you and Tami White! LOVE her!
Valerie
It was awesome to get to meet you, Brian. You are my new favorite person. 🙂 It’s easy to tell from the pictures that you had a blast! Happy belated Birthday to your mom!
those pictures are so great and you look you had grand time……………….
Fantastic recap of all your fun. How could it not be fun being around all those bubbly demos. Thanks
Brian, I did not get to go to leadership this year due to my knee replacement. Looks like you guys had a blast!
Looks like you had a fabulous fun time! Thanks so much for sharing info about your trip and all the wonderful photos!
Dang it…I should have gone. Looks like you had a blast Brian! Next year…. Thank you for all you do for us. You keep us informed of not only your awesome cards, but new products and now, even Leadership events and photos. You rock Mr. KING! 🙂 And, speaking of great things….I am SOOOO happy to hear they have made Paper Pumpkin better! I also stopped, and restarted, but wasn’t too excited about all the kits before. I’m taking your advice, and seeing what comes to my mailbox this month. And the new markers? YAY! I bought a ton of Copics and love them, so I’m hoping we now have a good comparison with the new markers. Can’t wait to try them.
Thanks for the delightful re-cap Brian! I have just recently started following your blog.
I was to attend my first Leadership last year, but fell down some stairs, so had to cancel. Hope to attend next year!
Ruthie, So sorry to hear about your fall. Hope your recovery is quick. Brian
So enjoyed your recap. Your blog is so informative and enjoyable to read.
WOW! What a great wrap up! I loved it! I had an amazing time with you my friend as I always do! You are the King! 🙂
Brian, I think you have a good time where ever you go and what ever you do. I’m glad you had fun with so many awesome stampin’ friends and thanks for sharing the highlights with us. Too funny the woman didn’t know you. What rock has she been hiding under, ha ha. I’d know you anywhere!
Traci, You’re right – I try to find the fun in everything – sometimes that’s easy, sometimes it’s difficult. It’s just a part of who I am. 🙂
Brian, I feel so bad!!! This is my first chance in days to catch up with you! WHAT a wonderful trip you have had. LOVED and I mean LOVED this blog post. I get to live my life through you. I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished through stampin up! Tell your sweet momma happy belated birthday!