OnStage San Diego Recap

OnStage was amazing! I realize I say that Every. Single. Time. But it truly was amazing. Stampin Up does an amazing job on their events and it’s a fun weekend away with my crafty BFFs. We lucked out that the location this time was San Diego, which is about an hour and half south of us by car. Lyndi, Poli, and Annette and I decided to make it a mini vacation and drive down Friday, the day before OnStage. 

Here’s a peek at all our luggage…
Seriously! We were only going for ONE night. Who packs like this? Okay, the stop at the Outlet Mall didn’t help. As we pulled up to the hotel and started pulling out our bags, the porter ran back in to get the cart. He asked how long we were staying. When we said one night, he had this look of amazement on his face. 

I found this amazing hotel downtown right near the Convention Center. The Horton Grand Hotel is an older hotel and it has this amazing courtyard in the center. Here is the view of our balcony overlooking the courtyard. 
Margo, one of my downlines who couldn’t attend OnStage, sent a care package with us with these super funny photo props and snacks. What a sweetheart she is! Friday night, I attended the CentreStage Dinner. This is a recognition dinner for Silver Elite Demonstrators and above. Dinner was very nice and the business tips were greatly appreciated. On our way out of dinner, all attendees were given a gift of a Stampin Up apron and a stamp set. 

Since I had just promoted to Silver Elite this year, I was invited to walk across the stage during one of the recognition marches on Saturday. As someone who prefers not to be the center of attention, it’s kind of fun to see my name up on the board recognizing my accomplishment. 

Saturday morning we were up bright and early. I volunteered to help with the check-in tables in the morning and needed to be there early. It was really nice to be part of the group that welcomed the Demonstrators that were attending this event. And finally put faces to the names of the people I’ve met online.

I like to give a small gift to my downline members that are able to attend OnStage. I found these zipper pouches at a local store and they were very inexpensive. I filled them with a notebook, pen, highlighter, sticky tabs, and a couple treats. These were waiting for them at their seats when they entered the venue. Saturday’s event consisted of a watching stamping demonstrations both in person and via live stream, prize patrols, and some stamping. I’ll explain a little about the live stream. Stampin Up sells products in three major markets: US/Canada, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. The major Live Event rotates among those three markets. This is where the CEO and Corporate big-wigs go. The other two markets get what’s called a Local Event and we watch part of the Live Event via video stream. There are approximately 10 Local Events that you can pick from. Most Demonstrators pick a Local Event that’s convenient to them. 

We lucked out and all four of us won a Prize Patrol. Who can say no to more free stamps?

Yes, I’m one of those people that makes everyone take a group picture. I don’t think they minded too much. 

So all day, while we’re watching various presentations, checking out the new catalog, seeing new goodies…this has been in the center of our table. Our Make & Takes.

It took all my will power to not rip into those envelopes first thing in the morning. I love the sign “Nope Not Yet, you can wait”. No! I cannot wait. I have no patience. In fact, as soon as they started showing how to do each Make & Take, I started opening that envelope. Poli finally took the last envelope and held onto it so I wouldn’t peek too early. Sheesh. It’s not like we weren’t going to open it in 10 minutes anyway.

Sometimes, people will ask me if it’s really worth it to attend these events, specially since sometimes we have hotel and airfare to cover. Well, you tell me. This is what I came home with: the new Catalog, 6 stamp sets, a fabulous Stampin Up apron, tote bag, notebook, logo pens, two stamp pads, ribbon, and booklet of Stampin Up post-its. And, it’s not just the giveaways, it’s the excitement and energy. Seeing old friends. Making new friends. Time away with girlfriends. All the business tips and project ideas. It recharges my batteries and get’s me excited for what’s to come in the new Catalog. 

Oh yes. It was definitely worth it. 

Do you want to go to the next OnStage Event with me? It’s in November. You just have to be a current Demonstrator to attend. Contact me for details. Our team is always looking to make new friends. 🙂

Don’t forget, most products on the Retirement List are available only while supplies last. There are a number of products that are discounted too. If you see something you want, do not wait to purchase it. Some of these items will sell out quickly. Stamp sets will continue to be produced until the third week in May. After that date, they will be while supplies last as well. If you click on the Order Online button on the upper right-hand corner, it will take you to my online store so you can place your order immediately.