I look so forward to our Close To My Heart North American Convention every year. Every year I say it was my favorite one yet (and I mean it). This year was no exception!
Hundreds of CTMH Consutlants congregated in Orlando, at DisneyWorld. We stayed at the beautiful Disney Coronado Springs resort. All of the guest houses surround a beautiful lake, and the convention center is also near the lake.
My roomies and I (oh, how I love them! We have been roomies forever and plan to continue that tradition!) just so happened to get a room in the guest house the very furthest from the Convention Center. We good naturedly trekked it over to the Convention a few times per day (I'm guessing about a mile walk each direction) in 95 degree heat and 80-90% humidity. Here's a pic of us goofing around on our walk back to our guest house one evening.
This is what the bathroom looks like with 4 women sharing a room.
This is on our trek back. Notice the signs pointing every direction. We lived in Ranchos for the week, notice there is only ONE sign pointing that way? We definitely got our exercise!
Wednesday, June 22 was Leadership Day. This day is just for the leaders of the company. It was awesome and filled with great information and motivation to lead successful teams while running a successful business of your own. What a GREAT day! I am always so filled and excited for the next year after a day like this!
That evening, I had a large team meeting with my team (30 of my 250ish team members were able to attend Convention this year) and we had fun laughing, learning and creating. I love my team! We are called The Pacemakers, because we like to think we keep The Heart (as in Close To My Heart) pumpin'!
Thursday, June 23 was the opening of Convention. Close To My Heart spares no expense (or embarrassment...tee hee) on their opening session show. Our theme for the Convention was Inside Out and these 4 Home Office executives didn't disappoint in the General Session opening skit.
During the first General Session, new products are revealed, and so is the new catalog. It's full of tons of excitment. There was even a skit where I got to be Chewbacca! Oh my! Chewbacca Mom, look out. We might have given you a run for your money!
These new products and catalogs don't go live for customers until August 1, so wait patiently (or become a Consultant, because we get to see and purchase new products a month ahead of customers, AND at a great discount! There is an AWESOME sign up special in July, so watch my blog on July 1 {tomorrow} for all of the information about the special and how to sign up!) and I'll be unveiling things soon! In the meantime, here's a sneak peak at the catalog. It's tradition that every year I get a photo with these 3 ladies with the new catalog. Unfortunately, this year Lisa was unable to attend, but we made sure she was in the photo.
After lunch on Thursday, I presented a creative class with new products to the entire group of Consultants at Convention. It was tons of fun having new product sneak peeks the month before Convention as I prepared, and I love sharing my love of creating with so many excited Consultants. All of the presenters got darling, bright colored aprons to present in and then keep.
Thursday evening was the Director's Dinner. I love this tradition. Every year, CTMH treats all Directors and above to a fancy dinner and activity. This year we had a catered dinner of a delicious salad, chicken, potatoes and veggies, with a scrumptious lemon dessert. We all got photos with Mickey and Minnie (who were special guests at our dinner) and then were treated to a pontoon boat ride on the lake to enjoy the DisneyWorld firework show. WOW! I am so proud to have 2 downline who are Directors and love sharing this tradition with them! Brenda and Kimberly, I just love you both! Kimberly even happend to snap an amazing photo of the fireworks just as they made a heart. We are certain that heart was just for the Close To My Heart Directors! ;)
Friday, June 24 was another day full of creativity, instruction and great company and food. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun Convention is! Unfortunately, I don't think I got many pictures that day to share. Shame on me!
Saturday, June 25 was the last day of Convention. It's always sad to see it end. That evening was the Awards Banquet. As a Senior Executive Director, I get a front table for the show and awards, and 2 extra tickets to invite who I would like to join me at the table. I always let all of my team members who would like a chance to sit with me put their name in a drawing at our team meeting. This year two first time Convention attendees were drawn (I loved that!). I enjoyed sharing that evening with Cheryl and Susan!
In addition to a wonderful dinner and show, my team was awarded #3 in Team Sales (for a team our size) in the United States. WOO HOO, Pacemakers! Here I am on stage with the other two winners (Denise and Joanne) and the Canada winner (Brae), as well as Brian and Monica from the Home Office.
Sunday morning, I was up and at 'em early (3:20 am) in order to catch my shuttle to the airport and my flight. I arrived back in Utah safe and sound and grateful for another wonderful annual Convention and all that I gain from it. Not only do I learn a ton, get new ideas, see new products, and fill my business cup, but I spend time with ladies that have become family to me. I love my team, my roomies, and my CTMH sisters. This company is SO much more to me than a way to make $ (although its a great way to do that!), but it is part of my heart. In fact, you might even say it is "Close To My Heart."
