Convention Announcements

I have copied the information below directly from our Stampin' UP! Demonstrator web site.. It is information that is for both my team and customers... a few things like Catalogue dates and 3 mini catalogues this year (*yeah.. jumps for joy) I am sure both my Team and Customers will be excited to along with me... Enjoy.. Love Ursula

The following announcements were made at Convention 2009.

Change in Catalogue Strategy

During her address in the first general session, Shelli announced that the catalogue launch date would change from April to September, beginning September 2010. "This means that the catalogue you now hold in your hands will be effective through September 2010, or about 17 months," Shelli explained. During the sales period of the current catalogue, Stampin' Up! will also release three mini catalogues to provide new products and hostess sets. Then, a new catalogue will be available in September 2010. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

This new catalogue strategy allows Stampin' Up! to

• release new products closer to the time they are released in the United States;
• keep all product offerings, including In Colors, accessories, and stamp sets, more closely linked to our offering in the US;
• help demonstrators offer popular products in a more timely fashion.

Although Shelli didn't announce this, the dates for Sale-A-Bration next year have also been adjusted. Sale-A-Bration will run from 25 January through 31 March.

Watch for more detailed information about the catalogue transition and strategy on the Demonstrator Web Site.

Update on Backorder Situation

During her remarks in the first session, Shelli also noted that the backorder situation has been a top priority. "Backorders will always be a part of any sales business because it's impossible to always forecast, order, and ship perfectly," she noted. "However, we are well aware that the volume of backorders we have had recently is absolutely unacceptable."

Shelli announced several short-term fixes and long-term fixes, including the following:

• Stampin' Up! has air freighted a large quantity of products to arrive last week.
• In addition, a large container with product is en route to Australia, which will alleviate the immediate concern.
• Stampin' Up! is creating a "safety stock" of all products in each international country, which means each country will have extra inventory, over and above what we expect to sell.
• Stampin' Up! will also be shipping containers of product more frequently to each country.
• Finally, Stampin' Up! will monitor even more closely the forecast and sales numbers and will respond immediately to products that look like they may go into backorder status.

Demonstrator Product Review Board

In his remarks, Aaron announced the creation of an anonymous demonstrator product review board. This group of demonstrators from Australia and New Zealand will be a great asset to us in identifying and providing popular products in the future and helping us ensure the accuracy of forecasts, products, and catalogues.

Move in Office Location

Aaron also summarized the growth that Stampin' Up! has experienced in the Australia and New Zealand area, including growing from four staff members to seven. This growth has necessitated a change in office location, as well. Effective in July, the Stampin' Up! office will move from our current location in Botany to a new facility. Watch the Demonstrator Web Site for more information regarding the change in contact information.

Dates for Upcoming Events

The dates and location for next year's convention was announced. In the awards session, Shelli encouraged all demonstrators to mark 21-22 May on their calendar and plan on attending Convention 2010, which will be held in Sydney!

The 2010 Incentive Trip location was also announced. It will take place on Hamilton Island. Watch for further details and exact dates on the Demonstrator Web Site.

In addition, regionals and field trainings were announced for the following locations:

Australia Regionals

• Perth
• Brisbane
• Sydney
• Melbourne

Australia Field Trainings

• Adelaide
• Hobart
• Canberra
• Cairns

Specific dates and venues will be announced soon, so watch for more detailed information on the Demonstrator Web Site.