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| By Pamela Ferry, Network Development Manager USANA Australia and New Zealand |
It’s great to be back home after a crazy few weeks away. Of course, I am talking about the great adventure that was International Convention 2013!
Over 500 people from across the pacific region – Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines – travelled thousands of kilometres to join our global family and represent our region. It truly was our biggest must-attend event of the year. Salt Lake City, Utah was transformed over three intensive and fun-filled days! Here’s a rundown of what we got up to…
Day one Wednesday 14 August 2013
Our three-day event began with a home office tour; we were met and greeted by the superb staff at HQ and saw where our world-class products are researched, developed and manufactured.
Then, it was onto registration and straight onto the training stages where an all-star line-up gathered to present clear information about everything you’d ever need to know about our proven health products. Resident scientist and health supremo, Dr John Cuomo, spoke about the essential health that is Essentials™. And, audiences had options to attend presentations about business building and going for gold, too.
Between events, we shopped, shopped and shopped some more! What with the fab products, merchandise and sales tools, it was clear to see why no one goes home without some excess baggage!
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| VP David Mulham showcasing his singing talents! |
Fun at USANAfest
Later, USANAfest kicked off some downtime – it’s always a highlight! This year, we rocked to a Blues Brothers theme. We danced to the surprisingly tuneful tones of our very own Vice President, David Mulham, who this year showcased his singing talents as well as his drumming skills!
Personally, I was super excited (OK terrified at first) to be singing backup on the indie classic, Mustang Sally. There I am with the extremely talented Fi Jameson Folland, Nick Taylor and Viola Hug. Later, we rocked to the USANIMALs in action. What a fun night!
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| Indie rockers for the night – Nick Taylor, Me, Fi Jameson Folland & Viola Hug |
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| Our Aussies and Kiwis loud and proud! |
Day 2 Thursday 15 August 2013
After an energising Zumba workout with Carmen Marshall (and a 6.30am start!), we were really buzzed and ready to start the day. Our Aussies and Kiwis made us proud as we prepared for the Pacific Power session. Seated in our specially secured spaces, we enjoyed a spectacular kick off of to the morning general session.
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| Smiles all round for our Pacific Power photo. |
Top speakers included the inimitable Denis Waitley, the dynamic Aaron Dinh and a host of inspirational individuals. It was an action-packed day – so much so that there was only time for a Nutrimeal™ shake for lunch!
Later, there were more training stages on offer. I particularly enjoyed the presentation by one of our favourite health experts, Dr Karen Wolfe, who spoke about Science Meets Delicious in her low GI, high fibre Nutrimeal-focussed presentation. We also learned how we could close the generation gap on Gen Y with Nancy On and Matt Chionis. Then, the evening session focussed again on health showcasing our very own Dr Libby Weaver.
Save, earn, recognise
As well as some tasty new products that were launched at Convention, news broke about the some radical and innovative business changes set to boost business for every USANA business owner.
These were:
1. New auto order savings
2. New earnings
3. New recognition.
The incredible entertainment was headed up by martial artist/dancer Kenichi Ebina of the famed America’s Got Talent. His moves were so unique and totally mesmerising – no wonder his videos went viral! Later, the stage welcomed and the audience recognised some of our top global associates – worthy winners and wonderful icons for our global business. And, the ideal finish to a jam-packed day? A wrap up dance party of course! Lucky we had our Rev 3™ pops to keep us going…
Day 3 Friday 16 August 2013
The third and last day of International Convention started with a peaceful meditation led by members of the Sanoviv Team. It really is a wonderful way to clear the mind and totally let go.
Later, we were treated to more training and two more general sessions. In-between sessions, we fit in a meeting with friends from across the world – from California to Mexico and the UK plus we welcomed our new Colombian friends too. This event was truly a fun, learning extravaganza.
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| The Aussies hit centre stage! |
Friday night was an early night – we had to be in top form to run the Children’s Hunger Fund – Champions for Change 5km fun run in the morning.
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| Network Development Manager Cecilia Chan, VP of Pacific Region David Mulham, Head of Network Development and Marketing Geoff Watt and Senior Product Manager Josephine Daly all ready to run! |
Day 4 Saturday 16 August 2013
I was thrilled that the entire Australia, New Zealand and Philippines team got involved including our wonderful Philippines General Manager, Duday Gaston. Afterwards it was straight into training.
Some of the exceptional presentations on the Saturday morning line-up included one by the innovation that is Daren Hardy – Publisher and founding director of Success magazine. Darren spoke on leadership and what your need to do in business to have that X factor! He was followed by everyone’s favourite TV doctor; Dr Mehmet Oz. Dr Oz shared just a tiny part of his wealth of health knowledge. Our CEO Dave Wentz presented as did everyone’s number one favourite, Dr Myron Wentz.
All too soon, it was time for the closing sessions in Saturday afternoon. But even as we did so, each of us came away with a number of aims for the future.
My key three points to bear in mind and boost business were:
1. Teamwork is everything. Individually, we can see success, but in a team, that success in amplified and huge. So get with likeminded people, work together and everyone will succeed!
2. People go as fast as they can go. But they also go as fast as their leader. So be professional. Be inspirational. Be the best you can be – and lead your team to success!
3. There are no excuses. You can do it. So just do it!
And there we have it. Another super successful Convention with insider health tips from the experts and business changes to help launch your career to even greater heights! It’s wonderful to be a part of such a great Company – one that shares and cares!
So until next time, folks, in happiness and health,
Pamela
Network Development Manager
USANA Australia New Zealand