Scrapbooking convention: SDV -- Scrapper's Dream Vacation 2010 Trip Report

[mecllap]

First of all -- here's the main link of the thread that traces the before and after about this convention:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2283720

And there's a thread getting looking ahead to next year:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2544879

The 2010 thread is really long, and the 2011 will be very quickly, probably, so I thought I'd do a trip report from the perspective of a "newbie" that might help someone thinking about going.

The event is held at the Contemporary Hotel, close to the Magic Kingdom. It was odd to be that close and not get over there during my 3-day stay. I had some DVC points available, so I stayed at Bay Lake Tower (here's my review of the studio room there: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2550790 )

Most of our sub-group -- the "DIS Divas" stayed at the Contemporary with the convention package. Here's the SDV website: http://www.dreameventsinc.com/

There were two large rooms in the convention center area (2nd floor, by the check-in desk for the California Grill). One of the men's restroom was reserved/changed over to Ladies. I think there were about 280 people registered, plus vendors, staff, etc.

Some arrivals (vendors, I assume):

Empty room, Thursday night:

The Hotel's direction sign:

Early bird's stuff waiting for Thursday evening set-up time (if you register for the whole package, you get to set up early, but not start work until Friday morning):

The "Ladies" room (with clever basket screens in front of the urinals:

 

[mecllap]

I was amazed at the amount of stuff most people brought and set up at their work station. Each table had a power strip for personal lights, Cricut machines (there were a lot of those about), etc. I was at a table that seated 8, each with a 3" x 3" space (which was plenty for me). Many people "bought" two spaces, so a lot of tables only had four people. I was flying so I just worked on one theme (a book about my DGS's love of trains, esp. Thomas the Tank Engine, for several years) -- that kept me to fairly simple primary colors with easy mats, etc. I traveled with one backpack and one small suitcase, but I think most people must have driven.

Setting up Friday morning (someone else):

My "efficient" (or wimpy) space and stuff:

And here are some other people's workspaces:

And some room overviews:

I learned a lot just by wandering around and seeing what other people were doing, and the tools they were using. I did not go to any of the classes that were offered, or the make and takes. I think some vendors were offering activities as well. There was a lot of amazing beautiful work to be seen by some very skilled artist/scrappers. I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one doing more basic type pages, tho -- so I didn't feel out of place. People were very nice about complimenting each other's work. There were several organized sub-goups, who appeared to have been coming to this convention for years, but I think a new person coming alone would be made to feel comfortable by most/all of everyone there.

Every hour there was a drawing for something, and you got a small something (I took a pack of peace brads) just for entering, so everyone got something.
Each night there was a drawing for 3 people to win 3 larger items, and Saturday also had a drawing for one for next year's convention. And there was also a page contest Saturday night (I did not enter any of my simple pages):

And late Saturday night, some people wore their pj's and dancing broke out (YMCA, Electric slide, macarena, etc.):

 

[mecllap]

This event was held at the Contemporary, and I never had time to go to either of the pools, with everything else going on:

Some of the DIS Divas at work table:

I had the 2-day local package, which included buffet dinners Fri and Sat night.

Sat night featured slider sandwiches, fish and chips, salad, etc. and yummy desserts:

Some of group at dinner (I think I may have posted this on the 2010 thread):

Saturday night (shrimp, beef on skewers, outstanding desserts):

There was also a late Sunday morning buffet, but I had to leave Sun morning, so didn't sign up for that. A lot of other people also left early Sunday, so there was more room to spread out at most tables. I packed up my stuff Sat. night, and my space quickly got used by another table for chips and salsa, and other snacks.

There was a large tool work space for cutting, punching, etc. in one of the rooms (forgot to get photo of that). Didn't see it getting much use; the big cutting system I had no clue how to operate (but didn't need it -- I had brought along a lot of cricut cut-outs for my train pages).

Visitors seemed to be welcomed -- no need to wear a nametag for access to the room or vendors (altho I doubt that anyone not registered could start scrapping -- there were no unfilled work spots).

We took some time for a group photo, but not everyone could make it and we weren't happy with how that session went. Most of the group, plus some friends went to an early breakfast at Ohana, and got a nice photo there.

Here's the page on the other thread where that photo and some others are:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2283720&page=2

(I see I have double-posted a couple with this thread).

Some people made "table favors" for our sub-group, mostly chocolate based, and very cute. I really appreciated the post-it note pad that my table-mate did (I forgot to bring note paper). I contributed a little SDV WDW 2010 cricut cutout and pieces for everyone to make a paper doll of themselves at the convention.

I'm sure I'm leaving out some useful info, so hope others will add some tips and additions, and more photos relating to the convention. Overall, I had a great time, learned a lot, got 22 pages nearly complete (need to add some captions), and got inspired to try other techniques and more inventive layouts. Thanks, DIS Divas, for welcoming me into your group!

 

[mecllap]

Oh -- this is me with a couple of my pages:

The DIS Divas wore blue shirts on Friday, and pink shirts on Sunday, most with matching logos with Mickey and Walt Disney World Scrapbook Weekend on them. Pink was a very popular color at this convention. It was almost all women -- only saw a few/couple of men doing any scrapping work. But, I'm sure men are welcome!

The background music got too loud occasionally (especially after an announcement), but it wasn't enough of an issue for me to go get my earplugs (I find now that I'm older, I have more difficulty with loud noise -- movies are almost unbearable in theaters for me). There is of course a general hubbub with that many people in a room, but it was a happy hubbub!
It was great to be at a convention where everyone wanted to be there --not like back in the work days, when we had to go to them whether we wanted to or not!

 

[wdwmickey]

Thanks for the TR I'm toying with the idea of going next year. It would be fun to spend my birthday cropping at WDW. I can't imagine flying that far and not going into the parks though Maybe I could do a split stay and move to a value for a couple days after SDV. Also, I'm spoiled by having all my stuff at hand here, I'll need to start prepping page kits in January

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks for the great report and for all the pictures! I would love to get there someday. I've done local scrapbooking conventions and like you said - one of my favorite parts was being surrounded by so many other people who all love scrapbooking as much as I do.

 

[Michellepooh]

Such a great report! Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[MarieS]

Great trip report! I am considering attending next year and your photos and info were really helpful.

 

[Lisa]

Great trip report, Melissa. You described SDV WDW perfectly. I can't wait till next year!

 

[MazdaUK]

Oh, I would sooooooooooooooooo love to come out with my tiny little bit of stuff! Some of those poeple brought out twice as much stuff as I have at home (and DH thinks I have a lot) but it would probably be cheaper for me just to buy it all over there and ship it home. Here's an idea - could come out on a family vacation then send the family home/to Seaworld and do SDV with the photos from the vacation

We've already booked next year's vacation but maybe the year after......

 

[DisneyIsTerrific]

Great trip report Melissa! It was such a fun time and I'm looking forward to next year already!

WDWMickey, I went to the parks a couple of times during SDV. If you want to leave for a couple of hours, you go right ahead. You can stay in the room and scrap for as long or as little as you want. It's awesome! I also arrived a little early and then stayed another day to get more park time in.

Mazda, you really do need to come over with the family for awhile and then join us. It would be sooo fun!!!!

 

[TEK224]

Are people able to just walk around and look at things/shop at the vendors?

 

[LindaBabe]

Thank you! Wishing I could go.

 

[mecllap]

Are people able to just walk around and look at things/shop at the vendors?

That appeared to be the case -- I guess there haven't been issues with security, given the location of the venue at the high-priced Contemporary, and not many unregistered people would be paying much attention to, or looking for, a scrapbooking convention. Not that I'm advocating that a rush of folks show up to wander around without registering -- I think most of the visitors I saw, were actually visiting someone who was registered. I doubt the vendors would turn away other customers.

In regard to another note, I did go to Epcot before the conv. started, and stayed a few days after to go to the other parks (and Epcot again). I got the impression that some folks were pretty much there just for the weekend, but I think most work in some park time. And they were comparatively uncrowded (esp. if you go to the park that is NOT having Extra Magic Hours).

 

[Lisa]

My family and I arrived Sunday before the convention, DH and DD went home Thursday when I transferred over to the Contemporary. That gave us the opportunity to do the parks for five days before scrapping for 2 1/2.

 

[dlbwright]

Melissa, awesome report. Thanks for letting us live through it again!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Great report! I like seeing my work location though others eyes

I wish the Epcot pin event was not the same weekend as SDV as I worked the load in (thurs) and load out (sun) but was at Epcot Fri/Sat (My bank account thanked me though) and I would've liked to see the "fun" parts of the weekend (maybe it would make me think better of the event and thank you for not spray painting on the carpet (as none of you were in Grand)) but I'm very glad you guys had fun..

I hope its elsewhere next year cause I'd like to come (the whole concept of paying money to spend time where I work is weird)
-em

 

[LisaG520]

Great report! I like seeing my work location though others eyes

I wish the Epcot pin event was not the same weekend as SDV as I worked the load in (thurs) and load out (sun) but was at Epcot Fri/Sat (My bank account thanked me though) and I would've liked to see the "fun" parts of the weekend (maybe it would make me think better of the event and thank you for not spray painting on the carpet (as none of you were in Grand)) but I'm very glad you guys had fun..

I hope its elsewhere next year cause I'd like to come (the whole concept of paying money to spend time where I work is weird)
-em

They do have them in other locations - not in Orlando though. I go to one in Raleigh, NC every year. Orlando is much closer for me (I'm in Jacksonville) but I can't get past the idea of staying in the Contemporary and not going to the parks for the bulk of the time

 

[bigbabyblues]

Thank you for sharing! It's not likely that I'll ever get to go to SDV, but what a wonderful trip!

Steph