USANA12: My 7 Memorable Moments. What Are Yours?

In the end, the 2012 USANA International Convention lived up to its theme: Celebrating You. It's the people who made Convention what it is. Thank you.

We did it, USANA.

Each year following our annual International Convention we wonder: “How will we ever top this?” And this year, I think it’s a legitimate question.

From the all-star lineup of world-class speakers to the constant stream of Associate leaders sharing their inspirational and motivational stories to the new product announcements to the sales tools upgrades to the first-of-its-kind massive stage production, it truly felt like an event 20 years in the making.

The 2012 USANA International Convention included countless memorable moments. As I look back on my just-completed fifth International Convention, I wanted to count down my Top 7 moments.

But first, a video…

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If you’re unable to view the video, please visit the USANA YouTube channel

Counting Down 7 Memorable Moments From #USANA12

Thousands of USANA Associates received free iPads at the 2012 USANA International Convention. It was just one of the many ways USANA celebrated its Associates during the event.

Thousands of USANA Associates received free iPads at the 2012 USANA International Convention. It was just one of the many ways USANA celebrated its Associates during the event.

7. The Free iPads: I’m pretty sure when Dave Wentz dropped this gem of an announcement, the roar from inside EnergySolutions Arena could be heard across the street at the Salt Palace. In an instant, the thousands of distributorships — each of which would soon receive a free iPad — made their way across the street and into the Salt Palace to snag their gift. USANA said it would give away $1 million in prizes at this Convention. No kidding.

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Associates donated to the USANA True Health Foundation for the opportunity to see members of USANA management team on stage wearing Sensé leotards. The team presented a $270,000 check to the board of the UTHF.

Associates donated to the USANA True Health Foundation for the opportunity to see members of USANA management team on stage wearing Sensé leotards. The team presented a $270,000 check to the board of the UTHF.

6. The Generosity: The USANA True Health Foundation on Saturday received a check for $270,000 to help in its mission to provide the most critical human necessities to those who are suffering or in need. Thank you to everyone who participated in the USANA Champions for Change 5K, purchased items such as bobbleheads to benefit the Foundation or simply donated your money or time to help this incredible organization.

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In honor of USANA's 20th anniversary, the company created an entirely new look and identity emphasizing personalization. USANA: Your Health. Your Life. Your Way.

In honor of USANA’s 20th anniversary, the company created an entirely new look and identity emphasizing personalization. USANA: Your Health. Your Life. Your Way.

5. The New Look: It is, in a word, spectacular! The fresh new corporate look is stunning and it will serve USANA well for years to come. It’s not merely a new logo or new packaging — it’s a new identity, a new voice, a new way of thinking. USANA is no longer “Nutritionals You Can Trust”; it is “Your Health. Your Life. Your Way.” Plus, the production value during the reveal was a sight to behold.

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Sharlie Kaltenbach, daughter of Collette Larsen, underwent a heart and double lung transplant a year ago. On Saturday, she shared her story of hope.

Sharlie Kaltenbach, daughter of Collette Larsen, underwent a heart and double lung transplant in February. On Saturday, she shared her story of hope.

4. The Inspirational Stories: Each speaker who took the stage provided the audience with words of motivation, education or inspiration. But one moment stood out above all else. When Sharlie Kaltenbach slowly walked out onto the stage and began sharing her powerful story of hope and determination, the crowd collectively inched toward the edge of their seats. The emotion-filled speech offered a more than fitting end to a remarkable event.

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My favorite segment each year involves many of the USANA-sponsored athletes who share their stories and reasons for trusting their health to USANA. Gold medalists and world champions took center stage on Thursday.

So many gold medalists and world champions were on stage at the 2012 USANA International Convention. The crowd went wild when the likes of Timothy Bradley Jr. and Sarah Hendrickson talked about reasons why they believe in USANA.

3. The Athletes: My favorite segment each year involves many of the USANA-sponsored athletes — Team USANA — who share their stories and reasons for trusting their health to USANA. I love writing about them throughout the year but to see the numerous gold medalists and world champions on one stage is an experience unlike any other. The crowd agreed, giving the athletes a rousing ovation that made the arena feel more like a title fight than a corporate conference.

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Social media chronicled the 2012 USANA International Convention. Thousands of tweets were sent using the #USANA12 hash tag and countless photos, videos and status updates were uploaded to Facebook for the world to get a feel for the excitement taking place in Salt Lake City.

Social media chronicled the 2012 USANA International Convention. Thousands of tweets were sent using the #USANA12 hash tag and countless photos, videos and status updates were uploaded to Facebook for the world to get a feel for the excitement taking place in Salt Lake City.

2. The Social Media: No surprise here, right? Tweets were a-flyin’ and Facebook posts were a-poppin’ everywhere you looked. Social media trainings were held on not one but two stages, and the social media team spent four days helping thousands of Associates learn more about using these powerful tools at the always-popular Social Media Booth. We’ll crunch the numbers in the next few days, but suffice it to say: The 2012 USANA International Convention was the most social one yet. If you’re still not following, what are you waiting for?

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In the end, the 2012 USANA International Convention lived up to its theme: Celebrating You. It's the people who made Convention what it is. Thank you.

In the end, the 2012 USANA International Convention lived up to its theme: Celebrating You. It’s the people who made Convention what it is. Thank you.

1. The People: I communicate with dozens of good friends over social media each day, and I truly look forward to the annual convention to connect with these wonderful people in real life. A few highlights for me: Meeting Mark Holmes, who drove 2,000 miles from Mobile, Ala., for the event (and who brought me a delicious gift that I can’t wait to try); reconnecting with Nick and Stacia Kelly, two incredible human beings who are passionate about good health, especially for children; experiencing the off-the-charts enthusiasm from teams such as NEX and ERA — and looking forward to the photos and videos I’m sure we’ll be seeing from NEX Studios in the coming days. And it’s always a pleasure visiting with Robin Thomas, one of our longtime social media fans. There are so many others who are so supportive of what we do. Thank you, and I can’t wait to see you next year!

How About You?

But those are just my Top 7. I’m sure you have 7 (or 70) of your own. Please let us know what they are by sharing in the comments!

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5 replies
  1. Shawnna Nichols
    Shawnna Nichols says:

    Inspirational , exciting , fun!! So blessed to have found a company with integrity &vision who truly cares about people. In my 25 years of marketing experience I have never been with a company that truly walks the talk ! Actions speak loader than words ! Proud to be apart of the movement. Usana family this is going to be the ride of our lives !

    Reply
  2. Ekayani Chamberlin
    Ekayani Chamberlin says:

    Ouch. The comments by Kimberly stung but I can’t say they aren’t true. It would be a big help to school people in etiquette. When you have people coming from all backgrounds you began to realize alot of basic things we took..or should I say I took for granted growing up are just not being passed on. It’s a sign of the times and while I do not hold Usana responsible for individual behavior a lot of succeeding in the world what to speak of business can be attributed to being polite, clean, considerate, saying please and thank you without an attitude. A brush up course making every one realize that they are in fact ambassadors for this great company should be included. Leaders need to help those lagging. The impact is huge. People can and will make judgements on an entire country, company, group, organization – you name it- based on impressions like these. For those of us who do not do this it is a disservice. It is a shame to Dr. Wentz and his son Dave who are in fact true gentleman. Kimberly I am sorry for anything rotten you experienced. It tarnishes Dr. Wentz’s sterling reputation and the efforts of the entire professional and polite staff at the home office. We cannot afford to become arrogant ever. Pride goeth before the fall.

    Reply
  3. Ana Maida Cervantes Arnold
    Ana Maida Cervantes Arnold says:

    Hi Ekayani, I live in Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico, had everything ready tickets Hotel rented car etc etc to be at this outstandig Event, unfortunatly very important business Deals came up that couldnt be solved, so We waited till the last moment and couldn’t make it, very very sorry, but God knows why. Anyway, I totally agree with this problem of manners, We think Everyone is brought up the same way We were and find out it’s totally diferent, also Your comment about representing the # 1 Company and Our Great Leaders, Dr Wentz and Dave Wentz, should imply behaving in accordance to this. I hope We All give the needed importance to this matter and start helping Each Other, have the best attitude and manners. Thank you.When You come Our way, get in touch so We can meet . We are Granparents of 4 Boys and 4 Girls, and Parents of 2 Boys and 2 Girls. My husband 75 I am 72 and We both feel great, taking Our USANA Nutrients EVERY DAY- Bye for now Ana Maida

    Reply

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