As part of The Well’s Linkup, I was challenged to share my favorite purchase of 2014. I actually had a really hard time coming up with it. What did I purchase that became invaluable to me? An article of clothing? I bought a lot of things last year that I truly love and envision having for years. Something for our home? I bought a Le Creuset that I now can’t imagine cooking without, but that was in 2013.
What started as thinking about my favorite fashion purchases, like the dress, heels, clutch and necklace I’m wearing in this photo at Alt Summer (which I truly love), led me to the most influential buy of the year: a ticket to Alt Summit last June. Alt Summit is a business conference for bloggers and creatives. I was still new to blogging having started Luv in the Bubble about seven months earlier. I hadn’t met many other bloggers and felt as though I was on my own island. Attending Alt Summit was a game changer for me.
It was the first conference I’ve ever attended where I felt I was meant to be. Nothing against the accounting conferences I previously frequented, but here were hundreds of women (and a few men) doing what they loved. They were smart, stylish and full of creative ideas. Being around them was inspiring.
The classes offered were a mix of hands on experience and lecture style. All of the speakers seemed larger than life, but were actually down to earth and very approachable. From photo styling to using Pinterest more effectively to tips on growing a small blog. I left with a ton of practical knowledge and a huge to do list.
My blog conference experience is pretty limited, but I believe Alt Summit does a great job of connecting brands and bloggers. I met some great brands that I had the pleasure of working with last year. Without making those relationships at Alt Summit, I know I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities.
Best of all, I met some fantastic women that have become part of my community. I love following along with them through their blogs, Instagram and Twitter. It’s fun to celebrate their success and life events even from afar. Meeting them inspired me to find people and events that are local to me in Phoenix.
Oh yeah, I also heard Joy Cho and Martha Stewart speak. That was pretty cool too. I’m bummed to miss Alt Winter, which starts today, but I know I’ll be back soon!
photo by Justin Hackworth for Alt Summit
To read some of the other responses, visit these fabulous blogs. I can’t wait to check them out!
1) The B Bar 2) Girl in Betsey 3) Glitter & Bow 4) Pretty Much 5) White Cabana 6) Healthfully Ever After 7) Boulevard House 8) Always Craving 9) Southern Charm & Prints 10) Perfect Enough For Us 11) Modish & Main 12) Alessandra Marie 13) Jenn Inspired 14) A Little Leopard 15) All the Pretty Stars 16) York Avenue 17) PR Blonde 18) Alyssa J Freitas 19) A Loyal Love 20) The College Prepster 21) Burlap & Lace 22) Brunch on Chestnut 23) Average Girl’s Guide 24) The Yuppie Files 25) Cassandra Monroe 26) Always Anita 27) PR Girl Diaries 28) Life Modifier 29) Business Betties 30) Cake & Lilies 31) Little Wild Heart 32) The Not Quite Adult 33) Annie Reeves 34) Rossetto 35) Lemon Stripes 36) Meg Biram 37) Victoria McGinley
As I’ve been hoping around I’ve noticed that courses/conferences, cameras, and computers have been popular choices. This is what happens when bloggers all answer the same question haha! Check out my postin the linkup
Alyssa J Freitas
Haha, Alyssa, I guess that was bound to happen! It’s a great list of resources to reference!!
Yay, I love this answer, E! Thanks goodness we met at Alt! xoxo
Yes!! You’re one of my favorite people I met there and I love following along with your continued success. I look forward to your Instagram photos each day. They make me happy!
Love this answer! Alt looks to be quite the event! One day I’ll make it there…
It really is an amazing and inspiring event! It isn’t cheap, but it’s an expense that I found worth it. I’d suggest starting with Alt Summer. It is half the size of Alt Winter (or so I understand) and was overwhelming enough!
I’ve only been to one blog conference, Go Blog Social and it was a blast. Making it a goal to attend another one this year! I’ll have to check this one out.
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
I would highly recommend it! They have two sessions – Winter and Summer. Winter starts today and Summer is held in June. Personally, I think the weather in SLC is better in June!
I would LOVE to go to Alt Summit! I have heard so many great things about it. One review said something about everyone having awesome business cards… I have a little obsession with business cards and have wanted to go ever since. Haha! Great post!
XO,
Hailey
The business cards are fabulous! There are definitely some people that go all out with them. It’s fun to see their creativity in action and makes for a memorable encounter!
Yes! I remember the first time I went to Alt, and I felt the same way. Awesome response — hooray for investing in yourself!
I love the shoes in this photo, and I’m so jealous of your ticket to Alt! I can’t believe you got to hear Joy Cho and Martha Stewart speak. Lucky girl! I really need to get to ALT especially since I live in SLC.
I’d love to attend this event in 2015! I haven’t made it to an Alt summit yet, but have been dying to for years!
I DEFINITELY want to attend ALT!! So lucky and so great to hear you had a great experience. What a great way to network with like minded creatives! Maybe I’ll see you next time!! Great linking up with you.
I had a tough time thinking of something I bought in 2014 specifically, too. I’d LOVE to go to Alt one day and it sounds like you had a wonderful experience!
loved your answer to this link up! you’ve inspired me to buy a ticket to that conference. it’s been a goal of mine and i love hearing what you got out of it!
I’d love to go to Alt summit one day too, it sounds like an inspiring conference and it would be awesome to meet so many great bloggers. Love your outfit in this photo by the way! x
I’m itching to go to ALT summit! I’m hoping to save up and go to the next one because I’ve heard such amazing things!
love this response! one of my biggest goals this year is to invest in myself, this event sounds amazing
The perfect outfit! Would love to attend ALT summit one day!
xo Jen
Skirt The Rules