Before I decided to stay at home, I worked for a software company in St. Louis where a big part of my job was tradeshow coordination. Every time I went to a conference I thought the people were waaaay too excited about being there. I mean, they acted like it was Christmas morning or something! I totally did not get it. Until now…
I went to my first blog conference this weekend and I was that person who was acting like it was Christmas morning. I packed my bag up the night before (by the way, I decided on the cheapo Amazon bag and it didn’t disappoint!), woke up before my alarm went off, and changed my outfit at least 4 times. I was just SO excited to learn, to meet new people, and to be inspired.
So Sarah, Jen (whose new blog is coming soon!) and I headed downtown to the beautiful Gallery Event Space, ready to take on the day!
Here are some of the high points for me…
Everything was so pretty…which I guess I should’ve expected in a room full of bloggers and lovers of beautiful things. From the bright white space, to the floral arrangements, to the pens and stationary…it all made my heart pitter patter.
The lovely Allison from Allison Corrin Photography taught a fantastic session on shooting manually with a DSLR. Even though I’ve been using the manual settings on my camera, aperture and ISO still thoroughly confused me–and Allison was able to explain it in a way that my non-photographer brain could understand. I also learned that it’s time to invest in a “nifty fifty“. I’ve used only my kit lens for years and I think this could definitely help improve the quality of my pictures.
There was a floral crown-making station. Say what?! Emily from The Bloom Academy taught us how to make the most beautiful floral crowns–which was super fun and way easier than I had expected. I don’t think I’m quite cool enough to pull off this look, but Sarah snapped a quick picture of me on the patio to document that I actually did wear it for about 2 minutes 😉
Another one of my favorite sessions was by Emily and Elizabeth from Local E and Fashion Column Twins. They attended the first Go Blog Social 4 years ago to learn how to grow their blog, and this year they were back as speakers and vendors for their new line of KC apparel. Pretty inspiring if you ask me! They were the most darling girls ever and I’m seriously in love with their sequin apparel. This baseball tee and the sweatshirt below are totally on my wish list.
Another big perk of the day? Hanging out with these two lovely ladies. It was nice to chat with these sweet friends and just enjoy a girls day!
Lastly, the shining moment of my Go Blog Social experience: Jade!!!! I know I totally forgot to mention in my last post that she was the keynote speaker, but yeah…pretty amazing, huh?!? She was just as sweet and adorable as she seems on TV and I thought she very natural as a speaker and presenter. During the Q&A, most people were asking questions relating to her Instagram business, but Sarah and I couldn’t help ourselves and asked “Was it weird to have Chris Soules and Kaitlyn at your wedding?” and “Who do you think Ben is going to pick on the Bachelor?” Leave it to us, the crazy Bachelor fans!!! Luckily she was all about those kinds of questions and happily obliged.
I thought Jade would’ve hit the road as soon as her session was over, but she actually stayed around to meet all of us and take pictures. Did I mention, sweetest person ever?! I told her about the time I was behind her at Target but too nervous to say anything, and she didn’t even seemed that creeped out 😉
Overall it was a fantastic day with lots of valuable information…and something I would do again in a heartbeat. And even though I didn’t nail the floral crown look, I found someone else who did…
The conference looks like so much fun! Bummer there wasn’t a lot of networking time but time with friends makes up for it. Arden looks adorable in the crown!
The conference looked like a fun time! Arden totally rocks that floral crown!
I love Allison! Her classes are the best!
Agreed!! I really want to take a Capture class now 🙂
Looks like so much fun!! And oh my goodness… the picture with you and Jade! I admit I’m a total freak when it comes to that show.
I loved reading about this! The flower crowns are too cute and Jade!! So fun that you got to meet her!
This looks like such a fun conference! I would have loved to attend something like this with friends. I bet you learned a lot! I love the floral crown too…you totally pull it off. Yay for asking Bachelor questions, haha.
I invested in a nifty fifty a few months ago and love it! Now I just need to put my girl panties on and start a blog!
Yes you do!!!!!! 🙂
I’m coming with you next time! For sure!
How fun! I’m really itching to go to another blog conference and this one sounded so cool!I think you can totally pull off the floral crown look!
How fun!!!
Arden is rocking that floral crown! I’ve always wanted to learn how to make one, you going to do a DIY post? 🙂
What an adorable floral crown! Looks like a fun time. I’ve never been to a blog conference, but I want to go to one SO BAD!
Great pictures! I wish I thought to get a picture with Jade!
So glad we attended the conference! Shall we make it a yearly tradition??
I was totally one of those people who geeked out over going to conferences! I miss that aspect of working…
THIS conference, however, takes things to a whole other level of awesome. Holy smokes, talk about amazing – from a girls day, to the views of downtown, to the sessions, and JADE! So many great things!
Oh my gosh, SO FUN!!! You make me SO excited for the blog conference that I’m going to in May! I cannot wait and I hope to learn a ton. I’m going with Desiree and Erin and its sure to be a fun girls day too!
I actually met Amanda from the Bachelor yesterday at an event that my friend threw. It was super fun and she was so sweet! So exciting that you got to meet Jade!
You girls looked liked you had the best time at GBS! Putting it on my list of things to do next year. 🙂
JADE!!!!! OMG! How amazing… What were her answers to those questions?
Love the flower crown x
What a fantastic post recapping Go Blog Social! Thank you SO much for the kind words and support for our blog/brand! We are so glad you were inspired by our presentation – that is what we love to hear!!
xo Emily
Ahh, this event sounds amazing! I want a floral crown! And you should definitely get a 50mm lens, but may I suggest spending more money for a lower f-stop. If you really get into photography, it will be a better purchase in the long run. I would get the 50mm 1.4.