This was my second year going to ALT Summit's flagship event in Salt Lake City. This time felt so much different. For one I had a bit more confidence and a better idea of what I wanted to accomplish. Connect with the brands that made sense for me and more importantly connect with the bloggers that I could collaborate with. Last time I made friends but made no connections with other bloggers to collaborate. That is of course besides my Local L.A. friends Deborah, Felicia and Brittany, who I have partnered up with this past year on a few projects and collaborations. This year I was able to join a few Facebook groups (I finally bit that FB bullet and joined, oy vey) with some talented ladies, plus we started an LA blogger group, so we can connect up with us locals. Overall it was a good experience.
Let's Shine Together Business Card Board
Having designed my own business card with my logo [created by an incredible art director/director Jeff Compton] I was purposeful in who I gave them too. I printed less and gave out all that I took, which was about 50. Most cards I received from others it was because I had meaningful conversations with them. Of course there was the awesome idea from one of the mini-parties that had the Let's Shine Together board above where you could attach your cards on the board in the category that fits you plus take a few for yourself. I grabbed some from people I'd like to follow up with later, especially in the food category. Would love to see more food and travel at these events as opposed to the prevalence of DIY.
Conceptual Cards
As usual there were a combination of handmade cards, with amazing paintings and splashes of colors. Then there were conceptual cards package in vellum, sealed with washi tape, filled with candy, printed with beautiful images or the lovely letter presses. One of them had the brilliant idea of a big ring with a mini hole punch to put all your cards on. I ran into Carly, who created this concept, on the day I was leaving to fly home, I practically hugged her, what an awesome idea to keep them all together. She goes to many more conferences than I do, so this is her amazing way of keeping them all straight.
Neutral and Pink Toned Cards
I have to say meeting Garance Dore (below), was pretty up there on my list of cool things. I've followed this illustrator/fashion blogger for a while and loved hearing her talk. I may not be a fashion blogger, but I love fashion and illustration. I think my Style board on Pinterest has as many or more followers than my Tasty Goodies (food) board. Garance was so approachable and adorable to hear speak with her delightful French accent. I loved her simple illustrated presentation and her honesty about the negative comments and not letting them get to you, much easier said then done. She really is a pioneer in fashion blogging and so unaffected and super cool. Hugable even. Even her hair is cool, disregard my poof, it was early and I had no product to tame the shrew.
