2012 Blog Conference List {+ a giveaway!}

Today I want to talk to you about getting out from behind the computer.. eep! scary I know huh?!

With the overload of information available to us via multiple sources such as:  business e-courses, blog tutorials, pinterest linkups, google, online books, etc. You can see how easy it is to just stay in and absorb this information from the comforts of your chosen workspace.


How do we narrow down what information to take in, how we choose to listen and where we decide to get it from?  Well it's pretty damn easy to say that I like doing the learning myself, in my own time..and sometimes in my pajamas (ok maybe a lot of times in my pajamas??) One thing I always tell myself I will do is attend a conference, but in all reality it's easier not to do it. Not only do you have to plan your travel, but you need to figure out where to stay, who you will hang with (if you even know anyone!), your outfits for the event..yep that's important..what business materials to bring with you, what classes to attend.  Okay it's obvious there is a lot to it and I could probably go on longer, but you get the point.  All of that isn't as easy as putting on comfy clothes, flipping open your laptop and slouching on the couch while your husband plays Call of Duty in the background (this is normal right??).

Well this is where we all might be wrong.  This is why attending a Blog Conference can change your life.  Sure that might sound like a hefty promise, but think about the benefits of attending an event that caters to all of your interests. Now think about all the positives in learning something new that can benefit your blog or shop, hanging out with a bunch of like minded individuals, becoming truly inspired, getting out of your daily routine and doing something for you.  That is what a blog conference basically promises.  Its a chance to possibly step out of your comfort zone for the sake of learning new things, meeting new people and honestly feeling like you belong...because let's face it some of you that don't have real life 'blog/shop' friends probably feel alone in doing all of this.  Below I'm gonna break it down and share a few of the more notable conferences going on through out the year, there are so many more if you just do a little searching, but here are some of the ones that caught my attention.  Oh! I also have a ticket to one of these conferences that I'm giving away so don't miss that part!! 




Alt Design Summit - Jan 18-21 - Salt Lake City
(this next weekend & totally sold out, but I had to mention it)
This is the mecca of design and lifestyle bloggers.
The cool kids club if you will.



Blissdom - Feb 23-25 - Nashville
Premiere conference for women who find & express their bliss by publishing online.
This is the big bad mama jama featuring loads of attendees, top notch speakers, 
loads of tracks to choose from, a handmade market & even a girls night out!



Snap! - April 19-21 - Thanksgiving Point, Utah
A 3 day conference targeting the best bloggers representing modern handmade, 
comtemporary craft, mind-blowing events and DIY.
Also featuring The Queen Bee Market.
(I WILL BE ATTENDING THIS ONE!!!)



Bloggy Bootcamp - *multiple locations throughout the year
One day blog and social media conference for new bloggers 
to experienced social media mavens.



BlogHer - *multiple locations throughout the year
Thousands of bloggers coming together to connect, learn and inspire!
3 events for entrepreuners, food bloggers and BlogHer networkers.
Their main event will be held in NYC in August (details here)



Evo - July 12-14 - Park City Utah
Evolving your brand, your business, your blog.
Blending workshops, networking, parties and a wind-in-your-hair
relaxation by spending a summer weekend in the mountains.



Creative Connection USA - *multiple locations throughout the year
The social meetup for fabulous female creatives.
With a goal to remove the pretenses associated with networking and create an environment
 where women can support, encourage and inspire each other.
Chapters in LA, PDX, SD, OC, DFW (and more to come!)



Haven - June 21-22 - Atlanta
A two day conference allowing people to learn from and gather with some of the most 
notable DIY/Home bloggers from all over.


Handmade Business Bootcamp - Feb 23-25 - Chesapeake, VA
A 3 day, intensive boot camp for personalized focus on your business followed by 3-months 
of implementation support and accountability to be sure your profit starts lining up with your potential.



Creative Estates - Mar 8-11 - Flagstaff, AZ
A shift from conference to retreat. Four days of intimate crafting time with some of the most 
creative individuals.. think of it as a fun girls weekend!

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As you can see there are plenty of opportunities all over the states for you to attend something that potentially can benefit your blog, your business, your relationships with others and in all reality YOU!  I know it may seem scary to put yourself out there, it may even be hard for some of you to come up with the means to get yourself there.. but I promise it will be worth it! I've only attended one large market and I've only been doing this part of my business for a year, so going to Snap! as the first thing I do and with all the notable guests & speakers that will be there... to say the least I'm a little nervous.. but if I don't do it, then I will just be sitting here envying all the others that do! So what are you waiting for?!






this giveaway is now closed.. thank you for participating!
Let's get to the giveaway, because it's good!  
Its a free ticket to one of these conferences that includes lodging, food and all classes...
ya heard me!!!


I have a ticket for one of you to attend the Creative Estates Retreat in Flagstaff, Arizona in just two short months! All you have to do is figure out travel and take your pretty little butt there and then just enjoy your time!  You will have a room in a gorgeous lodge, all meals, supplies and classes will be covered!  You get to hang out with the founder Shealynn, and Ashley (aka LittleMissMomma) plus many more!!
As of press time there are only 8 tickets left to this event!

I will be giving you *bonus* chances to win through out the week so make sure you either follow JustLove.lyThings on facebook or twitter for those!  
Good Luck, and I hope to meet some of you at Snap!







62 comments:

  1. My favorite thing to create is anything with pictures I love to scrapbook, hang up pictures, modge podge pictures, you name it I like to do it : ) I love photography! I would LOVE the opportunity to go to creative estates! I would love to meet to meet other bloggers and learn how to continue growing my blog. I think it would be an awesome opportunity and great learning experience!

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  2. My favorite thing to create is always changing. I love going to the craft store to see what could be the next great thing to create and post in my shop. I love working with beautiful scrapbook paper to create different things such as framed art and letters for children's rooms. I am so excited about this giveaway. To be with so many talented people would be so inspiring! Thank you for the opportunity!

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  3. My favorite thing to create is a personalized blanket. It's kind of my thing. I love being able to provide something so uniquely focused on one person/baby/family that it can be used as an heirloom of sorts! I feel as though my product and business plan are good but need a bit of a boost that this conference could really provide! The opportunity to learn and improve everything about my blog/business/livelihood is so exciting that I just might look into attending some of the others on your list!

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  4. I loved this post and was wishing some of you Big Timers would post about your thoughts on which conferences are best, etc. I am seriously considering which one to attend this year! Thanks for the information. I would love to go to creative estates to really improve my crafting confidence and also to meet Ashley because she is the whole reason I even found out there is a "blog world" SO fun!

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  5. Wow, this would be SO amazing to win!! I've been dying to go to one of these conferences and it's especially difficult for me because I'm in school which means limited funds plus a difficult schedule... I can't just take time off, but this one happens to be during my spring break!! yipeee! , so it would be fantabulous to win!! I don't have any "real life" bloggy friends, so the opportunity to meet people that share this same passion would be AMAZING!! hmm my favorite thing to create?? I just love it all. I love to make jewelry as that is what my shop is filled with, but honestly anything I can design and make with my hands makes me so happy :)

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  6. Ok, this is the most awesomest giveaway! I have been waiting for more info on the second one they are going to put on this year, so i can start planning to stash my moolah! I love to create anything pretty, and girly. Right now I am working on a few things for my house, a table runner, and decorating my closet! ALSO, I would love to go, for sooo many reasons. A) "me" time. Not as a mommy, Not as a wife, but as a creative woman, who is trying to evolve herself and her work. B) craft time! Uninterrupted craft time! C) Meeting these people that i blog stalk, (creepy, but hey, we all blog stalk!)

    Thanks again Heather! :)

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  7. I have crafting ADD so my favorite thing to create is ever changing. However, right now I'm mostly into creating product for my shop.

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  8. I seriously LOVE crafting! I have been so busy lately that I have not set aside time to do this. This retreat would be a perfect opportunity for me to re energize my crafty side.

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  9. WOW! I would love to attend a blog conference! I was just discussing this with a friend yesterday. I sew for a business, so I love to creat things for my home that don't involve sewing. Anything thing from crafting to repurposing.

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  10. I love to create any thing you can wear. Headbands, pins, accessories! I love to be able to wear things and show them off!

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  11. I love blogging conferences. They are so much fun, and such an awesome learning experience!

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  12. I love sewing and photography mostly! I am always trying something new and love creating new things. Crafting has pretty much taken over my last these last few years!

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  13. My favorite thing is carving stamps. I love the time and focus required for the little details. I want a chance to meet new people with the same desire to create!

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  14. I love to create unique paper crafted items to give as gifts. Individualization is key to a fun and extra special project!

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  15. I love to create and redo things for my home. I love going to the thrift store and coming home with something to transform into something beautiful. I also love to sew and pretty much anything crafty! I would love to go to Creative Estates to meet some more wonderful and inspirational bloggers, and to learn and create some beautiful things!

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  16. This post is making my day, because I was literally just lamenting not 15 minutes ago that I couldn't spend the money for creative estates right now! So, THANK YOU! And I would have to say I LOVE making pendants. They're something very soothing about watching the blanks go from boring to beautiful! And why do I want to got he creative estates? I want to meet all you awesome people! So excited!

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  17. my favorite thing to create is something that will be able to be passed down through the generations. I have scarves, blankets and even knits slippers that my great grandma made. I'd love for there to be items I made with my hands that generations after me would be able to look at and say, "my great, great, great grandma made this!"

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  18. Oh I am loving this post! Thanks for sharing some conferences I had never heard of! I love creating subway art these days!!!

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  19. This is such a wonderful giveaway- I have been praying and praying for the opportunity to go to a blogging conference- and THIS just might be IT!!!! I love all things crafty and artistic- you name it and I have attempted it at some point!!!

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  20. OK... now I'm really excited! One of my Blog related resolutions for 2012 is to save enough to attend snap in 2013, and now I see that there are even more options for me! I figured there were more confrneces, but I had no idea where to begin looking for them. Thanks a million for this list! Time for me to start pinching a few more pennies so I can get out from behind my laptop! :)

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  21. Oh my gosh I would LOVE LOVE to go!! Just like everyone else though but still :)

    I love to create easy home decor! I love the feeling of creating something that is just mine and helps make my house (or tiny apartment) a home for my little family.

    I have always wanted to go to a blog conference but there is no way we would have enough money to attend. So I would love to win and learn more about the blogging community so I can benefit others through my blog :)

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  22. I love creating ANYTHING. I swear, crafting is like secret crack. I love the exhilaration that comes from looking at something and knowing that YOU made that out of NOTHING.

    I would LOVE to go because I have both a blog and an etsy shop, but I haven't had the time/resources/knowledge to get either off the ground yet, and I think that this could be what gets my butt in gear. :)

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  23. My favorite things to create are items for my shop because I love being a part of other peoples weddings. I love when they choose me to be a part of their special moments! I would love to go to the creative estates retreat because I want to meet ALL the inspiring girls! I also hope I could learn how to better my blog, my shop, and of course myself.

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  24. I like to create happiness. :) That's why I blog. :)

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  25. My favorite things to create are items for my shop because I love being a part of other peoples weddings. I love when they choose me to be a part of their special moments! I would love to go to the creative estates retreat because I want to meet ALL the inspiring girls! I also hope I could learn how to better my blog, my shop, and of course myself.

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  26. Also, I think Creative Estates would be something that could teach me a lot about myself and about other people. :) As well as give me blogging tips and the opportunity to do fun crafts!! :)

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  27. My favorite thing to create is beautiful space in the home. I love hanging pictures and positive sayings all over our small apt. :) I also love to create the "little" things that I know people will appreciate. I would love the attend CE to see where I could further my crafting. :)

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  28. I was just born with a need to create. I would love to go so much! Just like you said blog+shop friends are the best to have ever! I think it would be the perfect chance to connect and help meet people who love what I love.

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  29. i woud love to chat & knit and knit & chat :)

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  30. my favorite thing to create s anything with fabric. I love the options it gives you. i would love to win this gift as I could never afford to go to this on my own. I would love to learn about balance with blogging!

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  31. My favorite thing to create: beautiful pictures, paper crafts, jewelry, wreaths, EVERYTHING!! I just love to craft and have so many interests.

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  32. It's so hard to narrow it down to my favorite thing to create. I love anything crafty so that's a tough one. I do love paper crafts and mixed media art projects! I think Creative Estates Retreat would be really good for me to break out of my shell and meet some other crafty folks out there!

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  33. My favorite thing to create are bows for my daughter. I would love love love LOVE to go to creative estates because I haven't had any "me" time away since I had my daughter 9 months ago. I'm new to the blogging community and many of the bloggers I follow (and adore!) are going to be there. It would be so amazing to have some craft time, meet some of the people who have inspired me, and do this all in short enough time to get back to my precious little girl!

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  34. My favorite thing to create is jewelry. I would love to go to the conference in order to learn more about blogging and meet some inspiring people!

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  35. I love to create beautiful blog layouts. It is my passion. I would love to go to Creative Estates because I am starting a new business and would love to network and make more friends with more bloggers out there. I also need some mommy "me" time before I have my second baby!

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  36. I love to create all kinds of things, everything from aprons and kitchen accessories to totally rad jams and recipes. I would love to attend this conference and learn more on how to grow my business and blog!

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  37. My favorite thing to create is the written word! i love to write and my emotions come through them.
    i would DIE TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!!! It would be awesome to meet some other bloggers :) <3

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  38. I love to write and create visual projects such as scrapbooks and other photo related things! :) I want to come to this so bad but the price tag is making it hard!!

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  39. I love scrapbooking! Playing with paper+glue makes me uber happy! Creative Estates seems right up my ally! I love everything it stands for and heck a girls weekend just for me?! Heck ya!! Fingers crossed :)

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  40. It would be so difficult to pick one favorite creative love. I like to bake and hand-decorate stacked cakes and iced cookies. I like all paper crafts from funky little boxes to scrapbooking to handmade invitations and envelopes. I love home design and turning trash into treasure. You name it, I either already love it or want to learn it! :)

    Thanks for this opportunity.
    Mickey

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  41. I love being creative through decorating. I love the search to find the perfect piece of furniture or picture, or pillow. Painting, making, dreaming it up...I love it all.


    P.S Would LOVE to go to Creative Estates.

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  42. i would probably be too scared to go, even if i won, but i love that you mentioned different conferences here, so i can muster up the courage for next time maybe. :) and i love to craft with paints, paper, and mostly reuse stuff that is going to be recycled. with LOTS of color and textures.

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  43. My favorite thiing to create are murals painted by hand with my husband. My fingers are crossed because I would love to make new friends!

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  44. I love to create new things out of old things. Taking a shirt and making a headband, or taking an old dresser and making it lovely.

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  45. This is hard because I love to create everything, I love anything that has to do with arts, photography and writing. But i do have to say my favorite thing to do is creating something for my for my home!!! I would love to go to The Creative Estates Retreat it would be an amazing opportunity to learn and meet new friends!!! xo
    (plus its a nice little break from being a stay home mommmy...lol)

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  46. I love to create things that make people smile-thus why half my prints have such wacky sayings on them!

    yellowheartart at gmail dot com

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  47. When it comes to creating I love to find new purpose for old things! It's my favorite type of crafting. I would love to go to build new friendships and I know it would be an amazing learning and growing experience!

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  48. I LOVE everything crafty and creative. I really can't narrow it down...hairbows for my daughter, decor for my home, invitations and party decor, fondant cakes, custom jewelry...you name it! I would love to go on the retreat to meet new people, learn new crafts and to get inspired!!

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  49. I went to BlogHer last year which was overwhelming! So I'm looking forward to a more intimate setting. And love the fact that everything/one is under one roof!

    I love to create meaningful photographs, gifts, parties and things for the home.

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  50. I love to create Memory Books and repurpose items around my house. I'm a closet crafter so this retreat would allow me to be around crafters who would surely bring me out of the closet! Who wouldn't want to go to something called a "retreat"?!

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  51. My first love is creating beaded jewelry! I would absolutely love to attend so I can get my creative juices flowing (I feel like I've been a bit dry lately)!

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  52. This is such an amazing giveaway! I am in love with creating my little Monster's.. i'm just trying to get my little business going .. How awesome would it be to get such great inspiration from amazing bloggers. Crossing my fingers!!!! :D :D

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  53. i love creating NEW things -- my favorite most recently is adding fabric covered moleskin notebooks to my shop :] those are so fun to make!

    i would love to go to CE to expand my network & learn a few new tricks!!

    xo
    april

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  54. I'll be at SNAP this year! :) Looking forward to seeing everyone!

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  55. My sis got me hooked on scrapbooking!! I can't go, but I would LOVE to win this pass for her!

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  56. My favorite thing to create is gifts to my friends and family! I would love to go to Creative Estates to meet like minded creative people like myself.

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  57. I love creating jewelry and fun tutorials on my blog. I'd love to go to CE and meet like-minded individuals!

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  58. I love to make crafts that have to do with home decor. Not only do you get to have fun making something amazing, but you also get to stare errr look ;) at it all the time! Not not that, but it's a conversation piece, a door opener if you will, and a nice little ego booster too! Those crafts make your house feel more like a home and it adds your character to those otherwise plain walls or shelves or patios! I'd love to go because being around other seriously crafty people would spark that creative crafty fire in my soul. Don't get me wrong, being at home with my very imaginative 3 year old is sometimes somewhat inspiring, but being around people who don't drink everything out of a straw, or need to eat every food with their fingers, or need to be reminded the correct way to go to the bathroom would be a nice fresh change of scenery for my eyes and my heart! :)

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  59. Thank you so much for sharing this list. I am a new blogger and am looking forward to connecting with others. Thanks again!

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  60. I love all the girls that are going to be at this conference!! I would just be beside myself if I won! I need to get my craft on! Like now. As long as I have some markers, paper abs scissors in my hands..I'm a happy girl!!

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  61. What a great resource....I am your newest follower!
    xoxo

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  62. So I was just re-reading about the AWESOME blog conferences you have listed and I saw that you are going to be attending SNAP... That makes me SOOO super happy! I really hope I get to meet you!!

    xoxox JeNeal @ Pieces of Luv

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