This weekend I went to a the inaugural conference for Blog Elevated and let me tell you, it was amazing! Thursday morning I dropped the kids off at daycare and headed to Houston. On my own. Like I had to wear big girl panties and drive there by myself. I was an adult though and booked my hotel the day before I left. [Counts for something, right?] I arrived to the hotel safely and immediately started helping the Blog Elevated girls with set up. This was my third blog conference but my first time as a volunteer. It was cool to see the behind the scenes this time around. Bobbie and Lisa [the Blog Elevated founders] made sure that we were able to attends all the sessions as well. I currently have 17 pages of notes that I need to short through and start a to do list.
Without looking at my notes though I can tell you that one topic that was carried through out all the sessions was passion. You should be passionate about what you blog. Or you should use your passions in life to start a blog. You should be passionate about a brand you are promoting. Passion is what keeps you going and sets you apart. I heard all that and it completely bummed me out. I don’t feel like I’m passionate about well, anything. I love to do a lot of things but there is nothing that I jump out of bed and have to start doing. [Taking care of my kids is a whole other ball game.] I thought about past experiences and current hobbies but everything about me screams ‘normal’. I feel like nothing sets me apart. And thats kind of depressing. Enter pencils.
Bobbie is the founder of Blog Elevated and she knows a thing or two about a few things. Ok a lot of things. [And she loves pencils] She told me maybe its not about jumping out of bed and wanting to do something, but maybe its something you want to share with other people. That – I can work with. I have tons I want to share. From recipes, to crafts to giveaways to blogging tips. I really want to just share it all. I want other people to feel as normal as I do.
A second theme through out the conference was experiment. Experiment with new things with your blog. Start new blogs, be different. I heard someone say once that you should never doubt a good idea. Makes sense, right? But how do you know if your idea is good? You just have to run with it and find out. There is no way to find the really really good ideas unless you take a chance on the meh ideas. So I may have new blogs coming out soon, or I may think of something that I just have to share. Either way, Im going to give my ideas a fighting chance.
Now none of these pictures really go with my story. I kinda of veered of track from telling yall about Blog Elevated a little. The thing is – this conference has changed me more then the other two combined. The sessions were amazing, the speakers were SO helpful, the food was delicious and the friends I made are innumerable. I connected with people on a personal level. Not just here’s my business card, can I have yours? Blog Elevated fostered community. They fostered sharing and they fostered questions. I have 17 pages of notes to go back through and a community of friends to help along the way. And for that I’m grateful.
- White Chocolate Mousse - February 16, 2024
- Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos - October 30, 2023
- Pumpkin Cream Iced Chai Latte - October 23, 2023
Tracie says
I live in Houston and missed this. . . I have kicked myself a number of times over the weekend. 🙁 But I am so glad that I follow local bloggers who have given such a excellent recaps and shared what they’ve learned! I think when you attend these type of conferences, they should change you or at least give you a new perspective. Sounds like you had a great time and learned lots! I am definitely keeping the next one on my radar and will make plans to attend!
Kelley says
I agree. Ive changed a little bit with each conference I’ve attended. This one just shaped me the most, I feel. I took away so much too. I hope you are able to attend next year!
Rachel G says
I want to start branching out and doing a little bit more ‘experimenting’ with my own blog. That definitely makes things a little scarier!
Kelley says
Its totally scary! But that must mean its a great idea! 🙂
Joanie @ Zagleft says
It was great to finally meet you Kelley! I agree, the sessions were all fabulous and I learned so much. Can’t wait for next year!
Kelley says
So great to meet you too Joanie! And yes! The whole conference was wonderful!
SusieQTpies says
Can’t wait to read more, Kelley! BTW I love your recipes and thrilled that you share them on your blog. susie
Kelley says
Thanks so much Susie! I love reading your blog as well! 🙂
Angela England says
I love that picture you snapped of me! I look all “getting after it” in that picture! 🙂 I’m totally jazzed about the subject, you can tell.
I loved LOVED LOVED the experiment theme. Don’t turn away a good idea before you’ve tried it to see if it IS a good idea or not! You gotta be willing to have a couple dumb ideas to find that one that takes off. 🙂
It was so fabulous to see you again this week. It encouraged me and re-energized me more than you’ll know.
Angela <
Kelley says
You always speak with so much passion.. its great! And it as always it was so awesome to see you again! Im glad I am able to return some of the encouragement because you have been such an encouragement to my life – blogging and other aspects. Thank you you for such a sweet comment and two great sessions at Blog Elevated!
Alba Garza says
You have such neat handwriting. My notes need a transcript. Or I need to borrow others notes, lol. Nice meeting you, see you next year.
Kelley says
Haha! Its because I used pens not pencils. 😉 It was so nice to meet you too Alba! And congrats on winning.. well.. everything! 😀
Kathy Penney @ Sparkles and a Stove says
I’m the same way friend. I’m enthusiastic and a bit of a Pollyanna but I don’t know if I’m passionate about anything really. But I do like to share and I like the idea that it’s enough.
Kelley says
I agree. I like to share as well. Maybe sharing is my passion? Ha!
Tracey says
I’ve never been to a blog conference, but have seen several positive posts on this one! If only Texas were a little closer to South Carolina!! 🙂
Kelley says
Ive been to three and this one was my favorite by far! If you are able to go next year – do it! 🙂
Stacy says
Kelley, this post makes me a little bit happy and a little bit sad. I knew “of” you before the conference, but didn’t :really: know you. I did know, I wanted to know you! Because everyone I met mentioned YOU and they all just loved you and your blog and the way you shared your life. You have a passion for living, and living it kindly it seems. I have a passion for people who live life out loud and now, that circle includes you. I love ya woman, and that pic too! So glad I stole a few hugs 🙂
Kelley says
Stacy, you have to be the nicest person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. You truly are a kind soul and I am so glad we were able to connect at the conference. I apologize it has taken me so long to write you back but I just didn’t know what to say to such a sweet comment. I guess a simple thank you would be a good start? Thank you Stacy Teet! I can’t wait to squeeze your face again SOON!!