Blog Fete Conference: Photo Booth Pics

Blog Fete 2013 was amazing and filled with some of the most fantastic women in the blogging world.  It's hard to believe the conference was almost three weeks ago. It was a weekend filled up laughs, connecting, and so much more. I truly wish I could spend every weekend with these wonderful ladies.

This year we were honored to have an event photographer- Renee Nicole Design & Photography.  Renee is a close friend of the Blog Fete girls and such a talented individual. There are many more Blog Fete 2013 conference photos and recaps coming your way but for now enjoy some photo booth pics taken by Renee and hop over to her Facebook page for even more!

For a list of current event recaps head over to Melissa Creates.

What do I get?

Let's chat about what you get when you pay to attend Blog Fete. Although we have a small list provided there is so much gained from the overall experence that I find it hard to put into words. There is no greater feeling than being in a room with like minded individuals, listening to presentations by online experts and connecting on a level that you couldn't imagine. See why it's hard to state exactly what you get? Previous Blog Fete attendees will speak for me and tell you to just do it, join the small group of ladies spending the weekend together leaving more motivated than ever!

 

To get down to the specifics aside from the amazing presentations and best ever experience here is what you get at Blog Fete.  If you still have a few questions feel free to email me- blogfete@gmail.com.

 

xoxo, Melissa

Graphic by The Flair Exchange

Webinar Giveaway!

The Blog Fete team is excited to offer a variety of webinars.  These courses include a powerpoint and recorded copy of the live session.  Our goal is to educate on topics that many of us are eager to learn more about.  On behalf of Carmen, Michele, Kori and myself, we are so excited to be part of a go-to reference guide for many bloggers. We have additional webinar topics in the works so stay tuned.  

To spread the love a little further we are offering a free webinar to one lucky winner, webinar topic of their choice!  Enter using the program below and make sure to share the giveaway with your friends.

*Friendly reminder- Early bird discount ticket prices will expire the end of March.  Make sure to take advantage of the discount and email us with any questions- blogfete@gmail.com 

xoxo, Melissa 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS to our winner, Cineca of Dreamin N Details

Photo Prop Fun!

 

A party isn't complete without photo props and a backdrop!  Having fun is a requirement at Blog Fete and so much fun was had.  Much thanks to Michele for creating such an awesome backdrop for us to party with.

 

Great News- The photo prop area will be a permanent fixture for all Blog Fete conferences, woohoo!

 

Blog Fete Mix & Mingle

This weekend was such an amazing experience for everyone involved.  The Hilton Grand Vacation Club served as our venue for the weekend.  The views were beautiful and the hotel rooms were perfect!

Friday was the official start of our event with our pool side Mix & Mingle.  Fun was truly had by all.

Much thank you to our Friday evening sponsors, Malu Boutiques and Oh Goodie Designs.

With hugs being passed around, drinks in hand, and fun convos, no one wanted the evening to end.

Inspiring Giggles, Alexis Campbell Event Styling, & Renee Nicole Design 

The Flair Exchange & Two Prince Bakery Theater

Deliciously Darling & Waiting On Martha

Intrigue Design Studio, In Flight Ideas, Party in Style by Elle, Three Little Monkeys Studio

Paper & Pigtails, One Stone Events, Redefine Design Studio, Every Last Detail, Dishie

We are still pumped about this weekend and can't get to work on planning Blog Fete 2013!

More recaps to come.

What to Wear: Blog Fete

Blog Fete is just around the corner.  Do you have your conference outfit picked out yet?  Remember to layer, as hotels tend to be drafty.  Think comfort, cute and color.  White is totally still chic after Labor Day, by the way.  Add some sparkle with statement accessories and writing instruments.  Don't forget to bring a roomy bag to hold your notebook and all the swag you'll be given.  A super cute banded folder will help corral all the business cards and odds and ends you are sure to collect.  Can't wait to see all of you!  Let the countdown begin!

1.  Blouse  .  Nordstrom $39.90
2.  White jeans  .  Delia's $44.50
3.  Necklace and ring  .  Naomi Gray Designs Necklace $110  .  Ring $130
4.  Stackable rings  .  Charm and Chain $50 each
5.  Le Pens  .  Paper Pastries  $2.25 each
6.  Sparkle shoes  .  Target $19.99
7.  Black bag  .  H&M  $34.95
8.  Folder  .  Semikolon  $5 each

Get to know Bonnie Upright

I am very excited to have PR Specialist, Bonnie Upright speaking at our event this year.  She came highly recommended and we are very lucky she agreed to join the 2012 presenter team.

Bonnie is the owner of Upright Public Relations and has a highly impressive resume working with corporate and non-profit organizations including  Child Guidance Center, One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa, 927 Events, Drayton Florence Foundation, Mike Peterson Foundation and Micah’s Place.

"With a blend of experience in advertising, public relations and emerging media and a gift for imaginative ideas, Upright Public Relations brings a unique perspective to clients’ communications challenges. Strategic planning, savvy communication and established media relationships are the cornerstones of our public relations and event campaigns.

With a knack for getting people to talk about your business or event in a POSITIVE way, and an enthusiastic passion for new ideas and collaborative partnerships, Upright PR can help your organization strengthen relationships with your customers, your employees and your supporters/fans."

You'll love her humerus tweets and great tips she shares daily on Twitter.  We are all in for some great advice when it comes to public relations strategies and tactics, how to grab the media's attention, and knowing the difference and similarities of PR and social media.

Meet Melissa Chambers Creator of Blog Fete

Melissa Chambers is the creative talent behind the blog, Truly Chic Inspirations, and the mastermind behind Blog Fete.  She has created a conference that will motivate, educate and connect like-minded bloggers.  Let's find out a little more about her and why she started this amazing event.     

Melissa at a Glance

Style of your wedding - traditional

Favorite past time - blogging or chillaxing pool side

Favorite song - Decode by Paramore

Sports Fan? - Yep!

Favorite movie - Casablanca

Daily blog reads - A Sweet Spot Home, Cupcakes and Cutlery, A Beautiful Mess, Pizzazzerie and 79 Ideas

Tea Party styled shoot

What drew you to blogging and how did Truly Chic Inspirations start?

I've always had a love for all things parties and have planned events for family and friends for years!  After stalking one of my favorites sites, Pizzazzerie, for awhile I thought I would give it a shot. Of course there is always a learning curve with trying things out solo but it has been beyond worth it.  I've gained more motivation and drive than I thought I possessed.  Truly Chic Inspirations, which I refer to as Truly Chic, has brought the most amazing opportunities my direction.  2 years later I couldn't be happier with my decision to give it a whirl. 

Owl Always Love You styled shoot

How have you seen blogging change since you started?

I've noticed a variety of social media platforms created and supportive groups formed as well.  The online blogging community is such an amazing, evolving, and supportive community. 

What is your favorite part about blogging?

I tend to call it my happy place.  It truly makes me happy and motivates me to stay on my path to reach my goals.  Blogging has also connected me with some amazing ladies I now call friends.  I love meeting new people and have been lucky enough to get to know the faces behind my favorite sites on a personal level. 

From the Dreamers In to Doers Florida Meet and Greet

What prompted you to want to put together a blogging conference to help others learn?

I wanted to get to know others who blog so for the last 2 years I have arranged meet and greets for the local gals here in Florida.  They turned out to be much more than I expected and everyone left each meet up inspired.  After attending the Dreamers Into Doers event in NYC this year I felt motivated enough to take the meet and greets to the next level.  I had many questions for those who have accomplished so much and found out most bloggers want to know the same "secrets".  Just a month after being home from my NYC experience, Blog Fete was a dream that I knew would help many, including myself, if I could pull it off.  With assistance from The Flair Exchange and Intrigue Design Studio, Blog Fete quickly went from a dream to reality and a date was set!  

Is Blog Fete geared towards party planning blogs or will others who attend gain valuable information as well?

Although a few of our presenters have a party background the conference was created with a variety of bloggers in mind.  From beginning bloggers to foodies, Blog Fete will bring valuable information to all of us.  The conference will be a relaxing environment with Q&A time and an open forum to wrap up the day for all the attendees to ask those burning questions.  

What are you most excited about at the conference?

I'm eager to hear each presentation and even more anxious to meet the attendees!  I'm looking forward to one on one time with everyone. 

Be sure to buy your tickets soon so you don't miss out on the chance to attend this awesome conference.  Don't forget to say "hi" to Melissa! 

Who is Carrie Sellman?

We are beyond excited to have Carrie Sellman of Half Baked - The Cake Blog, as one of our speakers!  

Carrie Sellman's blog, Half Baked, is the well known, go-to site for dessert inspiration.  Covering everything from dessert tables to fancy cakes, this site is full of sweet discoveries and includes submissions by today's top bakers. 

Carrie's background in cake design makes her a natural at creating compelling content and keeps her in the forefront of magazine editors (both print and online) everywhere.  A cross country move meant shutting down her specialty cake business but allowed her to put more focus on the blog and creating unique cakes for styled photo shoots. 

Carrie has been featured in numerous publications and we are lucky to have her sharing some valuable knowledge about how to get noticed and featured.  There is no lack of content on the web, but how do you stand out from the crowd and get editors to want to know more?  Carrie's experiences will help direct your efforts so you aren't just spinning your wheels. 

This hard working mom will be sharing information she had to learn on her own saving you the stress and frustration that can often come along with growing your brand visibility.  We can't wait to hear her tips and spend some time with this inspiring woman. 

Get to know Kori Clark

We are thrilled to have such an amazing line up of presenters this year!  We thought we would help you get to know each speaker a little more.  To kick things off, here is a little more about Kori and the topic she will be covering.

Kori is the lovely face behind Paper & Pigtails and most recently Kori Clark Designs.  Her love for parties and expertise as an illustrator and stationary designer makes her popular among many.  Her designs are stunning and she offers custom work that will leave every customer beyond satisfied.  Her work has been showcased on many websites and several publications including HGTV.

Kori will be speaking to us on the importance of connecting.  Staying connected with the online community is key and building relationships is of high importance.  If you are an Etsy shop owner, life style blogger, wedding planner, or even a newbie to the online community it is important to make lasting connections.  Relationships online can bring business your direction and so much more!  Kori will be hosting a chat session packed with info and proven results from making connections.  Kori will also be speaking on Etsy selling tips.  With being a successful online business owner, Kori will leave us inspired and motivated to take those extra steps.  Be prepared to take lots of notes and have the opportunity to ask those burning questions. 

Are you ready?