In today’s digital world it’s easy to find personal development courses and educational opportunities online. It seems like everyone has a mini-course, product bundle or download (myself included!) Yet, it’s still important to make the time to connect with other business owners in person. Oftentimes the best connections are made at events. This is why conferences and workshops have gained popularity over the last several years.
There is something to be said for connecting with people in real life, human to human.
As a seasoned conference goer (I was speaking on panels way back when I was in college- totally nerdy!) it’s safe to say that conferences aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days of plastic name badges and ribbons. Many industry events today include musical acts, high-profile celebrities and popular brands. Don’t even get me started on the swag! Last year I went home with a FREE Google Home after attending a conference. Talk about a serious upgrade from your typical boring tote bag or pen.
These conferences range from 1 day intensives, week-long nonstop collaboration with other like-minded entrepreneurs highlighting amazing keynote speakers. Some also offer pre or post-conference workshops to teach you new trends while learning from the best-of-the-best in the industry. These are usually offered in a more intimate setting taking a more hands-on approach.
If conferences aren’t your thing, workshops are a great alternative for those of us who might have a tiny bit of anxiety in big group settings.
Here are some of my favorite events for female entrepreneurs, creatives and moms. Whether you are a seasoned business owner, or a newbie there is an event for you- I promise!
MOM 2.0 Summit
May 2-4, 2018
Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
Mom 2.0 is a gathering of mom influencers and leaders who create content online and on-air in parenting, entertainment, food, politics, business, marketing, technology, social change, travel, and design. Brands also attend Mom 2.0 as a way to build relationships with authentic users and find influencers.
I attended the 2017 summit in Orlando for the first time and it was a blast! Great food, festive theme parties and insightful sessions. Next year the conference is celebrating 10 years in style, in LA! Will I see you there?
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
The Workshop
February 8-9, 2018
Phoenix, AR
The Workshop is exactly what it claims-a workshop geared toward entrepreneurs, bloggers, small business owners, influencers, and creatives to empower the entrepreneurial age. Presented and produced by Bloguettes (are you following them? If not go do it right now! So much goodness for creative entrepreneurs) this event is next on my “must” list. All hands-on, all small group style.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
Altitude Summit
February 26-28, 2018
Palm Springs, CA
Alt Summit draws creative and design entrepreneur across so many platforms – pinners, instagrammers, vloggers, shop owners, content creators, designers, and bloggers. This conference is sold out, so be sure to get on the list for the next conference! I have been trying to score a ticket to this for three years now and each year tickets sell out in a matter of minutes. Although, they do a fabulous job of sharing content and updates during the conference, so stay glued to your social media feeds and #altsummit that weekend. You’ll thank me later.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
The Yellow Conference
2018 Date TBD
The Yellow Conference is for women who have a desire to make an impact and work for something bigger than themselves. Join 500 creative, entrepreneurial-minded women trying to make a difference in the world.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
The BE Conference
2018 TBD
The BE Conference is a premier conference for emerging professionals, bringing together women who are at the top of their fields in media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Last year this event was in my backyard in Austin, Texas and while I was unable to attend (I was at the Create & Cultivate Pop-Up at SXSW) some of my professional colleagues had great things to say about the format, speakers and content.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
StateJoy Summer Camp
August 2018
Location to be announced soon!
The StateJoy Summer Camp is for women entrepreneurs needing to unplug, find inspiration or reconnect with yourself and other positive women. While I have personally never been to Summer Camp, there are a few friends in my online circle that go every single year and say it’s life changing. Camp leader Molly (aka Sunshine) is one of my favorite people on the planet.
Need a recharge? Sign up for Summer Camp and let me know how it is!
Want to stay up to date? Check out the Statejoy website for upcoming announcements.
Create & Cultivate Style Summit
October 21, 2017
Houston, TX
Create & Cultivate is one of my go-to resources as a creative entrepreneur, especially the classifieds section! This year they are presenting a niche event called the Style Summit, in Houston, TX. This conference is for women who want to create & cultivate the career of their dreams. The keynote speaker was just announced and I’m so thrilled to learn it’s actress and activist Sophia Bush. If you are in the area this one-day event is one you do not want to miss!
This past March during SXSW I was lucky enough to attend a pop-up conference held here in Austin, TX and it was amazing. My fellow female entrepreneurs and I froze outside in atypical weather conditions, but it was worth every champagne-sipping second. Check the website for more pop-ups happening throughout the year.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram!
Photo Credit: @wds.official/
World Domination Summit
June 26-July 2, 2018
Portland, OR
WDS is conference gathering remarkable individuals to help answer one question: How do we live a remarkable life in a conventional world? With a full week of events and an unforgettable keynote speaker-filled weekend, you’ll learn from inspirational thinkers, acquire powerful new skills, and go away with an all-new community of friends and supporters.
I attended WDS in 2013 and took my husband and kiddo (I just had my son at the time) with me for the adventure to Portland. While it was new for me to attend a professional event as a mom, it was amazing and I felt like I had finally made it to the “cool kids” circle. There were probably close to 20 people I was able to meet in real life that previous to WDS I only knew through social media. Let me say it is the BEST feeling in the world to meet online connections in person!
Put this conference on your Must Attend list at some point, it’s worth it and you will feel remarkably energized afterwards.
Want to stay up to date? Follow them on Instagram or join the mailing list to find out when tickets become available.
Which conference is on your short list? Let us know in the comments below!
Carve out some funds from your budget this year and make it a point to check out a conference soon. You never know who you’ll meet or what you will learn!
