Blog It Better: The Blog Connect

- Sarah

The Blog Connect2017I think I’m finally recovering from a case of exhaustion and writer’s block, which means it’s Blog Connect recap time! I was lucky enough to be part of this year’s planning committee, and it was so rewarding to see everything come together! First up on Saturday evening, my co-sponsorship director Melissa and I welcomed our wonderful speakers at The Baker’s Jar (16th and Bainbridge).

Melissa and me — it was cold so I had to wear ankle boots!

After we met and chatted with our speakers, it was time to head to ellelauri (19th and Chestnut) for our kickoff party! It’s a super chic boutique, and the staff is super nice. Boutiques can intimidate me, but ellelauri has items across different price points and the pieces are all so fun. It was great to catch up with blogger friends and meet new people before the craziness of the conference on Sunday!

The Blog Connect ellelauri

With Lola from Found City! 

Blog Connect Concihairge BraidBraids by Concihairge. Obsessed. (Also doesn’t the purple lipstick make the whole outfit pop?)

Priyanka from Paint the Town Chic spearheaded the party planning, and it was awesome! In addition to a braid bar by Concihairge, we had a flatlay space with help from Ann Blake from Ann Blake Photography. We had kombucha from Inspired Brews and white wines from Pinot Boutique (perfect for summer!). Our snack game was on point too: macarons from ICI Macarons, and savory snacks from Agno Grill and Pure Fare. Bai supplied us with plenty of juice and sparkling water! After a fun night with my blogger babes (and bros), it was time for some sleep!

We got an early start at Saxbys the next morning for a full day of speakers, workshops and panels! A million and one thanks to Saxbys for hosting us again this year and keeping me fueled with iced chai lattes all.day.long. Would not have made it without your tea and lovely baristas.

Saxby's Blog ConnectAnother lifesaver? These awesome custom planners from Erin Condren. They came in super handy for the attendees during all the awesome presentations we had throughout the day.

Erin Condren Blog Connect PlannerThank you again to all of our speakers, presenters and panelists! We wouldn’t have had a conference without you — and our attendees, of course!

Speakers

  • Ten Game Changers to Take Your Blog to the Next Level | Sarah Morgan
  • Create Your Own Space in The Blogosphere | Sola Onitiri
  • Finding Your Voice: Write With Confidence, for Crying Out Loud | Andy Shaw
  • SEO Bootcamp for Bloggers | Jess Herbine

Breakout Sessions

  • Monetizing Your Blog with Your First eBook (using content you’ve already created) | Angela St. Cyril
  • Growing Your Blog into a Podcast | Angelica Yarde 
  • #FeministSockBoss: How to Monetize Your Blog with Physical Products | Jennifer Dziura

Working with Brands Panel

We also had a yummy and healthy lunch from Grateful Plate and a cupcake break with Cupcakes By Ruth (I also practiced my new flatlay skills — thanks Ann!).

Cupcakes by RuthAnd of course, it wouldn’t be a blogger conference without a lot selfies with friends. Andy, Kendall and Emily: thanks for indulging me with a selfie stick and the balloon wall!
Blog Connect CollageOne more shout out to the brilliant beyond brilliant team I worked with: Priyanka at Paint the Town Chic, Melissa at Skinny Affair, Chrystina at Chrystina Noel andSarah Moore at smoorelovin. Learned so much from you all!

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Photo by Tim Becker

Thank you to Julia Dent and Tim Becker for all the fab photos throughout the weekend! You guys are absolute rockstars. Want more Blog Connect? Check out these awesome recaps:

~ Sarah