Alt Summit // As a Newbie






Taken by Justin Hackworth






Alt Summit, where to even begin? Being a newbie to the scene this year had its pros and cons. The major con being that it took me the whole first day to warm up to the excitement and get my head in gear for networking and constant social outreach. I like to think of myself as more of an introvert but in reality I thrive off of social interaction. However, we all need our down time and Alt is not the time for that! So, after a night and full day of meeting new people, I attended the last day with more vigor and more desire to get to know these friendly bloggers I had only but admired online.

It was quite humorous however that we all look at the outfit posts and the business card posts of Alt attendees beforehand and get a little nervous about our own, but I spoke with people time and time again about how real everyone was and about how although everyone was absolutely darling and business cards were stellar, that that wasn't the reigning factor in the end. Although let me just say, I've never heard more liars telling me they couldn't even tell I was pregnant! Can't you see that baby belly! ;o)

My panel on work/life balance was awesome [did I smile at all or was I too focused/nervous?], my panel members were so fun, the night parties were above and beyond, the photo booths were endless, the constant availability of food and snacks made carrying around my bag of bricks pointless [oh and the lavender hot chocolate!], the keynote speakers were awe inspiring and so very different from each other, the classes were informational and more casual than I expected which invited more opportunity for sharing and asking/answering questions, the swag, oh the swag..., and ultimately, it was a place full of smiles and happiness.

Several things I learned:
No one knows what we at Twig look like! People mentioned time and time again that we never post pictures of ourselves. True, very true!

The feeling of amazement is mutual. The people that you so admire and think do amazing things, are probably thinking the same thing about you. We all have different talents and its for good reason.

A smile goes a long way. The people I remember most are those who carried big grins and even made the leap of introducing or coming to talk to me first.

Their is so much information and opportunity to be had. Even if you attend something like this and don't quite know what you want/need out of it [like me], figure it out after the first day and go with more decisiveness the second day. Soak it all up.

Pretty much don't take anything with you but a cute bag, Alt takes care of the rest! I ditched my notebook, pen, snacks, water bottle, treats, hand sanitizer, etc. very quickly.

Don't be afraid to approach those you want to talk to. For me, those instant moments of bravery come more while in motion. I have a hard time approaching someone while in a group or conversation but if they begin to move or walk past me, I jump at the opportunity.

There is always more to learn. I attended some panels with hesitance but ended up pleasantly surprised at the facts and routine and way that so many can do the same thing in a new or better way.

Overall, it was an enlightening and completely exciting weekend. I hope to attend next year...and have my hubby at my side [because everyone wondered where he was!]

*All pictures taken on my trusty iphone besides the last taken by Justin Hackworth

*P.S. my panel notes coming soon!

2 comments:

Gabrielle - Design Mom :

Loved this recap!

"It was quite humorous however that we all look at the outfit posts and the business card posts of Alt attendees beforehand and get a little nervous about our own, but I spoke with people time and time again about how real everyone was and about how although everyone was absolutely darling and business cards were stellar, that that wasn't the reigning factor in the end."

That's how I feel too! My favorite thing about Alt Summit is that we're 4 years in and it's still a virtually drama-free event. Attendees are so good and kind to each other!

jenniferhoiyin :

Looks like it was fun and I especially love your baby bump!!

 

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