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Allowing EVO Conference 2012 to Happen to Me | #evoconf

July 20, 2012 By Emily 33 Comments

 

evo12

I am glad I went into EVO Conference 2012 without expectations.  It would have been easy to go expecting it to top EVO Conference 2011, but that wouldn’t be fair because in so many way I am a different person and blogger than I was just a year ago.

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

Last year EVO was my second conference, and my first conference that was over the course of a weekend.  Prior to that, I had only attended Bloggy Boot Camp, which while amazing is very different than spending an entire weekend immersed in the blog world.  Last year I had no idea what to expect, and I let EVO happen to me.  It was honestly one of the most eye opening weekends I had had, that when I later attending Blogher and even Blissdom, I had expectations that weren’t fair to have.

EVO is a conference that can’t be compared to other, even previous years.  The founders Rachael from Today’s Mama and Jyl from Mom it Forward have found a balance in this conference that creates unique memories for each and every attendee.  After Blissdom in February (which I did enjoy a lot), I learned the valuable lesson that going into conferences with expectations can leave you looking for something and missing what is right in front of you.

You simply can not attend a conference like EVO and expect an experience, but rather you have to go in and allow the experience to happen to you.

This was my first conference that I attended pregnant.  It was in many ways a blessing, because being pregnant really forced me to sit back and watch others, and in doing so I made connections I am 100% sure I would have missed.  I will admit, I did miss zip-lining and riding the roller coaster this year, but even that allowed me to have conversations with people I may have missed had I been on them.

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO" "Blog Friends"

I made many new friends, and connected with old friends. It was my goal this year to be open and present in the moments and relaxed atmosphere created by the Canyons, and in doing so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself renewed in my own work.

During the time I spent with people I had never met or connected with before I found an energy that inspired me with every new conversation.  As I listened to women share the passion and excitement they had toward their blogs, work, and lives, I was surprised to find renewed energy for my own passions and work.

In my heart I know it is the amazing energy of EVO that allowed me to walk away so refreshed and excited about the possibilities in front of me. All of this because I went into the conference with no expectations, and rather allowed EVO to happen to me.

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

In past conferences I was so caught up in the should dos, that I never paused to see what was right there.  This time I even managed to find time to reflect, and meditate.  30 glorious minutes of sitting and enjoying where I was at that moment.  It is amazing what even those few minutes of calm did for my soul.

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

I attended several wonderful sessions, but like last year I had a favorite.  Writing & Publishing sponsored by Parents.com was exactly where I needed to be.  It is a goal of mine to begin freelancing and writing for big name publications. I love to write, and to be able to share it in print and online publications I love and currently read would be amazing.  Thank you Ellen Seidman and Heather Morgan Shott for sharing not only your knowledge, but also the passion for what you do.  Hands down, the best run, and most informative session I attended at the conference."Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

I certainly had a lot of fun, and enjoyed being downright goofy at times!  These lovely ladies were my posse at EVO this year, you know if I had a posse!  We had a blast being silly and sharing our experiences together!  You can find Amy (in the middle, but not the bear) at Oh So Savvy Mom, and Lolo (Left) at Crazy about My Baybah.

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

Thank you to all the fabulous sponsors and your awesome suites!  I spent many a minute in them playing, relaxing, and of course having fun!

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

I even met my twin who apparently lives in Utah!  I did feel bad though, she was called Emily a lot at EVO and there are two big issues with that… 1. She is way cuter!  2. She is NOT pregnant… Thankfully Shannon has an amazing sense of humor, and is stunningly sarcastic (just the way I like it… maybe we are twins…)  You can find her at Lucky Red Hen.  She is awesome and so is her blog!

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

I’d like to thank Kathy Dalton whom I met 3 years ago at the ABC Expo.  She encouraged me to attend my first EVO, and without her I am certain my blog would not be where it is today.  She is pretty much the kindest person I know.  I love her! If you have met her, you know exactly what I mean.  If you haven’t met her, SEEK HER OUT! She blogs at Danish Mama.

I had to share the ghost picture of her, or is it her amazing Aura??  You be the judge…

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

I also want to thank McDonald’s for sponsoring my trip.  I attended as part of the Family Arches Community.  I really can not say enough amazing things about the McDonalds team and also the Family Arches Community.  They are looking to connect with more bloggers, so make sure you register today!!  Then please check out my post about EVO on the Family Arches Community Blog!

"Blogging Conference" "Evo Conference" "Evolution of Women in Social Media" "Park City Utah" "EVO"

Next year, my baby will be 7 months old.  I hope to bring him to the conference and once again allow EVO to happen to me.

Will I see you there next year?

  • Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
  • Latest Posts (view them )..

Emily

Emily is a wife & mom living in Las Vegas. The owner and writer at Our Knight Life, Emily loves sharing her two adorable boys and journey through motherhood. Emily has run four half marathons to date and is always training for her next big race. She also enjoys creating healthy recipes for her family and sharing family friendly product reviews.

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Filed Under: All, Blog Events, Living Local Las Vegas Tagged With: Blog Events, Blogging, EVO Conference

Comments

  1. Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Sounds like a lot of fun…I enjoyed your comparison on previous years/conventions. I would LOVE to go next year, but we’ll have to see if I can make that happen!

    Reply
  2. Tauni says

    July 20, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Emily, I think that this is a great take on things. I wish everyone attending a conference would walk in the doors with such an open mind – including me!

    xoxo, Tauni

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    I would LOVE to attend a conference like that – I’ve not been to any blog-related conferences yet and want to go!!! I’m hoping for next year…

    Reply
  4. HilLesha says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Looks like a lot of fun!!! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Penelope (NYC Blogger) says

    July 20, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    Wow, it sounds awesome, maybe for my next conference?

    Reply
  6. MomStart (Ashley) says

    July 20, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    I’d love to add this to my blog attendee list next year. ALL of MomStart needs to go. =)

    Reply
  7. Rachel @ Busy Mommy Media says

    July 20, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    What a great attitude! I loved catching up with you. You convinced us to at least give Vegas a fair shot so we’re going to stop and explore a bit on out way back through on our next trip to San Diego

    Reply
  8. Stefanie says

    July 20, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    I haven’t been to this one, but the scenery looks beautiful!

    Reply
  9. Connie says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:21 am

    EVO looks pretty fabulous. I may just have to think about attending next year. Thanks for the great recap!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    July 21, 2012 at 7:46 am

    I hope I can come next year!

    Reply
  11. April Decheine says

    July 21, 2012 at 11:20 am

    Looks like you had a great time, I would love to go next year!

    Reply
  12. Billie says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Looks like a great time. The fruit and yogurt looks delicious!

    Reply
  13. Our Small Hours says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Sounds like so much fun!

    Reply
  14. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

    July 21, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    i would love to go to a conference one year. Looks like a lot of fun!

    Reply
  15. Theresa says

    July 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    It looks like a blast! I’m glad you had such a great time.

    Reply
  16. Maggie says

    July 21, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    looks like so much fun. I hope to go in a few years! maybe next year!

    Reply
  17. debra says

    July 21, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    I’m so glad you had such a great time. Looks like you really experienced everything. Awesome!

    Reply
  18. Adrian says

    July 21, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    I *LOVE* the picture you got of Kathy. That is exactly the experience I have had with her. At my first conferences, she made me feel welcome and included too and I try to pass on that experience to newbies as well. I’m so glad she won the big prize – I couldn’t think of anyone else who deserved it more!

    Reply
  19. Mandy says

    July 21, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    I don’t think I have ever heard of EVO, but your post makes me want to go!

    Reply
  20. Tricia Nightowlmama says

    July 21, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    how fun. looks like a fantastic conference and looks like u had so much fun

    Reply
  21. Stefani says

    July 21, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    Sounds like a great experience. I have heard of the Evo Conference, but didn’t get a chance to go.

    Reply
  22. Tammy says

    July 22, 2012 at 9:58 am

    I’d love to go to a blog conference next year. It’s just the cost and which one to choose that is a problem.

    Reply
  23. carolina says

    July 22, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    sounds like you had an amazing, relaxing, energizing time… Just what a good conference experience should be! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Jenn @therebelchick says

    July 22, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    What a fun conference!

    Reply
  25. Courtney says

    July 23, 2012 at 6:16 am

    Oh my goodness, looks like so much fun! I’ve only been to TECHmunch and a Chobani Event.

    Reply
  26. Zipporah Sandler says

    July 23, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    This is the first year that I didn’t attend and it looks just as great as past years. Glad you had fun.

    Reply
  27. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says

    July 25, 2012 at 10:37 am

    I’m so sad that I was unable to go. It sounds like you had a fabulous time.

    Reply
  28. Toni says

    July 27, 2012 at 4:01 am

    Sounds like you had a blast. And holy smokes she could definitely pass for your sister.

    Reply
  29. Kathy says

    July 29, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    It was so wonderful to spend time with you this year. Being together with you is always a highlight. I’m looking forward to seeing you again in October at Bloggy Boot Camp. I totally forgot about the Aura Ghost photo! I loved crafting in the dark with you and Lauren. You are such a wonderful friend. xoxo

    Reply
  30. Kathy says

    July 29, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Thanks Adrian, you’re so sweet. I love all the opportunities blogging provides. I only wish I could have talked to you more during lunch.

    Reply
  31. Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says

    July 29, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    Looks like a blast!

    Reply
  32. jani lebaron says

    August 3, 2012 at 9:45 am

    EVO ’12 was my first conference and I only started blogging in May. My DIL, Marie LeBaron of makeandtakes, has been encouraging me. I went not expecting anything, and am still digesting everything… including the amazing food… but I didn’t get to meet you! Next year, maybe I’ll pretend I’m preggers (*fat chance of that!) and take everything a little slower. Every blogger I met was wonderful! Take care of that baby and I’ll look forward to meeting you next year!

    Reply
  33. Melissa says

    August 5, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    It looks like you had an amazing time – this is really a conference I need to get to.

    Reply

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