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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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…
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!
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?
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Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
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!
Tauni says
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
Amanda says
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…
HilLesha says
Looks like a lot of fun!!! 🙂
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Wow, it sounds awesome, maybe for my next conference?
MomStart (Ashley) says
I’d love to add this to my blog attendee list next year. ALL of MomStart needs to go. =)
Rachel @ Busy Mommy Media says
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
Stefanie says
I haven’t been to this one, but the scenery looks beautiful!
Connie says
EVO looks pretty fabulous. I may just have to think about attending next year. Thanks for the great recap!
Jennifer says
I hope I can come next year!
April Decheine says
Looks like you had a great time, I would love to go next year!
Billie says
Looks like a great time. The fruit and yogurt looks delicious!
Our Small Hours says
Sounds like so much fun!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
i would love to go to a conference one year. Looks like a lot of fun!
Theresa says
It looks like a blast! I’m glad you had such a great time.
Maggie says
looks like so much fun. I hope to go in a few years! maybe next year!
debra says
I’m so glad you had such a great time. Looks like you really experienced everything. Awesome!
Adrian says
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!
Mandy says
I don’t think I have ever heard of EVO, but your post makes me want to go!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
how fun. looks like a fantastic conference and looks like u had so much fun
Stefani says
Sounds like a great experience. I have heard of the Evo Conference, but didn’t get a chance to go.
Tammy says
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.
carolina says
sounds like you had an amazing, relaxing, energizing time… Just what a good conference experience should be! 🙂
Jenn @therebelchick says
What a fun conference!
Courtney says
Oh my goodness, looks like so much fun! I’ve only been to TECHmunch and a Chobani Event.
Zipporah Sandler says
This is the first year that I didn’t attend and it looks just as great as past years. Glad you had fun.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
I’m so sad that I was unable to go. It sounds like you had a fabulous time.
Toni says
Sounds like you had a blast. And holy smokes she could definitely pass for your sister.
Kathy says
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
Kathy says
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.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Looks like a blast!
jani lebaron says
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!
Melissa says
It looks like you had an amazing time – this is really a conference I need to get to.