Friday Favorites: Featuring The Sip & Mingle Blogger Event

So I did something. I drove about 3 hours to attend a conference hosted by Influencers I have never met or heard of!  It would also be my first blogging conference ever and I'm thrilled to share a recap  in lieu of my Friday Favorites.

How Did I hear about it? 

A direct message on Instagram. Yup. I opened it. ;) 

In January a notification popped up in Instagram from Mandy at Simple and Pretty Co with an invite to a blogging conference. She simply stated that she too is a Florida Blogger and is co-hosting a #SipandMingle conference in Orlando for bloggers and influencers.  Would I like to join them?

Orlando was just close enough and I have a blogger friend in Orlando...Feeling a little adventurous, I asked for more details.  As it turns out, Mandy and her friend Tara from Tara Met Blog host networking events throughout Florida, but this conference was going to be a full day event where we could learn some tricks of the trade and mingle after.

I messaged my Orlando blogger friend, Kellyann to see if she would be interested. We checked out the line up and signed up within a week. Kellyann invited Kim at Fierce Fashion, another Florida gal and now we were three.

Unexpected Event

The plan was to stay with Kellyann and all go the full ten minutes from her house to the hotel together, but her precious dad passed away the weekend before, with services to be held the Saturday of the conference. Sweet Kellyann wrote a beautiful tribute to her dad HERE. If you've suffered the loss of a loved one I know you'll be encouraged by her post.

Kim and I decided to still go and stay at the Inn hosting the conference. Meanwhile, I hoped I'd be able to see Kellyann somehow...

Before I knew it I was headed to Orlando and after said three hour drive, I pulled up to the Fairfield Inn and Suites UFC with a sigh of relief. All the boys were safe with dad and I was about to have GIRL time. Pinch me! The woman at the check in pleasantly chatted while taking my information and volunteered a room with a view! She must have seen "boy mom" written on my face somewhere and thought I needed extra spoiling - ha. Kidding, we all need that extra spoiling!

Photo Cred: Christine

Guess what? Kellyann picked me up for dinner with her family on Friday, while Kim met up with her daughter who works in Orlando.   Isn't that so sweet?? It felt so good to hug her neck and it was a blessing to share a meal with her family. Kellyann dropped me back off at the inn with the intent on returning for the first Saturday session.

Quick Run Down of the Conference

I found Kim already settled into our cozy room. After a round of pleasantries, we chatted into the evening until I could no longer keep my eyes open. My bed was surprisingly comfortable and I felt like I had just closed my eyes when my inner alarm went off! Thankfully, it didn't take long to ready ourselves - adventures lie ahead for the day!

Awaiting us in the conference room were smiling faces and breakfast of either overnight oats or açaí bowls, provided by Happy Healthy Company.  I was beginning to feel spoiled already! We took advantage of some photo opps before getting comfortable.

We could be "jean" sisters!

There were tables set up for two with a Tervis cup and ANOTHER gift from Happy Healthy - a stainless steel straw with a cleaning brush and it's own travel pouch. Seriously, they were speaking my granola love language at this event!

Photo Cred

From there the day flew by and I took notes, listened and even asked questions. Tara from TaraMetBlog shared about Facebook algorithms, best times to post, and other marketing tips while Mandy chatted about Instagram etiquette, profile tips and engagement dos and don'ts. They also talked about ways to go about working with brands. And Hannah from Eat Drink and Save Money closed us out on changing page views with authenticity.

Photo Cred Christine

Sweet Mandy, expresses gratitude for all participants while Tara concurs. 

During breaks between sessions, I introduced myself to other bloggers. Everyone I spoke to was warm, supportive and friendly. There were those who barely had their blog off the ground and others who have been blogging for over 10 years! Breaks were also a time to sample the snacks sent by the event sponsors...

Gustii Health prebiotic chocolates! 

Good Idea Drinks, Hydrant Packs

Afterparty

After the conference there was a Sip and Mingle afterparty with more opportunities to make new friends, meet vendors and find fabulous freebies! I felt as if they were opening the doors to new possibilities and I cautiously took them up on it.  Putting the drive home far from my mind, I changed clothes and joined the mingling.

Dress: Loft/Necklace: The Knotty Tassel/Hat: Altar'd State

Kim had to leave after the conference, so I  was "on my own". There were a couple of times where I had to pep talk myself to join conversations, but I was so glad I did. The women immediately opened the circle and included me in the conversation.

Avian, Paula

Victoria Land Beauty Team - Photo Cred Christine 

Victoria Land Beauty (Photo cred: Christine)

Photo Cred: Christine UYS

Color Street Nails - Have you tried these?? Easiest application, real nail polish, stays on for up to 2 weeks! I'll be posting on these more soon!

Photo cred: Christine

Time To Go Home & More Swag

I hit the road with a smile on my face and a bag of swag on my shoulder!

Land's End Duffel, Flash Tattoos (Photo Cred: Christine)

I'll be sharing more about these goodies soon as well!

Needless to say, I'm so glad I took the chance and went on this blogging adventure! Big thanks to Mandy and Tara for all the hard work they put into bringing influencers together!

Thinking about going to a networking event in the future? Here's some quick thoughts...

Put Yourself Out There
This may be easier for some than others, but it's so worth pushing yourself. You never know who you'll meet. You might just find a dear friend.
Network
Another #sipandmingle networking event is coming to my town in May! As it turns out, I've already met the owner of where it will be hosted - Small World!
Make New Friends
I'm still messaging with a few women from that night and Kim and I plan on a shopping day here soon!
Meet New Brands
There were products and goodies there that I never even heard of. For example, Happy Healthy smoothies are sold at my local Wal-Mart! I plan on making a trip just to see for myself.
Be a Listener
I learned a lot from the hosts, but also from the other bloggers in attendance. Also, it was great to hear their stories!
Share and Support
I continue to keep up with as many of the women that I met as I can, share what I love and support their hard work!

Alright my friends, I'll be sharing more thoughts on some of that swag here in the future so stay tuned for more. And in the mean time, I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

Chrissy