Haven Conference Recap - 2017

Jennifer | me | Sarah | Jodi | Laura | Linda | Rachel & baby | Laura | Carrie | Jennie | Whitney | Vanessa | Chelsea

Hi Friends,

This year I finally made the effort to attend the Haven Conference and all I can say is, why didn't I do this sooner!?

If you're not a blogger, you probably don't know what I'm talking about, so let me explain.

Haven is a DIY & decorating professional blogging conference which usually takes place in July. An event that gathers around 350 pro-bloggers under the same roof for three days.

Sessions focus on improving skills in blogging, decorating, home improvement, photography, writing, social media, brand relationships, book writing, and what I think is the best: connecting with other people that share the same passion for all things blog.

Saying it is easy, but it took me a couple of years to sign up and conquer those silly fears all of us introverts face when confronting an event that's gonna be packed with new faces. And well, that was perhaps, one of the first lessons I got from the conference, being myself and saying hi to most of the people I could say hi to was a really good starting point.

So, I'm here to tell you, it was lots of fun! That first picture was taken during the welcome reception co-hosted by Delta and The Home Depot, there, posing with our mentor Rachel from Maison the Pax and the other ladies in the group. I loved the idea of the mentor groups because it gave everyone the sense of being part of a group during the conference.

After breakfast, the following morning, the program started with some key points from the talented ladies who created and organized the event, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, Traci from Beneath My Heart, Chris from Just A Girl Blog, and Kristin.

The keynote speech was from Rachel Kate who shared her story and the importance of:
Developing a brand, being prepared, partnering with big brands, and being persistent.

Oh, I almost forgot the pretty swag bag given to all attendees at registration. Lots of goodies. :)

And hey, one week before heading to Atlanta I realized my previous business cards didn't have much info so, these last-minute cards did the trick.

Really good details on all of the booths. I love this one from Crates & Pallet.

Liberty Hardware booth was cute too and they had the ever-popular GOLD Man greeting everyone. I remember taking a picture with him but couldn't find it. Is it just me the one that forgets to take pics?!

But hey, I did find this one with Chip Wade, my oh my, that boy is cute! :D

Most of my classes that first day were about social media and boring blog-related stuff because I really suck at all those subjects, but I didn't want to miss this class with my talented friend Jocie from One Project Closer / The Other Half.  Ahhh, it was so good to do what I like to do the most, work with my hands to create something pretty! Her Hand lettering sign class was awesome, and if you want to give it a try follow the link, she has a fantastic online class you can sign up for right now!

That evening I joined a fabulous group of bloggers for The Home Depot & Kwikset Haven Dinner.

There were so many gorgeous details! The tables were beautifully dressed in black, white, and gold. Those menus were set in marble and look at those cute name tags. :)
Great food, music, and conversation.

The classes and visiting the vendor's booths continued the following day, but without a doubt, the highlight of my day was sitting down for a Ryobi interview. Woohoo, I don't know why, but as soon as I have a camera in front of my face I kinda freeze!

I'm hoping that after they edit the files they can get at least thirty seconds of material. Oh my, I was so nervous. :/

Riding this awesome RYOBI Electric lawn Mower was a great way to relieve the stress.

The Closing speaker was KariAnn from Thistlewood Farms who never disappoints. And I leave you with her first message that evening: "Never apologize for where you are on the journey".  Words of wisdom, I know. :)

I came back home happy, with lots of info and a mile-long list of things I need to do. I gotta go one thing at a time, but it's so good to have different perspectives on how to work things, set new goals, and have people you can count on when having troubles along the way.

Sunday morning I unpacked all the loot and oh-my-goodness, that was a lot! Most of it was from the swag, some stuff given during the classes, and the visit to the vendor's booths.
(Affiliate links)

Dremel 4300 Series   |   3M Respirator Mask

3M Safety Glasses   |   3M Patch Plus Primer

Gorilla Super Glue   |   Clear Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Shipping Tape   |   Ryobi Impact Driving Kit

Elkay Sink Organization   |   Vanish Deluxe Fabric Shaver

Husky C-Clamp   |   Osborne Corbels

Designer Liners   |   DecoArt Paint

So Close to Amazing Book -Preview-

Wagner Home Decor HVLP Stationary Sprayer

DeWalt 25 ft. XP Premium Tape Measure

Rust-Oleum Comfort Spray Grip Accessory

She Got That Haven Hustle Sign

So, without a doubt, this was an eye-opening experience that I'm so glad I finally took. If you're a blogger or have considered starting a blog I totally recommend this conference to you. I can't wait for Haven 2018 which will take place in Charleston, Yaaay!

I hope to see you there!

Xoxo,

Cristina

*This post contains affiliate links*

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