Top Social

a blog by Meaghan Alvarado

Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conference. Show all posts

Blog Fete Recap

This past Saturday I attended Blog Fete in Orlando at the East End Market. It's a small group (only 30 attendees), and a panel of four bloggers and shop owners. You're sure to recognize a few if you are a blogger or pay any attention to the blogosphere. Sarah Hearts, Ashley Brooke Designs, Carmen of The Flair Exchange, and Melissa Creates (BlogFete founder) made up the panel. All of the panelists were totally relate-able, very forthcoming with their tips, and were willing to answer any question thrown at them. There were four main topics discussed: blogging (duh), branding, social media, and shops.

Our swag bags from this event were awesome! Every single thing in our bags I know I will use. First of all how cute is this Hello Beautiful tote from Alexis June Weddings.

Alexis June Weddings
More goodies! Everything from sweets, to party balloons, to paper products, koozies, and soap. 

Blog Fete Swag

On to the sweet things. The cupcakes and fancy frosted rice krispie treats were from Deja Vu Sweets. I loved that the logo of Blog Fete was on the cupcakes, too cute! Onli Beverages provided their sparkling waters. I'm normally not a sparkling fan but these were really tasty, specifically the Green Tea.

Oh man, and the caterer, Cuisiniers was awesome. If I was in Orlando I would definitely hire and recommend them to everyone for their weddings and events. The blackened shrimp tacos, fancy mac and cheese - magnifique! Then they brought out their Chocolate Budino with Salted Caramel and a Banana Anglaise. Wow. This was like the best tasting creme brulee/flan dessert I have ever had.

deja vu sweets, cuisiniers catering, blog fete
Desserts first! ;)
Royal Design Studio was there sharing an adorable stencil set and pumpkin spice coffee. I can't wait to finish mine and hang it up!

Royal Design Studio at Blog Fete

Because this was a smaller event we were able to talk one on one with the panelists too. Kori Clark Design was there giving design advice and caught this photo of me chatting with Sarah of Sarah Hearts about dogs and DIY. The usual topic of choice for me. ;)


Ashley of Ashley Brooke Designs was one of the panelists at Blog Fete. I have been following her shop and blog for over a year so it was really cool to actually meet her! I finally bought one of her mugs there too, her original "everyday I'm hustlin'" design. Too funny and definitely a good motivational quote to see in the morning before work, or in the evening while blogging over tea. ;)

Just Me aghan & Ashley Brooke Designs
Mandy of Waiting on Martha Skyped in with us and told us a bit about her experiences in getting to a full time blogger. It's so inspiring to hear other bloggers stories, going full time can be done! It just takes late nights and lots of coffee. 

skyping with waiting on martha, blog fete
How cute is her dalmatian wallpaper?! I'm in love and must have more dalmatian in my life!

It was a super motivational event. I'm going to start working on getting a shop started as an extenstion of Just Me aghan this fall/winter. I know it will take a lot of hard work and a good amount of my "free" time, but I know it will be so worth it!

That's all for Blog Fete, you can see more photos from the other attendees here. If you have a chance to attend next year do it! I will be buying my tickets as soon as they go on sale. (Thank you hubs for the tickets! What an awesome Birthday present, right?!) I met a handful of other bloggers too and had time to get to know each of them and what their blogs were about. Making new blogger friends is always so much fun, it reminds me I'm not the only nerd editing photos and typing my life away into the internet. :)

Just Me aghan, blog fete


The past few years when I've attended blogging conferences in Orlando I always take a picture before the event, so here's this years. Kisses!





Florida Blogger & Social Media Conference 2013


Last weekend was the Florida Blogger & Social Media Conference in Orlando. This was my second attendance to the conference and will not be my last. I love the opportunity to be around like minded individuals, also interested in writing. In addition to the networking, the motivation and knowledge from the speakers is incredibly valuable to a blogger.
Apparently I was deep in thought...
Photo Via Macbeth Photography







At last year's conference I met Kat of Sneakers and Fingerpaints, throughout the year we've kept in touch via Twitter and it was great to see her again. To read about her fitness journey and current endeavor to run a marathon be sure to check out her blog.
Lunch provided by Bahama Breeze.
Bahama Breeze provided lunch for the attendees. Their new cocktail, the Curly Tail, was served along with a to die for chocolate mousse for dessert. The green beans, salad and fruits were good too, but we all know I'm about the dessert. ;) They also had shrimp and grits (with bacon-boo!), looked good but I'm still not eating meat so I went for a veggie lunch.
I also finally got to meet Amy of The Funky Fork, another Saint Augustine blogger. Amy writes about fitness and healthy eating on her blog. Be sure to pop over, as a trainer she has knowledgeable insight we could all use.
Goodies from #FLBlogCon13
Sadly I had to leave early, and missed the afternoon sessions. But it was great while it lasted and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other bloggers.

Have you attended a conference on blogging? Are you scheduled for any coming up this year?