Design Bloggers Conference 2013 Recap: Connections

Every now and then in life, you have one of those moments where you look around and everything is right and it suddenly dawns on you that you are EXACTLY where you're supposed to be.  Last week, that happened for me at the 2013 Design Bloggers Conference.  I'm not sure whether it was the Los Angeles sun, the company of renowned design bloggers or the wonderfully inspirational guest speakers, but something about this conference deeply moved me in a way that I was not expecting.  I was so inspired and encouraged that the experience was almost spiritual.  I know that sounds strange to say about a design conference, but that's exactly how felt.

 

 

First, I must confess that I had some serious reservations about even attending.  I've admitted before that I'm a little (ok, a lot) insecure in the design world.  For starters I'm a newbie and then to go all the way to LA by myself with such big names in the blogosphere was a little (ok, a lot) scary.  But I got over it and went anyway.  Boy, am I glad I did. 

Honestly, I've been trying to wrap my head around writing a blog post to sum it all up since last Thursday. But, it didn't take long to realize that it was probably best to just let it all marinate for a few days before attempting to do so. There's far too much to tell to include it in a single post, so I'm going to break it into two; content and connections.

Connections

Needless to say the best thing about the conference was the networking.  That's not to say that the program line-up wasn't spectacular, but there is just nothing better than being surrounded by a lively room full of people who speak the same language as you.

It was so great getting to meet bloggers that I've connected with on social media, but had never actually met face to face.



Courtesy of Courtney Price Interiors
Kimberly Ward of Pink Eggshell and me. We connected over Twitter and
realized we have more than a few connections including TSU and Mississippi.

 

Amy Lambert Lee of House of Wentworth and me
We connected over Twitter and Instagram. She's not only a talented designer with a new line of chairs, but a practicing Pharmacist in TX. Love that!

I met bloggers that I admire from afar.  If you follow me on Twitter/Facebook you know that prior to the conference I declared that I wasn't leaving LA until I met designer extraordinaire Tobi Fairley.  Well, I did!!



Not only did I meet her, I rode in a limo with her.  I know, right!


You may recall me blogging about the fabulous ladies of Dwell with Dignity.

I met them too!  Well, I actually hunted them down.  So exciting!!!

Dwell with Dignity
Lisa Robison and Kim Turner

And others, I had to travel 3,000 miles to meet even though we live in the same city...

Holly Phillips of The English Room
Not only do we live in the same city, my previous intern Chelsea now works with Holly. #smallworld

I also met some fabulous new friends. 

Ruthie Staalsen of Dec Renew and me
We had a connection from day one. Super nice lady and fellow budget designer.

Amanda Carol (Amanda Carol Interiors), me, Shelly Rosenburg (Lura Studios), Jen Gilday (At Home in the Northwest) and Lori May (Lori May Interiors)
These super fly girls let me hang out with them. So sweet and super chic!

I even met a celebrity or two. 

 

 Me and Summer Baltzer from HGTV's original Design on a Dime

 

I'd say, in terms of connections made, I couldn't have asked for more.  I've been to many a conference in my day, and I can truly say never have I felt more at home than I did at this one.

 

Thanks DBC, I can hardly wait until next year.

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