Redwood Tree's in Soquel
I faintly remember the feeling of having tears running down my face during the closing keynote of the Fifth Annual National Conference (#LBNC15). Mostly, because unbeknownst to anyone - including my husband - I had made up my mind that it was time to retire the conference...and move on.Why?
My change of focus was inspired after hearing a few things within the industry, chatter if you may, from both bloggers and brands.
From the blogger perspective, conferences take time away from friends and family, are expensive, and the brand propaganda is off putting. Sometimes you learn, many times you don't. Brands, on the other hand, don't necessarily feel connected to the bloggers workflow and in-authentic storytelling.
At the end of the day, I've learned that blogger conferences are a crapshoot; but at the very least they allow for social media influencers to connect with their fellow blogging buddies.
I also learned that bloggers, rather storytellers by heart, want to learn, but don't want to waste their time listening to regurgitated information that can easily be found online.
They also want to experience something new that will help them create content for their social media and traditional channels, but they didn't be part of the herd. They want, in essence, something completely different that will help them reconnect with their passion in blogging. Writing, Storytelling...and not feel duped by the end of their experience.
Wine & Cheese Gift from Hofsas House
After #LBNC15:After wrapping up #LBNC15, and stating that yes, I would be planning something for 2016, the ideas began to brew.
I wanted to reclaim that sisterhood of our first conference, while at the same time keeping the amazing experiences that the later conferences created.
I wrote, took time off from both social media and blogging, began my Artist's Way women's weekly workshop, and did more research - all between going to Film School - to reclaim the initial goals I had when I first founded the conference.
Then the moment came - that moment. You know the kind. The kind that wakes you up in the middle of sleep, that stops you while walking, that makes you smile, with the silly grin kinda way, because you knew you had it.
And it happened when I went to Carmel in the Summer of 2015.
Holman Ranch Vineyard
The Birth of #LLBLOGNotaConfWhat bloggers needed, I thought to myself, was to disconnect from their daily lives to then reconnect with who they are as women. We need to reconnect with our passion(s), whether it's writing, photography, or any other type of creative passion - and only then really connect to their audience in an authentic way.
And that is exactly what happened...
It took a while, many meetings and calls, but eventually the first ever #LLBLOGNotaConf Blogger Retreat was announced.
Holman Ranch Reserve Wine Tasting al Fresco
The RetreatUnlike the formal conferences that I have organized in the past, #LLBLOGNotaConf had a loose agenda with plenty of free time and options that could both please the introverted and extroverted blogger; while conference panels were exchanged with hands-on and personalized workshops.
#LLBOGNotaConf also offered lively keynotes, personal and curated experiences, and food, as per usual, was beyond fantastic.
But what made our first blogger retreat grand? That it truly inspired everyone to get closer to their craft by embracing our talents in a close-knit and safe setting.
This, of course, wouldn't have been possible without the gorgeous cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley serving as a backdrop to this amazing experience, including our incredible hospitality and restaurant partners...
City of Carmel-by-the-SeaHofsas HouseHolman RanchWill's Fargo Steak HouseCarmel Belle
Holman Ranch Private Hacienda
A special THANK YOU to all of the wonderful restaurants and wineries / wine tasting rooms that also hosted our attendees during their private tours & tastings.You all made this experience absolutely amazing - and something to look forward to year after year!
Ana Lydia