MAIYA :: Alt Summit 2012 Recap-apalooza!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 12:55PM 
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Where to begin?? Alt Summit 2012 was sink-licking good... as in, I actually licked a sink because I made a promise (to Amy and Linda) and I follow through on promises, y'all. Plus, I probably would have done it anyway. Let's be honest.
Speaking of being honest, this year Alt Summit was a little different for me. Last year, I was all about panels and note-taking and squeezing every bit of info I possibly could into my sponge-like brain. This year, I found that same priceless value in the connections that were made: lengthy bathroom chats with personal heroes, intimate dinners with people I love, and late night conversations in hotel lounges with cherished friends old and new. It was about building on relationships from last year, further establishing friendships with some of my favorite people on Twitter, and really embracing this incredible community. I loved every minute and everyone in it.
It wasn't all giggles and girl talk, though. I did learn a few things! Like silk painting, for example (see my very first silk painting ever above). Turns out, I really, really like it. Working with your hands, getting messy, and half-hazardly throwing colors all over the place is totally my gig. I also picked up a few little nuggets of blogging/life wisdom (which many and more people have written about already, and probably in greater detail). A couple recurring themes that stand out to me are: a) know your value and b) engage, engage, engage. This big, mad blogging world is all about (or should be) building and facilitating authentic conversations. If you're not in it for that, "get out the game"... as they say.
Another highlight for me was finally meeting the folks behind MAIYA sponsor (and Alt Summit Sponsor) Cargoh! Paul and Cariann are incredible, beautiful, passionate, and deeply caring human beings--I LOVE THEM!! They really brought Alt Summit to a whole new level. I was fortunate enough to attend their hosted dinner as well, where I was introduced to the incredible work of artist (and Cargoh seller) Zoe Pawlak (definitely posting more about her soon). Us lucky dinner attendees even received original paintings (pictured above)! HOW AWESOME IS THAT? Many, many thanks go to Zoe and Cargoh for making Alt Summit downright amazing.
And of course, I couldn't resist picking up a new robot from the toy store inside Grand America. His name is Walt (like Alt... get it? I'm so clever!). I love him.
So Adventurers, that's my big grand Alt Summit recap! Did you attend? Share your favorite moments or aspects below! And if you're thinking about attending next year--DO IT.
Alt Summit, Altitude Design Summit, MAIYA, adventures, blogging in Art + Design, Miscellaneous
Reader Comments (11)
You make sink licking look sexy. You're such a trend setter! Now everyone is going to be licking sinks where they go. And I love Walt btw
Couldn't agree more...Cariann and Paul were so sweet and accommodating and generous. I'm so happy I got to meet you and hang out with you a little bit! xo
Awe, thanks so much Capree for all the lovin!!! It was such a pleasure to get to meet you in person for our first date night! Can't wait to hang out again, it must before the next Alt!!! Pinky swear! xoxo
I love Walt. And I love you. Kind of surprised the picture of us tweaking the nips of that statue didn't make the cut. But I'll forgive you.
xo
Capreeeeeeeee! It was so awesome hanging out with you and becoming a step-sister wife. :)
I heart you so much, sink licking and all! FRIENDSHIP, yo.
Thanks guys!! We should totally organize our own Sink Licking Summit. Who's game??
That first picture of you is so adorable! I am really glad we were able to meet, even if it was just for a minute. Maybe next year we'll get a chance to talk more.
P.S. I wanted to tell you that your outfit was so cute the day that we met (whatever day that was -its all blurring together).
-Brittni
Aw, thanks Brittni!! I'm glad we finally got to meet in person! You are absolutely adorable. :D
Oh Miss Capree! It was so great meeting you at Alt this year! What a treat! And, I gots a spanking photo to prove it! Rowr! ;) Thanks to you and Carina for your patience while you endured my delirious state by the credenza. I LOVED Alt! But, by the end of it, I'm not sure I should have been allowed to wander unsupervised in the public domain. But, you were a rockin' part of my Alt experience. Sink licker and all! ;)
Oh, Uncle Beefy! It was absolutely fantastic meeting YOU! Our chats and photoboothing shenanigans are true highlights! xo