MAIYA :: Alt Summit 2012 Recap-apalooza!

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.

MAIYA :: Off to Alt Summit!

I'm heading off to have a grand adventure at Alt Summit this week, where I'll sharpen my bloggin' skills, fill my inspiration-o-meter, and wear obscene amounts of glitter.  Hopefully I will see some of your smiling faces (please say hi)!  If you won't be making it this year, don't fret.  I'll be sharing little nuggets and photos throughout the week on Twitter and Facebook, so be sure to follow!

I'll be back and ready for action on Monday, but if you've got the itch, don't miss my posts for Curbly this week.

See you soon!

xoxo

Altitude Design Summit :: Recap

Credit: Angela and IthyleWow.  What to say?  This year's Altitude Design Summit was more amazing than I could have ever imagined it to be.  From incredibly inspiring keynote speakers (Tina Roth Eisenberg and DJ Spooky) to panels on the ethics of blogging, it all blew my mind.  Most valuable were the friendships forged in just a few brief days, relationships I'll cherish for a long time.  In short, if you ever get a chance to attend, GO.  It's worth it.

There were so many great points made during the conference!  Basically, it was non-stop inspiration for 3 days straight.  I've included a few highlights gleaned from my experience at ALT this year:

• Treat people how you want to be treated.
• Transparency = Trust
• Reach out, take risks, and collaborate!
• Social Media: it's about genuine quality!
• "Art is the ultimate renewable resource" - DJ Spooky
• Do everything you can to support people; it will pay off in the end.
• Collaboration cultivates creativity.
• "In all new beginnings dwells a magic force" - Hermann Hesse quoted by Tina Roth Eisenberg

In other words, be genuine and reach out to people.  Words to blog by and words to live by!  If you're looking for more inspiration from ALT Summit, check out Liz's list of some of the best up and coming blogs or follow the conversation on Twitter.

So.  Was ALT Summit the best conference ever created?  Definitely.  Are puppies cute?  Always.

[Image aka my experience at ALT summed up in 1000 words: Angela & Ithyle for the Kate Spade and The Girls With Glasses photobooth.  See more here.]

And of course, a huge THANK YOU to PicScout for affording me the opportunity to attend this year's summit.  A year's worth of inspiration, meaningful connections, and brand new friendships: priceless!