What an absolutely phenomenal week it has been!
I’ve just returned from the Haven Conference, a premier event for DIY and home decor bloggers. While geographically I never truly left Atlanta, where the conference was held, mentally and creatively, I traveled miles! Now, finally catching my breath after an exhilarating few days, I’m eager to share my insights and experiences with all of you. This week’s posts will be brimming with content, from exciting new products and coveted swag to unforgettable stories, invaluable connections with new friends, and a plethora of recommendations stemming from this truly amazing experience. In this particular post, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the conference itself, laying the groundwork for deeper dives into specific details, tips, and product highlights that I’ll share later in the week.
Why Attending a DIY Blogging Conference is a Game-Changer
Let’s rewind to the very beginning of my blogging journey. When I first ventured into the blogosphere in 2010, I was already an avid follower of established platforms like Young House Love. It didn’t take long after my initial post on this site to discover a vibrant, expansive community of other DIY home improvement blogs, which I quickly added to my daily reading list. Soon, I found myself immersed in a world of inspiring before-and-after transformations, a supportive network of DIY bloggers sharing innovative ideas, collaborating on projects, and proudly showcasing their hard work and creative triumphs.
Fast forward two years, and my own blog has steadily grown, even as my house (and I) continue on our journey of transformation. Despite the added demands of school over the past year, I always prioritize making time to read a select handful of blogs every single day. There’s a peculiar yet profound connection one feels to people they’ve never met in person – a bond forged through shared passions and creative expression. This connection was undeniably real, even before I stepped foot into the conference hall.
Around January of this year, an email from Allison of House of Hepworths landed in my inbox, informing me about the upcoming Haven Conference in Atlanta and warmly suggesting I attend. I had never considered attending a blogging conference before, and my initial reaction was a mix of surprise and self-doubt. “Me? Why would I go? I don’t blog full-time. I’m not one of the ‘big names’ like the incredible women organizing this event.” A part of me even worried it might feel isolating, knowing so much about these influential women, yet fearing that none of them would know a thing about me or my modest blog.
However, after a bit more contemplation – and swayed by Allison’s kind invitation – I recognized this as an unparalleled opportunity. It was the most convenient chance I would ever have to meet some of the talented ladies I had been admiring and following daily for years. I felt intimately familiar with so many aspects of their lives through their blogs. And with the conference conveniently located in my hometown of Atlanta, I wouldn’t even have to worry about travel or hotel expenses. How could I possibly pass up such an incredible chance? After a few more months of delightful procrastination, I finally secured one of the last 13 tickets available, eagerly anticipating what promised to be a truly transformative experience.
Anticipation Builds: First Impressions and Early Encounters
As the conference date drew nearer, my excitement grew exponentially. The buzz among fellow bloggers on Facebook and Twitter was palpable, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared anticipation. Unfortunately, I was slated to miss the first night’s cocktail party – a pre-existing commitment saw my sister, mother, and me heading to a spa for a belated Mother’s Day treat (a fantastic Groupon deal, of course!). Nevertheless, I was determined to be thoroughly prepared for the main event. So, I took a proactive step: I drove to the hotel where the conference was to be held, keen to scout out the venue. Knowing Atlanta’s notorious traffic, I wanted a clear understanding of the conference room layout to ensure a direct, stress-free arrival the following morning.
The moment I stepped into the hotel lobby, a wave of recognition washed over me. Familiar faces, previously only seen on glowing screens, were suddenly in three dimensions. There was Ana White, stepping out of a shuttle – and despite a powerful urge to rush over and embrace her like a long-lost friend (or a slightly enthusiastic stalker fan!), I managed to maintain my composure and walk on. Roeshel from The DIY Showoff was engaged in a lively phone conversation, her presence radiating creativity. And then, I spotted a cluster of women gathered in a conference room, intently listening to Marian of Miss Mustard Seed. Taking a deep breath, I decided to take the plunge and introduce myself. Much to my complete surprise and immense relief, the very first response I received was, “Oh, I know you! I follow your blog!”
Phew. The sense of validation and belonging in that single moment was profound. Any lingering fears of isolation melted away, replaced by an overwhelming feeling of being welcomed into a community I had admired for so long.
Keynote Inspiration: From Passion Project to Thriving Business
The following morning, energized and eager, I returned to the hotel for a quick breakfast before heading into the main room for the official Haven kickoff. The highly anticipated keynote speakers were none other than John and Sherry Petersik, the brilliant minds behind YHL – the very blog I meticulously followed even before I dared to start my own. Their presentation was an absolute masterclass, detailing their incredible journey of transforming a personal blogging habit into a remarkably successful business empire. It was delivered with such wit, humor, and genuine inspiration, making it not only entertaining but profoundly enlightening. And yes, it may or may not have included multiple hilarious mentions of farts and aliens, adding an unexpected and delightful touch of whimsy to their otherwise serious business advice.
I wished I’d had more time to chat with them later that evening, but I did manage to snag a quick picture, a cherished memento of their inspiring talk. On a delightful side note, I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet Katie from Bower Power, who was there looking after Clara while Sherry and John shared their invaluable wisdom on becoming better bloggers. My morning truly peaked when I introduced myself to both Sherry and Katie, and they both recognized and had heard of The Ugly Duckling House! Imagine my sheer shock and my subsequent giddy, school-girl reaction to receiving such incredible validation from people I held in such high esteem. It was in that very moment that I pretty much decided the conference had already paid for itself, a sentiment that only grew stronger throughout the remainder of the event.
Empowering Education: Deepening Skills at Haven
The subsequent two days of the conference passed in an invigorating blur of learning and connection. The ingenious organizers of the Haven Conference thoughtfully designed the schedule to feature two full days of identical sessions. This brilliant approach provided all attendees with multiple opportunities to attend the specific speakers and topics that resonated most with their individual blogging goals and interests. It ensured maximum flexibility and learning potential for everyone.
Among the myriad of enriching sessions, I gained invaluable insights into advertising strategies for blogs, with Beckie from Infarrantly Creative delivering an absolutely incredible presentation that truly left my mind blown. Her practical advice and innovative approach to monetizing a blog were eye-opening. I also found the courage to finally take my camera off its automatic settings, thanks to the epically awesome Layla and Kevin Palmer from The Lettered Cottage and Shoot Fly Shoot. Their photography workshop was engaging, demystifying complex concepts and empowering me to capture better images for my blog.
For any DIY enthusiast, a conference isn’t complete without a healthy dose of power tools! I got my ultimate power tool fix alongside the fantastic folks from Ryobi and the legendary Ana White. Ana is not only incredibly sweet and approachable, but she also effortlessly tackles complex carpentry projects with perfect hair and bright purple pumps, exuding an aura of total badassery. It was inspiring to see her in action and learn practical tips for using various tools safely and effectively. These pictures, while providing a glimpse, truly don’t do justice to how much fun, and crucially, how incredibly informative each and every session was. Every minute was packed with actionable advice and creative inspiration, designed to elevate our blogging and DIY skills.
| A hands-on learning session on Ryobi tools – and a new wine rack project to take home! |
Forging Connections: The Heart of the DIY Community
Of course, the Haven Conference wasn’t solely about absorbing new knowledge; it was equally, if not more importantly, a golden opportunity to connect with my fellow DIY enthusiasts on a personal level. There’s a special magic in meeting people in person whom you’ve only known through their online personas, and I met a truly wonderful ton of new blogging buddies, all passionate about home improvement and creative endeavors. This included:
- Anna from Directions Not Included
- Jamie from C.R.A.F.T.
- Ashley from Design Build Love
- Becky from Organizing Made Fun
- Pamela from PB&J Stories
- Ann Marie from White House Black Shutters
…and countless other inspiring individuals whose blogs I can’t wait to explore even further. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was incredibly uplifting.
It was also an absolute thrill to finally meet and engage with some of the ladies whose work I admire on a daily basis, seeing them vibrant and alive, chatting in the hallways and sessions. This included the incredibly talented Sandra from Sawdust and Paper Scraps, the wonderfully resourceful Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl, and of course, the lovely Allison who had initially sparked my interest in attending! These interactions truly solidified the online connections into tangible friendships.
Adding to the delight, I also unexpectedly spotted Kathleen from Between Blue and Yellow. I had actually met her two years ago when I purchased the primary bedroom dresser featured in this old blog post! I had no idea she would be attending the conference, so it was a genuinely lovely surprise to see a familiar face in a more traditional, serendipitous sense. These unplanned encounters added an extra layer of charm and connection to the entire experience, making the Haven Conference truly unforgettable for its vibrant community spirit.
The Treasure Trove: Unpacking the Sponsor Swag and Opportunities
Sponsors are unequivocally essential to the success and scope of an event of this magnitude, and at Haven, the sponsors were simply amazing. Their generosity elevated the entire conference experience. The swag bag each attendee received was nothing short of a DIY gold mine, packed with high-quality products and tools that any home improvement enthusiast would covet. Imagine getting full-size cans of paint from the renowned Annie Sloan, a professional-grade paintbrush from Purdy, a powerful spot remover from Oreck, a versatile mini Kreg Jig from Kreg Tool Company, precision painters tape from Frogtape, essential rug grippers, and protective glasses from 3M. Beyond these incredible items, there were also valuable contributions from industry giants like Minwax, Rustoleum, Home Depot, and Cutter. Each item was thoughtfully curated to empower us in our DIY projects and blogging endeavors. I’ll be dedicating separate posts later in the week to share a few highlights from these fantastic sponsor booths, delving into how these products can transform your next project.
In a minor unfortunate mishap, I experienced a small spill with my Annie Sloan paint. I’m still not entirely sure how the cap managed to loosen, but upon opening my swag bag for the first time, I was greeted with quite a colorful surprise! Given this little incident, I’ve borrowed the wonderful photo below, which perfectly captures the entire swag set, from a fellow attendee who managed to keep her bag pristine. It beautifully illustrates the incredible value and variety of products generously provided by the conference sponsors, truly making every attendee feel like a winner.
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| A fantastic swag pic from DIY On the Cheap, showcasing the full haul. |
Post-Conference Reflections: A Mind Full, a Spirit Renewed
Before we knew it, the whirlwind of inspiration and education that was the Haven Conference had come to an end. My brain felt like an oversoaked sponge, brimming with new ideas, strategies, and creative solutions. Every ounce of my energy was totally and utterly spent, yet I felt incredibly recharged and invigorated. My immediate instinct was to rush home and begin applying all of the knowledge I had absorbed during each information-packed session. The possibilities seemed endless, and the desire to implement was powerful. But where to begin with such a wealth of new information?
After much deliberation, I decided that the wisest course of action was to prioritize a good night’s sleep. Rest was essential to process everything and ensure I was at my best, especially since I had an important exam scheduled bright and early the very next morning. This brief pause, however, only served to intensify my eagerness to dive into my blog and DIY projects with renewed vigor and a fresh perspective, armed with the incredible insights gleaned from the conference.
A Heartfelt Thank You and Looking Ahead
My sincere and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the extraordinary speakers, dedicated sponsors, and the visionary organizers who meticulously planned and flawlessly executed this dream event. The Haven Conference was an unparalleled experience, truly worth every moment of time and effort invested in attending. It surpassed all my expectations, offering not just knowledge but a profound sense of community and connection. I am already eagerly looking forward to next year’s conference, anticipating another opportunity to learn, grow, and reconnect with this incredible network of creative minds.
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Top Row (left to right), the incredible ladies of: Just a Girl, Infarrantly Creative, Home Stories A to Z, Southern Hospitality, Thrifty Décor Chick, Centsational Girl Middle row: My Blessed Life, Miss Mustard Seed, Not Just a Housewife, The Shabby Nest, Beneath My Heart Bottom row: Sawdust and Paper Scraps, DIY Showoff, Pretty Handy Girl |
(There’s still so much more about the Haven Conference coming your way later this week! I seem to have temporarily misplaced a box of the business cards I collected, but as soon as they resurface, I’ll be sharing some of the most creative and inspiring designs I saw – perfect if you’re looking to design your own. I’ll also share my candid opinions and practical advice on what to expect if you’re planning to attend a blogging conference yourself, along with detailed highlights of some of the neatest product demonstrations I witnessed at the sponsor booths. And for an extra treat – since I don’t need two of certain items, I’m planning an exciting giveaway too! Be sure to keep an eye out for these upcoming posts later this week for more Haven Conference insights and opportunities!)