Last year, I was lucky enough to win a ticket to my first ever social media conference: Evo Conference in Park City, Utah. I was lucky enough to go, and I was wowed. This year, I paid my way without a second thought. To say the least, it didn’t disappoint. Many have said that Jyl Pattee and Rachel Herrscher “made lightening strike twice.” The picture (above and thanks to Paul, Sandy’s husband) was taken while I was on the Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort. Okay, what was this guy doing? I was freaking out that he was so close.
Evo, for me, is about learning, feeling inspired, seeing old friends and making new ones. I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer, (above) from Piggies & Paws, last year. She is one of the most incredible women with such a great heart that I have ever met. This year I made so many new friends. I love this group (below) with Sandy, Aggie, and Maria. All are hugely talented food and entertaining bloggers. I am honored to know them in person, and I have a feeling we will be lifetime friends. Thanks to Maria for sharing her photo with me.
And while this wasn’t a food conference, there were two more amazing food workshops. We learned photography tips from Helene from Tartlette, one of my most favorite blogs (see below). She is so nice, humble and genuine.
Our lunch with Helen and the Chefs of the The Canyons was held at Lookout Cabin, a picturesque setting overlooking the mountains.
Just a look at our view from our table (below).
Our meal was scrumptous as well, and we learned how to make all of the fabulous recipes from the chefs. This shrimp dish was just one of the mouth-watering appetizers we learned to make at home.
Day two, I went to the other food workshop which was held at the Waldorf Astoria resort sponsored by Bushs Beans with Todd and Diane from White on Rice Couple. I was lucky to meet this dynamic duo last year, and words can’t describe their talent, generosity and gift of teaching. Here’s Todd in action.
We learned more about food styling from Diane, and then we each got to practice our styling. I couldn’t get over Jennifer, from Baby Making Mama, with her beautiful baby on her back while shooting away with her camera on the ground. Now that was inspiring!
She was a delight to photograph (even though I was supposed to be food styling).
I must admit that one of the scary parts of the trip is when we took a gondola ride up to another mountain to the closing party sponsored by Together Counts. It got really windy, and while in mid air, the gondola stopped for what seemed like an eternity. It was frightening to say the least. When we got to the top, we suggested maybe taking the edge off. So we did. I had so much fun with Annalise, Kelly and Lisa, three of the most talented and genuine people I have ever met. Extra thanks to Kelly (second to the left) for her incredible hospitality. We met at the conference last year, and this was the second time I have seen her this year.
So what else can I say about EVO? I learned so much at this conference about social media, business, entrepreneurs, women, friendship, community and more. I have never met so many creative and passionate people in one place. There are so many others I want to mention who I don’t have photos of but Jen, Gena, Jenn, Alisa, Paul, Cameron, Marla, Diana, Jamielyn, Missy, Evan, Melissa, Heidi, Helen and Dara are just a few. I just feel lucky to have had this experience. It brings a smile to my face. Just look at it with Aggie (below) and Maria (bottom).
What a wonderful, inspiring conference – in a beautiful location, nonetheless! And getting to learn food photography and styling from Helene and Todd & Diane, incredible!
I’ve read so many great posts on Evo Conference, I think I’m putting it on my must-attend conference list for next year.
Was so great to see you at evo! I wish I could have hung out more since I was running around like wild! Beautiful post and pics!!!!
Great post! EVO is my favorite conference. I can’t wait until next year! Glad you will be coming back to Utah! I always enjoy hanging out with you!
So wonderful to see you this week. Big things ahead, I can tell.
So fun spending time with you at Evo! I hope our paths cross again soon!
By the way I added a link to this recap on my own recap post.
Oh Alison what a wonderful recap of our weekend! It was such a pleasure to finally meet you in real life. I really hope we get to spend some more time together in the future. Love all your photos!!
xoxo
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your weekend! I am bummed I wasn’t able to go. I love, love, love Park City. Maybe next year!
loved your recap – everyone’s tweets from the weekend were enviable. this conference is on my list for next year. thanks for sharing your experience with us 🙂
OMG what a blast! Love your pictures! You are so adorable!
I want to go to Park City right now!
Alison, I love your site, and all of your posts! You deserve the best of everything as its obvious how much passion you have and how hard you work
I was jealous before reading this post… now I’m SUPER jealous. One of these days I’ll get to meet these fantastic people.
So glad you had such a fantastic time!
This looks like a blast. What beautiful photos and great new blogs to check out
It was so good to see you again, Alison and to spend some time chatting. Looking forward to next year!
What a wonderful conference! Looks like a great time!
One of my greatest gifts of EVO was meeting you. Great recap … can’t wait until next year. We had to much fun at the park, didn’t we? 🙂
I saw all the tweets and pictures from the conference and you all seemed to be having such a good time! I hope to be able to attend next time and maybe meet you in person!
Alison I LOVE this post. You really capture the amazing energy from this weekend at evo. So happy I made it this year. We have so many great friends!!
Alison, what a beautiful post – thanks for sharing your experience at the Evo Conference, wish I could have been there. It is so nice to connect and reconnect with like-minded bloggers.
What a fun filled meet this is! Lucky to have met and get to know so much of talent out there.
I have been following everyone’s tweet on the conference and the emotions are same and genuine! The pictures just confirmed everything. So much fun 🙂
Looks like it was a blast! I hope to go next year.
Oh what wonderful memories! I will never forget our time together, especially the reason for the tequila shots 🙂 Hope to connect with you [in person] again, soon – you’re such an amazing women and quite inspiring! *hugs*
It was so good meeting you at EVO! You gave a great recap. That baby was SO cute!
Gosh, what an amazing experience. Wish I could attend one of these conferences one day and meet many amzing people. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Loved hugging you at evo. You are always so awesome to talk to/be around. You bring such a positive vibe to any room you are in. Hope to see you at all future evos! 😀 I’ll chat with you online in the meantime!
xoxo
Oh how I love you! It was so good to see you and words can not express how excited we are for all your success. I’ll be looking forward to November when you pass through San Diego. My door is always open! And don’t get too busy in the next several months. You may have a wedding to attend!!! Would love your recommendations for bakers, caterers & event planners!
Great photos. This looks like such an amazing conference!
It was a great conference, right!? La, la, loved meeting you. You’re darling, fun, and inspirational. Can’t wait to see you again next year. Mwah!