An Unforgettable Journey: Recapping My Incredible SNAP! Conference Experience

For weeks, I’ve been eager to share the vibrant details of my adventure at the SNAP! Conference, and the time has finally come! Let me tell you, if you ever have the chance to attend this remarkable event, seize it – it is absolutely, unequivocally worth every moment and every penny. My experience was nothing short of phenomenal. Not only did I immerse myself in invaluable learning sessions, but I also had the profound privilege of engaging in one-on-one conversations with some truly inspiring and accomplished bloggers. The sense of community and shared passion was palpable, creating an environment rich with growth and connection. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity, and even more blessed that my family could join me, transforming a professional trip into a cherished family adventure. This comprehensive recap aims to capture the essence of those three extraordinary days, highlighting the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the unforgettable moments that made SNAP! Conference a standout event in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.

The Journey Begins: A Scenic Drive to Salt Lake City

As promised, here’s a glimpse into the whirlwind of the three-day event, starting even before I arrived.

I confess, I ignored the advice of many who suggested leaving my bulky DSLR at home. Instead, I proudly (and perhaps stubbornly) lugged my Mark III almost everywhere. While it captured some stunning shots, I learned a valuable lesson about practicality. Next year, it might stay behind. Most of the candid and quick snaps you’ll see here were effortlessly taken with my phone, proving that sometimes the best camera is the one in your pocket.

The adventure truly began the moment I stepped out the door, ready for the long drive. Dressed in jeans and flip-flops, anticipating a straightforward journey, I was met with an unexpected surprise: snow. Yes, it was snowing, and it continued for a significant portion of our trip. While the weather was certainly peculiar for the season, it added an element of unpredictability and wonder to our drive. We encountered some truly remarkable sights along the way, including a majestic herd of bison grazing peacefully by the roadside in Montana. It’s hard to put into words just how breathtaking western Montana is. I specify “western” because I haven’t yet had the pleasure of exploring the rest of the state, but this region alone is absolutely stunning. Even coming from a place I consider quite gorgeous, Montana’s dramatic landscapes, rugged beauty, and vast open spaces left me utterly captivated. The mountains, the wildlife, and the sheer scale of nature were a perfect prelude to the inspiration awaiting me at the conference.

As we pressed on, a welcome discovery eased the long hours: Utah boasts 80 mph speed limits! By the time we crossed into Utah, after nearly ten hours on the road, I was more than ready for the journey to conclude. Upon arrival in Salt Lake City, we quickly dropped our bags in our room and headed out in search of some comforting fried food at a local brewery. The meal was delicious, a well-deserved treat after the drive, but the place was buzzing with activity. It wasn’t quite the peaceful, unwinding experience I had hoped for, but the anticipation for the conference and the excitement of finally being there overshadowed any minor inconvenience.

Forging Connections and Creative Adventures

That very evening, while still settling in, I had the delightful surprise of running into my dear friend Desiree from The 36th Avenue right in the hotel lobby. I must tell you, she is every bit as warm, kind, and genuinely wonderful in person as she appears online – which, truthfully, was no surprise at all. Desiree is truly a phenomenal person, and I genuinely believe we are destined to be lifelong friends. A significant portion of the credit for where I am today in my blogging journey belongs to her guidance and support. I adore her immensely and wished we could have had a full weekend retreat just to chat for hours. I truly value every moment spent with her.

The following morning kicked off with an exhilarating #ThriftStorePartyBus experience, hosted by the absolutely fabulous Brooke from All Things Thrifty. Brooke is a powerhouse, and I simply adore her energy and creativity! This busload of enthusiastic ladies embarked on a picker’s dream, delving into a treasure trove of antique shops. It was the perfect start to the conference for me, offering an opportunity to indulge in some serious prop shopping. My husband was particularly pleased that we had driven to the conference, as our truck provided ample space for all my exciting finds. This hands-on, creative excursion was an excellent way to ignite the artistic spirit for the days ahead, allowing us to source unique pieces that would undoubtedly enhance our future creative projects.

Each day at SNAP! brought its own unique delights, including the thoughtful tradition of the “secret sister” exchange. Every morning, I was greeted with a gift from my secret sister, brimming with lovely goodies and little tokens tailored to my tastes. This consistent thoughtfulness truly brightened my days and made me feel incredibly cherished within the community. Beyond these personal touches, the conference was packed with engaging social events. One particularly memorable evening was the 80s themed pajama party. It was a riot of retro fashion, laughter, and camaraderie. During this lively event, I had the pleasure of spending significant quality time with the fabulous Liz from Love Grows Wild and Samantha from Five Heart Home. We shared countless laughs, stories, and insights, cementing friendships that felt both new and deeply familiar. These moments of relaxed, genuine connection were truly the heart of the conference experience, allowing us to bond beyond the structured sessions.

On the second day, all of us SNAP! contributors were treated to a special, much-needed respite from the general conference hustle and bustle. We gathered for a delightful, quiet, and relaxing lunch, offering a precious opportunity to connect with one another on a more personal level. It was an absolute pleasure to finally meet and chat with each contributor individually, sharing experiences and aspirations. I must take a moment to especially acknowledge Tauni, the visionary behind SNAP! She is not only incredibly sweet and approachable but also profoundly inspirational. Tauni has navigated some truly remarkable experiences and overcome significant struggles in her life, yet she approaches everything with such grace and unwavering determination. Her ability to manage so much, to inspire so many, and to create such a thriving community is truly awe-inspiring. I left our conversation deeply inspired by her journey and her relentless passion. Tauni, thank you for everything – truly, for every single thing you do to make SNAP! such an extraordinary event and a beacon of creativity.

Family Fun in Salt Lake City

While I was immersed in the stimulating environment of the conference, my wonderful family embarked on their own series of adventures around Salt Lake City.

Their first day started with an unexpected challenge: a huge piece of metal found its way into one of our tires, necessitating an impromptu half-day adventure at a local tire shop for a replacement. A big thank you to Salt Lake City for that particular “adventure”! Despite this minor hiccup, they made the most of their time, exploring the city’s many attractions. They visited the fascinating Planetarium, admired the architectural grandeur of the State Capital building, enjoyed a movie, and indulged in some retail therapy at an outdoor mall. They savored delicious meals, made a special stop at my absolute favorite store, Tiffany’s, and spent countless hours splashing around in the hotel pool. Remarkably, amidst their sightseeing and relaxation, they even managed to join me at the conference for a bit, visiting some of the vendor booths. Their presence and shared excitement truly enriched my overall conference experience, proving that balancing professional growth with family enjoyment is entirely possible and deeply rewarding. It meant the world to me that they were part of this adventure.

Deepening Friendships and Embracing Inspiration

Amidst the packed conference schedule, a truly special moment occurred when my dear friend and fellow contributor, Gloria from Simply Gloria, who wasn’t attending the conference herself, made the effort to stop by the hotel to meet with me. We found a quiet corner, grabbed some water, and spent precious time getting to know each other beyond our online interactions. It was amazing to discover how much we have in common, and I absolutely loved connecting with her. I joked that if we lived closer, we’d probably be inseparable – and dangerous! I truly love her. As a thoughtful gesture, she even brought me a container of her homemade hot fudge, a clear sign that she truly understands my weaknesses! It was a warm, personal connection that underscored the incredible community surrounding the creative blogging world.

The energy at SNAP! was infectious, highlighted by memorable events like the 80s dance party, where we all sang and danced with abandon, letting loose and celebrating newfound friendships. Beyond the fun, the conference featured an array of incredible speakers whose inspiring words resonated deeply, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights. I was particularly thrilled to have an extended, one-on-one chat with the amazing Cheryl from Tidy Mom. We talked about everything under the sun for nearly an hour, and it was so valuable to gain her perspective and wisdom. I also finally had the chance to meet my long-time online friend, Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe, in person, a moment I had eagerly anticipated. Additionally, I shared wonderful moments with Kristi from I Should be Mopping the Floor and Claire from A Little CLAIREification, whose insights and humor made our interactions truly memorable. While I didn’t capture every moment on camera, Liz, Samantha, and I had the incredible opportunity to wind down with some of the industry’s most respected bloggers: Jamielyn from I Heart Naptime, Kristyn from Lil’Luna, and Becky from Infarrantly Creative. They were all so remarkably open, kind, and generous with their time and advice. It was profoundly inspiring to hear their stories and witness their accomplishments, and I sincerely hope to deepen these connections in the future. The entire experience felt like a grand reunion, even for those of us meeting for the very first time. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with these incredible ladies at future events. I also managed to snag a few precious moments with Jen from Tatertots & Jello, though she’s always in high demand. I’m hopeful for another opportunity to connect with her more extensively in person; her support and kindness over the past year have meant so much to me. The collective energy and mentorship from these trailblazing women left an indelible mark on my journey.

The Unforgettable Swag Experience

And did I mention the SWAG? Oh, the swag! It was absolutely off the charts, beyond anything I could have imagined. I had anticipated a welcome bag of goodies at the beginning, having seen recaps from previous years, but the gifts just kept on coming throughout the entire conference. Every event, every class, every morning, every evening, and every time we gathered as a group, there were gifts. Packages were delivered directly to our rooms, and generous offerings came from the vendors and even from some of the bloggers I contribute for. A particularly touching gift was a candle in my favorite scent, Pina Colada, from Mariel from Or So She Says, along with a host of other delightful items. The sheer volume and thoughtfulness of the gifts were astounding. From craft supplies and home decor pieces to beauty products and gourmet treats, the swag bag was a treasure chest perfectly curated for creative entrepreneurs. I was deeply touched and incredibly grateful for the immense generosity shown by all involved – the organizers, the sponsors, the vendors, and my fellow bloggers. It’s hard to express just how much this outpouring of kindness and support meant to me; it truly highlighted the collaborative and giving spirit of the SNAP! community.

Networking and Future Horizons

Finally, let’s talk about business cards – the tangible symbols of new connections. It felt like I was handing out a ton, exchanging greetings and information with countless new faces. Upon reflection, I realized I exchanged about 60 cards, which is a significant number and doesn’t even include the interactions with vendors. While I initially felt like I “failed” by not connecting with more of the 527 attendees, I quickly realized that the quality of connections often outweighs the quantity. Each card represented a meaningful conversation, a shared laugh, or a moment of mutual inspiration. Rather than focusing on missed opportunities, I choose to see this as a valuable learning experience for future conferences. The goal isn’t just to collect cards, but to foster genuine connections, and I certainly achieved that. This experience has only fueled my desire to continue expanding my network and deepening relationships within this incredible creative community. There’s always next year, and I’m already envisioning the new connections and collaborations that await!

A Resounding Success: See You Next Year!

So there you have it – my comprehensive recap of the SNAP! Conference. It was, in every sense of the word, absolutely AMAZING! I truly cannot emphasize that enough. From the transformative learning sessions and the inspiring speakers to the profound personal connections and the overwhelming generosity of the community, every aspect of the conference exceeded my expectations. SNAP! is more than just a conference; it’s a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes, friendships are forged, and professional growth is accelerated. It’s a place where digital connections transform into real-life bonds, and where the collective energy of like-minded individuals fuels endless possibilities. If you’re a creative, a blogger, or an entrepreneur looking to elevate your craft, expand your network, and find genuine inspiration, I wholeheartedly encourage you to attend. It’s an investment in yourself and your passion that yields immeasurable returns. Mark your calendars, make the arrangements, and DO IT! I am already counting down the days and eagerly anticipate seeing many familiar faces, and meeting many new ones, at next year’s SNAP! Conference. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.