Last month I traveled to Kansas City to attend Chopped Conference, an intimate blogging conference organized by the wildly talented and incredible Marly. With just 75 or so attendees, all of the sessions took place in one room at the totally modern and completely urban River Market Event Place.
I’ve attended my fair share of conferences over the years but hands down, this one blew them all out of the water on every level. In just one day, I gained so many practical tips, tools and specific strategies that have already improved my blog and my business.
On a personal level, I was able to spend precious face time with fellow bloggers who I now consider to be some of my closest friends.
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Bev and the countless other women who attended inspire me to be better bloggers for so many reasons and on so many levels.
For example, Ali always inspires me to be a better food photographer. Admittedly, I don’t love the photography aspect of food blogging but it’s important for my photographs to be as high quality as my recipes which is why I continue to invest the time and energy improving my craft. If you’re a food blogger, you absolutely must check out Ali’s photography resources.
I also had the pleasure of spending time with these two beauties: Cheryl and Kristen. These ladies are constantly giving back to the blogging community by sharing advice and tips they’ve learned along their 7+ year journeys in the blogging world. They inspire me to pay it forward with the next generation of bloggers.
Speaking of paying it forward, whenever I attend conferences or any social gathering I try to be as inclusive as possible. As we enter the busy entertaining season, I challenge you to open your wings to someone who may need a little nudge of encouragement. If you see someone standing by themselves at a gathering, go over and introduce yourself. Welcome someone new into your circle or invite someone new over for dinner.
Believe me, I get it. I could have easily spent the entire conference talking to a handful of my closest friends like my girl Lauren. But the truth is, something magical happens when you expand your horizons and leave your little comfort nest. You open yourself up to new possibilities, endless discoveries and countless opportunities.
Even more importantly, you make someone else feel more comfortable in their own skin. You put someone else at ease. You help someone else feel valued. It’s amazing how a genuine smile and a simple hello can boost someones mood in a matter of seconds.
Have you ever experienced exclusivity at a conference or social gathering? How did you overcome it or help someone else feel included? I would love to hear from you.
Disclosure: A huge thank you to my dear friends at Bob’s Red Mill who sponsored my trip to Chopped Con. I am so lucky to work with brands who invest in my growth.
Jamie | Jamie's Recipes
Thanks so much for kindly saying “hi” to me. I certainly was nervous and incredibly overwhelmed thinking about attending this conference. Everyone I talked to was so sweet. Even though I have been in the arena for seven years, I am not a big player in the game.
Kristen
What a great post – and so true…
I loved getting to see you and can’t wait until more ChoppedCon’s!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you for reading friend. <3 I can't wait until I get to see you again!!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Super lovely post, Liz. It’s so easy to stick with familiar places and faces, but when we step out is when new doors always open. I’ve heard so many good things about this conference already, might need to put it on my list for next year!
Liz DellaCroce
You must add it to your list for 2015 Brenda!! It was such an incredible conference!
Heidi @foodiecrush
I see you and Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer as the ultimate ambassadors of gathering people around you. In the fact that you are outgoing and welcoming makes you a magnet to others. I love everything about this post, a great share for everyone in any social situation.
Maria | Pink Patisserie
What a lovely post and what an equally fantastic event! Blogging can be a very isolating and lonely job at times. I so love your words of encouragement and honesty!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much for reading Maria – I appreciate it!!
Emma
Oh my goodness Liz, I have been following The Lemon Bowl for a while, and I only just realized we are neighbors! I love in GR too :) Love your thoughts on being inclusive, you have inspired me to be brave and look into some attending a blogging conference soon :)
Liz DellaCroce
So great to meet a local Grand Rapidian!!! And so cool that you’re a Brit! I lived in London in 2001 and miss it so much – my husband is desperate for us to go back one day. You should join the West Michigan Bloggers group! Shoot me an email if you’d like to learn more liz@thelemonbowl.com :)
taylor @ greens & chocolate
Liz you totally nailed it with this post. In my four and a half years of blogging, I’ve never been to a blogging conference, largely because of the “exclusiveness” I feel I would encounter. I also tend to be an introvert in large groups, so the idea of a huge conference is quite overwhelming. Knowing that people like you will be at these conferences, however, makes them much more appealing! We need more people like you in this world!
Steph Kirkos
Thank you so much for this post! I’m a new blogger and would love to attend a conference one day for learning and networking. It’s good to know that there are smaller, more intimate events out there. My deep fear is getting boxed out by all the bloggers who already know one another, but knowing there are inclusive people out there like you makes me feel so much better! Hope to see you at a conference some day!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post Steph. I hope our paths cross one day!!! Thank you for your sweet words.
Terri/Love and Confections
I have been to a few conferences where people just talk with their friends and it is very hard to try and introduce yourself when a bunch of friends are chatting together. Sometimes I try but other times it is not worth the effort and I just walk away and find someone else to talk to.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
Great post! I remember what it felt like going to my first couple of conferences, so i too go out of my way to say hi & make a new friend or two. I love hearing the “why” behind what made people push the button as well!
Liz DellaCroce
I think getting those first couple of conferences under your belt is the hardest part. Thanks so much for reading Colleen.
Laney
Love this! I just launched my new blog, Life is but a Dish, and I have been researching conferences. Many of them do seem very overwhelming to me, so I’m glad to hear that there are ones that create a positive environment! I hope to cross paths with you one day in the blogging world! Love your site :)
Liz DellaCroce
I hope so too Laney!
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts about conferences with us! As a shy introvert, I’m usually the wallflower and sometimes feel excluded from the lively conversations that always happen at conferences. (That’s what usually happens when you put a bunch of excited women together!) It actually happened quite a few times at BHF in May, and there were times where I tried to join in a circle and was physically pushed out when ladies turned their backs, but thankfully, one woman saw me and took me under her wing for the duration of the weekend. I’ll never forget that — we turned into incredibly close friends within just a few hours! — so it’s my goal to do the same thing wherever I go, whether a blogging event or just regular life. Thank you for the sweet reminder to continue doing so! :)
P.S. I’m really curious about what you learned about tips and strategies to improve blogging as a business! Do you think you’ll do another post about that? Because I’d literally read every word 50 times!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so sorry you had that experience but know you’re not alone. We all experience it and feel it on various levels. As for specific tips and strategies, I decided to focus my recap post on the topic of inclusivity but I’m sure you’ll find tons of other recap posts that will go in to the nitty gritty of what we learned in each session.
Karen @ The Food Charlatan
It would be so fun to attend such an intimate conference! I love your encouragement to step outside the box. Everybody needs a reminder right? You are so good at this Liz.
Liz DellaCroce
You’re so sweet- thank you Karen!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
Liz this is absolutely fantastic advice. I honestly try to do this whenever I go to a conference or any blogger event because it must be hard to be around groups of people that have known each other for years when you are new to the game. Thank you for sharing this beautiful advice with so many other bloggers.
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so true. Thank you for your sweet words Jocelyn!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen@
Liz, this is so great. Chopped Con was my first conference and walking in on Thursday night I was so overwhelmed. Everyone was so nice and welcoming and I loved every minute of it. Thanks for writing this post, this is such a great way of thinking!
Liz DellaCroce
I completely agree. It was the best conference, hands down. So glad to spend time with you and your mama!
Stefanie - Sarcastic Cooking
i have only been to one big conference and I have to say there was only one large blogger that reached out and was very nice to lil old me. I will never forget that! Every big time blogger doesn’t even go to the speakers anymore they just go to their paid events so it’s kind of hard at large conferences to learn from people that are only there for a paid vacation to meet up with fellow bloggers on their level. Thank you so much for being awesome and encouraging bigger bloggers like yourself to pay it forward.
Liz DellaCroce
You’re so sweet – thank you for your kind words Stefanie!!
Cookin Canuck
Yep, you hit the nail on the head, Liz. It’s hard being that new blogger, standing in the corner with no one to talk to. And it’s people like you that make the conference fun and engaging for that person. I am a fan of the smaller conferences and really appreciate the opportunity to chat with everyone. Great post!
Liz DellaCroce
Now if only you and I could attend the SAME conference then I would be all set. :) xo
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
I didn’t even know about this chopped conference until I saw you were going. I’ve been blogging 3 years and last May was my very first conference and it was to BlogHer Food in Miami. Talk about overwhelming and I’m an extrovert myself! I found it to be very cliquey and many people who I had thought were online blogging friends didn’t give me the time or day. The competition was fierce as well for the attention of the sponsors and being aggressive isn’t my style. My 2nd conference was in September to the Big Potluck in PA and I loved it! Everyone was warm, welcoming and truly down to earth. I think I’m all set with larger conferences and will stick with the smaller ones. Thanks for bringing this White Elephant topic up!
Liz DellaCroce
I’ve heard SO many great things about the potluck conferences!! Would love to attend one in 2015!! Thank you so much for reading Brenda!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
I love every single thing about this!!! It is so easy to stay where you are comfortable…but you never know who you might find for a friend if you are open to new people. I hope there is ChoppedCon next year…it looked amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much for reading Jocelyn!! I have my fingers crossed there is a ChoppedCon 15!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files
Liz, I loved reliving that weekend! With my first conference under my belt, I have you and all the other fabulous ladies to thank for that! Thank you for including me as it was terrifying coming into that weekend with never meeting most of everyone I met!
I can’t wait until the next time we can chit chat and hopefully spend more time together!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you for being my chauffeur!! I had so much fun with you and hope to do it again soon!
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen
I am SO glad I met you at Chopped! It was so sweet of you to be so inclusive…you and all the other girls I met right when I came upstairs at the hotel were so welcoming, even though I haven’t hit it “big” in the food blogging world. I thought this conference was so inclusive and amazing, perfectly demonstrated by the fact that Ali invited all of us back to her apartment for the after party. I could have never imagined that all of these women who I admire so much for their talent could be so humble, genuine, and kind to someone (me) who is clearly beneath them in the blogging world. I love this post and I absolutely LOVED meeting you…but next year we need to get a pic too girl!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so great meeting you. Thank you for reading and thank you for your sweet thoughts. Also, please don’t say you’re beneath anyone. We are all equals, end of story. xo
Julie
Thank you for this post. As a true introvert who birthed an introvert food blogger, we are the ones that look like they are going to cry in that room full of people while hugging the wall. The more people ignore you, the more you withdraw in yourself. It’s awful. You want so much to be having fun with everyone, but the fear of people not wanting you around/liking you/etc. is so overwhelming. The larger the group, the worse it is. And what a relief it is when some kind soul comes over and asks you to go to dinner with their group, because we sure aren’t going to butt in and ask if we can go. Clearly, you touched a nerve for me. Giant nightmare is going somewhere by yourself. Actually, our church was having a soup dinner tonight as a fundraiser, but since my husband is out of town this week, I chose to stay home, since I didn’t know if anyone would be there that would be ok for me to sit with. Ugh. How we wish we could be extroverts, but it’s just not who we are. Bless you for finding us and being kind and including us. I can’t tell you how much it helps. Besides, once you break the ice with us, we really are fun and knowledgable. Just not outgoing. Thank you again and I really hope that others take this to heart.
Liz DellaCroce
Wow thank you so much for your thoughtful, honest comment Julie. Admittedly, I’m not introverted by nature but please know that extroverts share their own sets of issues and idiosyncrasies. For example, I often worry about being too loud, overly excited and too talkative person when I’m surrounded by quiet and professional introverts. :) There are pros and cons to every type of personality but the bottom line is that life is more exiting with all types of people. I think it’s important for all of us to use our personality strengths to help others – whether that means extending a dinner invitation or offering an open ear. Thank you again for reading – it really means a lot.
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Can we please pretend that I was there?? In all seriousness, this is a wonderful post. I’m glad you had such a fabulous experience! Can’t wait for chopped con 2015 :-)
Liz DellaCroce
It seriously pains me that you were not there. I mean seriously, how many conferences take place in the midwest?? Next time I’m packing you in my suitcase. I’ll throw a few energy balls in so you don’t starve.
DessertForTwo
You hit the nail on the head, lady! That conference was amazing. With all of the drama, competition, and bullshit going on in blogging lately (and in FBHEO, let’s be honest), I almost didn’t go to the conference. I’m so glad I did! It was the biggest group of supportive, helpful bloggers ever. No competition, just love and respect. Wow. I really needed that. I didn’t know it still existed.
Plus, I’m so glad I went so I could finally meet youuuu. Erin told you me you were tops, and I definitely believe her :)
xoxox
Christina
Liz DellaCroce
You crack me up!!! I totally get it though and agree on all fronts. I’m glad we went and I’m so glad we could finally meet.
bev @ bevcooks
Love that you came and we got to meet and have a drink together! Muah.
Liz DellaCroce
That was seriously the best Moscow Mule I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to play musical chairs with you again soon. <3
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
I think that some of what comes across as cliquey is rooted in people gravitating toward what is familiar and comfortable in an otherwise new or uncomfortable situation. As a closet introvert, I’d like nothing more than to stick close to my friends in those situations, so I try to push myself out of my comfort zone to try to bring others in. You do such a wonderful job welcoming people simply by radiating the warmth that is you.
Liz DellaCroce
You are absolutely right. I know that so many people don’t exclude others intentionally or even realize they’re being exclusive which is why I felt it was important to touch on the subject. Even if we just make one extra effort to say hello or smile at someone we don’t know, it can help us all. PS: I miss you :) xoxo
Ally's Sweet & Savory EAts
Liz, this is such a great post. I have been dreaming of going to a blogging conference for a few years now (they are expensive!!!). I hope to continue to grow my blog and have these opportunities like you. And about reaching your hand out to those that look left out…I love that! I know all of these bloggers via the internet and I know many of them “know” me, but I often wonder when I get to one of these conferences will everyone ignore me? I may follow their blog daily, but I wonder if they’ve ever even seen mine? All these questions run through my head!
Liz DellaCroce
Those feels are shared by ALL of us!!! Trust me. Thank you so much for reading!!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
Thanks for sharing! That conference sounded so fun, educational, and inspirational! I look at blogs like yours for inspiration daily to become a better writer, photographer, and recipe developer! Good for you and your blogs success! :)
Liz DellaCroce
Wow thank you so much Jennifer – that is truly heart warming to hear you say!! I am honestly blown away. Thank you so, so much. I look forward to seeing your continued success as well!
amanda @runtothefinish
I have thoroughly loved speaking and attending blog conferences over the last few years. I always learn a ton and come away feeling inspired, but yes just this weekend I was having a conversation about how some of them feel very…unwelcoming because people won’t open their circles. Ahh and you made me miss KC
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so true, Amanda. I wish it wasn’t the case but I’ve been hearing the same more and more lately which is why I felt inspired to share my thoughts. I hope our paths cross one day soon!!
bonnette
as an introvert that sells handcrafted items at art fairs this is something that makes me uncomfortable on a regular basis. Artist breakfasts, the occasional dinner… I’d rather be hiding in my booth “setting up”. But going to those events changes the show for me when I can connect with another artist or get suggestions about other shows. Its something that always makes me anxious but most times I just suck it up and it turns out fine. Thanks for being aware of those of us that don’t find those events easy…
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you shared your thoughts. I’ve totally been there at big trade shows doing the same thing “setting up” in my booth! But you’re right, we always gain so much more when we go outside of our comfort zones.
Kathy Tucek
Hi Liz! My husband and I ar both very active at our American Legion Post and attend many meetings throughout the state. I have always found a smile and hello to be a wonderful way to meet new people and it’s something I do wherever we go. It amazes me every time when someone seems a little hesitant, just smiling and saying hi can mean you have just made a new friend!!!
Liz DellaCroce
You are so absolutely right, Kathy. Thank you so much for reading!!
sheila
No one could have said it better! I want everyone to read this post, bloggers and non bloggers alike. We need to step out of your comfort zones, out of our “me me me” attitudes and take a step toward encouraging others. What most people don’t realize is that when you take that step you are the one that benefits the most, listening instead of making sure you’re being heard. You are the best at all of these things my friend. So wish I could have joined you! Thanks for sharing your insights!
Liz DellaCroce
You are so wonderful my friend. So grateful to know you and to live in the same city as you!!!
Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com
I loved reading about your trip, especially your thoughts on being inclusive. It sure sounds like it was an amazing conference! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I appreciate you reading – thank you so much!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Love this post liz! You do such an amazing job of being inclusive, it is truly inspiring!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so grateful for our time together!
Joanie @ ZagLeft
Going to a conference alone is so out of my comfort zone. My worry each time is that I’ll have no one to talk to because I think everyone else knows one another – which is always untrue. I hope to make it to the next Chopped Con, it looks like you had a wonderful time!
Liz DellaCroce
Trust me – so many people share all of those same worries!! I really hope there is a next Chopped Con!!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry
What a wonderful experience! I agree on preferring the smaller, more intimate conferences–the larger ones are a bit overwhelming for me and it’s so easy to get lost in the sea of people, especially if you don’t know many people there. I attended my first large conference this year and I won’t do it again–it was incredibly cliquey and while I found a wonderful core group of people to hang with, I also missed being able to get to know everyone like you do at smaller conferences. You are wonderful, you know that?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes I completely get it. Even an extrovert like myself can find large conferences overwhelming because you want to talk to ALLOFTHEPEOPLE but simply can’t. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and for your sweet words. It really means a lot.
Johnna
Love this post! ChoppedCon was so warm and welcoming, truly what I needed in a blog conference.
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t agree more. I am SO glad I had the opportunity to attend!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Love everything about this. Thanks for being wonderful, inclusive, encouraging YOU. And thanks for coming to Kansas City!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Right back atcha’ girl! I can’t wait to return to Kansas City soon!!! xoxo
kelley {mountain mama cooks}
Sounds like you had a great time. I’ve never been to Kansas City but it’s a place I’d like to visit! I couldn’t agree more about being inclusive. Blogging especially can be so clicking. Thanks for the reminder! I always tell my boys to be kinder than necessary- it will change someones day! xo
Liz DellaCroce
You are such a great example of being inclusive!! I mean heck, my son considers you his mom! ;-) xoxox I hope to see you again soon friend!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy
This post makes me love you even more, Liz! As a new-ish food blogger, I feel like I will really benefit from a conference. There is that fear in the back of my mind…what if nobody talks to me?! It seems like there are so many awesome bloggers that have already-established relationships with each other. I feel like I would be the odd one out. :-/
ChoppedCon looks very cool too. I will add it to my list of possibilities for next year (or two?), perhaps. And how cool to get to go with the support of a sponsor!? That is another challenge for me personally right now – coming up with the resources to invest in development. Keep up the great work!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Marjorie – I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I would love to see you at the next ChoppedCon or another conference soon! Thank you again for your sweet words!
Melissa @ Bless this Mess
Seriously such a great conference and it was awesome meeting you! You have a kind heart friend!
Liz DellaCroce
I am so grateful for our time together and will always think of you when the boys play with your blocks!!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
The first thing you want to do at a conference is FIND the person you know right away. What a great post because you never know who you might talk to and they just might be your new best friend.
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so true Meagan!! I totally get it. :) Thanks so much for your nice words!
Marly
What a wonderful post, Liz! I’m so glad you wrote about this topic of inclusivity. It was a big goal when planning the conference, probably because I’ve been to too many conferences where exclusivity ruled the day. And I’ve talked to other bloggers who talked about spending precious money to go to a conference only to sit in their hotel rooms and cry. isn’t that awful to think about? Anyway, I love that we all came together, met some amazing people (like you!!) and learned together. Big hugs to you!
Liz DellaCroce
That is absolutely awful Marly. I can’t imagine that but yet I’m also not entirely surprised. I know that inclusivity is a hot topic among bloggers and really any large group of people, especially women. Thank you so much for raising the bar when it comes to what a conference should look and feel like!
Rachel - A Southern Fairytale
yes. yes. yes! to all of it.
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you for reading my dear!
Carrie
I didn’t even know this conference was happening until it already happened! What a bummer, that is one that I would have loved to attend. I am not a huge fan of larger conferences, they are very cliquey and it makes putting yourself out there very difficult.
I love your challenge of being inclusive, it’s something all of us should try to do more often!
Liz DellaCroce
I completely agree. It seems the larger the conference, the more cliques there are which can be really hard for people who aren’t outgoing or are new to the group. Thanks for reading Carrie!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
This is such encouraging advice Liz! I read something the other day about introverts and how when they get in social situations they will stand by the exit door because it’s too overwhelming! Totally waving my hand on that one. But it is true that when someone approaches and starts to make you feel at ease then I know for me it helps me leave the exit door and enjoy the party!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s so interesting Nancy!! I believe it. And unfortunately, the larger the conference the worse it can be for introverts. Thanks for reading this post. :)