Lately we have been talking a lot about the importance of finding community in your creative field, whether it’s blogging, design, or something entirely different. Even though there are a lot of ways to engage in community online, I’ve actually made most of my bloggy friends by meeting them in person first. Because everyone and their mom has a blog or website these days, you can probably find like-minded people in your own town. Another amazing way to engage in creative community is to attend a conference. I’ve been to blogging meetups but going to a big creative conference is definitely on my list of things to do. Conferences are great because (if you choose the right ones), they’re inspiring, educational, and full of networking opportunities. Most importantly though, you’ll might just meet some of your closest friends there.
Over the weekend, Angela and I rounded up the best creative conferences we could find. Most of them are in-person but one is online (see #2!). These are all still open for registration, so do some clicking around and see if any of them look like your type of event. :)
1. The Yellow Conference – August 25th & 26th in Los Angeles, CA
The Yellow Conference is for creative women who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Angela went last year and found it to be great for those just starting out with their businesses and wanting to gain inspiration from more established women. The Yellow Conference is also a good fit for those in socially conscious fields because there is a large emphasis on creating change.
2. Maker Mentors – Build a Better Business Conference – April 21st & 22nd Online
Maker Mentors is a 2-day online creative conference that will teach you how to create a successful freelance career. The goal of Maker Mentors is to help you turn your hobby into a thriving well-branded business. This conference includes live sessions, q&a discussions, networking with other attendees, and lifetime access to the recorded conference. If you can’t attend both days, you have the option of purchasing just one. Use the code BlogMarket to get $25 off your entire purchase of the conference!
3. Lines Conference – August 11th & 12th – Las Colinas, TX
Lines Conference is for wordsmiths who love authentic conversation and modern technology. Sessions will take a deeper look at blogging, social media, and strategy. Some notable speakers include Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, Melyssa Griffith of The Nectar Collective, the ladies behind the Being Boss podcast, and more!
4. Haven Conference – August 5-7th – Atlanta, GA
Haven Conference is created for those who are passionate about blogging, DIY projects, and creating a beautiful home. The sessions of Haven cover everything from decorating and home improvement to social media and brand relationships. Over the three days, you’ll also have a lot of time to connect with other bloggers and share your skills!
5. #BlogHer16: Experts Among Us – August 4-6th – Los Angeles, CA
#BlogHer16 is an awesome way to network with fellow bloggers, entrepreneurs, and social media enthusiasts. A wide variety of topics will be covered, including podcasting, publishing, social media strategy, and SEO. There are also a few “Hearts & Soul” sessions that sound very empowering and inspiring.
6. 2016 AIGA Design Conference – October 17-19th – Las Vegas, NV
The AIGA Design Conference is one of the bigger events of the year with more than 100 speakers and thousands of attendees. You’ll have the chance to meet and learn from top designers and even engage in roundtable discussions with them. This conference is pricey but considering all of the valuable perks included, it could be worth it for your professional design career.
7. Create + Cultivate – May 7th – Los Angeles, CA
I was immediately drawn to Create + Cultivate because of their beautiful website. So pretty. This one-day conference is full of workshops, networking, cocktails, and delicious food. What could be better than that? General Admission is sold out but VIP tickets are still available!
8. Go Blog Social – May 16th – St. Louis, MO
Go Blog Social a blog and social media conference for creative individuals who are passionate about growing their brands. This conference meets in multiple cities around the Midwest each year and includes presentations from inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and swag bags. Check to see if Go Blog Social is coming to your town!
9. Circles Conference 2016 – September 7-9th – Grapevine, TX
Circles Conference is a three-day event with a mission to “empower creatives to be their best creative selfs though building experiences that will enhance their lives + creativity”. This year’s event is 80’s theme and includes lots of parties. Sign me up!
10. Blogtacular – June 18th – London
I wish I could hop on a plane to Europe because this conference looks amazing. It’s a day for creative bloggers and small business owners to get together, share ideas, and be inspired by one another. The keynote speaker this year is the wonderful Lisa Congdon and tickets are on sale until the end of May.
Do you have any 2016 events to add to the the list? I’d love to hear about your experiences with blogging/creative biz conferences!
Justin shiels says
We’re hosting the second annual venturePOP creative entrepreneur conference in New Orleans, September 17 and 18.
Jennifer says
Looks like a great conference! We’ll definitely check it out more, thanks for sharing!
Boh says
I wish there was more in Australia!! We’re so far away from everything :( xx
http://www.blackandwhiteinsider.com
Jennifer says
Aw man! That’s a bummer. Australia has such an amazing creative/design community so I wouldn’t be surprised if more conferences started popping up over there. :)
vasare nar says
How awesome is this list of conferences! thanks so much for sharing, your blog is my new favorite! reading all the posts now, and absorbing information and tips :)
https://www.instagram.com/vasarelle/
Courtney says
Thank you SO much for this post! I am so happy I live in Texas and might have the opportunity to check out a few. Cheers!
Mallory says
Great list! I noticed a few on here that I didn’t already have on my own directory of creative conferences. ( http://www.missmalaprop.com/creative-conferences/ ) I’m about to add the AIGA conference now!