5 MUST ATTEND CONFERENCES
We've been in this digital-creative-entrepreneur-space since 2008 and we know how daunting it can be at times. Sitting alone behind your computer trying to figure out how the heck to analyze your analytics, or get the word out about what you're up to, or find that right business partner is less than glamorous. And did I say it's lonely? Over the last few years we've been to oodles of events, networking opportunities, conferences, and meet ups...and a few of them have made a BIG difference not only in our professional life but also in our personal life. At these select in-person events we've been inspired, trained, listened to, befriended, referred, and challenged in a way that the online space cannot compete with. So, we've put together a list of our top five must attend conferences for the female creative entrepreneur in 2016. Here we go...
01 // YELLOW CONFERENCE
Yellow Conference was started two years ago by our dear friend Joanna Waterfall. She wanted to create a gathering for creative women who desire to ignite passion and bring goodness to the world through everyday living. It was created for the earth shakers and ground movers. Yellow's sole desire to see women let go of insecurities, and use their gifts to thrive in business, entrepreneurship, and family life.All with the intention of working for something greater then yourself while spreading good throughout the world, making it a better place.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Yellow is a 2-day event that takes place in Downtown LA at the end of summer. From yellow microphones to beautiful flower arranges, this event has the most inspiring decor and attention to details. Don't forget your smart phone because there are so many beautiful instagrammable moments. They also have monthly hangouts called, Bloom Gatherings, where they do anything and everything from raising money for a cause, to sipping cocktails on a rooftop in LA. Get involved with this community! They seem to always have something going on.
WHAT THE ATTENDEES ARE SAYING:
The Yellow Conference has broken all the rules of traditional conferences. It is much more than a one time event. Yellow is an invitation to women of all ages and backgrounds to be a part of spreading good in the world. It is a refreshing place for creative thinkers and has loaned its mantra “spread goodness + bloom” to many, creating a vibrant community of women who have made creativity and doing good a lifestyle, not just an afterthought. Yellow is what women have been waiting for — the reassurance that creativity and bravery still matter in our modern world." --Lindsey Eryn Clark, Coast to Coast Central
THE NEXT EVENT:
Registration opens in December so mark your calendar. ----> yellowconference.com. You can also purchase the speaker talks from the last conference that took place in August 2015. $35 bucks well spent.
02 // CREATE & CULTIVATE
Create & Cultivate is a creative conference and online platform for female entrepreneurs in the digital space. AND WE DESIGNED THEIR WEBSITE!! :) Woohoo! Jaclyn Johnson, the Creator and Founder is an absolutely brilliant leader to strive to emmulate. This movement that she has created is a 365 day conversation around entrepreneurship and being a woman in the modern digital world. Jaclyn and the team have a knack for gathering the next generation of curious creatives, entrepreneurs and #girlbosses to spark conversation around the topics they are passionate about from influencer marketing to brand building to raising money.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
At Create & Cultivate you're destined to meet other talented, like-minded creatives, all while learning tips and tricks from some of the best in the business. Attendees get access to a highly curated, impactful one-day program of workshops, mentor sessions, and panels, as well as delicious cocktails, food, pop-up shops, photo booths, gift bags, and more. They have the BEST and most unique sponsors where you can actually get your make-up and hair done on the spot. Plus Jaclyn and the team create really unique installations. One of our favorites was the donut wall. Create & Cultivate has taken place in Brooklyn, Montauk, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Portland, and continues three times a year, nationwide. Past speakers include: Garance Dore, Hannah Bronfman, Rachel Parcell, Emily Weiss, Aimee Song, Chriselle Lim, Jen Gotch, Orlando Soria, Geri Hirsch, Peter Rojas, Amanda de Cadenet, Julianne Hough, Whitney Port, Soraya Darabi, Studio DIY and many more.
WHAT THE ATTENDEES ARE SAYING:
"The ambiance was magical, surrounded by so many inspiring women, those I had met before and those with which I had formed a quick bond, reminiscing on the lessons learned, the inspiration gained, and the fire lit within." --Mary-Katherine Minnis, from Gold-Hatted Lover
THE NEXT EVENT:
Create and Cultivate is headed to Dallas TX in January. Tickets go on sale on October 15th. ----> createcultivate.com
03 // PROPEL WOMEN
While our culture is changing, and professional women are holding positions of leadership, many women still wrestle with identifying themselves as leaders or feeling empowered to operate within their full leadership potential. Propel exists to change that by offering the tools needed to lead more effectively helping women internalize a leadership identity.
Their gatherings benefit women of all ages and stages of life. Whether marketplace, ministry, or motherhood, they encourage women where they are. Founder, Christine Caine, says it best: "Propel Women helps women internalize a leadership identity and fulfill their purpose, passion and potential."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Propel Events are LARGE one-day events including: panel discussions on marketplace needs, ministry conversations, and life-changing messages from women who are leading in all spheres.
WHAT THE ATTENDEES ARE SAYING:
"Had such a blast at the Propel Event in Phoenix! And so grateful for founder, Christine Caine, for empowering the next generation!" --Bianca Juarez Olthoff
THE NEXT EVENT:
The next propel event is in Tulsa Oklahoma. Register HERE. Also, download their free magazine filled with helpful insights and real life articles. You may find an article written by our Founder, Promise Tangeman in issue No 1.
04 // DESIGNER VACA
Founded in 2012 by Alyssa Yuhas and our one-and-only queen #girlboss and Promise Tangeman, desired to step away from their computers, build community, lay by the pool, and recharge next to ladies all doing the same. Every fall they gather female graphic and web designers from all over the world to dream, relax, collaborate, share experiences, and learn from each other. This intimate environment has a relaxed anti-conference feel creating space for amazing connections and beautiful relationships to take place.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Relaxing. Sleeping in. Instagramming. Pool Time. Dreaming. Collaborating. Sipping Drinks. Making Friends. Learning. Business Chats. And a few KILLER keynote speakers. Umm hello what more do you need?!
WHAT THE ATTENDEES ARE SAYING:
"It’s a powerful thing when you can get so many like-minded badass lady designers together for a weekend of honest transparent sharing paired with inappropriate discussions over breakfast ending in belly laughs." - Kathleen Shannon
THE NEXT EVENT:
Sign up with your email to be notified when the next event will be.
05 // CIRCLES CONFERENCE
Circles Conference brings designers and makers from across the globe together for the dual purpose of learning from world-changing thinkers and innovators and connecting with one another. The conference creates a space where you will be challenged to push yourself in the creative process, inspired by others who thriving in the creative industry, and empowered with resources and practical tips to help you pursue excellence.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
At the end of the 2-day experience you will leave with a fresh spark of passion, filled to the brim with innovative ideas, and with a community of Circle Makers who are ready to create and do life with you.
WHAT THE ATTENDEES ARE SAYING:
"I've attended quite a few of conferences, but Circles is my personal favorite. Every last detail of the conference is considered and well throughout, which creates an enjoyable experience for everyone and a top-notch lineup." --Jeff Sheldon, Founder and Designer at Ugmonk
THE NEXT EVENT:
Get a bunch of resources, hangouts, and recordings ----> circlesconference.com
So now that you have "the golden ticket" of female create entrepreneur conferences, your 2016 should be your best year yet!
Write us in the comments below telling us about YOUR favorite #girlboss conferences! Which ones did we miss?