Blogfest 2016 Recap
As you know, I spent last Thursday and Friday in LA attending Blogfest. Held concurrently with Idea World’s Health and Fitness Conference and Expo, Blogfest combines health, fitness, and blogging all in one place. Speakers and workshops focus on things from growing your social media following to examining trends in the online space.
This was the second time I attended and I have to say that this year was much improved from last. If you’re interested in reading my recap from that, check out the links below:
Here’s my take on this year’s events.
I arrived in CA Wednesday afternoon. I went to my brother and sister in law’s house, spent time with the family, then got some sleep to prepare for an early start to my morning. Both days I took a Lyft to the LA Convention Center (new user referral credits woooooop) in time for breakfast.
I checked in and picked up my ENORMOUS swag bag which of course I forgot to photograph while I was unpacking everything. Just know it was legit.
Breakfast the first morning was sponsored by General Mills and we were able to try out Good Culture cottage cheese, which was pretty delicious. I haven’t had cottage cheese in forever, but more than made up for it with the copious amounts I used in making this parfait.
Rather than go through every session in painful detail as I’m known to do, I want to spend more time talking about the people. I’m thinking about writing one big takeaway post after Fitbloggin’ this week, so I don’t want to go overboard on each one individually.
For me, this was by far a conference of people. Last year I kept my social circle very small, mainly from comfort, but also because I wasn’t in the best place mentally and emotionally. It was the peak of my marriage troubles and I was really just exhausted and beaten down from dealing with all of it. Because I didn’t branch out and make new connections, I relied more on the conference material to make me feel better. When I didn’t take away much new information, I got frustrated and let down with the whole experience.
This year was so completely different. For one, I found many of the sessions helpful and even if I didn’t take away brand new, enlightening information from every one, I was at least motivated and inspired to put more effort into the things I love.
What really did it for me this year was the people. I talked to people I had never met, reunited with those I haven’t seen in awhile, and FINALLY met ones that I’ve been corresponding with for months or years, but hadn’t actually met face to face. It was amazing. I love this blogging world and the ability it gives me to make so many connections in so little time.
In these photographs:
- Jess from Hello to Fit
- Katrina from KatrinaElle
- Jamie from Jamie King Fit (and cofounder of Sweat Pink)
- Ashley from A Lady Goes West
- Bri from Run Lift Yoga
- Ivanna from Petite Heartbeat
- Renne from Bendiful Blog
- Susie from Suzlyfe
We had amazing lunches provided by Morningstar Farms and Pure Protein, as well as snacks galore in our actual room from Siggi’s and Truitt Family Foods.
There were no scheduled workouts the first day, so after our last session, a group of us headed out for dinner at Rosa Mexicano. I ate there last year and the tableside guacamole is AMAZING. I continued my ceviche obsession. My phone wouldn’t focus, but you can still see the deliciousness.
Friends old and new!
Friday I did the same thing and took a Lyft to the convention center. We started an hour earlier and I loaded up on dairy free yogurt and smoothies from Silk. I attended most of the sessions during this day, but spent more time downstairs in the expo than I did the day before.
I wanted a wonderfully beautiful photo on this hoop for Instagram, but ended up with this nonsense. At least I’m enjoying it!
We did have a scheduled workout this day, so we all headed down to the expo floor to workout with Gunnar Peterson and a couple other trainers. We all split into four groups and rotated through different stations. I was actually really impressed with the workout and was definitely sore the next day.
I don’t have any actual workout pictures, but I do have the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t stop watching this after we took it. It’s incredible.
I always love having the ability to meet people I view as influential or who create brands that I love. I had all that and more this time. From left to right:
- Siggi from Siggi’s Dairy
- Gunnar Peterson — celebrity trainer
- Tess Masters from The Blender Girl
- Jenna Wolfe — journalist, The Today Show (previously), author, trainer, and just all around awesomeness
The entire experience was amazing and I felt sad saying goodbye to people as I left on Friday. I definitely took away a lot and I’m glad that I was able to attend again this year. I’ll post a more blogging-specific recap after both conferences are over and go over my biggest takeaways.
A big thanks to Fit Approach and everyone who helped put on such an awesome event!
Question:
- Have you ever been to a conference or convention?
Conferences and conventions truly are about the people. And I like to think I help out with that WINK
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…IDEA World Nutrition Expo + Sweat Pink Blogfest: What I Ate!
Totes girl
Gotta get that Instagram shot! I’m so jealous you met Mr. Siggi’s.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…How To Make A Healthy Grocery Shopping List + FREE Printable
He’s so precious
So so glad I got to see you again! I had so much fun at this conference and I am going to HAVE to find a way to attend again. Nothing like being surrounded by positive and healthy living, fitness minded people. So thankful to Fit Approach for helping make it happen.
Loved all the pics!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…No-Bake Chocolate Maca Protein Cookies with Maca Glaze [ vegan, gf ]
Totally agree although I realized that I didn’t get one w you and it made me sad inside n
Guess we’ll just need a dozen when I come visit Chi town :-p
Want to attend a fitness conference close to Chitown and get a bunch of the CEC’s for your PT Cert? Check out NETA Fit Fest in Appleton, WI in September or Des Moines, IA in October. Not as big as IDEA, but great presenters and content in a fun and friendly environment.
AmberLynn recently posted…The Ups and Downs of Flashingback
Ooh I’ll have to check those out. Thanks for the heads up!
Looks like you had a fantastic time!! I would have loved to go back this year. I can’t to hear about your takeaways.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #76
I wish you could have come too!
It’s SOOOO all about the people. I LOVE that, Erin. I truly enjoyed our quality time together this year too. And how cool that blogging has brought all of us together? The one thing I’m sad about is that I missed that awesome 360 Propel picture thing hahah! So cool!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…IDEA World Fitness Convention and BlogFest with SweatPink 2016 Highlights
That was one of my favorite things there. I was telling random people to go and do it haha
Looks like such a great time! I so want to go next year…is it always in LA or does the location change each year?
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Get Your Snack On
It was usually in LA but next year it’s going to be in Vegas!
Ah sounds like so much fun!! So cool you met Mr. Siggi himself too 🙂 I would loveee to go to this next year
Alyssa recently posted…Mental Health Monday 7/18/19: Our internal critic
Dooooo it. It’ll be in Vegas!
im so jellyyyyyy!!! man, i need to get out of Canada as SOON as the dollar gets closer to par. It looked like so much fun and it would be so cool to meet everyone actually face to face haha. Maybe next year!
Beverley @ Born to Sweat recently posted…The Lazy Girls Lower Ab Workout
The Canadians that were there were talking about that so I learned all about it haha. I hope I can see you sometime!
Like you, I wasn’t in a great place emotionally at BlogFest. I thought I could deal with my opa passing away, but I didn’t do that great of a job at it, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to make it to Vegas next year.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…How to Switch Blog Hosts
Doooooo it. We will both be rock stars.
Loved your recap and it was so nice meeting you. Maybe next time we can hang out more and grab some food!
Ivanna recently posted…Sometimes The Only Choice Is To Keep Going
Absolutely! Let me know if you plan to go next year!
Sounds like a great conference. I spoke and attended FitBloggin’ last year and had a blast. I wish I could attend more but my day job is not blogging. Wondering which one is best for a run blogger? p.s. love the propel gif. How fun!
Ty recently posted…Running Half Buff
Thanks ty! I’d say that Blogfest probably has a lot more technical information and opportunities. Fitbloggin does talk about running, but it’s not as academic and focuses a lot on behavioral change as well.
Yessss! It was so great to meet you! Meeting and hanging out with everyone was by far my favourite part as well 🙂
Bri recently posted…IDEA World Fitness Blogfest 2016 recap
So great! I hope we can do it again!
I’m so bummed I couldn’t do Blog Fest since I worked the Perfect Bar booth all weekend. Even working the expo was incredible to be surrounded by so many people so inspired by health and fitness.
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green recently posted…One Meal Two Ways- Eating Healthy While Satisfying Everyone Else
Oh man I should have said hi! I just talked to a guy when I was there. At least you got to eat delicious perfect bars??
I can’t express just how much joy it gave me to see all of you gals together, doing all the things we love to do and talk about, fitness, food (so much of it), and I think that’s the wonderful thing about this community. Nobody feels judged for what they eat or how much they eat or when or… because there is just so much understanding and freedom.
And Mr. Siggi is TALL! 🙂 Wow. Blog Fest is totally on my list for next year. Do you think I would see you there, hopefully?
Emily recently posted…TOLT: When You Doubt Yourself
Haha yeah he is super tall! Next year is in Vegas so I’m going to try and go for sure!
Love this re-cap!! Conferences are really bubbles of perfection. The energy, motivation, inspiration I felt was unreal, and SO NICE TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU. Save room for me and Ash in Chicago.
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Why You Need This Hip and Glutes Superset
There’s always room!
This sounds like a really great event! I didn’t know Siggi was a really person! We host an annual conference every year at my work for the province’s hospitality industry. Well the sessions can be helpful and educational, I definitely find the most beneficial part – as you say – can be the people! Putting a face to email names, seeing people I haven’t talked to in ages, and really just better connecting with my colleagues.
Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales recently posted…5 Peaks Trail Race Series: Cypress Mountain Race Recap
I know — I love being able to reconnect w everyone in one place and meet ones I haven’t in person yet!