Alt SF Opening Session: Roundtables

By: Melanie Blodgett. Photo by: Justin Hackworth.

If you're headed to Alt SF, on Thursday morning get checked-in and blinged up thanks to Vivint. Then before we jump in to the panels and keynotes, we'll be warming you up with many activities to choose from. Round table sessions, crafts and sponsor connections will all be available between 8 - 10 AM. Choose from this fabulous list of activities:

- Victoria Smith and Jordan Ferney are teaming up to offer an intimate conversation about creating unique content and sponsored posts that work with your brand. 

- Maker extroidanaire, Courtney Cerruti from Creativebug, will be hosting a beaded jewlery station so you can create one of a kind pieces. 

Ali Lewis will be teaching how to create your own letterpress cards and you'll get to take home your finished designs. 

- If the crafting wears you out a bit, grab a relaxing hand massage provided by Joss & Main. 

- Helen Jane from Federated Media will be available to chat about Ad Networks 101: Working with an Agency, Avoiding a Bad Reputation, and Keeping up With the Trends.

- Not with an Ad Network? No problem. Liz Stanley will answer all your questions about Selling Your Own Ads 101. 

- Kristen Kennedy will teach the ins and outs of the very exciting Bing Boards and will get you started on creating your own, so you can amp up search results to your site. 

- It wouldn't be an Alt event without some photo booth action, jump in and say cheese with the set-up provided by Michael Miller Fabrics.

- Touch up your lipstick and get camera ready as CreativeBug rolls tape on ideas you have to share. 

- And talented illustrator, Lisa Congdon, will be leading a roundtable, too, all about Effective Ways for Finding a Harmonious Work/Life Balance.

Make sure to check-in early so you have plenty of time to hit-up all the activities you want before you secure a seat for the opening address.

What is Your Favorite Part About Alt?

@alt: What is your favorite part about #altsummit conferences?

By: Jenny Batt. Photos by: Justin Hackworth.

Its a busy, busy summer! First it was Alt for Everyone, then we just had Alt NYC and now Alt SF is right around the corner. Whether it is online or in person, Alt Summit conferences are one of a kind. Vote now and tell us what you like most about attending Alt, we'd love to know! Haven't been yet, that's okay, what would you look forward to the most?

A Roadmap For HTML And CSS

By: Joy Laforme.  Photo by: They Draw & Travel. 

The word “code” has always been somewhat of a four-letter word to many people. It’s synonymous with mathematical equations and difficult concepts that easily overwhelm us. But in reality, the relationship between HTML and CSS provide those with an online presence with a powerful tool to increase our creative abilities and online reach.

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Martha Stewart American Made Nominations

By: Melanie Blodgett. Photo by: Justin Hackworth.

Do you know an American Maker who deserves some recognition? Or are you an American Maker yourself? Whether you've just started selling your handmade goods at the local flea market, or your product is sold across the country, here's an opportunity to be recognized for ingenuity and excellence. From now until August 23, you can nominate yourself, or a small business you admire, for the chance to be named the 2013 American Made Audience Choice Award Winner.
 
The Grand Prize Winner receives $10,000 to further their business, a trip for two to New York City to attend the American Made Workshop, and a feature on marthastewart.com! Learn more right here, and follow American Made onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for updates.

Happy Fourth of July!

By: Jenny Batt. Photo by: Victoria Hudgins

Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!