Altitude Design Summit 2012 Schedule*
Wednesday, January 18
Thursday, January 19
Breakfast on your own. Come fed, it's going to be a full day. You will need your energy!
9:00 - 10:00, Session 1
You have a great idea but you need a buddy to help you make it happen. Partnering with a fellow creative can be rewarding. Or super frustrating. This panel will tell you what works and how to make your collaboration great. Even if you live across the globe from your creative partners.
So, you’ve been blogging for a while and all of a sudden you realize that your hobby has turned into a business. Now, how do you handle the transition? Learn tips and tricks from these panelists who have come from professional business backgrounds and taken their skills to launch successful blogs.
Even if you have no design experience whatsoever, that doesn’t mean your blog has to look like a hot mess. These talented ladies will go over the top design mistakes they commonly see, quick fixes that make a big impact and give you ideas of how you can implement the changes all by your lonesome. Makeover time!
10:30 - 11:30, Session 2
Blog sponsors, where do you even begin? Whether you set up your own system or work with an ad network, there is a lot to learn and these pros will teach you their tried and true methods. Learn how they’re monetizing their sites and creating beneficial relationships between sponsors and bloggers.
You spot an essay over here, an image over there. An idea you want to bookmark privately, a series you want to share publicly. But mostly you just want to figure out how to keep track of it all. If you’ve seen your inspiration files turn into a messy cabinet of hard-to-find ideas, this panel will cover a variety of online tools that will keep things tidy, which will make you more efficient and, more importantly, sane.
Have you ever met someone who isn’t busy? Striking a good balance is a topic to which we can all relate. These panelists will share tips on how they personally manage their time, how they separate work and personal business, what they think of multitasking and how they’ve learned to say no. Listen up you passive aggressive folk.
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch
Pilar Guzman, Deborah Needleman, & Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Moderated by Gabrielle Blair
2:30 - 3:30, Session 3
You’ve seen the printed loveliness of books authored and edited by our panelists, now learn how they made it all happen. Covering topics such as coming up with the best concept, finding the right publisher, understanding contracts, managing the workload, and publicizing the finished book – it will be like you’re getting a private behind the scenes look.
Strike a pose. If you’re a fashion blogger, want to become one, or just admire these ladies and their effortless style, this is the panel for you. Led by some of the best in the biz, each panelist will bring her fresh perspective to the topic of how to do fashion blogging right. Tips, tricks, helpful hints and everything you need to know to get started.
So you may not be quite as big as the online communities attracting millions a day but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the people behind those successful sites. Bring your pen and paper to jot down helpful tips from the pros that you can implement on your smaller (but equally awesome) site.
4:00 - 5:00, Session 4
You’ve built a brand and now it’s time to leverage that bad boy but where oh where do you begin? All of these panelists have been in that exact situation and have learned the skills needed to come out on top. Learn from their experiences and leave inspired to get your next creative endeavor kick-started.
Blogging is still a new frontier, and there are a lot of situations that come up that are slightly questionable. This panel will cover issues such as photo use guidelines, proper crediting, good blogging manners, and how to deal with someone who is breaking the rules. Get this up-to-date info and avoid a serious blog faux pas.
Who doesn’t love to ooh and ahh over a perfectly styled interior? Well these are the ladies who create those spaces and they’re here to teach you the secrets behind their work and blogs. A perfect fit for fellow interior design bloggers or anyone who wants to try their hand at blogging about interiors.
We're taking inspiration from the French and planning a "Diner en Blanc". We think it sounds perfectly appropriate for a frosty winter night. Be sure to pack some white attire so we can all make quite the scene.
Friday, January 20
Breakfast on your own. You'll be glad you ate, it's going to be a full day. You will need your energy!
9:00 - 10:00, Session 5
Roundtable discussions are small group gatherings led by industry experts. Pick the topic you're interested in and have a seat. It will feel like you're receiving a one-on-one consulting session. Topics include:
led by lawyer Nicholas Wells
led by Caroline Devoy
led by Marisa Anne
led by Nathan Williams + Amanda Jones
led by Kelly Kegans
led by Kathleen Shannon
led by Becca Gorski
led by Angie Anderson
led by Margot Harrington + Kate Singleton
led by Garret Gee
led by Adrienne Cardon
led by Caitlin Flemming + Erin Hiemstra
led by Melisa Russo
led by Jaimee Rose
led by Valentine Freeman
led by Deb Averett
led by Shelley Smith + Jennifer Hadfield
led by Annie Blake
10:30 - 11:30, Session 6
Looking to grow your blog? Of course you are! This panel of blogging masters will offer real discussion and concrete steps to grow your readership and create a true community for your site.
We all know original projects draw a crowd but it’s not always as easy as it looks. These panelists will share their step-by-step instructions on how to create your own inspiring DIY tutorials to make your blog shine.
Whether you started writing your blog to promote your shop or you opened up shop because of your blog, this panel will be the right fit for you. Learn from three experienced shop owners who balance the making, promoting and work load that comes along with running a successful online shop.
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch
2:30 - 3:30, Session 7
Unflattering press? Oy vey! Come to this panel, learn from PR professionals, and make sure it doesn’t happen to you. Learn how to get press ready, how to make sure you don't say anything you'll regret, and how to be an interesting interview subject. Oh, and some great tips on how to get the press in the first place!
Not to sound like a motivational speech, but you have the power to make your personal brand amazing so what’s getting in your way? These fine panelists know the bumps that come along the way of growing your personal brand and will fill you in on how to get you to where you want to be.
This panel has proven to be a fan favorite so we keep on bringing it back. These ladies will be sharing their fresh picks for the coolest blogs that you won’t believe you haven’t been reading yet. Get your rss reader ready to be slammed with inspiring new faves.
Time to get out the sequins. This year we’re going bigger and better with our blogger hosted gatherings in luxe suites right in the hotel. You'll find food, drink, company and prizes to fill your Friday night with fun.
Saturday, January 21
Tours
9:00-5:00
Ski, snowboard or ice skate at Solitude’s Swiss-inspired village. When you’ve had your fill of snow, warm up by the raging fire in the lodge. A Solitude Ski Resort ski pass is included in all Alt Gift Bags. If you want a ride up the mountain, make sure to sign up early.
Want to experience the magic of the Sundance Film Festival? We’ll transport you to the charming Main Street of Park City's historic town center where you can take a stroll, scope out the movie stars and try to sneak in a hopping party. Don’t forget your parka!
11:30 - 2:30
Stylish Liz will take you to her favorite thrifting spots in Salt Lake City. Vintage, consignment and straight-up second hand shops. Liz knows all the don't miss spots.
Don’t forget to bundle up if you want to join this group on a photography stroll around historic downtown Salt Lake City. With your camera in tow, the talented Tracey will teach you the basics of composition that will make your photos slideshow worthy.
I bet you wouldn't list Salt Lake as a foodie's paradise but this tour will leave you convinced that you had it all wrong. Hosted by a surprise guide who knows a thing or two about good food, she'll lead you to the tastiest spots around town and make you feel like a true gourmand.
Design Camp
9:30 - 11:30
Rachel wants you to know you there's no reason to fear the sewing machine. She'll guide you through a step-by-step tutorial that will leave you with something pretty to take home. You'll walk away feeling more domestic than ever and without any type of injury, promise.
Okay, so you know you’re never going to be a contestant on America’s Next Top Model but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to feel fetching for a day. Allison will provide tips for the perfect makeup and hair, Susan will show you how to pick a flattering outfit and Justin will give you pointers for looking your best in front of the camera. Christine Koh will be the model, but everyone should come prepared to get chic - and to say cheese.
Want to have something special to save all your Alt notes in? Allison will teach you how to make three something specials with her bookbinding class. Create three different types of books: flag, circular and multi-signature hardcover that will make you an instant journal writer or become the perfect handmade gifts.
It's time to stop fearing vlogging. In this class, HGTV's online stars, Erin & Ken Loechner, will be teaching how to make a splash in front of the camera without having to do 100 takes. Get ready to take your blog to a multi-media dimension. Ready? And action!
Ryan and Jason want to teach you one thing: stop being afraid of light! No, they’re not talking about crazy expensive studio lights, but small studio strobes and simple backdrops that will give you the pro look your blog or shop has been asking for. Get excited to try your hand at styling, posing, lighting and camera work. You’ll leave feeling like you just spent the day on set at a Vogue shoot.
Who needs fancy crafting supplies anyway? Arm Patricia with a piece of paper and a pair of scissors, give her five minutes, and she'll create an intricate piece that is museum worthy. In this course you'll learn the basics of creating with paper and come away with dozens of ideas of how to transform the simplest of supplies.
11:30 - 12:30, Lunch
12:30 - 2:30
Need to brush up on your seventh grade home-ec skills? The Internet queen of sewing herself will be teaching you not one but three easy projects. Choose to make a tote bag, oilcloth banner or a stenciled throw pillow to wow the crowd. Be warned, the person with the best skills will be peer pressured into signing up for Project Runway.
So you want to build a sleek portfolio site but don’t know a line of code? Perfect. This is where you start. With the help of experienced teachers, you’ll learn the ins and outs of what should be there, what you should skip and types of photos that will make your portfolio complete. And the best part is you’ll actually leave with a functional portfolio site!
Eva knows a thing or two about printmaking and wants to share her talent. In this course you’ll learn how to do a layered watercolor wash and trace monotype print that will leave you with a unique piece of art, otherwise known as your gallery wall's new best friend.
If you’re looking for the basic skills that will make your photos and posts look more professional, this class is for you. Taught by two PhotoShop veterans, you’ll leave feeling confident in your ability to, edit images, compose photo groups and generally fancy things up. Your blog (and readers) will thank you.
Your blog readers want to see pictures of your kids, your boyfriend, your dog, yourself! So it’s time to step up your portrait photography skills with Wendy and Tyler. They’ll teach you how to get the most flattering light (no double chin please) and how to come away with a portrait that you’re proud of. Who doesn’t want that?
If you've ever come across a piece of furniture in the thrift store that could be so cool if it wasn't covered in sea foam green velour, this class is for you. Learn the basics of making a piece your very own with custom upholstery and even a little tufting. Your grandma's couch better be watching its back!
Watercolor is so hot right now! Learn the fundamentals as well as secrets and techniques from a professional artist. Then give it a try by painting your own botanical still life. You’ll leave with an original piece of art that will make the perfect Alt Summit souvenir.
3:00 - 5:00
Upgrading from your basic camp friendship bracelet, Caroline Armelle will teach you how to wire wrap beads and how to properly use jewelry making tools. You’ll come home with your own teardrop earrings and pendant necklace that will have your husband wondering if you made a Salt Lake City shopping trip.
Sure we do most of our writing with a keyboard but we're here to tell you that beautiful handwriting is not a dying art. If yours could use a little sprucing up, Melissa Esplin will be covering calligraphy basics, ink well and all. You'll leave motivated to get started on those thank you notes.
Frustrated with the choices at your local fabric store? Have an image in your head of the perfect wallpaper design? In this class, Kimberly Hall will fill you in on the details of how to design and print your very own textiles. Think custom pillows, table linens or starting your very own line. We're all for dreaming big.
If you’re looking for the basic skills that will make your photos and posts look more professional, this class is for you. Taught by two PhotoShop veterans, you’ll leave feeling confident in your ability to, edit images, compose photo groups and generally fancy things up. Your blog (and readers) will thank you.
This hands-on workshop will focus on how to shoot food using natural light. They'll go over the ins and outs of lighting and what's right for specific situations. You'll learn how to use what's around you to get the perfect shot, and how to make the food look like you just want to eat it off the screen. It will be a fun course with photography, food and delicious photos.
Feel like adding video is the next move for your site? Learn how to do it with style and pep from our favorite bespectacled duo, Summer and Brooke from the Girls With Glasses Show. The two will go over pro tips for how to make your videos amazing and you'll get your own chance to get in front of the camera. Advice: wear lipstick!
Watercolor is so hot right now! Learn the fundamentals as well as secrets and techniques from a professional artist. Then give it a try by painting your own botanical still life. You’ll leave with an original piece of art that will make the perfect Alt Summit souvenir.
*Schedule subject to change