Alt SLC Schedule*
We will be beefing up the schedule regularly. So check back often to find the most up-to-date information.
Four New Things to Watch for This Year:
1) Track A is especially designed for beginning bloggers. If you’re a newbie, stick with these classes and by the end of the conference, you’ll feel like an expert!
2) Track B is especially designed for established bloggers. If you’ve got an audience and a routine and are looking to hone your skills, stick with track B.
3) Track C is all about stand alone speakers and topics that will appeal to all attendees.
4) From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Thursday and Friday, you’ll be able to stop by the Alt Summit Ask a Lawyer Table and the Ask An Accountant Table for free advice and guidance.
Wednesday, January 23
2:00 - 6:00 PM
Conference check-in at the Grand America
6:30 PM
Wednesday Night Dinners
Make sure to pick a restaurant when you register. Come prepared to meet new friends, strengthen past connections and build relationships with sponsors.
Thursday, January 24
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Conference check-in
9:00 - 10:00, Session 1
A. Getting Past Zero
Mariah Danielsen, Jessika Hepburn, Mina Brinkey, Emily Frame
You’re brilliant, you’re talented, you have game-changing ideas. So, what’s the problem? Nobody knows! You've got zero fans, zero followers, zero readers. We all start at zero - the key is to breeze past zero quickly and begin growing your community in earnest.
B. Collaborations With Sponsors
Mitra Morgan, Merrilee Liddiard, Camille Styles, Annie Selke, Jenny Komenda
Your blog is rocking it out. You're being approached by sponsors and approaching them yourself. In this panel, you'll get ideas to build your brand AND your bottom line. And how to think bigger in general!
C. The Reality of a Daily Video Series
Sarah Carey, Head of Everyday Food Brand
Sarah Carey shares a gorgeous + delicious new recipe video every single day. Video can be so time consuming! How does she do it? Find out the ins and outs of how her series is produced including how it all began, how recipes are developed and the filming process.
10:30 - 11:30, Session 2
A. Four Ways to Earn Revenue From Your Blog
Nicole Balch, Mariah Bruehl, Jessica Turner, Liz Stanley
You're just starting out, but your blog is growing, and you're interested in earning revenue. Nicole works with an ad network, Liz sells her own ads & sponsorships, Jessica uses Affiliate Links, and Mariah sells e-Courses. They'll each share what they've learned and you'll figure out what the best fit might be for your site.
B. Hiring Help
Jaime Derringer, Jordan Ferney, Ruth Harding, Brittany Watson Jepsen
If you've thought about hiring an assistant or a contributor -- even a ghost writer -- but you have no idea how to go about it, this is the panel for you. These four experienced bloggers will help you learn how to find that ideal helper and give you an idea of how the whole thing works.
C. True Story
Tiffani Jones Brown of Pinterest
We are all storytellers. Everything we create—from opinionated tweets to designed products—says something about who we are. At their best, these stories help us relate and call us to great acts. At their worst, they reduce us to absolutes like “Top 10 ways to win” or “Here’s how to fail” when the truth is rarely so clear-cut. Let’s consider what telling truer stories means, examine how storytelling operates in our work, poke at our hero myths and excavate hidden narratives. Along the way, we’ll learn how to get more from every story we tell.
11:45 - 12:30
Lunch
12:30 - 2:00
Keynote Session– Chris Anderson
Best-selling author of Makers and The Long Tail, legendary Editor of Wired Magazine, CEO of 3D Robotics, and one of today's most influential innovators, Chris Anderson, will be speaking to all the makers and entrepreneurs (that's you!) and discussing the power of invention.
2:30 - 3:30, Session 3
A. Effective DIYs + Pinterest
Melissa Esplin, Chelsea Costa, Jill Nystul, Jenny Batt, Chris Gardner
There is an Art to making a great DIY post. And there are key techniques to ensuring your excellent DIY goes viral on Pinterest. Come to this panel to learn how it's done.
B. Blog to Shop
Mackenzie Horan, Beth Giles, Piper Toth, Janette Crawford
You've always wanted to create a shop or a fabulous new product line, and your blog is the perfect platform to launch it. Learn the whys and hows at this practical panel from some seasoned shop owners.
C. Personal Branding
Jasmine Star
Personal branding is Jasmine’s cup of tea, and she’s ready to share everything she has learned along the way to becoming a successful entrepreneur, popular blogger and all around powerful woman.
4:00 - 5:00, Session 4
A. Being A Contributor
Melanie Blodgett, Victoria Hudgins, Chelsea Andrews, Capree Kimball
Being a contributor to other sites can grow your readership, expand your online presence, make you a better blogger and earn you money. But how do you land a position? How do you pitch to sites? And how do you come up with so many darn things to blog about? This panel will fill you in.
B. Work Life Balance
Michelle Hunt, Morgan Shanahan, Kirsten Grove, Christine Castro-Hughes
Striking a good balance is a topic we all can relate to. 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.
C. Getting Your Online Life Organized
Erin Loechner
Drowning in email? Can't find that awesome link you wanted to post about? Twitter DMs that haven't been returned? We've all been there. Erin Loechner, the legendary email responder, is going to share her best tricks for getting and staying organized.
7:00
Party
This year's party theme is Clue! Come dressed in one of these memorable hues - green, mustard, peacock, scarlet, plum or white - and beg to answer the question: Best dressed--Who dunnit?
Friday, January 25
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Conference check-in
9:00 - 10:00, Roundtables
E. Roundtables
How to Get into Travel Blogging, led by Erica Dublin
Growing and Maintaining a Small Blog with Pride, led by Tiffanie Turner
Writing + Creativity: Finding Your Words, led by Amy Turn Sharp
Makers Gotta Make - Fine Tuning Your Creative Process for Success, led by Sandra Harris and Jennifer Cooper
The Power of Women: How Community Builds Confidence and Success, led by Melanie Biehle
Feeling the Fear: Putting Big Ideas in Motion, led by Michelle Edgemont
Running a Successful Online Shop, led by Rachel Shingleton
Basic HTML & CSS for Bloggers, led by Katie Anderson
How to Get Local Press & Recognition, led by Amanda Hill
How to Make Yourself a PR Maven on a Shoe String Budget, led by Adrienne Arieff
Art Licensing + Preparing Your Portfolio, led by Jenean Morrison
Going Into Business With Friends, led by Morgan Georgie & Carrie Kiefer
Pin like an Editor, led by Guinevere de la Mare & Kristin Appenbrink
Online Magazines: From Idea to Publication, led by Naoise McNally & Susan Gallagher
Using Your Blog to Do Good, led by Miya Hirabayashi & Elisabeth Fraser
Finding the Right Business Partner, led by Emily Meyer of Tea Collection
From Blog to Book, led by Dana Willard
Inside Pinterest's Creative Process led by Tiffani Jones Brown
Open Call for Ideas: Better Homes & Gardens, led by Kaelin Zawilinski & Joanna Linberg
Open Call for Ideas: Clarkson Potter/Random House, led by Angelin Borsics
Open Call for Ideas: Chronicle Books, led by Laura Lee Mattingly
Open Call for Video Ideas: Scripps, led by Lauren McGrath
Open Call for Ideas: Sunset Magazine, led by Aislyn Greene
B. Up and Coming blogs
Vivian Mansour, Promise Tangeman, Cyd Converse, Nathan Willams
This panel has proven to be a fan favorite so we keep on bringing it back. These ladies and gentleman will be sharing their fresh picks for the coolest blogs that you won’t believe you haven’t been reading yet. Keep up on what’s coming, so you don’t get left behind.
C. Personalizing Celebrations
Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings
Here's your chance to hear from the legendary Darcy Miller on how to add meaning and personalization to your yearly celebrations — the weddings, the birthday parties, the anniversaries and reunions. Darcy is unrivaled in her ability to make an occasion memorable and meaningful. Come learn from the master!
10:30 - 11:30, Session 5
A. Following the Conversation: Social Media 101
Kelly Beall, Allison Silber, Meg Biram, Erin Souder, Natalie Bowman
The conversation is happening all around you, being aware of the tools available to help you keep track is vital. What should a new blogger be doing on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest? How about Stumble Upon? Evernote? How much time should be spent on social media in general? Come to this class for a crash course in Social Media.
B. Building Offline Events
Laura Mayes, Stacey Ferguson, Megan Gilger, Danielle Krysa
We’ve noticed quite the movement going on at the moment to get out from behind our monitors and actually meet in person. These four ladies have all organized popular offline events, some large, some intimate, and will spill their secrets on how to become an event maven in your neck of the woods.
C. Finding Your Voice
Karen Walrond
Everyone knows you have to find a unique voice to set your blog apart. Karen of Chookooloonks, lawyer turned writer & TEDx speaker, will help you figure out exactly how to get started doing just that.
11:45 - 12:30
Lunch
12:30 - 2:00
Keynote Session– Stefan Sagmeister
World-famous graphic designer, Stefan Sagmeister (remember his amazing TED talk?), will explore how to achieve happiness as a designer, and share his tactics to make sure work remains a calling, without deteriorating into a job.
2:30 - 3:30, Session 6
A. It's Not Too Late to Start a Blog
Mara Kofoed, Kirsten Krason, Steph Morgan, Erin Kennedy
Learn from four bloggers that have been on the scene for two years or less, but have already found great success. What worked for them. What didn't. And find out why there's room for everyone at the top.
B. Advanced Blogging Skills
Helen Jane, Amy Anderson, Susan Petersen, Whitney Johnson
Lets talk about passive income, the how-tos of getting an agent, secrets of effective editorial calendars and advisory boards. These experienced panel members will share their knowledge on the essential things you need to be doing to grow your blog and business.
C. The Future of Design Online
Maxwell Ryan, Heather Armstrong, Emily Henderson, Scott Kurnit, Aaron Gotwalt
Maxwell Ryan, founder and editor of Apartment Therapy will lead a discussion among top names in design online.
4:00 - 5:30
Closing Keynote–Katie Sokoler
Street artist, color embracer, and fun maker, Katie Sokoler of Color Me Katie, will be talking about the creative process, and how she comes up with all her smile-inducing installations.
7:00
Mini Parties
All those pictures from last year can't compare to what is in store this year. Nine parties, each one as amazing as the next!
Saturday, January 26
Design Camp - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This year we will be offering 3 sessions of 2-hour Design Camp classes. You can pre-register for one limited-enrollment camp class during registration, AND you can attend two other open-enrollment classes throughout the day.
NOTE: the only events that need pre-registration are Limited-Enrollment Design Camp classes and Tours (you can sign up for one) and Wednesday Night Dinners (you can sign up for one). All other events are open to all registered participants.
Tours
9:00-5:00
Solitude Ski Day
Ski, snowboard or ice skate at Solitude's Swiss-inspired village. When you've had your fill of snow, warm up by the cozy fire in the lodge. A Solitude Ski Resort ski pass is included with each registration. If you want a ride up the mountain, make sure to sign up early.
Sundance Tour
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, take in a movie, scope out the movie stars and try to sneak in a hopping party. Don't forget your parka!
11:30 - 2:30
Thrift Store Tour with Liz Stanley
Since the always stylish Liz used to reside in Salt Lake City, she knows her way around all the best thrifting. On this tour, she'll take you around to all her favorite spots. Cross your fingers there'll be a gem hiding in the racks.
Walking Photography Tour with Lindsey Johnson
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 Lindsey will teach you the basics of composition that will make your photos slideshow worthy.
Foodie Tour with Becky Rosenthal
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. Caravan around to all the local hot spots and come ready with an appetite.
Design Camp
Note: All classes are Limited Enrollment unless indicated.
9:30 - 11:30
A. Photography 101
Teacher: Wendy & Tyler Whitacre
Beautiful photography can take a post from ho-hum to spectacular. But what if the only thing you know about your camera is how to point and shoot? This class will teach you the basic camera settings, lighting and styling tricks that will make you look like a pro in just a few steps.
B. Photo Styling
Teacher: TBA
Do you want your photos to resemble a magazine spread? Or have them help you sell a product? Then venture into this course where you'll learn how to add props to your setup to beautify, not distract.
C. PhotoShop for Bloggers
Teachers: Alma & Mike Loveland
If you're looking for the basic PhotoShop skills that will make your photos and posts look more professional, this class is for you. Taught by two design pros, you'll leave feeling confident in your ability to edit images, compose photo groups and generally fancy things up. Your blog will thank you.
D. Illustrator for Bloggers
Teacher: Melanie Burk
Dying to learn how to perk up your posts by creating unique mood boards, logos and post layouts? Illustrator for Bloggers is just the thing! This class will cover the basic tools and functions that will help your posts stand out.
E. Upholstery
Teacher: Amanda Brown
Let's face it, we all have an item in our house that has seen better days. Give it a second life with the upholstery skills you'll take away from this course. This class will be completely hands-on where each student will leave with a custom lamp shade.
F. Kollabora & BERNINA Design Camp: Sewing
Teacher: Rachel Faucett
This class is perfect for anyone who needs a little home ec refresher. Come sew up some fun behind the pedal and leave confident in your stitching skills, with a finished backpack in hand! You can even use this as a wine tote or a kid's accessory-the possibilities are endless!
G. Media Kits That Shine (open enrollment)
Teacher: Meg Keene
In this course, the passionately entrepreneurial Meg Keene will fill you in on what you need to know to create a media kit that works hard. Join in to learn how to sell your blog without feeling skeezy, brought to you by the woman who's packed her media kit with photos where she is dancing her face off. Funny thing about that: it works.
H. Things I’m Afraid to Tell You (Open Enrollment)
Teachers: Ez Pudewa & Jess Lively
In May, Ez posted a very honest post entiteld Things I'm Afraid to Tell You (inspired by this post Jess had written), and it sparked quite the movement. Turns out there’s a huge interest (both by bloggers and readers alike) for bloggers to consider including a bit more of the real and not-so-perfect side of things. In this class, Ez and Jess will open up about finding the balance in posting.
11:00 - 12:30, Lunch
12:30 - 2:30
A. Tabletop Photography
Teacher: Nicole Hill Gerulat
Have you ever created an amazing project for your blog only to see it fall flat when you put it behind a lens? This hands-on workshop will focus on how to shoot still life using natural light so your photos pop on the screen every time.
B. Filming Amazing Online Videos
Teachers: Matt & Julie Walker
Feel like you want to enhance your site by adding video? Learn how to do it right by taking this course from the talented duo behind Tiger in a Jar. They'll cover what equipment you'll need and share a beginner's guide to filming so you can get started on your own amazing series.
C. PhotoShop for Bloggers
Teachers: Alma & Mike Loveland
If you're looking for the basic PhotoShop skills that will make your photos and posts look more professional, this class is for you. Taught by two design pros, you'll leave feeling confident in your ability to edit images, compose photo groups and generally fancy things up. Your blog will thank you.
D. Illustrator for Bloggers
Teacher: Melanie Burk
Dying to learn how to perk up your posts by creating unique mood boards, logos and post layouts? Illustrator for Bloggers is just the thing! This class will cover the basic tools and functions that will help your posts stand out.
E. Textile Design
Teacher: Kimberly Hall
We get it, sometimes the findings at the fabric store fall flat. This class will fill you in on the details of how to design and print your very own textiles and create a repeat pattern. So the next time you can't find what you're looking for, you can crank out your own.
F. Kollabora & BERNINA Design Camp: Yo-Yo Necklace
Teacher: Marigold Haske
In this hands-on course you'll learn how to make unique fabric yo-yo's that can be turned into a necklace, a home decor piece or a fashionable update to your wardrobe. In addition to this project, you'll walk out with some basic sewing skills you can use on an endless number of projects.
G. Life Lists (Open Enrollment)
Teacher: Maggie Mason
We all have dreams. Big dreams. But where do you start to make them a reality? Maggie created a Mighty Life List, 100 Things to do Before I Go, several years ago and found that having all her goals written down became a huge motivator to actually achieve them. Now she's crossing off things left and right and she wants you to do the same. Join in on the discussion and start your list in this open enrollment class.
H. Things I’m Afraid to Tell You (Open Enrollment)
Teachers: Ez Pudewa & Jess Lively
In May, Ez posted a very honest post entiteld Things I'm Afraid to Tell You (inspired by this post Jess had written), and it sparked quite the movement. Turns out there’s a huge interest (both by bloggers and readers alike) for bloggers to consider including a bit more of the real and not-so-perfect side of things. In this class, Ez and Jess will open up about finding the balance in posting.
3:00-5:00
A. Food Photography
Teacher: Nicole Hill Gerulat
You've seen the food photos that make you want to reach through your screen and take a bite. So, how do you go about capturing something so delectable? Nicole will go over the ins and outs of the lighting, equipment and and set up you'll need to capture just that.
B. Building a Killer Portfolio
Teachers: Susan & William Brinson
If you're feeling like your portfolio is looking a little sad, jump in this class where William and Susan will instruct you on how to make it rad. They'll be sharing what should be included, what you should skip and types of content that will make your portfolio complete. If attending this class, please bring your portfolios for discussion.
C. iMovie & Video Editing for Bloggers
Teacher: Alison Faulkner
You have amazing content and your false lashes all ready, but are you having trouble making your video not look like a bad high school assignment? In this design camp you’ll learn the basics of good video editing using iMovie. Alison will cover adding slides, still shots, transitions, voice over, effects and music and sound. Take some video during Alt, and you’ll leave with footage that’s blog-post-ready.
D. Bookbinding
Teacher: Allison Chapman
When we say hands on courses, we really mean it with this one. Get your hands working by hand binding a beautiful book for notes, memories or a special gift. With Allison's instruction, you'll be sure to leave with something you'll be proud to say you made yourself.
E. Watercolor
Teacher: Lana Frankel
If you've ever wanted to try making your own piece of art, watercolor is a perfect place to start. Learn the fundamentals as well as secrets and techniques from a professional artist. You'll leave with an original piece of art that will make the perfect Alt Summit souvenir.
F. Kollabora & BERNINA Design Camp: Jewelry Making
Teacher: Ashley Rose
We're well aware that adding accessories can instantly upgrade your look, but what if your bling stash is looking a little bare? DIY it! This jewelry camp will arm you with the crafting knowledge you'll need to make the stand out pieces you adore. You'll walk out with a finished geometric pendant and you'll sew a sweet jewelry stash bag too.
G. Life Lists (Open Enrollment)
Teacher: Maggie Mason
We all have dreams. Big dreams. But where do you start to make them a reality? Maggie created a Mighty Life List, 100 Things to do Before I Go, several years ago and found that having all her goals written down became a huge motivator to actually achieve them. Now she's crossing off things left and right and she wants you to do the same. Join in on the discussion and start your list in this open enrollment class.
H. Media Kits That Shine (open enrollment)
Teacher: Meg Keene
In this course, the passionately entrepreneurial Meg Keene will fill you in on what you need to know to create a media kit that works hard. Join in to learn how to sell your blog without feeling skeezy, brought to you by the woman who's packed her media kit with photos where she is dancing her face off. Funny thing about that: it works.
*Schedule subject to change