I’m Excited About Learning New Things At Alt Summit

Photograph by Moss + Isaac, Alt Summit 2012

Today’s the day. In just a few hours I’ll be on a plane heading to Salt Lake City for an awesome few days of learning from top creative professionals, hanging out with my friends, going to beautifully designed parties, and hosting my very first roundtable. I’ve already made several commitments over the next few days, and that’s not even counting the scheduled events!

Here are some of the talks and people that I’m interested in learning from this year. These descriptions are straight from the Alt Summit 2013 SLC schedule

Collaborations With Sponsors

Mitra MorganMerrilee LiddiardCamille StylesAnnie SelkeJenny 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!

On the Internet, Girls Rule, Boys Drool

Marc Leibowitz, VP of Business Development at StumbleUpon

The idea that “men are hunters, women are gatherers” has been turned on its head in the content discovery landscape. Women are now the most influential discoverers and sharers online. How will that shape the Internet? 

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. 

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. (Note from Melanie: I saw Jasmine speak on a branding panel last year and she was amazing!)

Uh oh…I’m going to have a tough choice to make on Thursday afternoon.

1. Work Life Balance

Michelle HuntMorgan ShanahanKirsten GroveChristine 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.  

OR

2. 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.

And again with the tough choices!

1. Building Offline Events

Laura MayesStacey FergusonMegan GilgerDanielle 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. 

OR

2. 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. 

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. 

And again…CHOICES!

1. Advanced Blogging Skills

Helen JaneAmy AndersonSusan PetersenWhitney 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. 

OR

2. The Future of Design Online

Maxwell RyanHeather ArmstrongEmily HendersonScott Kurnit

Maxwell Ryan, founder and editor of Apartment Therapy will lead a discussion among top names in design online.

And last, but definitely not least…

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.

* * * * * 

Well, it looks like I still have some decisions to make. What about you? If you’re going to Alt, what panels are you most excited about? If you’re not going, don’t worry. I’ll take lots of notes and share some highlights when I get back. 

Find more posts about Alt Summit here.