Evo 11 Conference Recap: An Unforgettable Journey of Connection, Inspiration, and Growth in Park City, Utah
Stepping off the plane into the crisp mountain air of Park City, Utah, last week, I had a profound sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. Little did I know, this trip across the country for the Evo 11 Conference would unfold into one of the most enriching experiences of my life, primarily due to the truly exceptional people I had the privilege to meet and connect with. It’s more than just a figure of speech; I encountered individuals whose genuine warmth, shared passion, and inspiring spirits left an indelible mark. For anyone who knows me, you understand my deep appreciation for good people – they are the heart of what makes any experience truly special and, frankly, they just make me happy.
(The incredible “Team Bean” from Evo 11, featuring some of my favorite bloggers and friends: Katie, Cheryl, Kristen, myself, Laura, Maria, and our wonderful photographer Sandy.)
(One of my most cherished connections, Maria, whose friendship makes every gathering brighter.)
(With Sandy, who feels like a sister, at the Lookout Cabin during our inspiring Food and Photography Workshop. The panoramic view was absolutely breathtaking, providing the perfect backdrop for learning and collaboration.)
(It’s undeniable – food has a magical way of bringing smiles to everyone’s faces! Here are Katie and Flavia radiating happiness during a workshop, a perfect testament to the joy food brings.)
(I just might share the same intense passion for food as this incredible chef, Jeffrey Saad. Pictured here with Sandy and myself, enjoying a delicious moment.)
(Look at this vibrant group of ladies, radiating positive energy! Featuring Annalise, Kelley, Helen Jane, Lisa, Sandy, and Alison – a true testament to the fantastic community Evo 11 brings together.)
(It was such a delight to finally meet Marla in person at Evo 11. We shared one of those universally recognized “I know you!” moments in the hotel hallway on the very first day. This photo perfectly captures the joy of that connection, and I’m so grateful she shared it with me!)
(If I could, I would happily bring each and every one of these amazing women home with me! This incredible lineup includes Kelley, Marla, Sandy, Dara, Laura, Maria, Diane, Flavia, Cheryl, and Katie. Their collective energy and spirit were truly inspiring. xoxo)
The Heart of Evo 11: Community and Inspiration
If you followed my updates on Facebook or Twitter, you likely caught glimpses of the vibrant happenings at Evo 11. I wanted to share so much more, but also aimed to avoid overwhelming my feed. There was an incredible amount of activity and learning taking place at The Canyons, at times delightfully overwhelming, but always in the best possible way. For those unfamiliar, Evo 11, short for The Evolution of Women in Social Media, is an unparalleled conference meticulously organized by the brilliant minds of Jyl and Rachel. When I say these women are truly exceptional at what they do, I am not exaggerating in the slightest.
What I admire most about Jyl and Rachel is their unwavering grace under pressure. Despite the immense responsibilities of orchestrating such a large-scale event, they consistently greeted everyone with genuine smiles, always taking the time to stop and say hello. The sheer complexity involved in bringing this conference to life makes me wonder how they managed to keep everything so seamlessly together. However, I believe the true beauty lies in their palpable passion for what they do – it’s clear that their love for fostering community and empowering women in social media is the driving force behind their extraordinary success. Evo 11 masterfully brings together a wonderfully diverse group of individuals, and this rich tapestry of perspectives makes the conference all the more valuable and enjoyable.
My Unforgettable Evo 11 Experience: Key Takeaways and Personal Reflections
To encapsulate my entire Evo 11 experience, I want to share a few pivotal insights and memories that I carry with me, long after leaving the stunning landscapes of Park City.
Embracing Nature’s Grandeur: A Mountain Revelation
First and foremost, my deep love for nature was rekindled and expanded. I’ve always been captivated by the ocean, truly a Florida girl at heart, but the majestic mountains of Utah undeniably opened my eyes to an entirely different facet of our planet’s profound beauty. I embarked on several incredible hikes up winding trails, accompanied by dear friends, and I find myself genuinely missing the crisp, low-humidity air that made those treks so exhilarating. The invigorating atmosphere, combined with breathtaking vistas, transformed each step into a moment of pure enjoyment. And, I must admit, I thoroughly appreciated the positive impact those challenging climbs had on my glutes! I was wonderfully sore, a satisfying reminder of the physical adventure.
(What I once thought was just a common weed is, in fact, a beautiful dandelion seed head! I haven’t encountered one of these delicate beauties since my childhood days in New York. It’s a sweet reminder to always make a wish.)
Conquering a Fear of Heights, One Gondola Ride at a Time
On a more personal note, I’m still quite afraid of heights. There’s not much more to elaborate on that, other than to say: I genuinely tried to confront it! During the conference, a significant part of the experience involved traveling by gondola. This meant soaring high above the valley, suspended by cables, a challenge for anyone with acrophobia. Despite the initial panic, and the urge to freeze, I pushed myself. The vibrant atmosphere of the conference and the support of my friends helped me take that leap (or rather, that ride).
(My face clearly shows I’m freaking out! “Oh yeah, let’s take a picture,” I thought, while secretly wishing someone would just bring down the safety bar first! Grateful for Sandy capturing this moment of raw vulnerability.)
(Surprisingly, I found myself getting over my fear once we reached the summit, knowing that the only way to go was back down. The stunning views from the top were a powerful reward, making the initial anxiety worth it.)
(It still strikes me as a unique mode of transport, but these gondola cabins were the only way to reach the restaurant for our Food Workshop. Yet, look at these happy faces! There’s absolutely no fear in that little pod of vibrant women, just pure excitement and camaraderie.)
Transformative Lessons from Evo 11: Growing Beyond the Conference
Beyond the breathtaking scenery and exhilarating rides, Evo 11 offered invaluable lessons that resonated deeply with me. These aren’t just conference notes; they are principles I’m integrating into my daily life:
Embrace Authenticity: Be Your True Self
One of the most profound realizations was the affirmation that it’s perfectly okay not to be perfect. In a world often driven by curated online personas, Evo 11 underscored the importance of authenticity. Being true to who you really are, both online and offline, is liberating and ultimately what makes you happy. Your unique voice and perspective are your greatest assets. So, don’t strive for an unattainable ideal; simply, genuinely, be you!
Cherish Connections: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
While the conference was an incredible experience, it also highlighted a universal truth: absence truly makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from my family, even for a short time, made me realize just how much I cherish our daily connections. It’s a powerful reminder to appreciate and invest in those relationships, reinforcing the importance of balancing professional pursuits with personal priorities.
Seek Adventure: What Will Your Adventure Be Today?
Life itself is an grand adventure. Inspired by the captivating words of Me Ra Koh, I made a personal commitment to infuse adventure into my daily life, no matter its scale. This isn’t about grand expeditions, but about finding wonder and novelty in the everyday – trying a new recipe, exploring a local park, or simply approaching a routine task with a fresh perspective. So, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself, “What will your adventure be today?”
Nurture Creativity: My Sanity Saver
For me, creativity has always been a vital outlet, a sanctuary that has, quite literally, saved my sanity. This conference reaffirmed its indispensable role in well-being and personal growth. Whether it’s writing, cooking, photography, or any other form of expression, seeking creativity around you and actively embracing it can be incredibly therapeutic and empowering. It keeps the mind vibrant and the spirit alive.
The Necessity of Unplugging: A Digital Detox
In our hyper-connected world, it’s not just okay, but absolutely necessary, to unplug every now and then. This vital message, eloquently delivered by Rachel, resonated deeply. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to step away from screens, disconnect from the digital noise, and simply be present. Welcome the break from it all, breathe deeply, and just let go. It’s restorative for the mind, body, and soul.
Embrace Diversity: Learning from Every Perspective
Evo 11 was a melting pot of diverse styles, personalities, and backgrounds. This experience reinforced the profound value of accepting and appreciating others’ unique perspectives. No matter how different someone’s approach or personality might be from your own, we all have an incredible amount to learn from each other. Openness to varied viewpoints enriches our understanding and fosters a more inclusive community.
The Golden Rule: Pay It Forward
And most importantly, the overarching lesson was the power of “Pay It Forward.” Share what you learn, share what you know, and do so generously and always. This principle, beautifully demonstrated by Diane & Todd, underscores the collaborative spirit that makes the social media community so strong. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we elevate everyone around us, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
Gratitude and Lasting Connections
My heartfelt thanks go to my wonderful Bush’s Beans family for the incredible opportunity to attend Evo 11 at The Canyons in Park City. Their support made this transformative experience possible. A deeply sincere thank you also extends to Jeffrey Saad, Helene Dujardin, and the inspiring duo Diane & Todd Cupps, along with all the talented chefs at The Canyons restaurants. Their generosity in sharing their passion, expertise, and culinary talents with all of us was truly a highlight.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a moment to visit the blogs of all the wonderful individuals mentioned in this post. Say hello, explore their amazing work, and I am confident that you will find as much joy and inspiration in their content as I do. I am incredibly fortunate to have them as part of my life and community.
It feels wonderful to be home! I’m back in my kitchen, refreshed and brimming with new ideas. Stay tuned for many more culinary adventures and delicious recipes coming your way!
For more insights and perspectives from the Evo Conference 11, explore these inspiring posts:
What is a Blogging Conference?
Evo Conference: Learning, Sharing and Being Inspired
Evo Conference 2011
Evo’11 {Bloggers} Conference Recap
EVO’11: A Weekend of Inspiration, Sharing and Friendship