Exploring Salt Lake City & The Build Your Blog Conference 2015: A Journey of Connection and Growth

As an avid traveler and passionate blogger, few experiences bring me as much joy and professional fulfillment as attending industry conferences. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the third annual Build Your Blog Conference (BYBC) 2015, hosted in the picturesque city of Salt Lake City. My attendance at this premier blogging event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Taste of Home, a partnership that truly enriched my experience and provided a unique lens through which to explore the ever-evolving world of food blogging and digital content creation.

My journey to Salt Lake City was more than just a trip; it was a deliberate step to connect, learn, and grow within the dynamic blogging community. The energy surrounding BYBC is always palpable, drawing in creative minds from various niches. This year, the conference truly delivered on its promise to inspire and educate bloggers at every stage of their journey.

Welcoming the World of Blogging: My BYBC Experience

The Build Your Blog Conference 2015 was expertly sponsored by The Blogger Network and the incredibly resourceful website, Six Sister’s Stuff. This collaboration ensured a high-quality event packed with valuable insights and networking opportunities. Over 700 enthusiastic attendees converged, representing a diverse spectrum of blogging interests – from intricate crafts and engaging lifestyle content to delectable food recipes, cutting-edge fashion, and even those aspiring individuals who were just beginning to conceptualize their digital platforms. It was a fascinating mix of seasoned conference veterans, armed with years of experience, and eager first-timers, wide-eyed and ready to absorb every piece of wisdom.

For me, this marked my second blogging conference, but it was my inaugural experience at BYBC. The prospect of visiting Salt Lake City for the very first time added an extra layer of excitement to the trip. Beyond the allure of a new destination, I was particularly thrilled about finally meeting face-to-face with fellow bloggers I had only known through online interactions and fostering those digital friendships into real-world connections. My primary goal was to acquire actionable strategies and innovative ideas to further enhance “365 Days of Baking and More,” striving to make it an even more engaging and valuable resource for my readers. This conference truly felt like a pivotal moment for professional development and community building.

Pre-Conference Adventures in Salt Lake City

My adventure began on a pleasant Thursday afternoon, allowing for some pre-conference exploration. I had the immense pleasure of wandering through the charming streets of Salt Lake City with two incredibly talented bloggers: Barbara from both Barbara Bakes and Pressure Cooking Today, and Amanda from I Am Baker. Our stroll led us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple and the historic Tabernacle, whose architectural grandeur left a lasting impression. A delightful stop at Eva’s Bakery provided a much-needed energy boost in the form of an absolutely exquisite almond croissant – a perfect treat for a bustling day of exploration.

We continued our leisurely walk through the elegant City Creek Center, enjoying the blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The day culminated in a delicious dinner at Bistro 222, where we joined several other bloggers. These initial interactions, even before the conference officially began, were invaluable. They set a warm, welcoming tone, fostering a sense of camaraderie and laying the groundwork for many more meaningful connections throughout the weekend. It underscored the power of these gatherings, not just for formal learning, but for the informal networking and genuine friendships that blossom.

Inspiring Voices and Insightful Sessions

The conference officially kicked off on Friday with a profoundly moving welcome address from Chris Jones, the founder of Mitchell’s Journey and MyCore. Chris shared the incredibly personal and heartbreaking story of his son Mitchell’s recent passing and the arduous journey his family endured throughout Mitchell’s illness. His talk wasn’t just about grief; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the unwavering strength derived from faith, and the profound motivation to serve others that emerged from Mitchell’s own courageous battle. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, reminding us of the human element behind every digital platform and the potential our stories have to inspire. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as he concluded his heartfelt speech, leaving us all with a renewed sense of purpose.

Mastering Social Media with Amanda Rettke

Throughout the two intensive days of the conference, attendees were spoiled for choice with a diverse array of classes designed for bloggers of all experience levels. Among the sessions I found particularly impactful were those led by prominent figures in the blogging world. Amanda Rettke of I Am Baker, a celebrated expert in visual content and digital strategy, delivered an insightful session on Advanced Social Media. She offered invaluable insights into refining Facebook strategies, meticulously demonstrating how to effectively target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors when boosting posts. This ensured maximum reach and engagement for a blog’s unique content, a critical aspect of effective digital marketing.

Beyond paid promotion, Amanda emphasized the organic growth achieved by fostering community: actively sharing and collaborating with other content creators who align with one’s niche not only expands visibility but also cultivates a dynamic, engaged audience, significantly boosting the ‘talking about’ metric and ultimately, page likes. For Instagram, her tips centered on maintaining consistency in posting pictures that align with your brand’s aesthetic and message, establishing a clear content schedule, and strategically utilizing hashtags to enhance discoverability. The overarching theme across all platforms was the crucial importance for bloggers to intimately understand their specific audience and tailor their social media efforts to what will resonate most effectively, driving both engagement and traffic to their blogs.

Elevating Your Blog with Maria Lichty

Another standout session was Maria Lichty’s Advanced Blogging workshop. Maria, from the highly successful blog Two Peas and Their Pod, delved into a myriad of topics essential for scaling a thriving blog. A key takeaway was the strategic advantage of leveraging interns and virtual assistants (VAs). She illuminated how delegating tasks such as content scheduling, social media management, email organization, or even basic technical support can free up a blogger’s valuable time, allowing them to focus on high-level content creation and strategy. Let’s face it, as much as we desire control over every minute detail, and strive to do it all, it simply isn’t physically possible, nor is there enough time in the day to manage a growing online presence single-handedly.

Maria also underscored the critical importance of timely email responses, which not only builds trust and professionalism but also strengthens reader loyalty. Furthermore, she championed newsletters as a wonderful tool for direct audience connection, offering exclusive content, updates, and building a more intimate community. Finally, the perennial advice of consistent posting was reiterated – a fundamental pillar for both reader expectation and robust SEO performance. Her session provided a comprehensive roadmap for transforming a passion project into a professional, sustainable online business.

Uncovering Culinary Trends and Opportunities with Taste of Home

On Friday, I also had the privilege of attending the Taste of Home Trends Workshop, expertly presented by their esteemed Food Editor, James Schend. James painted a compelling picture of how we, as bloggers, often find ourselves at the forefront of shaping culinary trends, subtly steering the “boat” of what’s popular in the food world. He revealed that when the Taste of Home team meticulously crafts their magazine, their primary focus always revolves around answering that universally important (and sometimes maddening!) question: “What’s for dinner?” It’s funny how that question drives so much of our culinary lives, yet rarely does anyone ask, “What’s for breakfast?” – a delightful thought that often crosses my mind.

Taste of Home is continuously accepting recipe submissions from both passionate readers and talented bloggers for potential publication in their magazine. Every submission undergoes a rigorous testing process to ensure it meets their high standards. They meticulously evaluate recipes for visual appeal, ensuring the dish looks as appetizing as it tastes. Flavor profiles are paramount, and the correct texture is non-negotiable – after all, no one enjoys rubbery chicken! James emphasized that submissions should demonstrate the best possible technique and method, but most importantly, the ultimate criterion is whether readers will genuinely want to make the recipe and if their families will eagerly devour it. Each month, the magazine features a captivating contest open to everyone, not just bloggers, providing a fantastic opportunity to share your culinary creations. So, dust off that cherished family dinner recipe or the dessert everyone constantly requests, and submit it!

Beyond the Classroom: Networking and Celebration

The BYBC schedule was brimming with a multitude of other invaluable workshops, covering essential topics such as how to effectively pitch yourself to brands, mastering affiliate marketing strategies, the intricate process of writing and publishing an ebook, and various photography classes designed to elevate visual content. While it was impossible to attend every single session, a thoughtful provision was made: each class was videotaped, ensuring that attendees could access any missed content at their convenience. This commitment to continuous learning truly highlighted the conference’s dedication to its participants’ growth.

Beyond the formal sessions, other highlights included the highly anticipated “Speed Dating” event, a unique and dynamic opportunity for bloggers to briefly engage with various brands, fostering potential collaborations and sponsorships. The conference culminated in the inaugural Blogger of the Year Awards Gala and a delightful dinner, a truly memorable evening featuring a lively performance by the band, The Strike. However, perhaps the most invaluable aspect of the entire conference was the incredible networking opportunities. Connecting with hundreds of like-minded individuals, sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and forming genuine friendships is an unparalleled benefit that extends far beyond the conference walls, enriching one’s professional and personal journey in countless ways.

The Enduring Value of Investing in Your Blogging Journey

If you are a blogger, regardless of your niche or experience level, I wholeheartedly recommend attending conferences. The key is to actively seek out and find the one(s) that resonate most with your specific goals and aspirations. There is an abundance of excellent conferences to choose from, each offering a unique blend of educational classes, hands-on workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. You are almost guaranteed to leave feeling incredibly motivated and re-energized, armed with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to implement in your own blogging endeavors.

The friendships forged at these events, the innovative ideas sparked through collaboration, and even if you only take away one truly transformative insight from each conference, the entire experience will undoubtedly prove to be a worthwhile investment. This isn’t just an investment in your blog or your career; it’s a profound investment in YOU – your growth, your skills, your community, and your future success in the dynamic world of digital content creation.

Farewell to Salt Lake City, Hello to Future Growth

As I bid farewell to Salt Lake City, I carried with me not just a host of new knowledge and skills, but also a refreshed perspective and a renewed sense of connection to the vibrant blogging community. The Build Your Blog Conference 2015, presented by The Blogger Network and Six Sister’s Stuff, was an exceptional experience, made possible by Taste of Home, who provided my ticket in exchange for social media promotion and the creation of this very post. It was an honor to represent them and share my takeaways with you. The anticipation for BYBC2016 is already building, and I eagerly look forward to seeing what new insights and opportunities the next conference will bring.

Sending you all big baking hugs and delicious muffins!