Snap Conference is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah, targeting creative bloggers/content creators: “We’re joined by the best bloggers representing modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind-blowing home-based events, and DIY, along with dozens of creative entrepreneurs.” Attendees were presented with opportunities to learn skills, connect with potential business sponsors, and network with peers.
This year’s event sold out, capped at 300 tickets for attendees. Bloggers ranged from just starting out to earning a full-time income with millions of monthly pageviews. There were several niches represented, including sewing, crafts, crochet, knitting, beauty, lifestyle, parenting, food, Disney, travel, frugal living, DIY, home decor, and more. It was announced at this year’s event that the conference, started and run by Tauni from Tauni + Co., had been sold. The new owners are self-described, die-hard fans: Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts & Kimberly from A girl and a glue gun, who are both excited to bring new ideas and energy to the event.
The Sherwin Williams photo op booth with Kim from Sweet Red Poppy posing.
Classes and Sponsors
Tanner Bell from A Little Craft In Your Day, presenting.
The two-day conference followed a similar schedule each day, with keynote speakers, social parties, and programming. Attendees could choose to spend their time attending scheduled classes (both business-oriented and hands-on creative, see a full list from this year below) or visiting one of several open-ended stations.
Beverly McCullough from Flamingo Toes teaching a hoop art class.
The classes were kept small, allowing for individual help and the opportunity to ask questions at the end.
The Video Bar, with Angel’s clever cleaning wipe giveaway.
The Video Bar was hosted by Angel Peterson of Fleecefun.com & DIY Video for Bloggers, where people could stop by and ask questions or ask for hands-on help. The Geek Bar was hosted by Sarah Kimmel from FamilyTechZone.com, where people could stop by with technological website questions.
The Plaid Glitter & Fun Craft Bar before it got crowded.
The Plaid Glitter & Fun Craft Bar had open crafting alongside the opportunity to learn about their new products and blogger partnerships, as did the Rust-Oleum Lounge.
The sponsor booth section.
Sponsor booths were open throughout the day, giving attendees a chance to introduce themselves and learn how the companies were looking to work with bloggers.
The Polaroid booth, with a representative chatting with bloggers.
Sponsor booths also featured photo opportunities, contests, and make/take crafts. Companies attending were specifically looking to work with creative bloggers through an affiliate program, influencer team, or sponsored content.
Networking/social events
The 80’s Prom party.
There were two separate opportunities to mix and mingle with other attendees. The first night after registration there was an opening reception, “Eat Dessert First”, presented by creative guru and party pro Christie Troxell of Ritzy Parties and sponsored by Oriental Trading Company, Evite, Amalfi Decor, FloraCraft, Canvas Corp Brands, The Bakers Party Shop, ThermoWeb, Plaid Enterprises, Expo International Trims, Sparkling Ice Beverages, Kunin Felt, and Charity Wings. It was a casual event, with several crafty activity stations, desserts, a DJ, and photo booth.
The second night, after a full day of learning, there was a “Polaroid’s Poppin’ 80’s Prom”, sponsored by Polaroid. Attendees were encouraged (but not required) to wear 80’s prom dresses and a DJ was blasting music with most of the room dancing in between photos.
Highlights
Danielle Liss’ presentation.
It seemed like everyone was talking about the keynote speech by Danielle Liss from Businesses, who blended anecdotes with actionable ideas for working more cohesively with sponsors as a content creator. She shared several ways to define and evaluate goals for a collaboration between a company & blogger, better ways to lay out a media kit, and introduced the idea of sending a campaign wrap-up with statistics and feedback.
Several bloggers attending had been doing so for years, and Snap set up a specific “newbies” Facebook group to help first-time attendees feel prepared for the conference. A recurring message shared was that while everyone hoped to connect with sponsors, learn in classes, and network with other bloggers, focusing on only one of those areas as a main goal would lead to success. There were opportunities to ask questions, connect with other new attendees, and extra details shared in order to build confidence.
While there wasn’t a formal competition, unique business cards were on full display. Several people included candy or a snack, some included fabric, and there were lots of unique design features from larger postcard size cards to folded ones.
There was a “secret sister” program set up where interested attendees signed up to exchange gifts with another person who was randomly assigned. This was a fun way to connect with someone new, and friends swapped stories of “Instagram stalking” beforehand in an effort to find the perfect gift.
Keynote Speakers:
- Danielle Liss, a lawyer and small business owner – https://www.businessese.com/
- Matt Townsend, a coach and speaker – http://matttownsend.com/
- Stuart Edge, a Youtube entertainer/entrepreneur – https://www.youtube.com/user/stuartedge
List of Classes Offered at SNAP 2018:
- Beyond Yoast: Advanced SEO Tactics Every Blogger Should Try in 2018 – Raj Shah
- Harnessing the Power of Short-Form Video – Jennifer Voelkel
- How to Make Bank with Affiliate Marketing – Hilary Erickson • Kimberly Fidler • Keri Lynn Renner • Jessica Sanders
- Stop Ignoring Twitter! – Kim Six • Rachel Teodoro
- Diversify Your Income with Digital Products – Tanner Bell
- The Business of Creative Influencer: Legal Tips & Tricks – Brittany Ratelle
- Insider Tips for Growing Your YouTube Channel – Ashlee Marie Prisbre
- Work Smarter, Not Harder – Jordan Page
- Attract Your Dream Sponsor & Get Paid What You’re Worth – Jenny Melrose
- Cybersecurity: Protecting You & Your Blog – Adam Warner
- From Blog Post to Online Course: Creating Content (and Income) That Lives Forever – Lindsey Andrews
- Grow Your Income with Facebook Live! – Marissa Fischer • Alicia Steele • Emily Thompson
- Increase Pageviews & Build Your Community with Facebook Groups – Kali Dahle
- Master the Takeover: How to Work with Brands on Instagram by Creating Custom Content – Brittany Luiz
- Book Publishing 101: Choosing Your Path to Publication – Mary Beth Temple
- Harness the Power of Instagram – The Design Twins
Hands-On Classes
- Beginner Amigurumi Crochet – Erica Dietz
- Hoop It up! Embroidery Hoop Art – Beverly McCullough
- Intro to Watercolor – Natalie Malan
- Intro to Brush Lettering – Brittany Luiz
- Gold Leaf Abstract Canvas Art – Natalie Shaw
You can see more images from the conference on Instagram, searching #snapconf! Connect with SNAP on their website, their Facebook group, or their Instagram account.
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Stephanie Woodson is a Midwestern blogger who loves trying everything creative. Making things keeps her sane while wrangling two young kids; some of her passions are handmade toys, using up the tiniest scraps, and upcycling/refashioning. Find a toy sewing pattern or get inspired to try a new craft at swoodsonsays.com, While you’re there, be sure to check out 100+ links to help creative bloggers make more money, boost traffic, and network.
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