I’m back from ShiftCon in LA! ShiftCon is the very first international social media conference focusing on wellness, health, and the environment. What a fabulous experience. There’s so much to share, so I thought I would start off with things I learned (or realized) while at the conference.
1. I love my peeps. No, I mean I really love my peeps
Photo courtesy of Paige Wolf
We are not all the same. We have different opinions within a movement that’s making corporations stop and listen. We come from different places and different backgrounds. But we’re all working towards one goal: to make a difference and to make the world a better place for us all.
2. Meeting IRL makes a difference
Trina from O’Boy Organic and Sarah from Mindfully Frugal Mom
Blogging is kind of a funky profession. Many of us collaborate online and have never met in real life. Heading to a conference like this and having an opportunity to hug a person with whom you’ve worked with for years is an incredible experience.
3. Together we can change the world
After hearing Robyn O’Brien and Vani Hari, the Food Babe, give keynotes and feeling the brilliant and inspirational energy in the panel rooms, I have no doubt that together we can change the world. There are smart women and men out there (and I mean really smart) working tirelessly to make sure that happens and I have no doubt that it will.
4. Competition is out and collaboration is in
The profession of green and sustainable blogging thrives on people working together towards a few goals. Rarely have I encountered someone within the green blogging sphere who wasn’t willing to share information.
5. I love speaking in public
Social Media and Blogging for Change Panel presented by Lindsay Dahl of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, Trina O’Boyle from O’Boy Organics and me.
A few years back, when I was practicing law I used to get physically sick before a trial. I was always well prepared, but the thought of speaking in public took hold and did a number on me. Over the past few years my public speaking opportunities have increased. At first I was hesitant to take any on for fear that I would become physically ill. Slowly I’ve been accepting more and more and I’m finding that I love speaking in front of an audience. Whether it’s in front of television cameras or speaking on a panel, I can’t get enough. I finally figured out why-because I’m speaking about something that I’m passionate about and it’s coming from my heart.
6. We need more men to show up at ShiftCon next year
There were a token few. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike, The Green Dad, who bravely decided to come to this conference among a sea of mainly women. We need more men. Their reach is different and their voice is needed to bring this movement to all.
7. We each have a unique perspective to bring to the table
It always amazes me that although we have so much in common we can also have so much diversity. Some of us come from conservative religious backgrounds and others from the left of left. But it doesn’t matter. That’s how we reach everyone.
8. You won’t be alone if you decide to wake up at 6:30 am to practice yoga or run a 5k
Coming from the East Coast, it wasn’t bad waking up at 6:30 for an exercise fix. Thankfully I wasn’t alone.
Penelope Jagessar Chaffer from Toxic Baby, Margie Kelley from Breast Cancer Fund and Paige Wolf from Spit That Out!
9. It’s possible to have delicious, healthy food at a conference
I’ve been to quite a few conferences and usually the food is nothing to write home about. The food was fabulous at ShiftCon- fresh, non-GMO, organic and healthy.
10. Green brands are where it’s at
When I first walked into the exhibit hall it was incredible to see all the brands and organizations that believed in and invested in this conference. I saw so many familiar faces including my Stonyfield crew, Organic Valley, Applegate, and Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. It’s not an inexpensive endeavor to set up a table at a conference. Thank you to each and every one of them for taking that leap of faith.
A special long distance hug to my friend and colleague, Micaela of Mindful Momma who wasn’t able to come to ShiftCon this year. Our thoughts go out to her and her family.
What were your top takeaways from ShiftCon? Who’s planning to go next year?
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LOVE this! Thanks for posting
Thanks so much for the virtual hug Lori – it makes a difference!
Sounds like it was a great time. I love going to conferences and finding my people.
Drew Bennett recently posted..My Review of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, #VeryBadDay
Sorry I couldn’t be there to connect with all of these awesome change agents!
Sounds like an amazing conference! I’ll have to put it on my radar for next year.
Though I’ve been blogging for years I still haven’t fully wrapped my head around all the various blogging conferences – I hadn’t heard about this one, and it sounds terrific!! I love supportive blogging communities and it’s awesome to meet people you connect with IRL and deepen your friendship!
Sounds like the perfect conference for you! I think the Vintage Mom needs to check it out next year!!
Glad to hear you had a great time- and I love your take aways – especially competition is out, collaboration is in – that is how positive change will happen!
Looks like you had a blast! I’ll have to add this to my list of conferences to check out!
Yes, yes to meeting IRL! It really makes all the difference, doesn’t it? Looks and sounds like a great time!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted..I remember you
This looks like an awesome conference Lori! I am hoping to check this one out…maybe next year. I loved reading your 10 best things!
I learned that one person who is willing to step out and share their passion can make a difference. I enjoyed your panel discussion! Very empowering.
Sounds like this was an amazing conference! And yes, I love the notion that competition is out and collaboration is in!
Elena recently posted..Where to Hike in Washington DC – The Billy Goat Trail
Yes, Lori thanks for coming to #ShiftCon so I did get to meet IRL. It does make a huge difference. I’m grateful we got to connect. Looking forward to next year!
It was a fantastic time and I we rocked our panel 🙂 Already looking forward to next year!
Trina O’Boyle recently posted..Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
So nice to spend time with you Trina. Our panel was a lot of fun! Yes, looking forward to next year.
It was great to finally meet you Erin. You certainly made me smile all weekend. I’ve decided that if we ever play Trivial Pursuit I want you on my team. You have a lot of interesting knowledge!
It really was a phenomenal conference Elena. Maybe you can join in the fun next year?!
So glad you were there Andrea. Very true- we all have a voice and we can all make a difference!
You need to come next year Lauryn! We have to meet before then- it would be crazy to fly all the way to LA when we’re practically neighbors!
It really does make a difference Krystyn. Something that can’t be achieved online.
Would be great if you could come next year Melanie. I think you would love it.
Thanks Kimberly. It was a fantastic trip.
Ha! Annie, I think Lauryn would love it too.
There are so many to choose from Alexandra. ShiftCon is brand new- this was the first year. Try to find one that fits your needs-whatever they may be!
Annemarie- I think you would love this conference next year. It would be a great fit for you.
We have to find a way to meet IRL Lynn. Maybe next year at ShiftCon?!
Me too Drew-makes such a difference to see everyone face-to-face.
So great to spend time with you Sarah! We have some Google + work to do!
#4 was SO encouraging to me!! So many people motivated by love.
Kylie recently posted..3 Times I Cried At Shiftcon + Why I’m Going Back
Someday I’ll meet you all IRL. And hear you speak, Lori : )
Betsy (Eco-novice) recently posted..How to Buy a Sofa without Toxic Flame Retardants
Lori, It was so great to Finally meet you IRL, too! Must spend more time together some time and talk 🙂
Kim- so happy that we finally connected. As I mentioned to you, you were one of the first green bloggers in my tribe. Looking forward to keeping in touch and hopefully seeing each other again soon.
I got goosebumps reading this post-all your points resonate so much with me. I hope to be there next time and meet you!
Sara Vartanian recently posted..Ditch The Toxins: Give Yourself A Beauty Product Audit
It looks like it was a great conference. I love the point about collaboration vs. competition.
Thanks Sarah. It would be great to finally meet you IRL!
Lori, Shiftcon look so great and I would love to attend next year. When looking at the event I notice there are not any home furnishing companies. In your opinion is there a lack of focus on importance of organic fabrics and eco furniture? There seems to be greater focus on cleaning products, beauty products, and healthy foods. It is all very important! Maybe my area needs more exposure. I hope I can attend next year!
Hi Samantha, This was the first year for the conference. I don’t recall any home furnishing companies. I don’t think this was for any reason other than this was the first year and the conference is in its infancy. From what I’m hearing, next year there will be many more brands and industries represented. It would be great for you to be there next year. Let me know if you need any additional info.