Photographer: Brooke Dennis

Alt was so much fun and incredibly inspiring. I’m still on the alt high and trying to process all I learned. Also, still giggling about Dooce’s opening line “I hope you are all enjoying your complimentary sister-wife you received at the airport”. Oh yes, yes I am.

These photos above are from the opening social party. It was Old Hollywood themed and super glam complete with cigarette girls. I really think there should be cigarette girls at every party.

Above are the business cards I printed out at the last minute for Alt.

Below are some of my favorite bits of advice from the conference. Apologies if I’m citing them incorrectly, they’re from my notes:

Remember WHY you started what you do. It comes through to the WHAT you do- Maxwell, Apartment Therapy

Jonathan Adler says the secret to success is panic! Panic can be a driving force when you have the responsibilities of running your own show- Maxwell, AT

Great ads are like jewelry on your website- Jean, Notcot

Martha Stewart is OVER people! No more perfection, be real- Maxwell, AT

If you don’t want to hear someone’s feedback on something, don’t share it. Also, definitely maintain a PO Box- Dooce

I try to blog about me… Warts and all! What Oprah does that’s so amazing is she shares. She’s real- Maxwell, AT

“People are readers, not users. Only bloggers and drug dealers call people users.” Neil Chase of Federated Media (HA!)

Time management is about meeting family then personal needs and creative needs, then letting other things go-Sarah Jane Studios

Office jobs are the reason blogs exist- Joslyn of Simple Lovely

Use your blog as a marketing tool for what you really want to do- Maggie Mason

If you aren’t pursuing your passion, you’ll always lose against the person who is -Maggie Mason

Nobody is ever going to hand you anything. People that get stuff ask for it”- Maggie Mason