You guys! I’m still down with conference hangover and trying to catch up on work but I HAD to share with you photos of the two awesome events I just attended.

{I apologize in advance for the bad quality phone photos below. It’s hard to get good lighting inside of a hotel with warm lights.)

First – I’ll tell ya all about SNAP and in my next post, I’ll tell you all about the other one…. stay posted.

I’ve been coming to SNAP in Salt Lake City for the past four years.

It’s one of those events that you can never get tired of and it keeps you wanting to come back year after year. Tauni does a great job of always keeping it fresh, fun + educational, and MOST IMPORTANTLY the community that comes together here is uncomparable to any other.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working for years to bring Jet-Puffed as a sponsor to SNAP because the creative group of bloggers that attend truly love our products. Well, guess what?! I finally did it! I was able to bring Jet-Puffed along as a sponsor this time and it was AWESOME!

 Here are a few of the other fantastic sponsors that joined us this year:

Pre-Conf – I had lots to do so I rented a cargo van (so I tought). I was rolling gangsta-style all over SLC in this sexy beast. It almost felt like the official JP vehicle because it was blue and round. We loaded it up with all the s’mores fixings.

{I received a lot of questions about my colorful purse so here’s the scoop –

The purse is from Charming Charlie. The wallet is from Target and the furry pompom is from Michaels.}

These are my partners in crime. They helped me get things all set up in time for the conference.

{ Thank you Jen and Tiff – couldn’t have done it without you!}

 

BTW, if you’re ever in SLC… you HAVE TO go to Sapa for Japanese food and sushi. It’s the BOMBDIGGITY!

{Ask to sit in the lounge area – it’s a hidden secret spot with the coolest bar and couches.}

During our walk back to the hotel after dinner, I was a total nature paparazzi.

Seriously though, look at these beauties…

Little America Hotel not only has fabulous rooms but they always have impeccably kept grounds and tons of pretty flowers.

 

The perfect backdrop for pics.

We found desserts 🙂 I learned to make it to Grand America early in the morning before all the pastries are gone.

The next day, Tauni kicked off the conference with some great advice.

I sneaked off to snap pics of my fav booths.

How adorable is this corner display from Simplicity?!

I feel like I need these in my house. Set up with jars filled with candies and sprinkles!

I am totally buying this pompom maker.

I need a wall like this in my shop to organize all my spray cans and acrylic paints!

Rust-oleum always brings it. They know exactly how to showcase their products in a fun and creative way.

DecoArt and HomeRight always have fun make & take projects for attendees to do.

The fabulous Sizzix team sure know how to set up a booth. They have really cool products.

My buddies from Oriental Trading sponsored this adorable pink candy lounge room for those of us who needed a little sweet boost.

Reunited and it feels so good!!!

My Wilton sistahs!

Modeling during the cocktail party. 1 wine. 2 wines. 3.. who’s counting?!

My fav hands-on class was from LEGO.

I LOVE LEGOs. My kids have tons of sets and can play with them for hours and hours. I feel good when they do too… they are learning so many skills as they have fun and let their imagination wild. Visiting the LEGOLAND California park is one of my most treasured family memories. They truly are just such a fantastic company!

We got to do a few fun building activities including a super cute LEGO blocks cupcake stand, take home an adorable LEGO Friends set and we celebrated LEGO Friends’ 5th anniversary.

Kamilla already has a few LEGO Friends sets which she loves because they are girls with desserts which she can totally relate to, haha.

Aaaaannnndddd – OMG, I got to meet 1 of the 7 LEGO Master Builders in the world.

Seriously, pinch me! He was hilarious too so double awesomeness.

I attended a panel discussion to listen in on how other brands feel about blogger/brand partnerships.

I find it important and almost essential to connect with fellow marketing managers at these conferences. The industry is ever changing and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one dealing with the challenges. I work from home so this what keeps me motivated, inspired and on top of things.

{XOXO to Karen from LEGO and Whitney from Home Depot. They are my new SM heroes.}

On the first night, each attendee was surprised with a sweet room drop. They each received a camping mug with a s’mores kit inside.

YES – the marshmallow actually has the Jet-Puffed logo printed on it. Super duper cool, huh?!

Some people couldn’t resist biting right in. No campfire was necessary LOL

The following morning……

JP, Jet-Puffed’s spankin’ new mascot, made it’s debut!

He was AMAZING!

I’ve never seen a marshmallow bag with so much swagger in every step and with so much rhythm, hahahaha!

He was ready for selfies….

For soft hugs…

And for good ol’ modeling.

He was even a pro at Boomerang’ing (is that a word?).

Did I mention he also smelled like vanilla marshmallows?! Word.

I was sure to bring my JP jewelry set.
My friend, Kaylyn, brought the donuts. One the many reasons why I adore this rockstar.

That night there was a Unicorn theme party.

It was all about glitter, colors, unicorns and sweets!

 

 I got to help out at the Wilton hands-on class.

The attendees were taught several techniques for piping frosting onto their cupcakes.

And they got to take home fun goodie bags!

Five days had passed by since arriving at SLC,  I knew the conference was coming to an end 🙁

The business card display was full of awesomeness.

Some of these gals REALLY get creative with their business cards.

And in a blink of an eye, the conference was over!

Tauni gave her last speech for the conference and made some announcements about next year’s conference.

{Yes, that is a super cute unicorn piñata made by FloraCraft}

For the ending keynote – Believe in your Story.

I became a HUGE fan of Mrs. Heidi Swapp at SNAP a couple of years ago.

After listening to her keynote speech then, my life changed. Since then, I have been appreciating life on a different level. I have learned to be a better mom and celebrate all the little things more than before. I have been capturing sweet family memories with my camera because I want to remember them forever.

Heidi has a way of moving me to my core. She speaks to my heart… which not many can do.

After many tears, laughs and more life changing wow advise…. we all hugged and said our goodbyes.

These are just a few of my party girls tribe. They truly are an amazing group of strong, creative entrepreneurs that always come through with so much love and support.

I’m forever grateful to them!

{Hippie Rebecs – not sure what we were going for here but it was a blast hanging with you again. XOXO}

We topped off this fabulous weekend with a quick trip to my friend, Holly’s party shop.

Paper Crush is super a cute little party shop is filled with all the pretties and party goodies you need to entertain in style! Stop by if in Lehi, UT.

Bye SNAP. See you next year…..