The annual Blogger Xchange XPO conference was a few months ago, but I’m still putting into action the things that I learned there — how to grow and evolve as a blogger.
Since 2017, the co-founders of Blogger Xchange have brought Nashville, Minneapolis and Memphis bloggers an array of creatives classes, socials, and various “xperiences” to help create community over competition.
The Blogger Xchange was founded by Leigh Love & Kay Elle. Both are Nashville natives that grew up together. They saw a need to bring the growing Nashville blogger community together and thus their first event was created. Leigh is a music, travel & events blogger. Kay Elle is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger.
Blogger Xchange XPO 2019
Festivities began on Thursday evening with a VIP event at The Lab Nashville. The following evening, there was a meet & greet event for all XPO attendees at Ainsworth Nashville, where the owners of Slim & Husky’s were the guest speakers.
This year’s day-long conference was held at the Nossi College of Art in Nashville, Tenn. Weeks prior to the conference, attendees were sent a list of classes that we could choose from. {I’ve got to give major kudos to Leigh Love and Kay Elle for their organizational skills and in keeping this day-long conference on schedule!}
Sunday’s brunch was held at redpepper, and featured keynote speaker Kenya Raymer. She is a writer, blogger {halfietruths.com}, and influencer. She is a self-love enthusiast who uses her platform to inspire women to be the best version of self.
I learned that frozen yogurt fruit bowls, topped with granola and drizzled with honey, is a delicious breakfast option. I just wish we had them here in Knoxville. {Breakfast was sponsored by Rush Bowls.} Also, attendees were given a Bumble BFF swag bag full of goodies!
Saturday morning’s keynote speaker was Paris Chanel, a Memphis-based makeup artist, entrepreneur, and lover of all things beauty. She is beautiful and looks a little like actress Kerry Washington.
My Class Schedule & What I Learned
Although there were nine classes to choose from {with each class offering up to 3-4 different times}, the five classes I chose included: Building a Distinctive Brand; The Business of Blogging; Hustle Hard; Social Media for Beginners; and Content Planning for Your Niche and Your Audience {Fashion}.
BUILDING A DISTINCTIVE BRAND
This session was so interactive and fun. Ashley was amazing and encouraging.
-Create a six-word brand story. Branding is all about “telling your story.”
-Avoid the ego trap, focus on your gifts, highlight your value, and build your tribe
-Develop your story: Brand message + “Why” statements + turning point = Your Brand Story
THE BUSINESS OF BLOGGING
This session was so intense and full of so much information. Besty is an attorney and Brittany is a lawyer. Both are fashionable women with so much knowledge about contracts for bloggers.
-Brand contracts
-Clarify your expectations with the brand {i.e., who has ownership and usage of rights}
-What are your deliverables
-Other terms of the agreement {i.e., “exclusivity”}.
-Federal Trade Commission guidelines
{Brittany actually has all of this information on her blog at Lawyer Lookbook.}
HUSTLE HARD
Meredith said she didn’t like to use the word “hustle”, and said she liked the word “alignment” better. Her definition of alignment was “a position of agreement. So you’ve got to work from a place of alignment.”
-How to manage your time
-How to balance your personal life + work life + side hustle
-What are your “trade-offs”
-Tools to utilize to help find that balance
SOCIAL MEDIAL FOR BEGINNERS
This session touched on five of the more well-known social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
-Content is King
-Tools to use {i.e., pre-sets, scheduling apps, graphics}
-Use hashtags {#} with less than 50K in order for your content to be seen
CONTENT PLANNING FOR YOUR NICHE & YOUR AUDIENCE
Jessica was great and shared a world of knowledge. “Whatever you’re drawn to, put your personal spin on it. Personal style is a journey. Ignore trends, unless it’s something you really love.”
-Style on a budget
-Hire a photographer
-Shop your closet for different outfit ideas {i.e., silhouettes, layering}
-Look to other bloggers {fashion and/or lifestyle} and Pinterest for inspiration when trying to find your personal style
-Accessorizing is key
-Get to know the different types and colors of fabrics {the terminology}
-Play around with fashion on your Instagram stories and IGTV or YouTube {i.e., show outfits in real scenarios, show different angles}
2019 XPO Sponsors
Although Blogger Xchange is just a few years old, their connection with local/regional/national businesses in the Nashville and surrounding areas {as well as in Tennessee}, is strong. Just check out this list of sponsors at this year’s XPO.
A detailed sponsor list is just below these photos {of sponsor’s booths}.
- The Lab Nashville
- Ainsworth Nashville
- Nossi College of Art
- redpepper
- Macy’s Green Hills Beauty
- LaMarvelous Balloons
- Boxed Water
- Budlight TN
- Chef Batts
- Custom Creations by Chanel
- Deep Bay Spirits
- Jackson Morgan
- Milos
- Muddy Boot Wine
- Rush Bowls Nashville
- Services by Michael
- Slim & Huskys Pizza Beeria {Friday night’s guest speakers}
- Taziki’s Nashville
- Tiff’s Treats
- Uncle Nearest
- AILA
- Bar Method Nashville
- Black Radiance
- Birdie’s Frozen Drinks
- Winky Lux
- Bumble BFF
- Cracker Barrell
- First Aid Beauty
- Gold & Ivy
- HomeSick
- J.Crew
- Local Coasters
- Lyft Nashville
- Meet Plain Jane
- NashBotox
- Native in Nashville
- Pink Lily Boutique
- Share Love Everywhere
- White Bison Coffee
- Winky Lux
- HelloWellCo
- NashTN
- Knine Sixx
- P. Brown
- Strut Couture
- Xiss & Makeup
- Beautiac
- Omni Massage & Beauty Bar
- Triluna Wellness
- Her Signature Events
- Kneal Massage THereapy
- Ode to Self Skincare
- Cassie K
- Croy Lens
- Hype Vides
- Moments by Mama Bear Photography
- Vibe Gawds
- Black Business Boom
- Photowalk Tour
The Blogger Xchange is a meet-up series for local bloggers. The series began in Nashville in November 2017. It has now expanded to Minneapolis and Memphis. The purpose of the meet-up is to create a space for influencers to be able to connect. We believe in collaboration over competition.
Leigh Love & Kay Elle, co-founders of Blogger Xchange
In addition to their core learning series, they also host Blogger Xchange Xperiences including brunch, happy hour, socials and more. They are on a mission to create an inclusive community in each city that is open to all creatives and bloggers. They encourage collaboration, friendship and support in the blogging community.
If you are a Tennessee blogger {whether you’re in Nashville, Memphis or Knoxville} or a Minneapolis blogger, then check out Blogger Xchange. It’s a great community of bloggers who growing and evolving and supporting each other.
I can’t wait until next year’s XPO conference! {Check their website for details!}
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
