Holy moly friends… it’s been a bit, now hasn’t it?!?!?!? The blog has taken a backseat to LIFE lately, and it’s been one huge whirlwind of travel and trips and major events going on and so I might have drafted this and never hit publish….
BUT better late than never is my motto apparently this season so let’s get down to business and chat everything yotu’ve been dying to know from this year’s RewardStyle Conference that took place last month in Dallas.
Also, I am hoping this helps shed some light on what’s going on in the world of all things social media. I get emails and direct messages daily about growing your brand, what I’ve done to continue to increase my audience, etc and so I hope this can also serve as a resource for you entrpreneurs out there wanting to dive into this world!
I can’t believe that this was my third year to attend the RewardStyle Conference… not so much a rookie anymore, it’s one of my favorite weekends each year–to see some of my blogging gal pals, meet with some of my favorite brands, attend industry chats and small talks about what’s going on with the world of influencers and technology, and of course have some MAJOR fun, too.
Merly Denim Jacket | Polka Dot Jumpsuit [sold out/similar here] | Leopard Sandals | Savannah Ring
This year, my friends and I decided we’d get crafty and get to town a day early… to get checked in, shoot all of our looks with our photographers [Audrie Dollins is always my photog in Dallas and she is BEYOND amazing to work with!] and get set for the weekend = hands down best idea we’ve ever had because we got to relax and play a bit before the conference started.
Speaking of extracurricular activities, Veronika talked us into going to an early morning training session with the famed John Benton Model Fitness and OH goodness it was CRAZY hard. I feel like I’m in fairly good shape but DAMN… he killed us!!! No wonder he trains so many women in pageants–that man knows his business. So much fun to get out of my comfort zone though and learn some new moves, too.
Foothills Workout Tank [on sale for $39] | Run Free Shorts | Gold Nike Sneakers [on sale for under $100–BAM!]
find my gals here: Veronika via Veronika’s Blushing | Amanda via Lux Mommy | Sara via Haute and Humid
RewardStyle Conference
Day 1 | Sole Society Pool Party
Thursday always begins the big bash with a poolside party and this year Sole Society acted as the brand sponsor for the event. It’s our first chance to play catch-up with friends, mix and mingle with others you’ve never met, and of course sip on some cocktails, too. Post event, we headed to dinner with a few long-lost friends and then hit the bed early!!
Cashew Dress | Sasha Sunglasses | Sirena Wedge Espadrilles | Yellow Floral Earrings [under $10] | Woven Tote | Bag Tassel
love this lady so much… Lisa J, you are incredible and I always get excited to see you!!
Finally got to meet this cutie Lauren, also known as The Lillie Bag–so much fun with you mama
Never a dull moment with this gal… I love my friendship with you Marnie AKA Ms Gold Girl
Blogging bestie… seriously Sara, I love you to the moon and back!
Third year of getting to catch up with Sarah AKA Sassy Red Lipstick at the conference… just love her to pieces!!
My Nashville little sister… Shea Leigh is just one of the best out there and always love getting to squeeze her silly!!
Day 2 | Kick-Off Sessions, Brand Meetings, Banana Mary Kay Garden Party Lunch + eBay Cocktail Party
Friday started out early with a grab and go breakfast before the mainstage speakers start that morning. One thing I love about this time during each RS conference is that we get to see what’s coming down the pipeline, see all the analytics of the industry and what’s happening, hear from Amber Venz Box and Baxter Box [gosh they are SO dang genuinely kind and kick ass!] and then they do a fireside chat AKA a Q&A session with some of the retail brand partners to talk about working with influencers, what they want out of collaborations, big things happening in their worlds, etc.
It’s extremely informative, sometimes technical, but absolutely mind blowing to see what this company is doing to help us perform better and do more in our careers… so I promise there is some work involved in this conference ;).
My biggest takeaways?? More than ever, traffic is streaming to mobile over desktop so pay attention to your social channels and where your audience is shopping. Another interesting tidbit… shoppers are wanting to see true life imagery–less photoshoots, less staged images and more try-on sessions, more OOTD posts = and I couldn’t love that more!! Also, SO many shoppers are relying on the LTK app to get product info and shop directly… as always, it’s the easiest way to shop everything I wear, love and recommend and you can follow me via LTK here.
Sincerely Jules + Nordstrom Jumpsuit | Audrina Wedges | Woven Basket Bag | Monstera Leaf Earrings
That night, eBay threw one heck of a courtyard cocktail party adjacent to the conference venue… lots of dancing, giveaways, and getting to spend a few more hours with their team who have become some of my favorite retail partners to work with!
Billie Battenburg Dress |Rainbow Acrylic Bag | Sirena Wedge | Fan Statement Earrings
Day 3 | Breakout Sessions, Brand Meetings, JCPenney Springtime Lunch + LTK Grand Finale Party
The third and final day of this year’s conference was capped off with brand meetings for me… Supergoop, Victoria Emerson, Kendra Scott and JCPenney were all on my itinerary and I loved getting to spend some one-on-one time with these brands and their reps. It’s always exciting to get to chat with them, talk about upcoming product launches and collaboration opportunities and see what they have going on in the world of social media marketing.
That day, I also had three classroom sessions, focusing on SEO, the art of working 24/7 and how to build a team to help grow your brand. It’s breakout meetings like these that help me strategize, set my goals for the year and hear from other influencers on what they are doing that works help them grow and work smarter, not harder!
Moon River Striped Jumpsuit | Luna Sunglasses | Glyn Wedge Espadrilles | Fan Earrings | White Bead Bracelet
Finally, the end of the conference brought about the finale party, where everyone can cut loose, and spend the night away dancing with everyone and celebrating another year of success… the RewardStyle team never disappoints and I always love the little details they deliver to surprise everyone–topped off with a concert from St. Lucia. Another year down in the books with the RS team who always amazes me with their innovative thinking and letting us know how much they are invested in our success–until next time!!!
Floral Broderie Mini Dress | Leopard Heels | Lolita Bird Bag | Heart Earrings | Savannah Hinge Cuff
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