This year I've made getting outside of my comfort zone, and getting into settings where creative people share ideas a priority. So when registration for Designer Vaca went on sale I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. Designer Vaca is the creation of Promise Tangeman and Alyssa Yuhas, and the idea is to take a vacation in sunny Palm Springs with designers from all over North America, with a sprinkling of conference setting that gives you a chance to “talk shop” and learn from each other.
The conference part of the getaway included dinners in the evening (complete with the photo booth above), hearing Jessica Hische and Kathleen Shannon share their perspectives, and morning group discussions on key topics that the attendees chose. Afternoons were free time mostly spent by the pool building friendships.
What struck me most about the conference was how incredibly open everyone was.
The women who attended were open to sharing their process, stories, and lives. They were open to expressing their opinions, to considering other people's different experiences. They shared what's working for them, what's frustrating for them, and what lights them up to anyone who asked, regardless of if they knew them or not.
Discussion points from the morning sessions
Lobby guitar by Samantha
A tiny pop-up shop with handmade goods appeared nearby our hotel
We finally meet! Promise has made something really special with Designer Vaca.
Photobooths and celebratory drinks
This sums up my feelings about the trip!
While there were groups of the ladies who were rooming together, or knew each other already, nothing about it felt cliquey or exclusive. There was genuine interest and earnestness to spare, which made it even more welcoming and energizing. Even better is that I know I'll be friends for life with some of the ladies I met. How can you top that?
The biggest lesson I learned from hearing about how other people work is that it's alright to embrace the way I work, and to be lead by my passions instead of my checklist – even just in day to day work. I'm already feeling more loose and inspired, and I know that my clients will be able to feel the difference.
If you're drawn to Designer Vaca (or another meet up / conference / get together that strikes your fancy) my advice is to get out of your head and just go. Stop hesitating, and get out there! You can't know what's out there on the other side until you explore it yourself – and in my experience, the other people who take that risk are all kinds of wonderful. Just like you.
Have you been to a meet up or conference, or had a solo travel experience that really struck a chord with you? What did you learn about yourself?
LAST UPDATED ON: October 8th, 2014
CATEGORY: All Posts
I go to the same writer’s conference almost every year, and I love it. I love the friendships I’ve made with likeminded awesome people, and all the encouragement we’re able to share.
However, I recently tried something a bit more out of my comfort zone–traveling through China with 15 people I’d never met before. I was terrified, but it ended up being one of the best things I’ve ever done. What a wonderful group of people, some of whom I hope will be friends for life.
It’s so worth leaving the comfort zone–often that’s when you discover something amazing.
Totally agree! What’s the saying, “If something scares you it might be a good thing to try?”. In coaching speak I think that’s your edge, where all the fabulous amazing work gets done. Not somewhere I’d want to wake up every day, but definitely an important place to visit :)
Aw! It was SO great to finally meet you in person, I feel like we’ve been friends for so long it’s amazing that we haven’t met in person before!!! You are such an incredible person and filled with tons of knowledge and wisdom. I love ya and can’t wait to see what’s in store for you this next year. <3!
This sounds really great, and a noticed a whole bunch of posts or instagram images come through around the time you guys were out there, and after. My question is how do you hear about these amazing design/blogger get togethers/conferences before they happen? With enough time to register and book before they all sell out? I only ever hear about them after the fact.
Hey Elly, it’s great to hear from you! :) I found out about this one a few years ago through following designers I admire on social media, on their blogs, and through making conversation with them over long periods of time. That being said, whenever I find an event that I’m interested in I sign up for the newsletter so I get the ticket notification for the following year. If you want to get an even bigger jump on registration my only “trick” is to google for registration announcements in past years. These kinds of things generally happen around the same time each year, so when I find the announcement post dates I’ll add a calendar reminder for myself for the start of that month next year. Then I’m ready and waiting when they’re available!