We’re back from The Southern C Summit and feeling as re-energized as ever. Like in previous years, I attended the engaging conference for creative entrepreneurs and left with ALL the feels. I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, SO much excitement over seeing old friends and meeting new…and big plans for the next few months. And of course, Charleston wooed me once again. I don’t think I’ll ever, ever grow tired of Charleston’s soft, pretty pastels, its charming cobblestone streets and the cascading window boxes worthy of magazine covers.
I knew we were in for a treat with this year’s Summit lineup, but Cheri, Whitney & Team really blew us away this year. We set up camp at The American Theater and William Aiken House, both beautiful PPHG venues, for three days of informative and inspiring sessions with some of our favorites: Eddie Ross, Kimberley Schlegel Whitman, Libbie Summers, Chassity, Grace, Liz, Caroline, the Leapfrog PR ladies and so many more. The space was, of course, stunning thanks to Vine Garden Market, Beachview Event Rentals and BMA at Home.
During the week, we had the pleasure of dining next to friends new and old. Wednesday’s dinner by The Bad Bitches at Fritz Porter on Wednesday night was a magical evening, and a result of a true dream team. The fare from Grow Food Carolina was right up my alley: quintessential farm-to-table (I’m talking it was in the ground no more than 24 hours before our plates!) and the tablescape by Bellafare, Ooh Events and Peace Love Flowers with touches by Minted, Rebecca Atwood, Snowe Home and Suite One Studio was simply stunning. And Thursday night’s dinner at Tara Guerard‘s place…well it took my breath away. Tara showed us all how it’s done; setting the table for nearly 30 of us beneath the canopied light for a wonderful last night alongside some of the industry’s best.
I, of course, enjoyed a glass or two (or five) of wine Thursday evening with my keynote session on social media behind me…ha! But all jokes aside, Thursday’s session was fantastic; Kat live-Periscoped for everyone at home who couldn’t make it to Charleston for The Summit, and most importantly we announced our upcoming Social Media Intensive, which I absolutely cannot wait to host here in Atlanta in June.
After past requests we’ve been trying to figure out how we could make a social media intensive happen, so when the opportunity to team up with The Southern C came about it was a no brainer. This all-day session at ADAC will be a deep-dive into the nitty-gritty of each social media platform with attendees being put to work (computers required) diving into each platform in real time. With two different tailored tracks, attendees will leave with a notebook full of best practices, be able to ask questions pertinent to their brand and business, and will walk away with plenty of practical takeaways. Since we’re keeping things intimate, seats are very limited, and if you haven’t already secured your spot you’ll want to do so ASAP. And we hope you’ll be joining us the night before at Steve McKenzie’s for a fabulous cocktail hour…more details to come!
We’re releasing the last tickets to our readers here today, which can be bought here. And because I’d love for everyone to have a chance of coming, we’re giving away one ticket in the widget below! Truly, MKR
P.S. And if it could get any better…the next Summit is to be held on beautiful Sea Island in February 2017. Who’s coming?! xo
This would be such a great opportunity! I run a lifestyle blog, so I’m going to say Instagram for sure. And let’s just say..I need all the help I can get 🙂 Crossing my fingers!
As a wedding blogger Pinterest is still the most important social media platform for me but one I still struggle with.
Well, Facebook is driving the most traffic and Instagram has the most engagement, so I think both are super important. However, I really want to learn more about the ones I don’t think I’m utilizing enough – Twitter, Pinterest, Periscope, etc. Ah, I hope I can make it!!!
what a dream to attend. I would definitely say instagram and pinterest.
These photos are beautiful, so inspirational ! Thank you so much for the recap – I’m so bummed I couldn’t go. Fingers crossed I can make it to Atlanta in June. It sounds like such a great way to learn SM from the best! Gonna go find a penny and fountain to go make a wish that I’m picked 😉
Looking forward to seeing you in ATL
Gosh! It’s a toss up. I can blame 100% of the success of my brand on social media. A business that was started on accident by a few shares has grown into something far bigger than I would have ever imagined. Facebook is definitely where I can connect emotionally with my people and Instagram has been a great place to showcase our best work.
What a beautiful event! I would love to attend.
Mandy, I really enjoyed your social media talk at the Southern C. I learned a ton and it would be so cool to get to attend the intensive in ATL. We are seeing the most traffic from Pinterest, I just need some pointers!!! Thanks!!!
DYING to attend this class! Instagram is most important to my business but I’m trying to learn to love Snapchat more. Pinterest will be the death of me but still plugging along there too! Thanks Mandy!
I am a social media manager for a restaurant group and would love to attend!!
instagram is definitely currently the most important in my eyes for our brands, but moving towards snapchat, and so interesting to see what brands can accomplish with it!
I love Whitney and Cheri and am in awe of all they have created with The Southern C.Thanks for this great write and the pics. I attended the very first Summit and plan to be back for next year’s in Sea Island – a gorgeous venue!
I have already learned so much from “studying” what the Southern C and also Waiting on Martha offer through posts and writings. I was not able to go to the last Southern C due to some care taking responsibilities and family members passing aways. I hope very much to make the next several to connect and collaborate! I am a full time professional artist and know there is so much to learn on the marketing side. I do well on Facebook but learning about Instagram. Also need to better define my “brand” style of painting. Thanks for all you all have done so far. Would love a chance to go to the next one in Atlanta! Hoping!!
Would LOVE to win a seat at the intensive. I think Instagram is definitely the most powerful social media platform to me, but I want to know how to better use all of them.
This sounds like a fun opportunity. My favorite social media platform is Pinterest.
Instagram is my go-to, but with the launch of Facebook Live, I’m starting to use Facebook more!
I have been able to use Instagram as a social media platform the most. Since diving more into photography it has served as a great portfolio and way to show clients my current work. Would love to attend this intensive to continue to learn more about using social media to continually attract more clients.
See u at ADAC
Right now, we are concentrating on instagram the most, so that is the most important outlet for us. Would love to learn more about the others too!