Today I wanted to share a recap of The Everygirl Team Conference a few weeks ago. Although co-founders Alaina and Danielle are in Chicago, most of the team is based all across the country. Together we represent Minneapolis, Chicago, Madison, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. I had never met the majority of the team before, so when I heard we would all be able to get together in person I was thrilled.
The conference took place the third week of July. I flew in on Wednesday night and and headed straight to the hotel. I got there around 10 and was able to meet up with some of the team as they were finishing up dinner in the adjacent Current Restaurant. From there I went up to my room and settled in. I stayed up way too late painting my nails in bed and watching the Kardashians (judge me if you must but that is some good entertainment in my opinion). And the next morning I woke up to this sunny view outside my room.
At 8:30 I went downstairs to the conference room and met everyone for breakfast. And I got my very own TEG mug, out of which I've been drinking these green smoothies (everyone drinks their smoothies from mugs, right?).
From there the meeting commenced and we spent the day discussing our work process, story ideas, and what we see for the future of The Everygirl. At 1 we broke for a true Chicago lunch -- deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati's and 312 Beer. And a beet salad! (!!) Little known fact about me: I love beets. I was genuinely thrilled to see three different kinds for lunch.
After lunch we took headshots and team photos with the talented Katie Kett. Here's one of the whole team.
After another few hours of meeting we had an hour or so pre-dinner to do whatever we pleased. I walked around Michigan Avenue for a bit and changed into a favorite dress from Parc Boutique. The evening light in my hotel room was beautiful.
And here's a photo of the view from the lake side of the hotel. Navy Pier in all it's glory.
I walked to dinner with Megan, Juley, and Lauren. We all met at Beatrix and had a wonderful time. If you ever find yourself there, order the caramel pie for dessert. You will not regret it. Three hours passed in an instant and I was sad to have to say goodbye to everyone. Alaina, Danielle, Allyson and I went out for another glass of wine (because when in Chicago...) before we called it a night.
On Friday I woke up and went for a run along the lake. As much as I had been looking forward to every other aspect of the trip, this was one thing I couldn't wait to do. I'm (hopefully! pending a few nagging injuries..) running the Chicago Marathon this fall and I was so happy to get a taste of running in the city before then. And the views from these lakeside paths weren't too shabby, either.
From there I went to do a little work with Alaina, Danielle, and Allyson before flying out that evening. And I got to see Buddy! And Tuck! And Fiona! Alaina and Danielle have thee cutest pups.
To say I had a wonderful trip would be an understatement. The only disappointing thing was that I couldn't stay longer. It still blows my mind a little to see how much TEG has grown over the past few years, how much my role has changed, and how much I continue to love what I get to do for the site. From graphic design intern to associate editor, I've learned a ton over the past two years and have met so many amazing people along the way. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for The Everygirl.
I hope you all are having an amazing summer, and thanks so much for stopping by today! I promise I'll post again when inspiration strikes. In the meantime, feel free to follow along with my daily musings on twitter and instagram.
The conference took place the third week of July. I flew in on Wednesday night and and headed straight to the hotel. I got there around 10 and was able to meet up with some of the team as they were finishing up dinner in the adjacent Current Restaurant. From there I went up to my room and settled in. I stayed up way too late painting my nails in bed and watching the Kardashians (judge me if you must but that is some good entertainment in my opinion). And the next morning I woke up to this sunny view outside my room.
We stayed at the W Lakeshore and I loved this hotel, you guys. I've had a few less-than-perfect hotel experiences in the windy city so it's always a relief to find a hotel that has beautiful, clean rooms and comfy beds. And the location is as good as it gets in my opinion. If I hadn't been so excited for the conference, it would have been really hard to get out of this bed.
At 8:30 I went downstairs to the conference room and met everyone for breakfast. And I got my very own TEG mug, out of which I've been drinking these green smoothies (everyone drinks their smoothies from mugs, right?).
From there the meeting commenced and we spent the day discussing our work process, story ideas, and what we see for the future of The Everygirl. At 1 we broke for a true Chicago lunch -- deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati's and 312 Beer. And a beet salad! (!!) Little known fact about me: I love beets. I was genuinely thrilled to see three different kinds for lunch.
After lunch we took headshots and team photos with the talented Katie Kett. Here's one of the whole team.
After another few hours of meeting we had an hour or so pre-dinner to do whatever we pleased. I walked around Michigan Avenue for a bit and changed into a favorite dress from Parc Boutique. The evening light in my hotel room was beautiful.
And here's a photo of the view from the lake side of the hotel. Navy Pier in all it's glory.
I walked to dinner with Megan, Juley, and Lauren. We all met at Beatrix and had a wonderful time. If you ever find yourself there, order the caramel pie for dessert. You will not regret it. Three hours passed in an instant and I was sad to have to say goodbye to everyone. Alaina, Danielle, Allyson and I went out for another glass of wine (because when in Chicago...) before we called it a night.
On Friday I woke up and went for a run along the lake. As much as I had been looking forward to every other aspect of the trip, this was one thing I couldn't wait to do. I'm (hopefully! pending a few nagging injuries..) running the Chicago Marathon this fall and I was so happy to get a taste of running in the city before then. And the views from these lakeside paths weren't too shabby, either.
From there I went to do a little work with Alaina, Danielle, and Allyson before flying out that evening. And I got to see Buddy! And Tuck! And Fiona! Alaina and Danielle have thee cutest pups.
To say I had a wonderful trip would be an understatement. The only disappointing thing was that I couldn't stay longer. It still blows my mind a little to see how much TEG has grown over the past few years, how much my role has changed, and how much I continue to love what I get to do for the site. From graphic design intern to associate editor, I've learned a ton over the past two years and have met so many amazing people along the way. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for The Everygirl.
I hope you all are having an amazing summer, and thanks so much for stopping by today! I promise I'll post again when inspiration strikes. In the meantime, feel free to follow along with my daily musings on twitter and instagram.
