Create Your Own Business Conference (Yes, Really!)

Hi sweet friends! 💛

Remember when the pandemic pushed everything online and suddenly world-class conferences were just a click away? Back in 2020, Adobe Max offered their incredible conference completely free, and it sparked something in me. Why wait for expensive conferences or rely on someone else's schedule when we can design our own perfect learning experience? Here's how I invented DIY Conferences!

Last year became my "Year of Learning," and wow, what a transformative experience! I dove deep into AI imagery and video, marketing strategies, and course creation. But more than just acquiring skills, this journey helped me crystallize my vision: helping artists worldwide amplify their reach and impact. Every new piece of knowledge became another way to support our community's growth 🌼

My favorite discovery? The incredible world of VR! During one session, I found myself transported to a serene greenhouse, complete with peaceful music and the gentle sound of flowing water – all through my iPhone. No fancy equipment needed! This experience reminded me of what we're creating together at The Yellow Studio: a bright, uplifting space where your art business dreams can flourish.

How to Create Your Monthly DIY Conference

Here's my solution: dedicated monthly learning days that feel just like a real conference, minus the expensive ticket and travel costs! Here's how I do it:

1. Schedule 2-3 dedicated workdays each month for pure learning

2. Create a focused agenda mixing different content types

3. Include proper breaks and lunch (conference style!)

4. Protect this time from regular work interruptions

Building Your Content Library

The key to great DIY conferences is having amazing content ready to go. Here's my system:

1. Create a private YouTube playlist for business and learning videos

2. Set up a "DIY Conference" folder in your email to save valuable newsletters and resources

3. Use Pinterest or a Google Doc to collect interesting articles and tutorials

4. Bookmark free online courses that catch your eye

Pro tip: Consider theming each conference! One month might focus on email marketing, another on AI tools, and another on web design 🌼

Free Resources to Get Started

Ready to dive in? Here are some fantastic free resources:

• Hubspot's social media courses

• MIT's entrepreneurship collection

• SXSW's video library

• Adobe Max sessions

• SlideShare presentations

I did this for six months straight, then moved to a bi-monthly schedule as client work picked up. Though I've taken a brief pause, I'm excited to restart this practice – there's always more to learn!

I created a downloadable DIY Conference Schedule to get you in the mood of planning your own private event. You can access it in Canva to make a copy and change out the sessions with your session titles, click here to make a copy.

What about you, sweet friends? Would you try creating your own DIY conference? I'd love to hear what topics you'd explore first! Drop a comment below and let's inspire each other's learning journeys 💛