Attending The Maven Connex Conference at De Vere Hotel Tortworth

*Collaborative Post

There are so many aspects of my job which I love; working from home, being my own boss, making online connections. But one area that can really affect all bloggers is the loneliness and lack of colleagues to chat to or bounce ideas off of. This is precisely why, when a meeting or conference comes up, most of us jump at the chance to attend. A conference gives a blogger the chance to learn new skills, to listen to experts, to chat to new friends and to make valuable contacts with PR’s.

This is the first year that I have made it to any event or conference (I’ve been blogging for 3 years) and now I have stepped out of my comfort zone, I am always eager for that next big day. Thankfully, the wonderful Louise and Emma decided to come together to create a new network for us all in the form of Maven Connex and just last weekend I drove to the De Vere Hotel, Tortworth in Gloucestershire to spend an amazing day with some fantastic people.

The Location

After staying in a not so glamorous hotel down the road, I pulled up to the beautiful De Vere hotel and was just astounded. With its long driveway, the Victorian mansion is set back far from the road on a 30-acre estate in the Cotswolds. The welcome sign across the arch is a lovely touch and leads you through to see the beautiful old hotel in all of its grandeur.

As you step inside the hotel, you enter a large, stunning entrance hall before walking a little further into the reception lobby. The decor is so fitting with the period and feel of the hotel and there are just so many wow moments.

As I mentioned, I didn’t stay at this hotel but I can guarantee you that I will most definitely be staying next time! With beautiful grounds to explore, large, grand bedrooms, gorgeous food, an amazing bar as well as a library, this hotel has so much to offer.

Image courtesy of Pink Pear Bear

It is a far cry from any hotel I have ever stayed in before and I will most certainly be booking in the De Vere with Voyage Prive for the next conference here.

 

The Conference Room

You will not believe where the conference was held… Only in the grandest Orangery I have ever seen in my life!!

With a huge airy space, this stunning glass roof with fairy lights, working traditional lamp posts, beautiful decor and stonework it was almost like being inside a fairytale castle.

The perfect place to have any event.

We also had a room inside The De Vere Hotel as some sessions doubled up, which had a wonderful high ceiling, period features and lovely large windows letting in plenty of natural light.

The Conference

Maven Connex is a new blogger’s conference designed to bring a selection of activities, talks, ideas and connections to the blogging world. I loved the entire day and wish I could have attended every session on offer as each one seemed so valuable. From crafting to styling, tips on making more money, inspirational talks, wreath making, podcast advice, flatlay workshops and talks from an online marketer as well as an amazing charity– In kind Direct– there really was something for everyone. Plus there was plenty of time to catch up with old friends, to make new ones and to connect with one another on our social media accounts during the breaks and lunch.

Having only attended events this year, I am still very new to how these things work but, for me, this conference was spot on because it was laid back, it gave me time to talk to other people, it left me feeling inspired, it reminded me why I started my blog in the first place and that my voice is important to somebody out there. The day flew by but without any stress or feeling as though it had all been a whirlwind. Louise and Emma created the perfect atmosphere with their calming room, dedicated time to allow everybody to socialise and by keeping the conference on the smaller side.

I loved being able to take a day just for me, to be able to do an activity like wreath-making without a little person trying to get involved and to meet people in real life who I have only ever met online!

As The Day Came To A Close…

As the day came to a close, the De Vere hotel looked spectacular in a different way; the lights! The Orangery looked magical, perfect for that Christmas feel:

And just look at the hotel!

We even took a wander around the large grounds and stumbled across this beautiful fairy light tunnel. I really wish I’d had more time to spend here to see what else we could have discovered.

Lasting Impression

I came away from the Maven Connex Conference feeling happy, inspired, motivated and with a clear idea of what I want to continue to do with my blog. I have made some lovely new friends who I have already spoken to again online and have discussed the idea of making a work day meetup for us to help one another with our work.

I cannot wait for the next one!

With thanks to Louise at Pink Pear Bear and Emma at Emma and 3, creators of Maven Connex.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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