Over the last ten days I traveled by plane, ferry, and drove more than 1,600 miles in our Toyota Avalon. I crossed three time zones, lived out of a suitcase, and embraced dozens of new friends along the way. Now I’m back home, unpacking memories and ready to share the highlights.
This trip began with a long-held dream: attending the Haven Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. The conference welcomed hundreds of home decor bloggers and creators for two and a half days at the riverfront Marriott, and it delivered on every goal I set for the weekend—connecting with other bloggers, meeting brands seeking influencers, and learning practical skills to grow my blog business.
Jen / me / Lauren / Julie / Sonya
Highlights of the Haven Conference 2018
Practical Packing Advice
As a first-time conference attendee, I spent days reading tips and asking veteran attendees what to bring. Almost everyone recommended packing an extra bag for the free swag—you will get a lot. I travel frequently with only a carry-on, so I tucked a soft duffel with a leather bottom into my suitcase, then pulled it out at the hotel and checked it for the return trip.
At the conference I used a large tote as my go-to bag: notebook, tablet, glasses, and business cards fit easily, and the tote doubled as a convenient booth bag for giveaways and samples. I sorted items as I went—keeping what I would use and passing along what I wouldn’t—so I arrived home with a curated collection I’m excited to try.
I left my heavy DSLR and laptop at home and shot these photos with my tablet. That light, streamlined approach worked well for this trip.
Best Conference Setting
I didn’t explore much of Charleston beyond a few dinners downtown, but the Marriott where the conference was held was lovely—comfortable, air conditioned, and right where everything happened. With packed classes and events, most of my time was spent at the hotel, which had everything I needed: good coffee, a friendly restaurant, and refreshing common areas.
The Most Delightful Roommates
I hoped for a roommate when I signed up for Haven—both to save on costs and to meet someone new—and I ended up with three wonderful roommates. We connected weeks before the conference, chatted frequently, and truly felt like old friends when we met in person. Sharing a room turned the conference into a richer, more encouraging experience: late-night laughter, honest career conversations, and a sense of camaraderie that I’ll remember for a long time.
Marissa / Julie / me / Sonya
Most Helpful Class
I attended several useful sessions—organizing your blog business, SEO fundamentals, and video basics—but the class that gave me the most actionable, inspiring photography tips was “How to Capture Gorgeous Interior Photos with your DSLR.” The instructor’s work was breathtaking, and her teaching style made advanced techniques feel accessible. I’m eager to apply those lessons to posts and product photography.
Most Inspiring Moment
One of the most moving moments came during a hands-on craft session, when a speaker shared how faith and business intersected in her life and career. Her story was honest and uplifting, and it stayed with me long after the class ended.
Most Memorable Moments
Above all, the people I met made the conference unforgettable. I was thrilled to meet bloggers I’ve followed for years and to discover that many of them are as warm and generous in person as they are online. Conversations with mentors, peers, and brand representatives filled my journal with ideas and encouragement—everything from practical tips to long-term creative goals.
Photo Credit: Haven Conference
Those conversations and connections are already influencing my approach to blogging, partnerships, and content creation. The generosity of mentors and the openness of new friends reminded me that this community is full of collaboration, not competition.
Most Memorable Quote
On the first evening, a seasoned blogger offered this vivid advice for newcomers: “You’re going to feel like you’re trying to drink from a fire hose at this conference. Just open your mouths and keep drinking… and when you think you’re too tired—just keep drinking!” That became my mantra for the weekend: absorb everything you can, then process and apply it later.
Next Steps and Resources
If you’re curious to learn more about attending Haven or want other perspectives on the conference, many fellow attendees have written helpful recaps and reflections. Searching for “Haven Conference 2018 recap” or “Haven blogging conference” will surface a range of posts from participants who shared session takeaways, packing tips, and personal highlights.
- Insights from Haven — Jen at Eight Hundred Furniture
- Everything You Need to Know about Attending a Blog Conference — Marissa at Squirrels of a Feather
- Haven Conference 2018 and Why You Should Go — Julie at My Wee Abode
- My First Haven Conference Experience — Sonya Burgess
- Haven DIY Conference Recap, Part 1 — Lauren at Mom Home Guide
- Haven DIY Conference Recap, Part 2 — Lauren at Mom Home Guide
- Haven Conference 2018 — Michelle at Thistle Key Lane
In short: Haven was energizing, practical, and full of meaningful connections. I returned home inspired, with fresh ideas for photography, content, and collaboration. If you’re a blogger or creative thinking about attending a conference, come ready to learn, bring an extra bag for swag, and most importantly—be ready to meet people who will encourage and challenge you to grow.