Sunday, July 12, 2015

The Top 10 Things I Loved About TpTVegas15


I'm excited to be linking up with Elementary Entourage this week to share my experience at TpTVegas15!

This was my first year going to the TpT Conference in Las Vegas.  Last year I had only been a TpT seller for about six months and felt too new to go.  As soon as conference time rolled around I regretted it.  I saw pictures, Facebook posts, forum threads, blog posts...   I made up my mind right then and there that this year I would attend.

As soon as the conference was announced this year, I signed up.  I bought my plane ticket and booked my hotel.  I made the financial commitment to go and I couldn't back out.  

Now, its about five months later and I'm sitting here reflecting on the last 4 days.  I can't even begin to convey to you all of the wisdom, insight, and enthusiasm that was freely shared by so many during TpTVegas15, I'm still trying to soak it all in myself, but I would like to share with you the top 10 things I loved about this experience.  

10.  I loved meeting new people.  I'm not an extrovert when it comes to big gatherings.  Being around so many people can be a little difficult for me, but I met some great people over the last 4 days.

9.  I loved the stories.  From top sellers to new sellers, everyone has a story about what inspired them to start their store, the positive impact TpT has had on their families, their teaching, and their lives in general.

8.  I loved the collaboration.  Where else would you find top sellers sharing their secrets of success?  At TeachersPayTeachers, and especially at TpTVegas15, sellers don't view each others as competition.  People share what works for them, how to make their products better, and how to reach new buyers.  The support and sense of community was amazing.


7.  I loved the enthusiasm.  Everywhere you turned there were people excited about TpT.  Only other TpT-ers understand the love, excitement, and appreciation for what TpT has done for teachers all over the world, not just sellers, but also buyers.

6.  I loved the Meet and Greets.  My favorite Meet and Greet was the "Cool Kids Meet and Greet"  There were about 100 + people there and everyone was so friendly.  It was at B&B Burger in The Venetian.  I was also able to finally meet a group of sellers from my Upper Elementary Collaborative Facebook group.  Both of these events were a lot of fun and I met more wonderful people.


5.  I loved my BED!  Seriously!  I stayed at Delano, which is part of Mandalay Bay and it has the MOST comfortable beds!  I wanted to take it home with me, but my suitcase wasn't big enough.

4.  I loved the pool time!

3.  I loved the Strip (Well, most of it!).  Every night I walked the strip.  The Delano is on the other end of the strip, so in the mornings I took a cab to the conference and in the evenings I walked back.  I racked up some serious steps.

2.  I love the SWAG.  What teacher doesn't love free items, right?



1.  Most of all I loved and still love the encouragement.  At every session the presenters had a "You can do it!"  attitude and that makes me feel like I really can do it!  I learned so much and came away from the conference with renewed energy, wonderful ideas for marketing and design and a firm belief that building my store and finding success was achievable.  I also walked away with a HUGE to-do list, but with that list comes goals to reach.

If you weren't able to go to the conference this year, make it your goal to go next year.  Invest in yourself and your business.  You will never regret making the decision to go, you will only regret that you didn't do it sooner!

Need more convincing?  Head on over to Elementary Entourage and check out all of the inspirational blog posts linked up there.  You are sure to gain some tips, insights, and motivation!


5 comments:

  1. Great takeaways! #8, #7, and #1 resonate the most with me. :-) Good luck on your TpT journey as you implement everything you learned at the conference!

    -- Susan
    The ESL Connection

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    1. Susan, It was so nice to meet you in Vegas (you probably don't remember. :) There were so many people!). It was an amazing couple of days and I've been constantly on my computer since. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and I wish you all the best!
      Tammy

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  2. Tammy, I'm so sorry I missed seeing you! You are amazing! I loved your post and next year we need to organize an Oregon meet up. :)
    Heather from Mrs. Renz’ Class

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    1. Hi Heather,
      Thank you so much for visiting here. :) No, you are amazing and I hope that we stay connected this year. I'm trying to find balance with school and TpT and am slowly getting the hang of it. :) If I travel your direction I'll let you know and maybe we can meet for lunch or something. I'm also hoping we can do an Oregon meet-up again soon. Have a great summer!
      Tammy

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  3. I know what you mean about the walking! We walked over 6 miles one day!

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