If we were to sum up Mom 2.0 in 3 words it would be:

Authentic. Magical. Moving.

We just got back from New Orleans where the 3rd annual conference was held and we are still in a flurry of emotions. The topics were on par and relevant, the venue was fabulous, and the attendees and sponsors are exactly who you want to spend time with. It’s not everyday that you have an opportunity to go somewhere interesting and fun while learning and creating experiences with online friends.

Uhm Chef John Besh…yes please.

The opening Welcome Reception by Zatarain’s also included Chef John Besh. The masquerade party took place in the beautiful courtyard of the Ritz. It was instant ambiance with a live jazz band and plenty of festivities with food and flair. Our highlights included a moment where we bonded with Chef John Besh to discuss a recent failed Gnocchi recipe. He gave us some tips and advice that we will surely try…oh, and a gigantic cookbook (interview coming soon!).

Speakers Dinner at Rambla. Yum.

If someone would have said there would be lamb in the courses, we would have paced ourselves more. The lamb was amazing melt in your mouth deliciousness. It was great to meet up with the amazing line-up of speakers. Thanks to the Huggies® MomInspired™ Grant Program for this great night and sharing their mission with us.

Opening Remarks

Friday opened with a video essay by novelist Katherine Center.

Followed by our Keynote Conversation with Abigail E. Disney + Lois Vossen. Lois Vossen is the founding and Emmy Award-winning series producer of Independent Lens. Abigail E. Disney is a filmmaker, philanthropist, and scholar.

Cupcake Birthday Party by American Cancer Society

There were many moving moments during the program but the American Cancer Society’s, More Birthday’s Campaign was one of the top. They are bringing artists and musicians together to donate their talent and activity to inspire more people to take action in the fight against cancer. The limited-edition art, wrapping paper, and posters and best described by Design Mom.

The response was overwhelming. Chef Chad Gray was honored to create the presentation for ACS with a special display for the cupcakes. Tiny cupcakes with beautiful pink ribbons and glittery towers of marzapone. Everyone lit a candle and made a wish for more birthdays. It was a powerful moment.  

Social Media for Social Good

Speaking of powerful, the Johnson & Johnson Suite did a pretty cool job of capturing what our attendees are doing on the Social Media for Social Good front. They are helping individuals and organizations do good work, better, together. Check out their impressive video clip list.  

Naturally Sweet Truvia Cocktail Party

The Truvia Cocktail party was full of treats and drinks as well as fun games. We had a great time sampling all of the recipes using Truvia. If you would like to try your hand at some low calorie guilt-free treats you can find all of the recipes here on The Tasteful Life: Truvia Recipes.

The Future of Media

The Keynote Panel included Sarah Bryden-Brown who is VP of Content and Community for Babble.com, Vanessa Holden, formerly the Editor In Chief of Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings, has just joined West Elm as Creative Director of Brand Expression, Margaret Gould Stewart manages the User Experience Team for YouTube, and Andrea Wishom who is a Senior Supervising Producer and 17 year veteran of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

We talked about the Future of Media and how we as bloggers and contributors are a part of that. There was nothing more empowering then to here from these successful women that we have something that others are still trying to figure out. It is up to us to use this medium in ways that inspire others. Check out Im Not the Nanny key take aways.

There was sooo much more that happened. Mom 2.0 announced a Mom2Cares component to the Summit, and a Mom 2.0 Writers Grant. Can’t forget the Mom 2.0 Service Project with Let’s Play + CLR, the late night Pajama Party, and Go sessions. Watch the TTL blog for more deets on all these other events and programs. This post can easily go on for miles.    

Want more?

 Check out this 2011 video mashup by REP Interactive that announces our 2012 locale.

More?

Check out the Mom 2.011 Link Love monster post. Thanks for everyone who is writing a recap and giving us the power we need to make 2012 the best ever. We are already working and can’t wait to see you in Miami at the Ritz-Carlton – Key Biscayne.

Thank you to Ritz-Carlton for being so accommodating in the months leading up to and during the conference. Allie, Char, Toni, Chef Chad, Sam, Vic, and pretty much the entire Ritz-Carlton, Nola Krewe. You totally rock.

Photography by: dreaminpictures.com

Related posts:

1. Mom 2.0 Summit Buzz
2. Find Tasteful Life Recipes on ChicGalleria.com
3. The Tasteful Life Turns 1 in February!
4. Sweet on Truvia
5. Cheers from The Tasteful Life!