Hosting a virtual creative conference might sound like a series of Zoom links and cute graphics, but behind the scenes? It’s a whirlwind of planning, creativity, chaos, and connection—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you are wondering What It’s Like Behind the Scenes of a Virtual Creative Conference, this post is for you!
From the very beginning, these Design Suite events are built with one goal in mind: to pour inspiration, education, and encouragement into the creative community. But what does it really look like before the curtain rises and the cameras roll?
Let me take you behind the scenes…
The Prep: A Calendar Full of Color (and Deadlines!)
Weeks before a single class goes live, our team is deep in Google Docs, email threads, presentation recordings, design tweaks, and event timelines. Coordinating 30+ speakers and their freebies is no small feat! There are deadlines… and then there are designer deadlines (which sometimes involve bursts of brilliance at midnight).And yes, I may or may not have hit record three times on one presentation because the lighting was just not it.
The Magic: Real People, Real Community
One of my absolute favorite parts? Seeing creatives from around the world show up for each other. In our Event Community and live chats, you can feel the joy. Attendees share their work, ask questions, and cheer each other on. It’s like one giant creative hug.
And the speakers? Each one brings their A-game. We’ve had everything from how-tos on acrylic and UV resin to heartfelt sessions on pursuing art after 40. There’s something so powerful about women (and a few brave men!) showing up to teach what they’ve learned.
The Chaos: Wi-Fi Woes & Tech Gremlins
Of course, not everything goes perfectly. We’ve had presenters lose power mid-recording, links that didn’t work, and audio go mysteriously silent. (Don’t worry—we always figure it out.)
But here’s the thing: the imperfections are part of the charm. It’s real. It’s human. And it reminds us that progress beats perfection every single time
The Win: Watching YOU Light Up
At the end of every event, when the comments roll in and we see attendees launching their Etsy shops, selling their first products, or finally calling themselves “designers,” it’s all worth it. These events are more than conferences—they’re catalysts for dreams in motion.
Whether you’ve joined us for a past Design Suite event or you’re thinking about diving in next time, I hope you know this: you belong here. You don’t have to be “ready.” You just have to show up with your spark.
We’ll be waiting for you—with open arms and probably a mug of hot cocoa in hand. Want to catch up on past virtual conferences or grab an All Access Pass? Check out our Design Events page here!
If you’ve ever wondered What It’s Like Behind the Scenes of a Virtual Creative Conference, we hope this gave you a fun peek into the magic, mayhem, and meaningful moments that make it all worth it. Thanks for being part of the creative journey with us! Want even more behind-the-scenes and creative inspiration? Find Carina on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@carinagardner. Thanks for being part of the creative journey with us!