This was one of those spur of the moment decisions, one of those last minute booked trips but I’m going to Essence Fest this year. I was invited and then the person who invited me backed out, but I know the lady who planned the trip so this should be fun. I had some airline credit with United so I didn’t have to worry about paying for my flight, we got a great deal on the hotel room and the concert ticket for Saturday night was only $135! So far things have worked out in my favor and I’m hoping they continue to do so.
Now for those of you who don’t know, Essence Fest is an annual festival held in New Orleans. Since 1994 it’s been an official party with a purpose, playing host to many big artists on the numerous concert stages, world renowned speakers at the seminars and some of the best brands at the convention center. The music buff in me was beyond excited when I saw the concert line-up this year, with artists like Chance the Rapper, Mary J. Blige, Diana Ross, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Solange, Jill Scott, Monica, the return of XSCAPE and many many more who wouldn’t be excited!
Oh, and the artists don’t even begin to touch the speakers who will be there. My favorite budgetnista, Tiffany Aliche, one of my favorite bloggers Luvvie Ajayi are only two of the big names who will have seminars. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Iyanla Vanzant and Soledad O’Brien are also a few other names who will grace the stage. I’ll only be in town Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, but I plan on hitting as many seminars as I can. There are a few that I have already added to my “schedule” on the app, the ‘Millennials: Entrepreneurs Redefined Workshop’ and the ‘Power Moves: Success Strategies For Career Women’ are high up on my list.
And don’t get me started on the food and general parties, that’s one of those added perks about Essence Fest. New Orleans is already a party city, but I have a feeling that it will be turned up 151% that weekend. I don’t plan on sleeping much, maybe a few hours Friday and a quick nap after the concert ends on Saturday before my early flight on Sunday. I’ve already started my list of restaurants I want to hit up as well as outfits, comfy shoes and seminar supplies I’ll need. In fact, I’m on the hunt for some new business cards. I have a design in mind I just need to get about 100 or so printed so I can pass them out while I’m networking so please forward me all of your suggestions.
This will be my first time at Essence Fest, but I’m hoping that it won’t be my last. If you’ve been before send me your suggestions for parties I should hit up, convention booths that I absolutely can’t miss. I’ll be on Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram all weekend so be sure to follow me on there!