The Scout Guide 2016 Editor Conference

After spending three days with TSG Editors from across the country, we’re feeling like we’re on cloud nine. The reason for the gathering was our second ever Editor Conference, which brought together the creative and passionate people who Scout their cities for idea sharing, celebrations, and camaraderie in TSG HQ’s hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. We wish we could have bottled the energy and enthusiasm we felt from the moment our incredible Editors began arriving on Tuesday. Occasional downpours couldn’t put a damper on the festivities, and the entire experience—which we dubbed “TSG Elevate 2016” to signify our commitment to constantly taking what we do to the next level—was uplifting from start to finish. 

We kicked off the conference with a welcome dinner in one of the most exquisite locations in Charlottesville, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, and unbelievably the otherwise rainy day cleared just in time for our Editors’ arrival. The Appalachian mountains provided a stunning backdrop for the occasion, which Kate Thompson of Betty Clicker Photography was on hand to capture  (view her photos and find out more details about the event in the gallery above). Following cocktail hour, TSG Co-Founders Susie Matheson and Christy Ford officially welcomed everyone, noting the importance of the work that our Editors do to promote and support the wonderful independent businesses, artists, and artisans in their hometowns, and how excited we were to have them in ours. 

The following day was filled with presentations and workshops at The Boar’s Head Inn, which served as a home away from home for our Editors. We discussed our revamped website, traded notes on blogging and social media, talked about innovative ways to distribute our guides and cross-promote local businesses from city to city, and focused on how to further strengthen the power of our one-of-a-kind network. By 6 p.m. we were admittedly a bit tired, but incredibly inspired. And yet again, by cocktail hour—this time held at the beautiful Colonnade Club on the gorgeous UVA lawn—the clouds disappeared long enough for us to have a gorgeous outdoor party with delicious bites from Brookville Restaurant before everyone scattered for dinner. 

Following a Founders’ Panel and breakout sessions on our final morning, it was time to say goodbye. The last question posed to our Co-Founders asked what they love most about The Scout Guide, and without hesitation, the answer was our team. While our mission is what drives us and unites us, our Editors are our heart, and having everyone together in the same place certainly elevated our spirits. 

View a video from the TSG Editor Conference Welcome Dinner here.