The Ultimate Product Party 2024: My Top Three Takeaways

small business

Hello there! Welcome to another episode of the Product Powerhouse Podcast. Today, despite my scratchy voice, I'm powering through to bring you an exciting recap of my experience at the Ultimate Product Party (UPP) held at the beginning of May in Orange County, California. This conference was incredible, and I'm thrilled to share my biggest takeaways with you, in hopes of encouraging you to attend future UPP events or any in-person conferences. These experiences are game-changers for product-based business owners!

What is the Ultimate Product Party?

For those unfamiliar with UPP, it's a vibrant and fun conference designed specifically for product-based business owners. Unlike traditional, stuffy hotel conferences, UPP is lively, held in beautiful venues, and packed with energy. The sessions are business-focused, but the atmosphere is dynamic and engaging. The event is hosted by Kat, the owner of Kitty Meow (a stationery business), and Allison, who runs a personal branding business called Allison Carter Celebrates. Together, they create an environment where learning and networking are not only productive but also really freaking fun.

My Personal Connection to UPP

Last year, UPP was held in Nashville, and I had the honor of being a speaker. This experience was a dream come true, and I had so much fun that I immediately bought a ticket for the 2024 event while still in Nashville. Although I didn't apply to be a speaker this year (due to self-doubt), attending the event as a participant was incredibly rewarding. It was a chance to reconnect with amazing business owners and speakers, some of whom I had previously hosted on my podcast or collaborated with online.

Meeting Fellow Entrepreneurs

One of the highlights of UPP is meeting and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs in person. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Kelly Kempel from Hidden Path Creative, Kelly Morrison's Create Your Affiliate Program, Tracy Matthews from Flourish and Thrive, and many others who have been guests on my podcast (or soon to be guest!) or speakers at my virtual summits. These face-to-face interactions are invaluable, as they really allow us to deepen our relationships and share our business journeys in a more personal setting.

As well as getting to connect with some of you who listen to my podcast or have purchased my resources. It's always so fun to meet in person!

My Top Three Takeaways from UPP

Be Your Authentic Self A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of authenticity. Several speakers emphasized that being yourself in your business is where the magic happens. As a product-based business owner, your unique personality, values, and approach set you apart from competitors. Embracing your authentic self not only helps you stand out but also creates a genuine connection with your audience.
Work Smarter, Not Harder Efficiency was another key theme. Many sessions focused on strategies to streamline your business processes and leverage tools like AI to improve productivity. For instance, treating AI as an intern rather than a threat can significantly enhance your workflow. Other sessions highlighted the benefits of hiring the right team, driving traffic to your store, and using platforms like Pinterest to grow your business more effectively.
Take What You Need and Leave the Rest One of the most empowering messages was to "take what you need and leave the rest." In the world of online marketing, there are countless strategies and advice. It's essential to find what works best for you and your business and let go of the rest without guilt or hesitation. Prioritize what's important, and don't feel pressured to implement every new idea or tactic.

Attending UPP this year was an incredible experience that truly reminded me of the power of attending in-person events. The connections made and the insights gained are irreplaceable.

Thank you for joining me in this episode and allowing me to share my UPP takeaways. I hope to see you at the next Ultimate Product Party! Until then, stay authentic, work smarter, and remember to take what you need and leave the rest.