Most of you know that I headed to San Jose, CA last weekend for the BlogHer conference. It was a pretty big deal for me since it was my first conference. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew I had high hopes on what I would take away from it. Did I get out of it what I thought I would? I think so in some aspects, maybe not so much in others.
I did have a great time catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones. For the most part the other bloggers were amazingly friendly and helpful. I didn’t run into anyone rude or unfriendly, but I will admit, once I found my “tribe” I kind of stuck to hanging out with those people. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and talked to people that I may not have otherwise approached (read: brand reps) and ya know what, it wasn’t horrible or awful. It was actually kind of fun and I think that alone was super helpful because it’s something I’ll have to continue doing to continue growing as a blogger.
I initially had gone into this thinking I was going to attend every single session, keynote speaker, and function available, but obviously that was unrealistic and did not happen. The receptions I did attend and speakers I did listen to (Kerry Washington anyone??) were amazing though and very enlightening. I left with a lot of deep thinking to do and a renewed passion for making this blog the best it can possibly be.
I also learned a few things that I hadn’t even considered before I went to BlogHer, like:
- Connections with other bloggers is just as important (maybe even more so) than connection with brands. Not that connecting with brands isn’t important, because it is, but other bloggers can be your biggest advocate if you become friends and they admire your work. They can be supportive, lend advice, and yes, even some much needed criticism in some cases.
- Straws are considered “fancy” in some establishments so if you want one, and people treat your different, don’t be surprised.
- Sangria goes with everything, even McDonald’s happy meals and mango smoothies…trust me on this one.
- Lighting in hotel bathrooms is a product of the devil. If you want to see just how uneven your skin tone is, find the brows you missed during your last plucking session, or see how blotchy your daily makeup really is, you’re in the right place, but if you want to feel good about your self in any way, shape, or form, steer clear. (Yeah, we’re not going to share any photos to illustrate this one…sorry!).
I will however share with you a short clip of some of my favorite moments throughout the weekend:
I’ve definitely got a running list now of conferences I want to attend for 2015, so here’s hoping it happens! Did you go to BlogHer? Have you been to any other conferences in the past? Do you have a favorite? What’s the most important tip or information you’ve picked up at a conference? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
Alison
Written by, Alison, a mom, wife, insurance agent, animal lover and social media junkie whose favorite color is glitter and who has an opinion on just about everything.
Follow Me:
I’m happy to read this. Again, disappointed not to have attended this one since the hubs’ girls were in town (not that I wasn’t happy to have them). I am finding one of the things you learned to be so true: connecting with other bloggers is just as important (for me even more important) than brands. In the last week my connections have gotten me on board with brands, helped me monetize even more and just overall learn things and find resources I didn’t know about. This is my second job now and there is just so much to learn! I’m glad that overall your experience was positive. I hope to see you there next year! – H.
***Hmm that didn’t sound right. I mean I have a job. LOL I’m a corporate event manager. But blogging is like my second job. I woke up too early LOL.
I keep WANTING to go to a convention so bad, but every time I get the chance I either have other plans ahead of time or no money 😛 Hopefully after my move I’ll at least be able to hit that one that happens in Cedar Point each year, I’ve heard that’s a blast! Glad you had fun at Blogher 🙂
I want to so bad attend BlogHer as I know it would help me grow. The cost is too much for me though.
I hope one day to attend a conference. They sound amazing! I’m glad you came away with such a great new outlook and inspiration. I live in Hawaii and cost is a huge factor. Maybe one day they’ll bring a blogging conference this way!
I’m all new to this and looking forward to attending an event. Sounds like you did learn some new things and had some fun.
It was a lot of fun – definitely looking forward to my next conference (hopefully next spring!)
I’m just seeing this. Straws are definitely extremely fancy, and Sangria definitely goes with everything. Learning those two things is definitely a great return of investment by itself, don’t you think? Yep, totally worth the trip.
I’m so glad we got to meet you and that we became part of the same tribe. Hopefully we can all make it to a conference again!
I know! I had so much fun with you guys! I’m definitley looking at the conference line-up for next year so if you have any on your agenda, let me know!
I’d love to go to a conference, but when I think of attending one, I get those ‘first day of school jitters’. I like talking ‘to’ people – I do stand-up, so I’m not shy in that regard….but when I think of having to go up to people and say “Hi!!!”, it makes me a little nauseous!! I’ll have to psych myself up to go to one – so if anyone is at a conference and sees a chick in the corner by herself, it’s probably me!!