{Blogher Newbie}
Last year this was me. I hadn’t planned on attending and truthfully had little concept of what the conference really was, but after much convincing from bloggy friends- and some how having the stars align just so- I was able to snag a last minute ticket and sponsorship with a fabulous baby designer, “Ooh La-la Mama“… and I went.
This time, last year Is still had on my rose colored glasses and was perfectly content sporting them, so my preparation for Blogher pretty much solely consisted of taking full advantage of looking for cocktail dress I couldn’t wear anywhere else– because my cocktail dress wearing had been brought to a drastic hault since joining club M-O-M. So me and my friend Jen headed out to the outlets and I tried on outfit after outfit…
{ Blogher, Chi-town- here I come! }
I arrived in Chicago late-Thursday night because I had no idea Thursday night was the official pre-gaming the conference night… and honestly? The Thursday night line up in 2009 was nothing like the line up in 2010.
When I walked into the hotel lobby, I am not sure what I expected, maybe a handful of bloggers quietly walking around, nose to the iphone tweeting out messages from the lobby? I don’t know- but what I DO know is that what I walked into immediately gave me sensory overload and I remember just standing there and taking it all in for what seemed like minutes, but was probably seconds.
Tons (and I mean tons) of women, some dressed up, some dressed down- some buzzing from one party to the next, some just hanging in the lobby… all smiling, laughing and looking like they were having the time of their life with some of their best girlfriends they’ve known for years.
The scary part? I didn’t recognize not one of them…. and I’m pretty sure none of them recognized me either.
{Instantly, Pond–>bigger…. Fish–> smaller}
When I came back to reality, I did check in… mingle a little in the lobby and the next morning I moseyed on down to breakfast where I sipped on some of the most magical Starbucks coffee in my life. I’m sure it was just “regular old Starbucks” but mixed with the adrenaline rush and excitement of the conference- it. is. magical….
TRUST ME! … HAVE SOME.
Carol and I - Blogher 2009
MJ from The Chicagonista, whom I had met at Oscar Mayer a few months prior and is as sweet as they come, invited me to sit with her and introduced me to my new editor for the then newly-launching- NYMetropolista, Carol Cain. It’s crazy- thinking back to that moment because Carol and I have become great friends now and I feel like we’ve been friends for YEARS. There were a lot of instances like that, proving that the connections & friendships made at Blogher are REAL.
With all of these amazing connections being made, it was obvious to me early on in day 1 that one thing was certain- many of the sessions I planned on attending were probably not happening for me. Besides the fact, that I missed the memo that if you don’t get to classes early you will be sitting in the back, on the floor- I was too busy being a
{ Social{media} Butterfly }
So, like I did in college on all too many occasions, I blew off class for socializing.
I wanted to meet all of my favorites… like Tena & Jill who if you could imagine- was stressing over WordPress issues (now she’s a pro!) . There were others that I unfortunately did not get to meet but played a mean game of phone tag with- like Erin from Whrrl and Aunt Becky from Mommy Wants Vodka- … It’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes… and hey there’s always next year (which is this year, this week)… right?
I didn’t RSVP for many parties- and many that I did- I didn’t get into anyway… so a few of us arranged our won private party- “The Blogtourage”-AKA a few cool chicks without parties talking blogginess over drinks and apps…. which Liz and I plan on reviving this year! Holla!
{Swag-nnecting with Brands}
It may surprise some, but my favorite memories from last year … CheeseburgHer, Blogtourage, Lobby Lounging… there was NO SWAG INVOLVED! I know many can’t imagine this being a good thing- but it really was- because I may have been confused a little when I first saw the big FedEx station parked outside of the Expo floor- but once I walked in- and started suite party hopping… it was clear why it was there- and this fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants newbie was shell shocked.
Some of the suite parties were out of control- lines in the hall… and it was a fun experience but when I got home, I had a whole suite case full of swag that I had no use for! Sure there were things I loved that I did have use for – but the bulk was just “stuff” because as a newbie “no” wasn’t in my vocabulary. I’m here to tell you- it needs to be…. unless you are applying for the Hoarders show- in which case you’re home will be a shoe in once you return.
It is ok, to turn down swag you are not interested in… and if you end up with something that in hindsight doesn’t interest you anymore- there is this wonderful thing in the Expo center called the Recycling table! -It’s your friend…visit it, love it, bond with it!
{The Difference A Year Makes}
You would think being my second year, I would be better prepared -right? … not a chance.
This year Blogher 2010- I still am not sure what to expect. It’s still going to be so different because it is jam packed with events (seriously, last year I dont think had 1/2 the amount), I have an even longer list of people Im dying to connect with at some point, and am planning a suite party for clients… its both exciting and stressful- actually very fitting emotions for New York City.
It seems this past year has been a whirlwind since blogher.
I guess I should have more tips beyond my tip of “Drink the magical coffee” and “Say no to unwanted swag” , & I’m sure there are a few- like-
Make a list of phone numbers of those you want to meet up with, and forget the laptop- bring old school paper and pen (though I know that sounds like bizzare , and to some event a bit amish ) but truthfully, there already so many posts out there with great tips- so instead of echoing it, I will just link you to some of my favorites and tell you to ENJOY!!!
I hope I get to see you all there!
My Obligitory Pre-blogher post
A Girlfriend’s Guide to Blogher
Blogher10, My Tiny Bit of Advice for Newbies and not so Newbies
Fuck The Shoes: Preparing for Big Blog Conferences
