This past weekend I attended my first blogger conference, BlogHer 2010 (at the Hilton New York) and made it back to the real world, without a scratch.
I’m kidding! The she-bloggers aren’t that catty.
All joking aside, as a newbie, BlogHer was an undeniably great opportunity to meet other bloggers and gain insight into how they stretch themselves creatively, espouse social change, cultivate humor (not that I need tips on that), meet brands looking to partner with Glamamoms like myself, get the most out of social media and technology, and more.
Overall, it was a positive experience. A 2-day conference for women, by women, where the he-bloggers were few and far between, provided an earnest peek into what the world would look like without men (well, maybe not the world but certainly business). I was most impressed by:
(1) THE ACCOMMODATIONS: The conference offered a breastfeeding lounge, closed captioning for the hearing impaired, and gluten free options for meals. Mothers attended with their babies. Imagine that? Mothering and still being productive. Who knew? Not to mention the parties sponsored by Latinas in Social Media and Queerosphere, a community of LBGTQ writers. These considerations and the overall accessibility, made BlogHer the most welcoming and inspiring conference I’ve ever attended.
(2) THE SPONSORS: The conference events were sponsored by a vast group of major consumer products companies and retailers, which not only kept the cost of admission for attendees reasonable ($99/day) but added to the overall excitement of the weekend by filling two exhibit halls with product demonstrations, partnership opportunities, interviews, photos, contests, giveaways, and swag. Lots and lots of swag. For a full list of BlogHer’s 2010 sponsors, click here.
(3) THE ACCESSIBILITY: There were event-sponsored parties and private parties but regardless, they were pretty much open-door. If attendees didn’t RSVP or receive an invite to an event, they were still encouraged to attend. Events that weren’t at capacity welcomed walk-ins (a refreshing change from typical NYC nightlife).
I didn’t get to attend too many parties because my in-laws were visiting (insert snarky comment) but my favorite event was the Hair Rules Party hosted by the ultimate Glamamom, Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends, the chic daily, Mamaista, and innovative stroller designer, iCandy at the stylish NYC salon, Hair Rules. I got to meet a bunch of NYC and style bloggers (Easy Peasy, Child Mode, Savvy Sassy Moms, Momma’s Gone City, Dada Rocks) and felt right at home.
(4) THE COMMUNITY: BlogHer gave the more established bloggers another platform from which they could share their wisdom, speak publicly, and promote their brands. Their honesty, humor, and humility was much appreciated.
Some other highlights {in photos}:
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| {Meeting Bruce Jenner and asking him for Brody’s hand in marriage} |
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| {Goofing off with NYC Girl at Heart in the Sugar Inc. photo booth} |
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| {Admiring Padma Lakshmi’s svelte post baby body at the Hillshire Farms sandwich-making contest} |
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| {Bonding w/Elizabeth from Amakua Market. Forgive my crazy Ramona eyes. That competitive pony challenged me over whose are bigger. Anyway, Elizabeth’s son Bradyn manages epilepsy and has been accepted to receive a service dog from 4 Paws for Ability. Check out their fundraising effort here.} |
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| {Camping out at the Hershey’s Suite eating S’mores} |
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| {Seeing some of my favorite humorists on a panel together.} |
Sure, not everyone lived up to my expectations but for the most part, I was welcomed into the blogosphere with open arms.
BlogHer 2011 will be in San Diego. It’ll be a little more of an ordeal for me than hopping into a cab but I think it’s well worth it for those serious about blogging.
Hi there! I believe I met you briefly – during one of the parties? It's all starting to run together in my mind, haha. Anyway, it was a pleasure, and I look forward to following your blog. As a fellow conference newbie, I was also impressed with the accessibility – loved that even though I didn't know to RSVP to the parties ahead of time I was still able to get in to them. I really appreciated that.
can't believe the only photo i got was a photo of my daughter with Dora. oye.
Love it! I'm so glad you didn't let that Pony get away with challenging you! Thanks for linking to B's site! Miss you already! – e
It was so fun to meet up in person. Hope we can make it a regular gig. xoxo
Sounds like it was a fun experience! Not sure we have anything like that here in Chicago.
I loved meeting you & spending time with you at the parties & conference. You are a sweetheart! I love our pics from the photobooth! xoxo
Eucerin is a client of my companies and they were one of the sponsers for the conference. All last week there were interns everywhere making hundreds of bags filled with Eucerin goodies made to go out to the conference. small world!
Hello! Thank you for visiting my 'simple' blog; "Yeladim – Children".
Here in Brazil, where I live, are missing meetings and conferences with bloggers. It's always good to participate, exchange information and have contact with people who enjoy blogging.
I congratulate you and your friends.
With my affection, desire peace for all.
Thanks for the BlogHer recap! It looks like you had a great time! I had no idea they catered to so many needs of women!
Did we meet? LOL I don't remember a party with mini mouse ears! Great recap, haven't done a full post yet, but I did ask attendees a few questions here: http://ascendingbutterfly.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-winner-announcements-is-it-you.html (would be interested in your opinion!)
oh, i wanted to go! your is the first post i've read about it and it sounds like it was wonderful! i will get to a conference one of these days!
xo erin
This sounds so awesome!! I am so jealous of everyone that got to go to BlogHer!! I really want to go one year! It really sounds like such a blast!
Sounds like you had a great trip…GLUTEN-FREE MEAL OPTIONS?!! Wicked!! I would never expect that at a conference like that – I'd love to go to a blogging conference, but there isn't much in Canada!!
Amber
Not the first positive post, just the first post (and I still haven't seen anyone else blogging abobut it – every woman blogger in North Amercia except me was there, so what's up with the lack of BlogHer posts?).
xo Erin
it looks like so much fun! i wish i could have gone. i'm thinking about going to bloggy boot camp in austin, but i haven't decided yet. i'm sure i would love it.
I wish I was able to go being it was in NYC which is much closer to a NY Upstater, than San Diego.
Great pictures!
– Shelli