BlogHer ‘09, From My Perspective

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I’m still trying to process the whole BlogHer weekend because, dude, it was a whirlwind. I arrived late on Wednesday, geared up and energized, then left early Sunday, totally drained, but motivated. I will only touch on the highlights of BlogHer because, seriously, there is just too much tell. Don’t get too excited though, it’s still a novel.

NETWORKING. My main mission in attending BlogHer was networking with online friends and new contacts. I went up to everyone I could, both big and small names, to tell them about myself and learn more about them. I was not star-struck or intimated by anyone, because, seriously, in the grand scheme of life, they are just people, like me, who like to blog. Lori, from @acowboyswife, told me at the Nikon party that someone was scared to approach her. We both laughed and thought it was silly that anyone would be fearful of introducing themselves. Soon after, at the next party, someone said the exact same thing to me, and I was shocked! So, please, never be afraid to approach someone, no matter who they are! On that note, there were a few who I could see as unapproachable, but I didn’t let it stop me. I met so many wonderful women, and men, and I feel so grateful.

SWAG. I’m sure you have heard by now that there was all kinds of swag drama at BlogHer, and there was. There was miscommunication about who would get swag, then people who were taking more than one bag, and blah, blah, blah. It was quite comical and baffling at the behavior, really. There were parties that myself and others were supposed to receive a bag of swag, and we didn’t. It was too bad that we didn’t, but my heart still kept beating, and that wasn’t why I paid close to $1000 to go to BlogHer anyway, because I could have bought better swag with that budget. I WILL say that I agree with several others in that the parties with swag hand-outs needed a better system. I suggest that these groups use single-file lines, and only give swag to those people who are on a strict RSVP list for that particular party. Also, there must be enough bags for everyone at each party in order to avoid the pushing & shoving that I witnessed. To place bags of goodies in the middle of the room for free for all, is not fair, or safe to people just trying to have a fun, relaxing time. BowlHer did a GREAT job with their swag, in my opinion. (I’m assuming everyone got a bag there)

PARTIES. A few parties were weird, some awkward, but most were FABULOUS. I won’t go through each party specifically, but will point out my favorites as being EA Summer in the City, MamaPopRocks, BowlHer, and Nikon. Now, before you ask, no, I do not think Nikon hates babies, and it was a restaurant issue, not Nikon personally. It was so nice to let loose and just dance at the MamaPopRocks party because, really, how often do I get to dance? I was very sore the next day, but it was well worth it.

SESSIONS. Like the parties, some were weird, and some were fabulous. I only made it to 3 of the 6 sessions because of time issues and conflicts. Of the three I did attend, only one was truly beneficial to me, and I won’t name which one that was. I think since we’re all in different places with our businesses and blogs, sessions are a hit or miss, which is to be expected with such a large BlogHer attendance. I appreciate the panelists who took the time to speak to us, and some were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

FRIENDS. I made new friends! I feel as if I created relationships that will last forever, which may seem hard to believe after a mere four days in Chicago, but it’s true. Most attendees were very friendly, and wanted to know more about each other, which I thought was great. My partner in crime, Tonya (@tjstaab), and I had a blast together, and I am soooo thankful for that. I have already talked on the phone with several others since I’ve been home, and I really, really miss them all!

CELEBS. Yes, there were celebrities at BlogHer, including Paula Deen (listened to her speak for a good 30 minutes, loved her), Carson Kressley (we mingled with him at the Nikon party & he was at our hotel), Rick Bayless (didn’t know who he was until I returned home, he’s from OKC), Tim Gunn (only took a quick pic of him), and President Obama. Well, okay, President Obama was just in town, and not for BlogHer, but we DID go to the same hotel he was speaking in for the SocialLuxe party, so doesn’t that count?

SPONSORS. In addition to meeting several new contacts for potential future sponsorship, I have to give props to cozi.com for helping me with some of my BlogHer costs. It was exciting to find out that I received the sponsorship right before I left! I also need to thank yummietummie.com for allowing me to be an YT Ambassador, as well as all of you who donated items for my swag bags (which were a big hit) and for myself. I appreciate you all.

CHICAGO. This was my first trip to Chicago and I was very impressed. I loved the feel of NYC, but yet it wasn’t as crowded as NYC. Everyone I encountered was very friendly, although I did see two cabbies almost knock each other out. (it was quite terrifying actually) I took some amazing photos of Chicago at nighttime, and didn’t even need a flash because it was all lit up. I can’t wait to return and do some more site seeing.

Overall, BlogHer ‘09 was extremely worth the money I paid for it. You can’t put a price on the friends and new contacts you make at BlogHer. Like I tweeted earlier today, “BlogHer is what you make it.” I have already received feedback and possible opportunities in just two days after coming home! I would experience it again in a heartbeat and CANNOT wait for BlogHer ‘10 in NYC!!!

Please leave me a comment, telling me what you thought of BlogHer ‘09, because I would love to hear it from your perspective. For more pics from my BlogHer journey, visit my whrrl story here.

Love & kisses,

Amy

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46 comments so far

Add Yours

I didn’t go but I enjoy reading about everyone’s take on it. Maybe next year!

[Reply]

Kim @ Beautiful Wreck
Jul 28th, 2009
I think my experience was very similar to yours. I think some of the negative got reported very quickly and sort of took over the discussion. But overall I had a great time, learned a lot, met some great women and good connections. I have already signed up for 2010 so it couldn’t have been all bad.

And I enjoyed meeting you, even though it was briefly. There wasn’t enough time to meet everyone.

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Yes, I wish I had more time to have talked to you as well! I hope we can next year, or online!

[Reply]

Michele (scrappinmichele) McGraw
Jul 29th, 2009
Yes, yes and yes.

I wrote my thoughts today.

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 12:35 am
On my way to read yours…

[Reply]

Carmen
Jul 29th, 2009
Sounds like an amazing time! Will now have to get a personal blog up and running so I can go next year!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 3:26 am
You really should, it’s totally worth it.

[Reply]

Lindsay
Jul 29th, 2009
I am glad that you had a good time, its great living Blogher through your eyes.

[Reply]

Deanna
Jul 29th, 2009
You totally summed it up well! Great work!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Thank you.

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Quatro_Mama (Quad Mom)
Jul 29th, 2009
This is SAHM’s friend Mel and again I really enjoyed meeting you! Even though later on I thought I hadn’t…hehe OOOPS! If you are ever coming to Chicago let me know! I’d be more then happy to go up there and meet you to wander around. Great entry too! Have you looked on BlogHer’s website? Check out this link http://www.blogher.com/blogher-09-were-listening-and-heres-what-were-mulling-over-so-far

They’ve already asked for comments!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Hi, Mel!

I did check out that post on BlogHer, and I will submitting suggestions, what about you?

I will let you know if I ever return to Chicago, thank you! Also, thank you for leading us to the House of Blues!

[Reply]
Mel Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Yes I wrote a reply…it was on page 5…it might have moved since Elise & Lisa are replying to comments and that moves things down. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and when I popped over to Nicole’s house today we talked about it and she had more ideas that I’m hoping she will post.

Your welcome. Thanks for following me…hehe

Can you email me the photos from House of Blues or do you have a flickr?

mel

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 3:43 am
I only had a few from there, and they are on my whrrl story:http://whrrl.com/experience/story/18228196

momspark Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Sorry, http://whrrl.com/experience/story/18228196

mel Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 5:10 am
Wasn’t sure the photos on whrrl were full size? Will try to d/l them tomorrow.

Mel
Jul 29th, 2009
Great summary and much shorter than a novel

As a website owner, not technically a blogger, and someone relatively new to the mom blog universe I’ve been really curious what blogher was all about. If you won’t reveal which session you liked the best, would you at least give the topics of the 3 you attended? (just curious over here)

–adrienne twitter.com/tinyplayground

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Sure, it was the Advanced Social Media session that I got the most out of.

[Reply]

Adrienne Shulman
Jul 29th, 2009
Great recap. Fortunately, I did not get involved in any of the swag warfares, but then I wonder if I came home with enough stuff! LOL!

I didnt’ make it to any of the sessions, but networked like crazy–that’s the main reason I was going, and it was so worth it to meet amazing like-minded women!

[Reply]

MaNiC MoMMy
Jul 29th, 2009
It was so good to meet you and though there will still be many names and faces I will be struggling to put together, yours will not be one of them. The parties you listed were wonderful and I also loved the casual, yet vibey party at Blogalicious.

I just put out my post on My BlogHer Hangover http://www.mommyniri.com/2009/07/the-blogher-hangover/

I am really glad I got to meet you!

Niri

[Reply]

Mommy Niri
Jul 29th, 2009
SWAG! That is all I have heard about on other sites, thanks for a more rounded look on the conference. I am new to the mommy blogisphere and have been intrigued by all the BlogHer talk. I would be fascinated by what the different panelist have to say and seeing a few celebs wouldn’t be so bad either. It sounds like it would be a great opportunity. Keep an eye out, I may just introduce myself to you next year

[Reply]

Meg
Jul 30th, 2009
Mom Spark totally flippin rocks! LOved meeting you at BLogHer.

Seriously we all could have bought better swag…that’s so not why I left my babies at home.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Ahhh, my little stalker, j/k. Loved meeting you, too.

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Kristin
Jul 30th, 2009
Great suggestion on how to organize the swag distribution. As a marketer, we’d like to see everyone happy. It should be there for those who want it and those that don’t, are free to leave it.

Sorry I didn’t get to meet you. I only got to attend the Business portion and the People’s Party and 704…keep up the good work!

(aka @pedalprincess)

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you as well! There is always next year!

[Reply]

Sarah Jo Sautter
Jul 30th, 2009
*sob sob*. Miss you. That’s all.

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momspark Reply:
July 30th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I know! Whaaaaaaa!!! Come visit OK.

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* TONYA *
Jul 30th, 2009
Great summary — I’m still thinking through my recap b/c there is so much to cover and this was a great format! Thanks for posting!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 1:15 am
Thank you!

You’re right, it’s overwhelming to write a post on BlogHer. So much so say, so little time to write it.

[Reply]

JavaMom
Jul 31st, 2009
It was so nice to hang out with you, and dance with you and get to know you!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 1:24 am
Me, too, Mel! Will you be going to Type A? I’m having BlogHer withdrawals!

[Reply]

Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy
Jul 31st, 2009
I loved it. I didn’t get to go to all the parties or even workshops, but that was ok. I was able to have some nice one on one time with my baby, meet a TON of people and make new friends (even ones that claim to be Sooners heehee). I loved it and if I can get sponsored will go again next year!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
July 31st, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I loved hanging out with you and your baby! I hope you make it back next year.

[Reply]

Kim
Jul 31st, 2009
Amy, I’m so glad that you had a great time at BlogHer. I’m glad that you gave us details because I really wasn’t familiar with it. Thanks again for bringing our cards and putting them into your swag bags. We really appreciate it!
Robin

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 pm
You are so welcome, Robin!

[Reply]

Robin
Aug 2nd, 2009
Great wrap-up post! Type-A-Mom conference will be my first blogging conference, but definitely will NOT be my last.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Blessings,
Angela <

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I think going to a smaller one first is a good idea. BlogHer was VERY overwhelming for my first experience! I don’t regret it, though.

I look forward to meeting you!

[Reply]

Angela England
Aug 2nd, 2009
Can I just say how much I absolutely adore you! =} I can’t imagine someone being afraid to say Hi. I hope you make it to Type-A so we can hang out some more and host our own game night in the lobby. If not, see you in NYC!

[Reply]
momspark Reply:
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I plan on being there! I have purchased the tickets, now I just need a sponsor to help with the rest!

I’m sooooo down for another game night. I look forward to spending more time with you.

[Reply]

MoreThanMommy
Aug 2nd, 2009
Amy, I’m so glad you got to go!!!

[Reply]

Suzanne
Aug 3rd, 2009
We didn’t get to meet! Geesh…there were a few people (like you) that I would have liked to meet, but never got a chance. Hopefully I’ll see you in NYC!!! Till then…kit through Twitter:)(@theappleofmyeye)

[Reply]

Courtney Velasquez
Aug 3rd, 2009
Great recap, Amy. I love the more positive spins on the event. I didn’t have the pleasure of attending, but I have read some real horror stories. Those stories had me glad that I didn’t go. I am reading more and more recaps like yours, though, and it has made me excited to go next year. I hope when and if I attend in 2010 I can bump into you. )

[Reply]

Sara Bonds
Aug 3rd, 2009
Amy, you were one of my twitter friends that I was really looking for at BlogHer and I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet/hug/buy you that drink for your birthday at BlogHer! I guess I should have done the smart thing and got your number before we went – d’oh!

I agree with you 100%, it was totally what you make it. I was there to meet my blogging pals, I’m not sure whether I will ever venture 100% into the business of blogging, but I had a real blast in Chicago. I’m still recovering, truth be told .

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
August 4th, 2009 at 1:06 am
I know, I can’t believe we didn’t run into each other! Actually, I can, there were a lot of people there!

Are you going next year?

[Reply]

Karen MEG
Aug 4th, 2009
I WAS HOME THE whole time all of you were just miles from my home. NO ticket no entry.

Hoping to make it to NY next yr. I always wanted to go there.

[Reply]

Night Owl Mama
Aug 4th, 2009
Next year the GGS want to go so bad! Everyone seems to have such a great time….by the way I love your wordpress theme…you should check ours out..we just chged it!

[Reply]

sian
Aug 9th, 2009