It was the first time I have been away from my son since his arrival 20 months ago – so I had high expectations from Blogher 11. When it comes to my thoughts on the mega-conference – I have two words for you: Flash Mob!
If there was any doubt that BlogHer was going to be a good time, it went out the window when the flash mob showed up. By then, I knew these ladies were about a good time.
I wasn’t disappointed. The sessions I attended were helpful and gave me some things to think about and some just confirmed that I was already doing some things right. The people I met were cool. I quickly connected with a few fellow bloggers and we stuck together throughout the conference. Most were newbies like me. I was shocked at how many people there seemed to already have a crew from Day One. Clearly, for some BlogHer is an annual thing and a it’s bloggy buddy reunion of sorts.
I had a good time checking out the various vendors. I thought they were exaggerating when talking about the swag. Not so much. I came home with at least 5 bags of stuff. The Hershey’s Smores room was a favorite for obvious reasons – chocolate!
I was uplifted by the commonality of the women I connected with. We shared many of the same views and experiences. It’s always great to meet people that get you and speak your language. Others of us had varying views but still a general respect for each other.
I was in awe. Not just of the conference and the speakers. The women I met have blogs that are so beautiful and successful, it was encouraging to see where my home on the internet can go. It’s pretty much limitless. While I still consider myself a newbie, the “vets” in the sessions offered advice and encouragement that I’m thankful for.
The keynotes were inspiring. Indra Nooyi, anyone? Although she’s not a blogger, as the head of Pepsico, her story was really touching and left me motivated. I left all of the keynotes feeling like I could do anything! They really validated my little corner of the world and encouraged us bloggy ladies to recognize our influence in this space and not think small.
I was inspired, uplifted and in awe. That pretty much summed up my experience at BlogHer 11. The only downside for me was connecting with other bloggers. It wasn’t always easy. There were times where it was clear to me that I was the newbie on the block. I think that’s probably true of many first-time conference experiences. The huge conference was my first and I’m hopeful that it won’t be my last.
Someone at the conference described it something like this “It’s like summer camp for grown women.” It seemed such a fitting analogy. It was fun and full of activities but it wasn’t short on learning.
21 Comments on InspiHer BlogHer
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That’s awesome! I knew it would be a great time. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
i had a pretty good time. i was surprised just because i didn’t know what i was walking into.
Cam, your experience mirrors quite a bit of my own. It was challenging to be the new kid on the block and it sort of felt like starting a new school in the middle of the year. I learned a lot though and met some very nice people. And no matter what happens we’ll always have Sparkle Corn (which was the best party EVER).
i like your description – it was totally like starting a new school in the middle of the year!
Yay! I am jealous. I must admit, as much as I’d love to go, it would be scary. There are some big time bloggers out there; I would’ve probably been star-struck and stood there like an idiot:)
If I go next year, I’m gonna find you!
please find me! i’ll need a buddy!
So glad you enjoyed yourself and yes you are right big conferences like that can be intimidating.
it was a whole new world for me – in a good way
It sounds like you had a great experience overall. I’m glad to hear that. It was a very busy place and hard to meet up with everyone.
crazy busy place! so much I didn’t get to. oh well, next time.
There are definitely friendships that are pre-formed when you get there, which can make it really hard to meet new people.
yeah, that was the hard part for me.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I have yet to attend a blogging conference but hope to attend next year? I did get a vibe that there are ‘cliques’ and I wonder how to deal with that. Glad you had a good experience.
yeah, it seems the “cliques” are just par for the course. i didn’t have any bad vibes as a result of that though
Sounds like fun! At least next time you go you will hopefully stayed connected with the bloggers you met this year. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m gonna hang out here for awhile to read more about you. 🙂
i hope to keep in touch with those ladies.
hang out as long as you want! 😉
Glad you had a wonderful time. I’ve yet to attend the event, but would love to do so in the future.
x
it was a good experience. would like to try another one to compare.
Sounds like a great time! I think I might have been intimidated by the groups, but would still love to go someday. And, I’d definitely be hanging out with the s’mores. 🙂
the s’mores are a good reason to go… just sayin 🙂
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