My highlights may be a little mushy….
I was a first timer at this year’s Blogher Conference that was sold out months in advance. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel where approximately 1500 women Bloggers gathered, not including LobbyCon (those unable to register to the sessions, but came to hang out in the lobby). Blogher brings the women blogging community together in real life through their conferences.
I have had a lot of experience in planning several large events for various functions at my church in the past and I’ve learned that you cannot please everyone, nor can you meet everybody’s expectations.
I’ve also learned to keep in mind: “don’t expect and you won’t be disappointed.” Therefore, I had no expectations for what Blogher ‘09 would be like as a newbie. I was just thrilled to meet and hang out with some of my Twitter friends who I refer to as “digital girlfriends” (in real life).
At Bowlher with @bethrosen & @ExtraordMommy
I attended a few break-out sessions and a couple of keynotes. Some sessions were helpful and applied to me and others didn’t. However, what may not have applied to me may have been very resourceful for many other women in the room. We’re all at different places in the Blogospehere.
I did learn a new word: “SWAG”
What is a Swag? It’s a bunch of complementary gifts in a goody bag from various sponsors or companies. It’s a great way for businesses to introduce or market new lines or products at events. Depending on how you look at it, it does have its pros and cons.
I received a couple of great swags and I want to extend a special thank you to all of the companies and sponsors that were generous and donated the gifts to the attendees and hosts. I’ll be honest, I loved getting a few of the gifts; but it wasn’t the highlight at Blogher for me. I sure enjoyed giving away several items to my niece and nephews.
At the Swifter Booth having fun with @misslori and @windycitysocial
Ragu Jar made of all veggies (Ragu luncheon Friday)
What were my highlights at Blogher? Simple really…and I’m probably not covering as much as I should, but I like to focus on finding something inspirational about my experience at any event and I’ve reflected on a couple of meaningful moments this past weekend:
1. Having cheeseburgers along the river with some local Social Media girlfriends: Beth Rosen (The Media Moms) Nancy Loo (Fox Chicago), Barb Rozgonyi (Corey West Media), Wendy Piersall (Sparkplug CEO) Nicole Simonds (Sales & Training), Miss Lori (Miss Lori TV), and Jackie Cuyvers (Little Black Dress). Casual conversations amongst one another turned into Barb leading us into a time of encouragement, being challenged, and inspiring one another with our own area of expertise. Thanks to Barb, I think we all walked away from dinner inspired and with some food for thought. I miss hanging out with these lovely ladies already!
@emom, @nancyloo, @wiredprworks, @jackiecuyvers, @misslori
2) Getting to know women like MJ Tam, Founder of Chicagonista who took me under her wings and went above and beyond to make this first timer feel extra welcome. From including me in on some of her events and luncheons to just checking in on me- what a truly genuine person and someone that I feel blessed to know!
With @MJtam and Dathne
3) Connecting for the first time in real life with several Twitter friends but one situation in particular was most memorable. I won’t mention her name, due to keeping her situation private, but she knows who she is if she’s reading this. Just before leaving one of the social events I was blessed to meet this beautiful person. Within a few minutes a conversation shifted to just her and I as the other gals began conversing with one another.
After hearing about what she was dealing with physically and emotionally, I began to encourage her. With tears streaming down her face, I hugged her and felt compelled to pray for her. Yes, it was a little awkward to pray for her right there with people around. I even wondered if people thought that I made her cry. Because of what she was going through, words of encouragement is good, but prayer is more powerful!
I received a message after Blogher from this twitter friend to let me know that she was blessed beyond words by our brief encounter. Hearing that blessed me more and if that was my only reason for being at Blogher than that’s all that mattered!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a nice post. I too had a marvelous time meeting and enjoying with quite a few of the gals you met with. Such a great excuse to learn, laugh and enjoy ~
Hi Duong,
It was wonderful to meet you as well at BlogHer09. It wouldn’t have been possible with out Beth Rosen, so I have to give her credit for bringing me along. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I love that you share your spirit and faith so openly with others. The world needs more women like you in it!
Much love,
@NicoleGSimonds
Such a pleasure meeting you. I especially enjoyed our impromptu Burger dinner on Friday. Our table conversation has been on my mind consistently. Blogher encouraged me to ask more of myself. And all of the wonderful women that I met. such as yourself , set the bar high for me to reach out of my comfort zone and be more. I look forward to the challenge.
SMILE On!
ML
http://www.MissLori.TV
http://www.MissLorisCAMPUS.com
Your such a wonderful and warm person and I loved all the time we spent with each other, thanks for letting me borrow your white shirt it was my best look the whole weekend, you make me smile whenever your around..and thank you for always having your camera too…I love your post..and so happy to be a digital girlfriend and a IRL one…thanks again so very much..great post
What a lovely recap, Duong! As a three-time BlogHer attendee, I especially enjoyed reading about the conference from your first timer perspective. So fun being with you and all of our Chicago girlfriends. Can’t wait until we meet up again!
@wiredprworks