BlogHer in NYC was overwhelming and amazing at the same time. What I loved most about the conference were the impromptu encounters I had when I met bloggers for the first time either in the lobby, at a table or randomly walking – these short conversations were simply pure awesomeness. And finally getting the opportunity to say “Hi, I’m Heather” to readers and bloggers that I have known for so long was surreal.
I have to be honest though, because of a conference this size it’s very hard to meet up with everyone you want to meet up with. And trying to read someone’s name tag from afar was tough and then up close it was so awkward because you started to appear as if you were staring at their boobs or their crotch trying to read their name – so I started to give up. And even though I had cell phone numbers of peeps I planned to meet, it still was a challenge to “find” each other – within a sea of 2,400 peeps, trust me, this was not easy.
But I was really great about taking pictures…for like the first two hours. Then I got caught up in the actual conference and meeting peeps that I forgot to take pictures. Isn’t that always the way? Now I am kicking myself because I so wish I had visual memories from some of the amazing parties and events I attended like Getting Gorgeous, Sweets in the City or The Mouthy Housewives.
Anyway, check out the cute video I created with the minimal amount of pictures I did manage to capture. I am happy to be home with my family and returning to this awesome space. This conference certainly reminded me of one thing – it’s how much I love this blog and how much I adore you for reading.
And please leave a comment telling me whether you would be interested in reading a “what I learned” post about a conference of this magnitude. I don’t want to write another BlogHer post if you are all tired of reading about it – but if there is sincere interest that would benefit most, I will publish my experience so please give me some feedback! And if you want to hear audio, click the media file below first for the full effect:
Twitter: TruthfulMommy
says:
I am so interested to hear about BlogHer. I couldn’t make it this year and next year will be my first year.I want to hear everything you want to share:) Thanks! Hope you had a blast. All the tweets, posts, and twitpics were amazing. I am so excited for San Diego!HappY mothering!
Debi
http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com/
Twitter: genxmomblogger
says:
Your video is making me even more jealous! Looks like a great time. Yes, I WOULD LOVE to hear about what you learned there!
Twitter: lifewithoutpink
says:
Your photos are great! I’d love to hear a recap…if you have it in you after such a LONG weekend
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
says:
It was so lovely to meet you!! Could you email me that pic of us – so cute
I would love to hear your thoughts as a newb… me i was overwhelmed!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
It was great to meet you, too Devan!!
Twitter: themommyologist
says:
I would love to hear a recap for sure! Looks like you had a great time. I really hope to go next year!
Twitter: womansvoice
says:
So glad I was there with you. Can’t wait to see the video – reading your post from work (during lunch of course).
I agree that it was overwhelming, but what a great time we had.
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Flory, We had the BEST time together and I couldn’t imagine sharing it without you!!
Twitter: Lindsay_Blogs
says:
Heather, I think there’s a big difference between “Haha I went to BlogHer and you didn’t” and “Let me teach you what I’ve learned at BlogHer.” I would LOVE to hear all about all of the great things you’ve learned! I can’t wait to go next year and get to learn all sorts of new stuff and I only hope that it provides me some writing material for my blog…Isn’t that the point?
Twitter: alitajewel
says:
I agree with this sentiment 100 percent!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Lindsay and Alita,
I agree – I would never post those, “look at all the swag I got kind of post” which to me is kind of like an in-your-face-you-didn’t-go so-haha and I TOTALLY understand that. I am attending the SITS conference next month which is much smaller, so I plan to do a comparison post which I think would be really helpful.
Twitter: goodgirlgonered
says:
I agree, as well. I also think that knowing you and your writing style that we’ll get a lot more than the basics. So if you are up for sharing, we’ll be (well, I’ll be …) reading!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Thanks Andrea – you are always so awesome!! Wish you were there.
ohhh i’m so jealous!
how fun to be in a huge group like that finally putting faces to names…(or titles in this case)
Twitter: efloraross
says:
As someone who used to plan and execute events like this, I enjoy hearing about your positive experience. Obviously it was very well done. However, b/c of my former career in event planning, I’m not sure I would ever make a very good conference attendee. LOL It would be really, really weird to be on the other side.
Twitter: fromtracie
says:
I would love to hear a recap…..and some of the things that you learned!
Glad you had such a fun time! I always do that with pictures too, get overwhelmed and busy and forget to take them. There is always next year!
It looks like you had so much fun! I’d love to hear a recap, and learn more about what type of stuff you do at a BlogHer Conference!
Twitter: figmentsofamom
says:
I bet it was such a blast! I would loved to have been there. A recap please!
I’m new to blogging and have a lot to learn. So start sharing….Please.
Oh this was so well done!
I’d love to read a re-cap. As someone who is seriously debating about next year I would love to know if you think it is really worth the time and money! I don’t know any bloggers IRL yet, so I think it has to be very overwhelming jumping into a huge conference on your own like that!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Modern Mom,
I think I will do a comparison post as I attend the Bootcamp SITS conference next month. Hopefully, we’ll meet one of these days!!
Twitter: womanonajourney
says:
Yes! I would love to hear, um, I mean read, whatever you want to share! As a newer blogger, I never even knew there were conferences! I’m a conference junkie, lol!
I’ve already been looking, and since I am in the southeast, I am considering Blissdom in January!
It was so great to finally meet you (even though it was brief). I look forward to reconnecting again soon and hopefully getting some time to talk! And I’d love to hear more from you about BlogHer!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
It was so wonderful to connect with you Elise!! You were such a great host!
Twitter: becca7903
says:
i’d love to see a post on what you learned at the conference. for those of us who are “on the fence” about ever attending one of these things, it might help persuade us one way or the other… just sayin’.
Twitter: Melissa _DrMom
says:
Looks like you had a wonderful time! I would LOVE to hear what you learned…I think that would be a helpful and fabulous post! Welcome back:)
Twitter: CiaoMom
says:
I think you met one of my roomies–Carabee! How funny! I am so glad you had fun- and it is great that you were able to go to those parties! And yes, there is always next year!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Oh C. Mom, how did we miss each other?? At least we “see” each other online.
Twitter: Missy_Stevens
says:
Great pictures! I always do the same thing – I get caught up in an event and completely forget to take pictures.
I would love a “what I learned” post. Hopefully I’ll be able to attend next year and I’d really like to have some idea of what to expect. Write it, mama!
Aww, SO cute! Was so glad to meet you, Heather.
I had the best experience ever at BlogHer… xoxox
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
I loved meeting you!!
Twitter: dedearinger
says:
Yes, I’d love a recap of things you learned!
Twitter: dadarocks
says:
It was great meeting you in person!!! really so great!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
You were as awesome as I thought you would be DaDa Rocks!! Great to connect with you!
Twitter: todayscliche
says:
Hey! I THOUGHT THE SAME THING… never even DAWNED on me to take pics with my fav peeps! Argh! I could hurt myself for not getting a pic of us. Oh well.
I think it’ll be tough to write a post about the Weekend, b/c of the handful of things you and I kind of agreed that could have been done differently. Do you think you’ll include those in the post? I’d be torn!
Cheers, Kat
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Kat,
The only thing I found disappointing was the one session I attended and I can’t speak for the others since I did not go to them – and I already blogged about the difficulty of meeting peeps, etc. So, I will do a post SITS conference post, comparing the two venues and I think THAT learning experience would benefit bloggers to decide which kind of conference would benefit them…
Twitter: gigi927
says:
Great video, heather! I used to live in the same neighborhood where Tamra Barney lived (I lived in the cheap seats, though!).
I think a “lessons learned” post would be great. A refreshing change after “here is the luggage I am taking to BlogHer”, which I am most definitely tired of
Twitter: bellebeandog
says:
you know my thoughts on a recap!
Twitter: janatude
says:
I really wouldn’t mind if a woman looked at my boobs. They rock. (And they’re real.)
Twitter: janatude
says:
Oh, and I made a mistake up there. My new Twitter username (so much better) is…wait for it…
Janatude.
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
How did I miss you??? Next time.
Twitter: EmilyPress
says:
I would love to hear a recap since I wasn’t there.
(
Read lots of tweets from everyone about parties and all the craziness but would love to hear any gems you learned from any of the sessions you went to.
Yes, I’d love to hear all about it!
Twitter: elissapr
says:
What a perfect soundtrack – haven’t heard this Natalie Merchant song in the longest time…
Would love to read about your learnings – while I’ve only guest blogged to date, I found that it’s a tool that both empowers and connects.
I look forward to your next post – put to music, of course!
“These are days…”
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
This is one of my favorite songs of.all.time. And so I thought it was the perfect backdrop for the small amount of pictures I had to share!
Twitter: erinmargolin
says:
I’ve not yet attended any blog conferences and BlogHer is only in my dreams. Would love to hear about everything you learned!!! Loved looking at all the fun times you had, thanks for sharing!
Twitter: imambitiousgurl
says:
I would totally love to hear about what you learned.
Twitter: womansvoice
says:
I love how you put this slide together. Great job!
I would love to hear what you learned!!!! Write on sista.
Twitter: alexcampbell11
says:
I would certainly love for you to do a Blogher recap. I’m seriously considering going next year so this would be super helpful.
It was so great meeting you at blogher10. I was surprised to me at the start of you video because I was behind the camera most of the time just like at home. I did not take enough pictures either (sigh) well there is always San Diego
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
It was so great to meet you, too!!!
I’d love to hear a recap. Since I’m still learning about the world of blogging, I think it would be helpful.
Your pictures are great, glad you had a wonderful time!
Video is great! Thanks for the Getting Gorgeous mention!! So glad you came!!!!!
xoxo
Audrey
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Audrey,
Seriously, that event was unbelieveable and I could see how much hard work you and Vera put into it. Thanks so much for having me share in your successful event – I had a blast!!
Twitter: methemanandbaby
says:
I would love to hear more! Love the pics!! I would love to go to BlogHer one year but due to costs its just not a possibility unless I get sponsorship for plane/hotel/tickets etc!! At least we now have CyberMummy here in the UK to look forward too
x
Glad you had a good time. I would love to hear what you learned
Twitter: mungees_ma
says:
Yes, please more recaps! I definitely would love to know what you learned, who you met … and on a more superficial level, what kind of swag you received!
I’m living vicariously through all of you who were blessed to go to this event.
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Mungee’s Ma,
I am attending the SITS conference next month which is very small, so I will do a comparison kind of post to share what I learned vs. the “right” kind of venue for different bloggers. Thanks for always leaving such awesome comments!!
Loved finally meeting you. Excited to see you again in Philly!!
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
Scary Mommy,
It was so fantastic to finally meet you! Yes, looking forward to Philly!!
Twitter: merrydithmama
says:
I would love to hear more too!
Twitter: muminflipflops
says:
Would certainly love to hear about more of your experiences and what you learned!
Twitter: ksluiter
says:
Looks like so much fun! I would love to know more! I am thinking of going to Blissdom in January.
I’ve been reading about everyone’s experiences and I am so glad everyone had such a great time. Can’t wait to hear more!
Twitter: blahggy
says:
Yes! Please, please, PLEASE post more about BlogHer! I didn’t get to go and I want to read all I can about it!
Twitter: addingtonmom
says:
Looks like you had an amazing time! I am with everyone else – please share more about BlogHer! Those of us who are new to this want as many tips as you can share.
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
I am going to the SITS conference next month which is very small, so I think I’ll do a comparison post and what I learned.
Yes, I would love to read more about your trip! Tell us everything!!
Did you see Blue Violet?
Twitter: ThetaMom
says:
No I didn’t but that would have been fun!!
I’ll just add my two cents to the other comments: I would love to hear about what you’ve learned from Blogher. I plan on going next summer for the first time and I definitely want to know what to expect.