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Love Hangover- BlogHer’12 NYC

It was that time of year again.

Each August thousands of female bloggers, social media fanatics and techies from across the country- along with hundreds of brands- converge onto the chosen city to meet, tweet and learn about the undeniable force of the female blogging industry, as Forbes Magazine described in a recent post, “Does Anyone Really Take Mommy Bloggers Seriously?”.

Last year, the powerhouse BlogHer conference- with the “who’s who” in the social media industry- was held in San Diego, and for me was all about learning and networking.  This year, however, BlogHer’12 lent the backdrop to my biggest love affair of all.  New York City was the chosen spot for this year’s conference and played both the setting and the focus of my affection.  I fell in love with the city and its people and came home with the biggest love hangover I’ve ever had.

During the conference President Obama addressed our more than 4,000 attendees.  Both Martha Stewart and Katie Couric gave keynote speeches (not together).  I connected with brands that I use in my cooking and everyday life, and networked with respected bloggers.  But nothing could sway my attention from my new found love- New York City.

It’s seems hard to believe I’ve never made it to the Big Apple before this.  Many opportunities to visit came and went but the timing was never right.  Vacationing with my husband always took us to someplace he would enjoy, where beach side relaxation and margaritas were as far from any “hustle and bustle” as possible.  I never really pushed the New York trip because I knew he wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I…. plus, margaritas by the beach are never a bad alternative.

Call it “women’s intuition”, but I always knew deep inside that when the timing was right, I would experience NYC for the first time in a light and circumstance that would validate everything I’ve ever dreamed about it.  What a gift from the heavens this trip was.  This year’s BlogHer conference gave me an all-girl pass to experience the city in a way Holly Golightly and Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of… with just me and 4,000 of my closest girlfriends.

So, here’s a little “behind the scenes” tour of my trip and love affair with New York City for BlogHer 2012.

Toni and The City

Toni and The City

The Red Eye

6:00 a.m. New York time came a little too soon for this 3:00 a.m. Pacific-Standard Time girl.  But the excitement of being in the Big Apple got my blood pumping as I changed, applied makeup and threw on my heels (of course) in a JFK Airport bathroom while waiting for my business partner, Barb, to arrive on a 7:00 a.m. flight.  With a cup of coffee and a few Visine drops, we were off in a taxi and on our way into the city.

Barb had our jam-packed schedule all organized while I had no idea where we were off to next…. the entire trip.  “You have a 9:00 a.m. workshop with Adorama called Blographer”, Barb explained.  “There’s no time to go to the hotel first, so we’re going to drop you off at the workshop and I’ll just see you at our 11:30 luncheon at Rue 57.”  So not only was I in NYC for the very first time, but I was about to be dropped off by myself somewhere around West 18th Street…. and only after four hours of sleep.

The city had an instantaneous affect on me and I couldn’t stop myself from telling each and every person I met how this was my first time visiting.  Attending the workshop, I met two New Yorkers, “I’ve only been in NYC for about 30 minutes now!”, I said with more enthusiasm than even 8:00 a.m. east coast time warranted.  One of them tweeted this out:

What can I say, Sheena?  Your hometown just warms my heart.

Blographer Event hosted by Adorama and Clickin Moms

at Blographer- no makeup, no sleep… don’t judge.

#Blographer

The Blographer workshop was held in the Metropolitan Pavilion and sponsored by brands including Canon, Olympus, Samsung, Tamron, Adobe and SanDisk (just to name a few).  This all-day event hosted by Clickin Moms would have been even more educational had I been able to stay, but my 11:30 lunch meeting beckoned me to leave early so I could find my way to my next destination.

Blographer Event

The Blographer Event hosted by Adorama

 

Navigating Manhattan

Following the blue dot on my iPhone GPS navigation made me believe that a two-mile straight walk to a restaurant called Rue 57 was not only possible, but preferable… what better way to see the city and walk off my sleep deprivation than on foot?  A two-mile walk in Las Vegas is nothing (except boring) unless it’s in the summer.  Sure, I could’ve taken a taxi, but what fun would that be?  I swapped my pumps for some sandals, and while walking down 6th Avenue, I honestly could not wipe the smile off my face.  I felt like I was home for the very first time in this life.

After about a quarter of a mile and about 5 blocks, I realized that it would take me another 30 minutes to reach my destination and figured an alternate mode of transportation was necessary.  Still not wanting to be defeated by the choice of a taxi, I passed several subway stations and deduced that it must be very simple to hop on a train here and arrive a mile and a half up the street, but I was too nervous to venture in.

I ducked into Starbucks and while analyzing the map on my iPhone, made friends with the man behind me in line.  After he helped me download HopStop, a mobile application for navigating Manhattan, and giving me the “run down” on how to make my destination, I insisted on paying for his coffee while everyone there looked at me like I was from Mars.  See, it’s only 11:00 a.m. and I’ve met three New Yorkers already and they’re all so very nice, I remember thinking, I don’t know why they get such a bad rep.

Manhattan Subway

“Hail, The Taxi’s”

I walked down into the subway station feeling as if I had entered the forbidden tower because of a promise I made to my mom that I would not venture the subway alone, “please promise me that you won’t ride the subway”, she had insisted.  I watched people beyond the metal gates getting on and off the trains.  I studied the subway map on the wall and looked at the ticketing machine.  I then turned around and walked up the stairs out of the subway to find a taxi before realizing that I had never hailed a taxi before either.  It can’t be that hard, I remember thinking, after all, I had watched Carrie Bradshaw do it a hundred times.  After spotting a taxi I apprehensively stepped off the curb and made eye contact with the driver; and then after giving an unintentional demure eyebrow raise, he responded with a suggestive head-tilt motioning me over.  I walked over to the taxi and opened the back door to my victorious first-ever “hailed” taxi.  “That was really easy”, I remember thinking and wondered why everyone made such a fuss over it.

Within seconds I arrived safely at the lovely Rue 57 restaurant, and only a few minutes late (but fashionably, of course, after throwing my heels back on in the taxi).

Rue 57 Restaurant

Rue 57 Restaurant

BOKS Luncheon Hosted By Reeboks

What can I say about BOKS?- not enough, that’s for sure.  Sponsored by Reeboks, Build Our Kids Success (BOKS) is a program started and promoted by the most powerful force in American schools today- moms.  Kathleen Tullie is the BOKS Founder and Executive Director (and mom), and spoke about her amazing journey to start this program that empowers other moms to bring this much-needed program into our schools.

You can watch a short video here about the BOKS Program.

BOKS Luncheon sponsored by Reebok

BOKS Luncheon sponsored by Reebok with Barb Likos, Denise Albert from “The Moms” and “Mommy Niri” (and me still with no makeup)

 

It’s Party Time

After bidding the wonderful women of BOKS a farewell, it was time to check into our hotel at the Sheraton in Midtown.  Being in the city for nine hours straight from the airplane gave me the will to rest for about 30 minutes before showering and dressing for the evening’s parties.

Mimosas and swag at the Iconix Brands party

 

The first part of the evening was hosted by Iconix Brands, with names like Truth or Dare by Madonna, Badgley Mischka and Mossimo.  I didn’t feel like standing in the long line to get all the free swag they were handing out, but enjoyed some champagne and cupcakes while bumping into fun friends like Amy Bradley-Hole from BeBetterBranding.com.

Iconix Party Blogher'12

Iconix Party Blogher’12

 

Truth or Dare shoe Line

Madonna’s Truth or Dare shoe line at Iconix Party

After leaving Iconix, we passed by majestic Central Park as we made our way over to trendy eatery Rouge Tomate for a party hosted by Stonyfield.  I couldn’t help but snap these beautiful photos.

 

Stonyfield, maker of Oikos yogurt, is a brand and product I work with a lot with in The Organized Cook, and am part of their upcoming “Clean Plate Club”.  The party was lovely with samplings of tapas fare made from Oikos Organic Yogurt, and offered the perfect stage to hear more about event co-host Healthy Child Healthy World.

Barb and I at Rouge Tomate in NYC for the Stonyfield Party

After a glass of wine and some green healthy food from Stonyfield, Barb and I set out for the Viacom building in Times Square.

Oikos Organic Yogurt at the Stonyfield Party, BlogHer’12

 

Big Toy Book’s Exclusive “Sweet Suite” Party

Standing on the balcony of the Viacom building during the exclusive Big Toy Book “Sweet Suite” party hosted by blogger, Complicated Mama, I became conscious of the fact that this was an amazing and fortunate way to spend my first evening in New York City.

View from the Big Toy Book’s “Sweet Suite” Party at the Viacom Building overlooking Times Square (love me some Instagram)

Inside, the party housed toys as far as the eye could see from nearly every toy brand with popular products like Xbox Kinect.  I joined the other bloggers in playing with and learning about the latest, greatest and upcoming toys.

Big Toy Book’s “Sweet Suite” Party during BlogHer’12

 

But the real action was on the party’s balcony, and not only because that was location of the bar.  Pinkberry was dishing up delicious yogurt treats for guests while the folks at Charm It! had a make-your-own-bracelet bar.  But none of these fabulous gifts could take me away from the magnificent views of Times Square.

 

Times Square

View of Times Square from Viacom building

 

View from the Viacom building overlooking Times Square

I was happy to call it somewhat of an early night.  I probably hung out with the other gals in the lobby lounge a bit too long, because then it was time for the inevitable trip to Steak and Shake, just a block away for a burger and milkshake.

 

Kickin-It Rockette Style

Again, 6:00 a.m. came way too soon.  I would have gladly hit the snooze button for any other item on the agenda, except this one.   According to my invitation, I had to be in front of Radio City Music Hall by 6:45 a.m. for my dance session with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes hosted by the makers of Centrum and Caltrate.  Wow, someone up there went all out to make sure my first NYC experience was one I would never forget.

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall at 6:30 a.m.

The girls were so sweet and fun and taught us a few “8 counts” from a popular number from their famous Christmas extravaganza.  I was having so much fun, I hardly realized that it was, again, 4:00 a.m. according to my circadian rhythm.

BlogHer Rockettes

Kickin It with The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

 

BlogHer Expo

I went straight to the conference from Radio City Music Hall- sweats and all- to catch some breakfast and the tail-end of the morning’s keynote speaker.

After showering and changing back at the room, I headed back to the conference to join the excitement of the BlogHer Expo.

BlogHer 12 Lorax

My new friend

Here are just a few brands that had me buzzing at this year’s conference:

Got Milk and The Breakfast Project

Got Milk BlogHer'12

The Milkmen from Got Milk?’s The Breakfast Project

Martha Stewart Home and Office Organization at STAPLES

Martha Stewart Staples

Martha Stewart line of home and office organization products at STAPLES

 

 

Red Carpet Star-Studded Movie Premier of “Won’t Back Down”

During the BOKS luncheon, Barb and I received an unexpected invitation from The Moms to the red carpet movie premier of the upcoming film “Won’t Back Down” starring Maggie Gyllenhall, Viola Davis, Rosie Perez and Holly Hunter.  “Do you have something to wear to a movie premier?”, asked Barb.  I told her that I could probably dig something up from my suitcase.

Barb had another dinner party across town in the Meat Packing District, so was planning to meet me at the movie premier.  As I left my hotel room to head downstairs to catch a taxi to the premier, I was in the elevator looking up the address of the movie event on my iPhone when it finally struck me that I was setting out to an event by myself where I really didn’t know anyone.  I felt a twinge of nervousness but assured myself that everything would be fine.  When I reached the lobby I realized that I had left my room key in my room, so as everyone else got off the elevator, I stayed on to go back up to my room when a young gentleman entered the elevator.  “Aren’t you getting out here?”, he asked in a rich Brittish accent.  “I forgot something in my room”, I murmured.  “How’s your day going?”, he asked after the doors closed.  And, in keeping with my chatty behavior from the trip I went on to tell him that it was my first time in New York City and how I was on my way to a movie premier…. blah blah.  I may have also let on that I was nervous about attending the premier on my own.  As we got to his floor he began to exit the elevator before turning to me and saying in the most Harry Potter of all accents, “Would you find it cheeky of me to ask to be your plus one?”  I was a little stunned and before I could answer him, my higher self answered for me, “sure”, she replied.  I had to trust that higher self because she typically knows what she’s talking about.

The movie premier, hosted by Denise Albert and Melisssa Gerstein from The Moms, was an amazing event.  But what was even more amazing was this groundbreaking movie.  Being released September 23rd, “Won’t Back Down” is a film I urge everyone to see, especially if you’re a mom.  The movie shows us that no matter how small our lives may seem, we hold the real power to make change, especially in an area as crucial and in need of change as our public school system.

Won't Back Down Movie Premier

Denise Albert, myself and Melisssa Gerstein from “The Moms”- love these ladies!

After the movie, the stars sat on stage and answered questions from the audience.  It didn’t take long for me to conclude that Viola Davis was now my most favorite actress.

Won't Back Down Movie Premier

Rose Perez, Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhall with The Moms at the Won’t Back Down Movie Premier

 

After leaving the movie premier, a late-night walk in Central Park in my Tiffany-blue pumps made me feel like Carrie Bradshaw.  With each breath I took in as much magic as possible from the city to my soul, where it still resides.

 

My New York Moment

A late night dinner after the movie premier in a gorgeous restaurant overlooking Central Park with good friends can be topped by only a few things in life.  As the noise and crowd in the restaurant slowly started to dwindle and we realized that we were almost the last table left, I walked over to a window to check out the scenery.  What I saw at that moment can define my entire New York love affair experience.

As I’m writing about this now, it feels like I’m talking about some long lost love- which I am.  But I didn’t fall in love with someone, rather it was someplace.  As I looked out the window with Central Park on the left and majestic buildings center stage, there was one building across the street that jetted out triangularly (I should know the technical name for this, as my ex-husband is an architect), where the almost-full moon hung right over the building, looking close enough to reach out and touch, and producing the most breathtaking scene I have ever witnessed.  The feeling that movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sex and The City and, my favorite, Moonstruck evoke could all be summed up in this one image.

There it was, right in front of me, outside this window in this amazing restaurant with beautiful new friends nearby- my New York Moment.  I didn’t go running for my camera or iPhone, rather I stood there and just soaked it all in.  Weeks later I can still see the image I’m describing as clearly as if it were seconds ago; it’s one photo that I didn’t need to capture with a camera because my mind heart will never let me forget it.

Here’s a clip from one of the best movies of all time to give you an idea of the magic that can happen when the the moon and New York City decide to come together:

 

The Glamorous Luncheon

The next morning brought more BlogHer conference events and expo.  I then went back to my room early to take a quick nap to shake my slight hangover before the exclusive “Glamorous Luncheon” hosted by Glamorous Moms, Shannon Lazovski.

The luncheon started at 12:30, so of course I jumped up in bed and looked at the clock to see that it was 12:37.  I shot out of bed to change my clothes and was still dressing on my way down to the lobby.  I put on shoes while waiting for the elevator, snapped on jewelry in the elevator and zipped up my dress in the lobby before running out to the doorman, “I need a taxi to Ruth Chris Steak House on West 56th Avenue”, I gasped with my out of breath voice.  The doorman looked at me like I had just lost my mind.  “That’s right around this corner”, he said.  I ran to the restaurant in my pumps to make my apologies for being tardy.

Me and Shannon Lazovski from The Glamorous Moms

The Glamorous Luncheon was, to sum it up in a word, glamorous.  The food was amazing and I had the best time talking all things “girl” and “glamorous” with some of the most well-connected bloggers around.

 

My Time. Girl Time.

After the luncheon I made the conscious decision to skip the Katie Couric keynote speech and get in some “Toni and The City” time.  I walked 5th Avenue, Park Avenue and Lexington and shopped at Juicy, Sephora and Steve Madden.  I love how you can do something alone in New York City like shopping but never feel alone.  Not having to share this stolen couple of hours with anyone in particular brought me even more appreciation for my surroundings.

shopping in Manhattan

Barb called and it was time to meet her and the girls for a late lunch near Times Square, “just grab a taxi”, she urged.  But after pulling up the restaurant location on my navigation, I realized this was one trip I would rather take on foot.  One of the many things I love about Manhattan is how you’re never really too far from anything or anyone in the city.  On my way to the popular and overcrowded restaurant, Carmine’s, to meet the girls I passed by the most adorable little cafe that took my breath away.  “Tomorrow I’m returning here to eat lunch”, I told myself.  I didn’t catch the name of the restaurant, but I remembered exactly where it was.

Superfly

At Carmine’s we ate a fabulous and authentic Italian lunch… or rather, dinner according to the time.  After we ate it was time to head over to Bryant Park for a private party sponsored by Southwest Airlines.  Bryant Park is impressive in itself.  Set smack dab in the middle of the most heavily traveled streets in Manhattan, Bryant Park is a gorgeous Oasis of gorgeous green park and entertainment including an outdoor movie screen.  And, in the southwest corner of the park is an outdoor restaurant appropriately named “Southwest” where the private party “Super Fly” hosted by Southwest Airlines was taking place.

The party was beautiful, and once again I couldn’t help but soak in more of the city’s magic with its little pearl of a park, tranquil and still, with the chaos of Times Square just a block away.

Barb and I at the Superfly Party sponsored by Southwest Airlines

 

After Barb retired for the evening, I met friends for more drinks and city time, all the while wishing sleep wasn’t necessary.  And once again I tiptoed into my hotel room past Barb at about 3:00 a.m.

 

Moon River

In the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s there’s one scene where Holly and her beau take a day out of their typical routine to walk around the city and enjoy it’s attractions including a trip to Tiffany’s.  Before my trip to New York, when I watched that movie I could feel what that day felt like.

On the last day of my trip I got to experience that “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” day first hand.  With a chivalrous companion at my side, we walked Central Park, rode the subway (finally) to Little Italy, said a few prayers at St. Patrick’s, and best of all- remember that little bistro that my heart was so drawn to?- we found my little restaurant which turned out to be French (oui, oui) and had the most fabulous lunch imaginable, with champagne and all.

Toni and The City

 

Farewell, My Summer Love

Sadly, it was time to head to airport for a 9:00 p.m. flight home.  As soon as I checked in for my flight, it started pouring down rain outside shutting down the airport and delaying my flight.  I believe in signs.  In fact, a good majority of my daily decisions are based on signs.  So please don’t think I’m crazy when I write that I had a fleeting thought that this rain was the city’s way of letting me know that it was sad to see me go as well.

After a four hour flight delay, I arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00 a.m. and was happy to be getting back to the kids and my home, but a part of my heart will always be in New York City.
This is how I felt when I got home:

 

Next year, BlogHer’13 will be held in Chicago, so everyone should plan on seeing more of me at the conference.

 

And, if you’re interested in watching President Obama’s speech to the BlogHer’12 attendees:


Katie Couric’s message to BlogHer 2012:

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BlogHer 2012

Blogher Sponsorship 2012

The Organized Cook is hitting the Big Apple this coming August, 2012 for “BlogHer 2012”.  Toni Spilsbury and her “Organized Cooks” are planning to take this 3-day powerhouse conference in New York City by storm.

The Organized Cook has sponsorship and ambassadorship openings for brands such as food products, cookware, organizational aides and kitchenware.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Natalia Simmons at natalia@tonispilsbury.com

Toni Spilsbury will also be attending BlogHer Food 2012 Conference in Seattle Washington.

Cooking Demonstrations

Toni Spilsbury has been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX local news segments in Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Sacramento for The Organized Cook.  She has also performed live cooking demonstrations as well as presentations about her Busy Mom’s Remedy to Dinnertime Ruts and Runaway Grocery Bills.

 

Weekly Meal Plan System

Through The Organized Cook Weekly Meal Plan System, subscribers receive Toni’s meal plans designed for today’s busy moms that include menu, grocery shopping list, Toni’s signature recipes and step-by-step cooking instructions.

Product sponsorship for the Weekly Meal Plans includes specially designed recipes and inclusion in the grocery shopping list along with any promotions or coupons.

Meal Planning Family Dinners Menu Planning Grocery Shopping List

Cooking Videos

Our YouTube Channel features professionally produced cooking videos of Toni Spilsbury dishing up her favorite recipes from The Organized Cook.  Sponsored cooking videos include sponsor logo on opening and ending credit pages and product inclusion in cooking demonstration as well as blog outreach and social media campaigns.

 

Affiliate Program

Through our Affiliate Program, bloggers work with The Organized Cook on sponsorship campaigns through Blog Outreach and Social Media Campaigns.

 

The Organized Cook Makes A Move At BlogHer’11

Plans are underway to shoot footage at BlogHer 2012 to produce a video that showcasing our sponsors and Affiliates (Organized Cooks).

 For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Natalia Simmons at natalia@tonispilsbury.com

The Organized Cook Cookbook

 

 

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From BlogHer11 Newbie to BlogHer12 Attendee

Advice For Attending BlogHer’12

Attending BlogHer for the first time?  If you’ve never been to this annual powerhouse conference but plan to make BlogHer’12 in New York City your first, I have some advice.

I attended BlogHer’11 in San Diego as a “newbie”, meaning… this was my first.  So why, then, am I qualified to be handing out advice about attending when there are hundreds- maybe thousands- of female bloggers who’ve attended many years in a row?

I’m qualified because I was a newbie.  And other soon-to-be “newbies” need to know what I know.

My advice:

  1. Do not go alone

If you take any advice I have to offer, take this piece first and do not- I say do not- plan on attending this conference on your own.

I have a long professional background, have attended many, many conferences in my lifetime and have never had any trepidation about attending any of them on my own.  I can make conversation and friends just about anywhere I go and I figured BlogHer would be even easier.  Wrong.

Seasoned BlogHer attendees do not- I repeat do not- go to this conference to meet new friends.  They go to connect with their “tribes”, be courted by brands and receive free swag.

If you go to this conference alone, you will be alone.

I arrived in San Diego to spend the first day and night at BlogHer’11 by myself, while Noelle, my friend and business partner, would join me on the second day.  No problem.  I was looking forward to meeting even a handful of the 4,000 attendees that first day, but I soon realized that something was different from what I had ever experienced before.

BlogHer Registration

I was suddenly back in the 10th grade and I was the girl with no friends.  During registration and mingling afterward, I realized I needed to have predesignated my “tribes” (yes, you can call them cliques) in order to be included.

Even walking through the Expo that first day I noticed that brands are not as interested in engaging you if you are by yourself because they assume you have no tribe and therefore have no “reach”.

As I walked through the pool area back to my hotel that afternoon I passed a group of bloggers who actually snickered at me.  It was a  “psst-psst-giggle-snicker” all in one, because a “hello” would have been way too extraordinary.

That night I walked into the first BlogHer party called “The People’s Party” without a care in the world.  “I’m sure to connect with other bloggers here”, I thought.  After all, it’s a party… people, right?  Wrong.  After exactly one hour at the party I left without talking with a soul.  So I walked down the beautiful boardwalk to my hotel with feelings I hadn’t experienced in- oh, let’s say- 20 years.

Thank goodness for the drunk businessmen at the Hyatt 44th Floor Lounge or otherwise I might think I was Bruce Willis from Sixth Sense.

After successfully shooing away said businessmen, I sat looking out over the ocean and enjoying a glass of wine which gave me some time to think… which brings me to my next piece of advice.

2.   Have clear expectations about what you want to get out of the conference.Toni Spilsbury ponders on BlogHer11

 “And what do you think you will answer yourself, Pooh?”.  – Piglet

Aaah, I love the wisdom and depth that comes from A.A. Milne quotes.

As I sat pondering wondering what in the hell I was doing here, my pragmatic mind asked myself, “What are your expectations for BlogHer?  What do you want to take away from this experience?”  Am I a “mommy blogger” who wants to connect with brands to “review” products in exchange for free product or money?  No.

Or, am I a brand wanting to connect with mommy bloggers to talk about my product?

And what do you think you will answer yourself, Pooh?

The answer became clear (not crystal- I was drinking wine afterall).  I am an author who became a blogger who writes about both my brand and related topics, and provides an eproduct, book and affiliate program.  I’m not a “product review” blogger, although I plan to co-brand with companies including grocery stores, coupon services and food products relating to my Weekly Meal Planning System.  I’m open to selectively (and I mean selectively) reviewing and blogging about very related products to my brand.  I’m there to reach out to mommy bloggers to review and blog about The Organized Cook.

 If you’re a new blogger and think you’re going to attend the conference and meet lots of established bloggers, this is not the conference for you.  Experienced bloggers (the in-crowd) do not typically attend sessions or sponsored lunches because they are busy being courted by big brands.  In fact, if you attend BlogHer but do not attend any of the sessions, lunches or parties because you are only attending private parties and private meet-ups with brands, then you know you’ve “made it” as a blogger.  It’s a competitive atmosphere for mommy bloggers to get the brand’s attention and you will often hear them boasting about Twitter follower numbers, “page-views” and Klout scores.

Blogher conference

The only friend I made the first day of the conference- thanks Smurfette!

I’m not saying that any of this is even wrong.  I’m only saying that bloggers attending BlogHer for the first time need to know how to prepare themselves.  Just this past week I heard that a BlogHer “newbie” this year spent her time at the conference in her hotel room crying.  Sad.

 3. Schedule “Meet-Ups”

If you’re not attending with a friend and if you don’t have a group, or “tribe”, to connect with at the conference, get one.  Reach out to bloggers on Twitter to meet other new bloggers maybe even from your area who are attending and keep in touch with them to meet at the conference.  If you’re not sure how to find other bloggers on Twitter, search and watch the @BlogHer, @BlogHer or #BlogHer12 on the Twitter stream.  Or send a Tweet like “Attending #BlogHer12 for the first time. Who else is going?”, not just once, but periodically.

Read conference newsletters and sign up for sponsored breakfast meetings and events.

Research brands who are attending and pick a few you would like to connect with and contact them before the conference to let them know you’re interested in connecting with someone from their team at the conference.

Blogher conference Blogher 11 CheeseburgHer Party

My tribe: Noelle and I at the BlogHer11 CheeseburgHer Party

Noelle arrived the second day of the conference and it became a different experience for me.  We first adopted another “newbie” who didn’t even want to leave her room in the morning for breakfast until we texted that we were on our way.  It was like taking in a cute stray kitten.  Brands at the expo were more interested in talking with us (it helped that Noelle was filming the entire experience) and I had someone to talk to at the Sparkle Corn Party.

The sessions were interesting and I learned some new things relating to my business, but not nearly as much as I did at Bloggy Boot Camp.BlogHer conference

See You At BlogHer12!

So why, then, did I make the decision to go ahead and purchase my tickets now for BlogHer’12?  After all, I don’t need one more thing to make me feel insignificant, I’ve got my Klout score for that!

The answers are simple:

  1. For starters, the early-bird discount combined with the August coupon code, made the cost of the ticket lower than it will ever be.  If I change my mind before next year, I can always “giveaway” the tickets or sell them.
  2. It’s in New York City.  Enough said.
  3. I know what to expect now and I know how to prepare.  In fact, I plan to be one of the bloggers connecting with my tribes and brands.  I can play the game, even if I’m not one to brag about it (I’m just saying).  In fact, if I’m positioned to be a brand vendor, successfully co-brands and connect with new co-branding opportunities at BlogHer12, I plan to do just that.

 

Now, there are many blogs out there from experienced BlogHer attendees if you’re looking for more advice.  My favorite:

Ten Similarities Between Sorority Rush and Blog Conferences (BlogHer) by AngyJulieMonday.com

And How To Prepare For and What To Expect at BlogHer by MomSpark.net

On the last day of the conference I sat down to lunch with Noelle and our adopted friend and noticed a girl at the next table sitting by herself.  Nobody was at the table but her in a roomful of thousands of female bloggers.  Seriously?  I walked over to her and said, “please come sit with us, there’s absolutely no reason to eat alone.”  I saw the relief in her face and we made a new friend.

 

 

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