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My First BlogHer Conference: BlogHer 11

August 16, 2011 By Rhoda 26 Comments

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BlogHer started when a savvy trio of women started this ad network and online writing site for women over 5 years ago, with the intention of connecting women bloggers from all over the country. They have done an excellent job of that in 5 years. I have been with the network for over 3 years and have loved being associated with BlogHer. It has been a great opportunity for me to grow and learn as a blogger and being able to attend my first conference with them was a dream come true.

Being a finalist in the Knorr4 and getting an all expenses paid trip was also a dream come true.  I couldn’t have gone if not for that and when I found out I was going, I squealed in delight.

All of the finalists stayed in the beautiful Omni Hotel, right across the street from the San Diego Convention center with a beautiful view of the bay behind it.  San Diego is one breath-taking city.   When I checked into the hotel, I looked out the window and saw this pretty courtyard.  That’s the convention center behind those sail-looking structures.

Out the other window going into my room was this view.  Not too shabby all the way around.

I thought I’d share my room with you on this trip too.  The Omni is a very nice hotel with comfortable accommodations.

My home away from home for a few days.

We were in the middle of the Historic Heart of San Diego and this street was bustling with restaurants, shopping and plenty to do.

Walking across the street, this is the San Diego Convention Center, a huge metropolis of space for so many conferences.  At over 4,000 attendees, BlogHer took over a huge amount of the space.

Here’s a view from the back side of the convention center.  Gorgeous and just simply stunning!

I could get used to this view and that weather any day.  I went from 95 and sweltering to about 75 and breezy/sunny.  Yes, Californians love their weather and I can definitely see why!  It’s certainly enviable.

Another look at the back of the convention center with a huge terrace.

BlogHer 11 had at least 100 sponsors and this is the banner going up the stairs.

Lowes was a big sponsor and had a nice area set up, complete with power tools.

Pepsi was another big sponsor and had a great space set up.

Check out the giant shoe made from Pepsi cans.  It was a lot of fun walking through the Expo and checking out all the vendors.

Here’s an example of vendor row.

One afternoon, we got to see Giuliana from Giuliana and Bill.  I somehow got hooked on watching their show to see what they are up to next.  Anyone else?  The cute girl on the left is Carrian Cheney who was one of the final 4 with me in the Knorr 4 challenge.  Giuliana was very nice and friendly, fun to see a celebrity at the event!

Loved her outfit and shoes.

Do you know these 2 cute girls?!   Famous craft/home bloggers Jen with Tatertots and Jello is on the left and Shelley with House of Smiths on the right.  These girls are SO sweet and I enjoyed so much getting to know them.  They were going to all these fun private parties that I didn’t have a clue about, but I had fun anyway.  It seems when you go to a big conference like this that there are a ton of sponsor parties that you need invitations to.  Since my trip was last minute, I didn’t get in on those.  Shelley and I did get to attend a preview showing of The Help one evening along with a house full of other BlogHer girls and that was a blast too!

This is Rachel, one of my sweet friends from Birmingham, who was one of this year’s Voices of the Year for her blog post about the tornadoes in AL earlier this year.  Rachel is a very gifted writer and I’m happy to call her friend.  I’m so grateful that these young women welcome me into their circle of friends, even though I’m old enough to be (some of ) their mom!

Since I’m a middle-aged woman, I haven’t had the opportunity to see a flash mob in person (but at least I knew what it was)!  One day during lunch, a flash mob broke out and a whole bunch of girls got up and starting dancing to a Lady Gaga song, preplanned of course.  It was fun and energetic!

We did interviews right before the Knorr group announced the winners of the Knorr 4 cook-off and that was fun.

So, what did I learn at BlogHer:

  1. You can be yourself when you go to a blog conference.  Even though you may think that everyone knows each other, they don’t.  I felt like a little fish in a big pond at BlogHer, but still it was very fun and inspiring to be there.  A whole bunch of bloggers in one spot creates a lot of energy and excitement.  There are bloggers from all niches across the blogosphere and it’s fun just hanging out with those that “get” blogging.
  2. Don’t worry about what you are wearing.  You will see all sorts of dress and fashion at a blog conference.  The main thing is just to wear what is comfortable to you and you don’t have to try to impress.  It’s more casual than anything else. Take comfortable shoes!  You will be on your feet a lot and walking on the streets to and from hotels, so be sure and have on some comfy walking shoes.  Flip flops are not ideal in that situation, ask me how I know?!
  3. All blog conferences this size will have a ton of sponsor booths set up. This one was huge, with at least 100 sponsors in the big Expo hall.  Bloggers are encouraged to visit all the sponsors and fill up your bags with free goodies and coupons (swag bags).  That is fun, except I didn’t have a lot of room in my suitcase for extras, so made sure I didn’t take too much.
  4. There are a TON of sessions at a big blog conference like BlogHer.  You will feel like you are missing out because there is something going on all the time.  You just have to pace yourself and realize that you can’t be everywhere at the same time.   At any given time on the schedule, there were 10 sessions to choose from, so you do have  to pick and choose which panels and sessions you think you might get the most out of.
  5. I only had time for Friday sessions and did hit 3 of them:

Bad Blogger Pitches (blogging and PR relationships)

Boomer Bloggers & Frugal Blogging – These were going on at the same time, so I split time between the 2 of them.  It was interesting discussions, but the boomer bloggers were especially noteworthy to me, since I’m right in the middle of the boomer generation.

Peer Networking – Working together to Help all Boats Rise:  There was some good discussion in this one, but overall I didn’t learn a lot of things that I didn’t know already.

I’ve read a lot of recaps on the BlogHer blogging conference and it’s always interesting to hear what everyone else thinks of a conference.  Overall, I had a great time.  I did meet a few new bloggy friends and reconnected with some old ones and that part is fun.  To me, the relationships of blogging are the best part about it. A big conference like this can be totally overwhelming, but you have to connect and talk with others to make it worthwhile.  Don’t be shy!

There are a lot of opportunities for networking too, from PR people, to sponsors, to book publishers.  You just have to get yourself out there and meet and greet with a lot of folks, handing out business cards.  I did some of that, but I’m not the best about marketing myself or walking up to strangers.  I tend to stay in a smaller group and not get too far out of my comfort zone.

Saturday was spent in the Knorr cook-off, so I didn’t have any time for sessions that day.

There were a ton of sponsor parties that I didn’t get in on, simply because my trip was planned only a week or so before the conference.  But, that was OK too, I still had fun.  You can hit the BlogHer parties every night, where the loud music pulsates and lots of alcohol is flowing, but since that is not my thing, I didn’t hang out too long at the parties.

I’m getting a little too old for that sort of thing.  Relaxed and serene is more my speed these days.  Next year, BlogHer 2012 will be back in New York.  Will I go to that one?  I just might!  Next time, I will be sure and get the scoop on what is happening before I go.  I was definitely out of the loop on everything happening with sponsored parties and events and relied on my friends to tell me what was going on.

It’s a fun atmosphere with all those bloggers in one spot and I love New York City!

Have any of YOU been to BlogHer too?  What did you think??

If the sound of a huge conference is daunting to you, that is exactly why the “home” girls decided to do Haven.  It’s going to be smaller, more intimate with lots of time for connecting and chatting.  And we hope to share information so you can actually learn something too! 🙂  I have found that friends in my niche are special kinds of friends and those are the ones I especially love getting to know.

Congrats to Lucky #99, Jessie C., who is the winner of the Apartment Challenge $50 Target giveaway.  Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Uncategorized 26 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paula says

    August 16, 2011 at 5:24 am

    I enjoyed reading about your BlogHer experience and also seeing your photos. My favorite was the Pepsi can shoe! Your tips at the end are very useful to someone like me who hasn’t been to a blog conference but would like to attend one of these days.

    Reply
  2. Lauren says

    August 16, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Thanks for sharing more details about your trip. I’m glad you were able to go and experience this! We lived in San Diego for about 6 months when my husband first joined the Navy and I absolutely LOVED it! Thanks for the pictures of the bay–that brought back wonderful memories for me. I love what you all are doing with Haven, and agree that a smaller conference will be a blessing for so many bloggers. Thanks for following through with such a great idea!

    Reply
  3. janet metzger says

    August 16, 2011 at 7:05 am

    Wow Rhoda….I can certainly see why many would feel overwhelmed.
    So many people!

    It seems you still managed to enjoy yourself and learn a little. Also you got to enjoy that famous So. Cal weather.

    I bought my ticket yesterday for Haven and I am so excited…is it JUNE yet?????

    Happy to finally get to meet you.

    Enjoy your week

    Janaet xox
    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      August 16, 2011 at 10:45 am

      Janet, so excited you are coming too & can’t wait to meet all of you!

  4. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 16, 2011 at 8:08 am

    I’ve never been to California myself, Rhoda, but I have always heard that San Diego has THE most perfect weather anywhere! Congrats on your win and it sounds {and looks} like you had a lovely time. You deserved this all this year.

    Reply
  5. susie harris says

    August 16, 2011 at 8:22 am

    Looks like you had a fantabulous trip Rhoda! Ok…I guess now I was the only one who didn’t know what a flash Mob was… who knew? Guess me…ha! Still not sure but I’m guessing now it’s just a group of people breaking out into a planned dance act? You never cease to teach me new things girl! Can’t wait till Haven!

    Reply
  6. Cathy says

    August 16, 2011 at 8:22 am

    Looks like a beautiful trip. Really enjoyed your re-cap. You’re right…there’s not as many boomer bloggers but I get so inspired by all the energy these younger women have!

    Reply
  7. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos says

    August 16, 2011 at 8:27 am

    Hi Rhoda,

    Thank you for the conference re-cap! I’ve always wondered about those type of events and if I’d be comfortable attending one. I think your Haven sounds more my speed. Although I have to admit that I’m even intimidated by that. I haven’t decided if I’m a “real” blogger or if I just play one online 🙂

    That being said, I have always wanted to be part of a flash mob. So, if you are secretly planning one for Haven, count me in 🙂

    Have a great day,
    Carolyn

    Reply
  8. Cyndy says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Looks like fun. I would love to go to a conference but not sure which one is for me. So many to choose from. This looked fun. I LOVE San Diego! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
    Cyndy

    Reply
  9. Miss Kitty says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:08 am

    Thanks for sharing all the info and great photos! My favorite was the giant shoe made with Pepsi cans, too. I’m about your age too and am happy to be accepted by girl’s my children’s age in the blog world and at work.

    Reply
  10. Diane says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Hi Rhoda,
    I enjoyed reading about the conference. Blogging women are awesome…and I’m going to check out your new friends by following the links.

    I met Eddie Ross and Jaithan last week…..we talked about you! It was good of course. If you have a chance to read about it, I did a post today.

    🙂 Diane

    Reply
  11. Luciane at HomeBunch.com says

    August 16, 2011 at 10:23 am

    It seems that you had a wonderful time!!! I’m so happy you met so many interesting people!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    Reply
  12. Catherine says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Thanks so much for this honest review of your experience (and congrats on your win!). I’m overwhelmed by the idea of something this big – – even with the freebies, it doesn’t look very fun to me. I think I’d feel lost in the crowd. Smaller sounds better.

    Reply
  13. Maya @ Completely Coastal says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:51 am

    I love to hear about all these conferences and what you guys learn…, so thanks Rhonda for sharing your experience. I have never been to any conference like that…,cause I’m in a somewhat unique niche, featuring crafts (without doing lots of crafts), showing decor inspiration (but I’m not a designer), and I’m also not a writer.

    Reply
  14. Maya @ Completely Coastal says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:53 am

    Oh, I’m so sorry Rhoda…., that “n” sneaked in!!

    Reply
  15. Jamie says

    August 16, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    I so enjoyed reading about your trip. You wrote about it so honestly and nicely! I’m from San Diego (now live in Monterey, Ca), so I also enjoyed seeing the photos of “home”. Love your blog and always look forward to reading what you have to say.

    Reply
  16. Stephanie@cre8tive says

    August 16, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Here I live in San Diego and had no desire to go…it would of been so easy for me to attend, and the chances of it coming here again who knows? But oh how I would of loved to of met up with you and Jen and some of my other favorite bloggers! I guess it is my age, but I just have NO desire to go mingle with a bunch of people with whom I probably won’t ever really get to know or may not even like LOL I am more of a one on one person, so I will probably never go to one of these! So glad you liked our City, it is a beautiful place to live in.

    Reply
  17. Fairfield House says

    August 16, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    Rhoda,

    Thanks for sharing your experience at the BlogHer conference. I’m so happy you won the trip and had this opportunity. San Diego is a beautiful city, I’ve been there on business trips. I look forward to meeting you at Haven!

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    Reply
  18. Wendy says

    August 16, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    Hi Rhoda! I’ve so enjoyed your posts of late re your trips to NC and San Diego. I’ve never been to the Vanderbilt estate but San Diego was a trip I’ll never forget. I’ve been twice, once to see my brother graduate from boot camp at the MCRD (Marine Corp Recruit Depot), and then later before he deployed to Iraq. It is lovely and I hope to go back with my boys.

    I’m so glad you wrote about BlogHer. I’ve been wanting to learn more and just feel so out of the loop…the site is intimidating, almost cluttered and difficult for me to find out how to get connected into that vast network. So, in light of your first-timer story I feel brave enough to ask if you could shed some light on the hugeness of BlogHer? I’m interested in growing my blog, I want to explore how to take what it is and improve with the goal of it being my hobby/job as a stay at home mom. Lil help?
    Sincerely,
    w

    Reply
  19. Debbie~reFreshreStyle says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    I am so happy that you got to go and WIN! Thanks for the recap. I will be seeing you at Haven! I can’t wait to meet you in person!
    Debbie

    Reply
  20. Roeshel says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    I’m so happy for you and it looks like you had a great time! What fun! I haven’t been to a blogger conference yet so I love hearing the details! Thanks for sharing your recap!

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me?

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