Real. Love. Connections.

Instead of the typical Blog Conference Recap (I don’t really attend conferences all that often anyway) I decided to focus on a few of the many things that I got out of my experience at the most recent Blog Conference, BlogHer.

Aside of meeting new people, meeting old people (the people I’ve come to know but just met face to face), learning a little (mostly about what some people are really like when they step out from behind their blog), having a Happy Chaos moment while in a Flash Mob, matching “comfy shoes” to clothes that normally require “painful shoes”, rooming with an awesome friend (who also likes her sleep), not taking nearly enough pictures, and experiencing a lot of “Shiny Object Syndrome” (picture someone waving to you behind the person you’re in a deep conversation with and being highly distracted… or distractible)… there are a few thing I want to focus on- being real, loving what you do, making the right connections and acknowledging all the people behind the scenes that make things happen.

As I looked around the two huge locations for BlogHer, I imagined just how much work it would take to put on a conference for 3,600+ people and then I laughed because I knew the true amount of work far exceeded anything in my imagination. Kudos to the lovely ladies (and everyone else) behind BlogHer.

As I met representatives from various companies, I learned a lot more than I thought I would. To me, it was not just about what hot new baby product is coming soon or what toy is newly available to purchase (or stuffed into a bulging swag bag that weighs 20 pounds- although, I’m not complaining because? Score. Birthday shopping? done), I learned a more valuable lesson from these people. Some of them didn’t even need to speak, tweet or follow me around (although I invited her to join me cause I love her so). Some of them had it written all over their faces and conveyed it through their actions- they love and believe in what they do. I met Marketing Communication Managers, Social Media Executives, PR Representatives, Executive Directors, Founders, Ambassadors and Sponsored Representatives. It doesn’t matter what their title is, each of them oozed confidence, excitement and a genuine love for who they are and what they stand for. These are the people (brands and bloggers) that I was drawn to. I couldn’t get enough of their knowledge and because I was very specific about planning my time wisely (or as wisely as I could during 3 full days while having Shiny Object Syndrome), I believe I got so much more out of my experience. I’m a natural-born connector so I was definitely in my element and these people simply enhanced my experience. I’m just glad I didn’t get nervous during a few of my on-camera interviews (I feel so rusty after talking to only toddlers for the past 3+ years).

I know what path I’m on and where I want to ultimately go with my voice (and this blog) so I targeted the people, brands and information best suited for me. Aside of the Eden Fantasys booth that I was dragged to, I came home with things that will be beneficial to Mommy Loves Coffee (Eden Fantasys sells really pretty candles, you know).

Cookie and Elmo were also a distraction

I did walk away from a few meetings feeling slightly depleted. Maybe they were having a bad day or, more likely, I was the 2,867th person they spoke to that morning but being the nice person that I am, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Although, I have to be honest, it was a bit of a turn-off. Just like meeting some bloggers who shall remain nameless (that also bummed me out but then again I wasn’t expecting rainbows and unicorns all weekend either). I will say that 95% of the people I encountered were delightful and I can’t wait to hear more, do more and become more with them. And because of that? I’m pumped. Kinda like how I felt after the Flash Mob but I’m way more tired and a little bit over stimulated coming off of a 4-day conference high.

The Closing Keynote panel brought it full circle for me. While listening to the passion, honesty and conviction about the power of women in the media, and empowering women through the media, from Ricki Lake, Carol Jenkins and Fatemeh Fakhraie, I stood a little taller knowing that I love what I do, that I have something to say and that I’m not afraid to say it. I’m beyond grateful to have made such wonderful connections with some amazing people that feel the same way– The Rock Stars behind the scene of a conference, blog, website or company… they all have a passion and a voice and they aren’t afraid to use it.