My #BlogHer12 Experience
Over the past couple of weeks I have been telling you about a blogging conference that I was going to – BlogHer 2012. The conference took place 2 weeks ago in NYC, and I had such a great time! Since this was my first year attending I thought I would share my thoughts on the conference experience. I went in with no expectations except to have a good time and that is exactly what happened.
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| Watching the Keynote – Martha Stewart |
Everyone is going to have their own take on BlogHer12, and no 2 people are going to have the same experience, but here are some of the common questions I have be asked:
Did you actually find anyone that you knew?
It is amazing in a sea of 4000 people that I would unexpectedly run into people that I know. It was great being able to catch up with some fellow Canucks that made the trip to NYC. That said if you really want to make sure that you meet up with certain people make a list of them on twitter so that you can easily connect with them and plan to get together.
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| NYC was amazing |
Is BlogHer just getting to big? How were the Crowds?
With 4000 people attending the same conference you can imagine it can get busy. Waits for the elevator could take a while, but I used it as an opportunity to chat with those around me and meet new people. There was TONS of food for breakfast and lunches, if the line up was long I just went into a
session and popped back out once it has started to grab food. Some of the breakout sessions filled up quickly, but for the keynote speakers there were lots of seats available you just needed to make your way to the front or sides of the room.
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| I even got to meet a few celebs! |
Where the companies actually interested in working with Canadian Bloggers?
For the most part – Yes. There were a few brands that do not retail in Canada which rules them out if you are focused on Canadian Content, but overall most seemed open to working with Canadians. If the reps who were at BlogHer did not work with Canada they were open to passing the information on to their Canadian counterparts. I am hopeful I will be able to build some great relationships based on the connections made at BlogHer.
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| Keynote with Katie Couric was awesome |
Full Pass vs Expo Pass
For me I think I would always buy a full pass – I loved having the option to attend ANY part of the conference I wanted, even if I did not make it to that many of the actual breakout sessions. The keynotes were awesome and I am very glad that I made time for them both days to attend.
If you buy your pass at the early bird rate BlogHer is one of the most inexpensive conferences out there.
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| #GettingGorgeous at BlogHer |
How were the sessions?
Honestly I did not make it to that many sessions. But the one that I attended was informative, well organized and I felt like I was really able to learn something. I do think it is worth having a full conference pass even if you only attend 1 or 2 sessions.
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| Enjoying some time around the fire with Hershey’s & Walmart |
How do you keep the cost of attending BlogHer down?
Book EARLY – buy a ticket at early bird prices, make sure you book the hotel room at the conference rate
Look for seat sales on flights, compare costs to driving/parking
Share your hotel room – It can be a little cozy, but work it for us.
Sponsors – if you are able to secure sponsorships cover even a portion of the cost it helps a lot
Find out what food is included in the conference and when you will need to eat out. Map out the closest grocery store and pick up some granola bars/snacks rather than buying take out.
What did I miss, what else do you want to know?
And of course, a post about BlogHer would not be complete without thanking the businesses that are helping make my dream a reality. A special thank you to SnuggleBugz, Greenmunch, Ddrops, and Baby on Board Apparel for their generous support.
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What a FANTASTIC experience. I'd love to go to something like this.
Great post! I am thinking of attending next year!
Such a great experience! I hope I can experience that as well someday
Great post!
awww you look so cute, I can really see your belly there with Minnie!
This sounds like a great experience. Might have to aim for it next year! I adore NYC too!
Sounds like you had a great time. I hope to go one year and love your little belly!
BlogHer looks amazing, definitely making it next year! PS pregnancy looks AMAZING on you.
Looks like you had an amazing time!! Thanks for sharing!! Love the GLOW!
Looks like you had a wonderful time! loving the pics, just beautiful! I hope to attend Blogher next year. Great post!
k, still totally jealous!
that hersey's mini smores thing is AWESOME. The parties looked like a blast and of course being in NYC, how could you go wrong.
I'm determined to go next year!!!
Oh I'm so jealous!! I definitely have to make it next year!!!!
I would never consider BlogHer in a million years, but it is fun to live through you. Love the picture of you with the city in the background.