This week I will be attending the BlogHer 2013 Social Media Conference in Chicago, Illinois. This city is one of my favorites, and I will be super excited to get back there and maybe even see some of my old friends from Peoria (my old hometown)! I am very excited to see what this conference has in store. I’ve heard different things about the conference from past years, but I am going into it with an open mind and hoping to meet some new people and learn new things about blogging and social media in general. There are a few sessions that look great, as well as many parties and events to attend. My schedule as of right now is completely full, so I know the few days I will be there are going to fly by! In fact, I just bought some new shoes tonight for my bad feet that should help with running around from event to event.
I’ve been to a few conferences in my life, but I have a feeling this will be quite different than most. I’ve attended teaching conferences, technology conferences, and even two other social media/blogging conferences (Springboard in Boston, MA and SoFabCon in Rogers, AR). I’ve even presented at teaching conferences in the past, but I have a feeling all of those are a little smaller than what I am going to witness this week at BlogHer 2013. It is apparently the largest social media conference of the year.
I’ve been in Facebook groups online chatting about the upcoming conference, and it seems many people are very excited and very stressed. From finding outfits, to getting business cards, to worrying about party invites, etc. It’s all a bit overwhelming before the conference even starts. I am going to do my best to just have fun, meet others, attend sessions and a few parties/events, and just take it all in. I am not going on a shopping spree (except for the shoes I bought that were a must have), and I am not stressing about everything there is to do at the conference. It will all come together and I don’t want to be weighed down with stress; I want to enjoy the experience. Have you been to a large conference like BlogHer before? What are your thoughts about conferences in general? Do you love them and get a lot out of them? I sure hope to! I am also excited to spend time with my blogging friends and colleagues. It has been a few months since I have seen some of them, and for others I will be meeting them for the first time! This is very exciting. So, if you are going to BlogHer 2013 I hope to see you there!
Friends from SoFabCon that I hope I see at BlogHer 2013!
I haven’t been to any conferences yet. Loved Chicago when we visited though. Have fun!
It will be a whirlwind of sessions, meeting bloggers IRL, parties, meeting brands but totally an amazing experience. Have fun and enjoy! Looking forward to hearing about your experience.
looks like fun! I have never been to a blog conference before, it’s on my bucket list!
I have never been to BlogHer but hope to go one day! Have a wonderful time and let us know what you learn!!
Looking forward to rooming with you. The conference is fun!
I’ve never been to a blogging conference but I have attended other themed conferences. They can be huge boosts when you meet so many people in your field. Have fun! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Have a great time! I’ve always enjoyed conferences that I’ve attended and gained a lot of great friends too.
I love going to conferences. I average about 7 a year, and I’ll be at BlogHer so I hope we meet! I used to stress about what to wear and all that jazz but not so much anymore. See you this week hopefully!
I haven’t done BlogHer yet…maybe I’ll get to go next year. Have a great time. I can’t wait for you to report back!
BlogHer can be overwhelming, but is also a lot of fun. I’m going this year since its so close to home. I’m really looking forward to seeing friends and meeting people. I hope we see each other there!!
Can’t wait for it!!! Hope I can run into you at some point during all of the insanity!!!
So jealous!!! I haven’t been to a conference yet and really want to attend one next year. Hope you have fun!
I’d love to go to BlogHer! Can’t wait to hear about your experience!
I am shocked that you haven’t been to more social media/blogging conferences than you have. It always seems to me like you are everywhere. 🙂
I have not been to a social media/blogging conference at all. I hope to meet you at one soon. 🙂
I know you’re going to have a great time. I’ve never been. Hope to go one day. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.
I haven’t been to a conference yet either… I think it would be super fun though! I hope you have a great time and can’t wait to hear all about it!! 🙂
It will be my first time too. Hopefully we can meet up IRL and chat!
I can’t wait! You are right, we need to relax and enjoy the experience! Can’t wait to hang out with you!
I can’t wait to hear all about it! I wish I could go, but there’s always next year!
I hope to get to BlogHer one day, too! Have a great time! Excited to hear how it goes!
BlogHer ended up being awesome!
Can’t wait to read about what you thought!! Hope you had fun!!