Oh. My. Gosh. I was picked to be a volunteer at Bloggy Con 2012. When I submitted my application I thought there is no way I will be chosen, after all I am a new blogger and who really wants me at a conference? I was wrong and now I had a choice to make, do I go or bow out? After talking it over with my husband and doing some deep breathing I emailed Tiffany back accepting the position. Seriously, this blogging thing just got real!
Wednesday afternoon, I kissed my kids and my husband goodbye. I jumped into the car with a close friend and hit the road for Ohio/North Kentucky for my first ever blogging conference. I'm generally outgoing and hardly ever get overly anxious about anything. This time though, I was nervous, excited, and tired (I had been up since 5:30 that morning and it was a 8.5hr drive). Our car ride up added to the butterflies and turned out to be an adventure of it's own. Take 2 Virginia girls who have never been to Ohio, add in 2 disagreeing GPSes, 1 crazy straight out of the Wizard of Oz kind of storm and you get the picture.
Thursday morning was the big day. I was officially becoming a professional blogger and not just a mom who sits in my jammies on the couch writing for the heck of it. To help ease the fact that I did not know anyone I had suggested meeting at Starbucks to some of the other conference goers. The women I met that morning started off as strangers with good taste in coffee and by the end of the weekend I would call them all friends.
As I mentioned, I am a newbie at all of this. I started blogging less than a year ago and had never been around any other bloggers (in person anyways). During each session I took notes like crazy trying to absorb and gain any knowledge that would help me along this journey. I agreed with Erin when she said she felt like her head was going explode. When I started blogging I had no idea what all it entailed or how to make the most out of it. Thankfully, the speakers were informative, helpful, and willing to email their notes.
I wasn't just in sessions all day. The ladies of Bloggy Con know how to show everyone a good time! Johnny Rockets hosted a kick off party at their new Cincinnati location. The staff performed for us and even got some of the ladies up to dance to a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T! I personally love their strawberry milkshakes.
Homes.Com and ForRent.Com set up a photo booth at their table. We loved all the props can you tell?
Ashleigh from Being Cheap is Easy
Tricia from Sassy Pants Mama
Nedra from Adventure Mom Blog
Erin from A Bird and A Bean
I finally got to meet Leah (she is the lady behind Mamavation), Meagan (another Mamavation sister) and Baby Bookieboo.
The last day of the conference was bitter sweet. I missed my family terribly but I was bummed to say goodbye to the awesome ladies I had met. Here is part of the chipotle table:
Angela from Mom-Spot
Erin From A Bird and A Bean
Nedra from Adventure Mom Blog
Bloggy Conference 2012 was amazing. From the friends I made to the knowledge I learned, it was a great experience I was blessed to be apart of. Tiffany and Sherry, thank you so much for all the effort you both put into this event. I couldn't be happier that my first conference was Bloggy Con. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I hope to see you both and every again next year!
yummmm. Now I want Chipotle for dinner. They should give us some for free! 😉 Thanks.
Miss you.
I agree, we should work out a sponorship or something 😉 Miss you 2!
Great post! Bloggy Con was my first conference, too. I can’t wait to do it again next year.
same here! So glad I went to this one as my first. Great experience!
I felt the same way last year! I was so psyched when I was accepted as a volunteer and I was just as anxious as you were. This year I felt more confident overall, but I got accepted as a speaker for the alumni social media “speed dating” session so I was anxious all over again! I think Tiffany and Sherry do such a great job and it’s amazing they have given all of us the opportunity to learn from each other. I really believe that we are all part of something huge and groundbreaking.
I understand, I feel the same way about the overall experience. I think getting a speaking roll would be awesome but yes definitely would make me anxious too. Thanks for stopping by!
I think coming to Bloggy Con was the best thing you could have done for your blog. Without a little leadership from blogging veterans it’d be really easy to call it quits.
thank you Mandy. I agree, I came away with so much knowledge that I cannot wait to put into use.
Looks like you had a total blast!! Isn’t it cool when you have “that moment” — the one where blogging becomes more than a closet hobby? Very fun!
Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com