BlogHer 2009 – Part Two

This was my first experience at BlogHer, so my expectations were probably a little different than those who’d been multiple years.  Rather than focus on the negative, I’d like to focus on what I was surprised with, as well as what I really enjoyed:

The Surprises:

• The size – yes, I knew how many people were attending, I just didn’t know how intimidating a large group like that would be.  I’m disappointed that I barely or never saw some people I would have loved to spend more time with (Elizabeth, Heather, and Cecily to name just a few).
• The lack of internet access – I wish I’d been able to tweet and post more
• The location – this was a pleasant surprise.  I’ve never been to Chicago and I have to say this hotel was totally convenient, and the location for BowlHer was right across the street!
• The food situation – there never seemed to be enough good food, and plain water was at a premium.  In addition, coffee was only available at official breaks, not between sessions.  But, the expo hall included some great snacks and drinks – some from Pepsi, and those kiwis!  (more on the kiwis later).

What I Enjoyed:

• Having a roommate – when I roomed with Ciaran for the Mom 2.0 Summit, I felt that it actually enhanced the experience, because I had someone to hang around with, eat meals with, and chat with.  For BlogHer, I roomed with Jill, and we really had a blast!
• Seeing people I’d only known online previously – it was so much fun to recognize people and actually talk in person.  I can’t even begin to mention everyone I met, but I especially enjoyed meeting Whitney from Mommies with Style, Amy from Resourceful Mommy, Erika from Chic Shopper Chick, John, Rob, Amy, & Ethan from Collective Bias, Danielle from Extraordinary Mommy, Kim from Traveling Mom…. I know I’m missing some people, so I reserve the right to update this!  And Katja Presnal from Skimbaco Lifestyle, who after I remarked that I loved her bag, actually offered it to me, literally right off her shoulder!
• Chicago!  I love Chicago!  It was my first visit, and  I got a chance to check out Michigan Avenue the day I arrived.  In fact, I saw a Calvin Klein dress I loved at Nordstrom, and when I tried it on, it was hard to zip.  The sales associate helped me, and I liked it so much I bought it and walked out of the store wearing it (it was the dress I wore to Social Luxe).  On our last day, Jill and I visited Navy Pier and had a great lunch outside.
• Hanging out with Margaret (aka mefries) from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.  It’s hard to believe I only met Margaret in December – I feel like I’ve known her forever.
• Meeting so many PR and company reps that I’ve emailed with for years.
• And, how could I forget??  It was great to hang out with the women of Mabel’s Labels (Mumby, Julie, and Caitlin) when Jill was turned away from the MamaPop party!

I didn’t take any pictures at BlogHer (at all!) but there are some up on various sites, including Facebook.

Tagged as: blog conferences, blog events, blogher