Last month I had the honor of attending a blog conference, BlissDom ’11 in Nashville. It was a little piece of heaven. Why, you ask? Well, I was surrounded by 700 of the most talented, friendly, warm, driven, gorgeous, like-minded, and accepting women on the planet!
I know what you’re thinking, “Laurie you’re drinking way too much Diet Coke again and you’re in la la land. There’s no way you can get 700 women together and have zero drama.” Well, I can tell you that it’s true! For me, BlissDom was the happiest place on earth and one big hug-fest. If I still haven’t convinced you to attend BlissDom, here are my top 10 reasons you should attend a blog conference:
Blog Conference
The Home Decor Bloggers:
Melissa {The Inspired Room}, Allison {House of Hepworths},
Maggie {Gussy Sews}, The Nester, Lorie {Be Different Act Normal},
Marian {Little Miss Mustard Seed}, Lindsey {The Pleated Poppy} and Me.
{photo credit Marian, Little Miss Mustard Seed}
10. You get to meet all of your favorite bloggers in real life! {{squeal}} It is exhilarating to see someone with whom you know so much about, have been reading their blogs for months (if not years) and feel such a profound connection with online.
To be able to look into their eyes, hug them, and tell them how much you appreciate them sharing so much of themselves and the impact that they’ve had in your life… there’s nothing quite like it. Everyone should have that experience.
Blissdom 2011
{photo from janalynn}
9. It’s a jump start for your blog. I personally, believe that what you’ll learn at a blog conference is equivalent to what you would learn in a year on your own. Even Dorothy didn’t do it alone! {see above} I’m not kidding, between the sessions and more importantly talking with other bloggers that you connect with is one of the secrets of success in blogging. Attending a blog conference gives you an advantage fo-sho!
Chris {Celebrations at Home}, Kim {Celebration Shoppe}, Matt Kearney, Michelle Branch,
Courtney {Pizzazzeri}, and Me
8. Chilin’ with Celebrities. HA! For some reason my friends and family get such a kick out of who I get to meet when I attend BlissDom. {{giggle}} Barbara always hooks us up with insane musical talent. Here I am with Michelle Branch and Mat Kearney.
My man and I have loved Michelle Branch for music for years! I think the girls were more excited to meet Mat, but I was stoked to meet Michelle. She’s so flippin’ talented.
{Photo from Angie Arthur Photography}
7. It’s FUN! Blog conferences are not all work – there is a lot of play. Oh my, I absolutely love to dance. Yes, I can tear it up on the dance floor and on occasion do a little headbanging {{bwaahaa!}} I know it’s completely silly but dancing is such a fun way for me to blow off stress. My man doesn’t dance so it’s a fun time for me to groove with the girls.
The Party Bloggers:
Me, Courtney {Pizzazzeri}, Kim {Celebration Shoppe}, Chris {Celebrations at Home},
Amy {Living Locurto} {Photo from Angie Arthur Photography}
6. You get the inside scoop! The companies and brands that sponsor a social media conference also understand the power that bloggers have in this new media. Therefore you get the first glance at new products and opportunities to work with brands and companies. At BlissDom we got a sneek peak at a new TV show called Working Class.
5. You get to meet new people. The amazing women that you get to rub elbows with and meet in real life is priceless. Everyone who is attending has the same goals and dreams that you do. You never know who you’ll meet or run into in the hall. One minute you’re being silly in the Gain room, and the next Barbara is pulling you into an interview for Nashville’s Channel 5 news! {{Jenny on the Spot ROCKS!}}
Tweet from @livinglocurto Amy Locurto: @angiearthur @tipjunkie @tidymom This is for you… 
#blissdom http://twitpic.com/3twfit
4. Massive inspiration and encouragement. The keynote speaker was Brene Brown who talked about the power of vulnerability. Holy cow. It was so powerful and exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. Being completely Type-A, it is so hard for me to be vulnerable. I’m going to work on that. Because really, “People know the truth when they hear it.” ~ Simon Cowel
Entrepreneurs: Kelly {According to Kelly}, Me, Allison {Petite Elefant}, Jyl {Mom it Forward}
3. Collaboration. Earlier I said that BlissDom was one big hug-fest and for me it is! I get a chance to chill and chat face to face with the women with whom I just adore! My love language is quality time, so chillin’ in the hallway chatting with blog-stars is such a thrill for me. We usually cut right to the chase and start talking shop, sharing success secrets, collaborating, and telling each other what we’re doing next.
This is my all time favorite part of any conference ~ hugging my online friends! Somehow, I never leave a conference without a fun new collaboration or business idea in the works. I guess that’s just what happens naturally when you get so many like-minded women together. {{snicker}}
{Photo from Angie Arthur Photography}
2. It’s the best place to find a mentor and a tribe! I was asked to be one of the Craft/DIY Leaders along with Amy & Marie and it was an amazing experience. You see, established bloggers LOVE to talk about blogging. It’s such an intrigal part of our lives and we also love to answer your questions and help you learn what we had to learn on our own.
Attending a blog conference like BlissDom gives you one on one access to the most amazing people who have a wealth of knowledge that they would love to share with you. I spent most of my time at BlissDom answering questions and encouraging DIY’ers. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to leave a comment on this post, or ask it on my facebook fan page. I’m here to help you ~ that’s what I love to do!
The Creative Bloggers:
Amy {Living Locurto}, Jen {Tatertos and Jello} , Bridget {Bake at 350}, Kami {No Biggie}, Me,
Marie {Make and Takes}, Cheryl {Tidy Mom}, Angie {I Heart Faces}, and Mique {30 Handmade Days}
{Photo from Angie Arthur Photography}
1. And the #1 reason to attend a blog conference is so that you can form your own blog alliance! I go into great detail as to what a blogging alliance is on this post, but basically it’s people who have your back and you have theirs. You collaborate with, support, share ideas and strategies with. You’re never alone if you have a wonderfully supportive group of women who you can rely on.
Tip Junkie would not be what it is today without my blogging alliances. It’s true! There’s no way that I could have learned so much, be so driven to solve problems, and stay in this constantly changing industry without amazing women around me!
Even though BlissDom ’11 was last month, I have some amazing news for you. {{drum roll}} The brilliant Barbara and Alli have recorded all the sessions for you! {{squeal}} Yep, that means you can learn everything that I did right from your home by reading, listening, or watching it online at BlissDom at Home. Happy learning!
Other Blog Conferences Laurie Has Attended:
- EVO ’10:Â What I Learned and Who I Met
- TCCE:Â The Creative Connection
- BlissDom ’10:Â Connecting with your Community of Readers
- Bloggy Boot Camp ~ Arizona
Do you have a question about blogging or attending a blog conference? Feel free to share it with us! Simply leave the link to it in the comments or upload a photo to the Tip Junkie Facebook page. I adore hearing from you. {{wink}}
Join in the Chat:
What Blogging Questions do you have for Laurie?
Creating Memories that Endure,
Laurie
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Comments
It was so delightful to meet you at Blissdom. Honestly one of the highlights for me
Laurie
Right back at ‘cha babe! You rocked that interview with Channel 5. {{knuckle bumps}}
ohhh i so want to go
I adore you.
<3
OK this might sound like a weird question … but I was wondering – would someone like myself still enjoy a conference like this even when I’m just a ‘little’ blogger – I mean most of the pics I see from the conference are all pics of people who I would consider sort of ‘famous’ bloggers. And all of you seem to know each other and know each other’s blogs. I feel like it would be cool to go to one and meet all of you but it would be like I was a little kid meeting their fave celeb for the first time.
Does that make sense?
I don’t have a blog that targets a specific interest like photography or decorating or writing – which is fine. I’m totally happy with my blog being about my family and a mix of crafty things, photos, recipes, etc. But I guess I’m wondering if this conference would still be for me when I don’t seem to fit the ‘mold’ like the rest of you.
What do you think?
Thanks! ~~Kathy =)
Yes! A beginner blogger would get the most out of Blissdom. It would help you figure out what you want your blog to be about, you would meet people in real life who could help you, and make life long friends.
We had a girl at our table one day who didn’t have a blog at all. She came to see what it was all about and was so inspired that she couldn’t wait to get started. Plus, she had an entire table of woman who would help spread the word about her new blog.
Kathy,
I am what I {used} to consider a ‘smaller’ blogger & I wrote a post about going to Blissdom & not feeling Bliss about it (you can find it here: http://www.creativekristi.com/2011/01/im-going-to-blissdom-i-dont-feel-bliss-about-it.html ) and I had your same fears & concerns. I’m SO GLAD I went. You will get so much out of it & the reason why I said I {used} to consider myself a ‘smaller’ blogger is that at Blissdom I realized these women were all JUST LIKE ME. No bigger, no more ‘famous’ they all had the same struggles with posting frequently, gaining page views, juggling a blog & a life outside of blogging. Amy (@ Living Locurto) was the Tribe Leader at the table I sat at and she was so nice & friendly and I didn’t feel like she was some ‘un-reachable’ blogger…does that make sense? I even had a conversation with The Nester & felt like she was an old friend from college. It’s friendly & happy & just as Laurie described it.
I found a group of 4-5 bloggers who DO have my back & who are more than happy to help me out now- which is just nice to have a support group.
You will love it- if you go next year look me up- I’d be happy to walk into sessions with you if you’re nervous!
-Kristi
Laurie
Great question Kathy and I’m sure many people have the same concerns. Amy said it perfectly! I would say that the sessions and workshops at Blog Conferences are tailored to newer bloggers. Therefore, you will learn and benefit the most!
I know exactly what you mean meeting blog-celebrities. I get start struck all the time when I meet other bloggers. I still can’t look Tsh {Simple Mom} in the eyes. I get all gooey inside and just want to giggle when I see her. Seriously, I’m such a dork around her that i usually just wave at her from a distance so I don’t make a total fool out of myself. {{wink}}
The reason I know all of those women in the pictures is because this is my 7 conference to attend. The more you go to the more connections you make and the more wonderful women you fill your life up with. some of those women I met for the first time and others I chat with once a week.
I have this philosophy that the blogosphere changes dramatically about every 6 months. So I wouldn’t focus on getting to know big-time bloggers, i would focus on getting to know the women who have been blogging as long as you have. Because in about 6 months several of them are going to be “big time!” To prove my point, almost all of the women in all of those pictures started blogging in 2006-2007 when I did. I guess you could say, “we grew up together”. HA!
I also wouldn’t worry about not having a specific niche. You might consider yourself as a “mom-blogger” or a “lifestyle blogger”. And there are hundreds of thousands of you that help to lift up our online world and make it a more genuine and warm place. The conference does an amazing job at making sure everyone has a place and a new skill set to learn and grow from.
The bottom line is that if you want to take your blog to the next level or connect with like-minded women, I would absolutely attend a blog conference. You just never know what doors will open up for you and what opportunities will arise.
it’s a crazy fun time to be a blogger right now.
Laurie {tip junkie}
thanks Laurie {and Amy!} … I truly appreciate your thoughts! =)
This advice is truly brilliant Laurie! Love you!! xoxo
Great post! I’m cracking up at your dance photo:-)
I will write my Blissdom post soon… I’m so glad we got to hang out again. Love you!!!
Laurie
Angie was on such a roll that night, it was hard for me to decide what dance photo to use! {{bwaahaa!}} I love you too girl. You inspire me.
Do you know of any conferences this year? I have been struggling ony own with my blog for a couple years now and a conference seems to be just what I need to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Ive googled blogging conferences but how do you know its a good one? Have you heard oh Creative Estates, in Arizona, April 7.
Any help in some sort of direction would be great.
Thanks,
Kirsten Wood
[email protected]
http://Www.doristoday.blogspot.com
Laurie
Kirsten,
Here’s a link to all of the major blog conferences: http://www.sheposts.com/event
This year I’m attending Mom 2.0, EVO ’11, at least one of the Bloggy Boot Camps, and BlogHer {parties only}
Thank you for posting about Bliss. I have seen it for two years now and I think next year is the year I am going to attend. It is nice to know smaller bloggers would benefit from this experience too!
Laurie ~ once again, it was so great to see you & hug you & hang with you
you da bomb.
xoxo
Laurie
Oh my dear Maggie – I adore you! The talent I see in you is astonishing. You’re going to do big things my dear. I can see it.
Laurie, meeting you was one of the highlights of Blissdom for me & I just loved that you read my name tag and went “OH! Creative Kristi-I know you!” lol I was shocked haha I look forward to many blogging conferences as time and money allows because meeting other bloggers & ‘talking shop’ was the most fun-since most of my friends have NO idea what blogging is and/or couldn’t care less lol
Great post! xo
Talk to you soon,
Kristi
Laurie
Um duh! Of course I know who you are Kristi. It was great getting to hug you in person!
AHHH!! It’s my dream to go to a blog conference!! I can’t wait to read thru it all…Thanks for sharing!
You are such a fun subject to photograph Laurie…and that’s because you are so amazingly real and awesome to hang out with. Seriously…I love ya!
I {heart} my alliance. Thanks for making it happen and for being one of the girls who “gotmyback!”
You are so cute and fun. I’m glad I got to meet you. I refer to you as the mover & shaker of the bunch and I’m sure you managed to meet all 700 women there!
I miss my roommate Laurie! That was a great recap!!!
It was such a true pleasure to finally get to meet you in person Laurie! Love, love, love your energy, drive and sweet nature. So very glad I have wonderful friends and “alliances” like you in my life. Love you and can’t wait to see you again soon!
How fun! Hopefully I’ll get to attend a blogging conference next year and meet you! You are GORGEOUS and such an inspiration!
I loved this post! And I am attending my very first conference next month (Blogher 2011) Yay so excited!!!
Lina
Fancy Frugal Life
I am attending my first ever blog conference in October – SITS bloggy bootcamp in Atlanta – will you be there?
.
Very nervous, but excited too.
It happens to tie in with a business trip to Atlanta that week, so I couldn’t resist staying on.
I had a desire to start my commerce, however I didn’t earn enough amount of money to do it. Thank heaven my close colleague said to use the home loans. Thence I took the term loan and made real my dream.
I promised myself that I’d go to my first blog conference this year. But which one? They all sound so amazing, fun and energizing. Thank you for this post!
According to my investigation, millions of people all over the world receive the home loans at different banks. Thus, there is a good possibility to find a small business loan in any country.
Blissdom conference is really interesting event. I enjoy attending that conference.
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