Before going to BlogHer11 I could tell most of the talk about it on Twitter was about the private parties and who was going to wear what clothes and shoes each day/night.
Me being the busy and lazy person that I am, I didn’t register for any private parties or make any lists of must meet people. The only thing I did was make a rough draft list of sessions I wanted to hit since I was paying a bunch of money to go to a blogging conference and not a party conference.
Apparently that was a big failure on my part since I seemed to be the only person at the conference who didn’t go to some kind of special private party. But whatever, I did my own planning and I’m not bitter.
As far as my opinions of the sessions:
I went to 2 really great sessions. One was with some public relations ladies and I took a lot of great notes that I’m still trying to sift through and hope to use in the future.
The other session that I felt was truly valuable to me was on video. This was the one I was most excited to go to and I was not let down. These ladies had great information that I can use and share for VlogTalk.
The other 4 sessions I went to were not what I had expected at all and I’m sad to say I even left early from 2 of them. (If you ever leave early from a session be sure to take your swag bag with you so you don’t have to do the bloggers walk of shame and go back in to get it).
As far as my opinions on the people:
I met some very great people during my trip. Many of them I was already connected with online through Twitter and reading their blogs. Meeting them in person really strengthened my friendships with them.
Some people were not at all what I expected them to be and not really in a good way. But I’m not going to say anymore on that.
Other opinions:
I really figured out what I am passionate about in social media. I loved talking to people about VlogTalk and how businesses can use social media in the right way. I know these can be my paths to success in the future along with my blog.
I think leaving the hotel a couple times and venturing out on the town was a great decision.
Twitter is great. Thank you to everyone who wasn’t at the conference but cared about me while I was away. You all have a special place in my heart.
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I think your post is great! Nothing to be worried about.
I know you are bummed you didn’t get more from the sessions. I would be disappointed for that reason, too.
At least I know what to expect if I ever go again.
Twitter: carribrown
says:
Well, even though there were a couple of disappointments, you did at least walk away with a better idea of what your focus is, right?
We’ll hit the parties in Nashville. Liz may have to sneak us in, but damn it… we’re going!
There aren’t private parties at Blissdom. There isn’t the exclusivity stuff like that. So it’s all good.
Twitter: Spitupchronicle
says:
BUT there are really great places to party in Nashville!!
Im so excited for Blissdom!
Blissdom Canada had private parties.
I did get a better understand of what I like doing and I learned some good vlogging tips so that was good.
We will make our own parties at Blissdom because we are cool like that.
Twitter: RobynsWorld
says:
Make sure you give feedback at Blogher.com on the sessions. It helps them improve in the upcoming years. I heard a few people mention some sessions that were not what they expected and left early. I was very lucky and did two fantastic sessions and one pretty good session.
There are lots of folks who don’t do the private parties – you are not alone. It really depends on what you want to get out of the conference. For me BlogHer is a networking event more than anything else.
Hope you give it a try again next year in New York!
2 of the sessions I went to were awesome. I think if I go again I’ll change my expectations going into the conference so that I’m not so disappointed in my experience.
Twitter: chicktuition
says:
I heard the same thing about some of the sessions. You definitely weren’t the only one leaving early…or not going to private parties. I’m glad you got some benefit from going and were able to meet some of your online friends.
It was nice to meet some people online. And I heard many people were disappointed in sessions.
Twitter: MamaTrack
says:
Just saw your convo on twitter. Eavesdropping. I agree with your questions. And the thoughts here. And it was super awesome to get to hang out with you so much!
It was awesome to hang out with you. One of the best parts of the conference for sure. And if you go to Blissdom, I still have first dibs on Baby Mama Track.
Twitter: mommyneedsvaca
says:
I agree with you 100%. While I did have some private parties to go to, I find them to be SUPER annoying b/c then you can’t meet everyone that you may have wanted to, plus you feel left out. I think this conference was too big for me. Now, don’t get me wrong, I had fun, I partied, BUT there was SO MUCH going on, I didn’t get to go to all of the sessions I wanted to go to.
I will say something else— I felt like some people didn’t want to talk to certain people if they weren’t going to get something out of it. Do you know what I mean??!??!
Also, I hope that I was friendly to people that I met. I was totally overwhelmed and hope I didn’t come off as a bitch.
PS- I need to catch up and look at the Eli Rose site more!!
I think the conference overall was just overwhelming because there was so much going on.
I totally get what you mean about people not wanting to talk to other people unless they were getting something out of it.
You were friendly to me every time I hunted you down.
I love how focused you are. That’s something I struggle with. I can chat all day long, be silly and party it up, but when it comes time for winter, I don’t have my acorns stored up, see?
Next year, I really want to go to New York for this. I hope I pick good sessions, that I’ve figured out my focus by then, and that I can drag you to a party. Assuming I figure out how to get into one.
But damn, I wish there was a secret blog somewhere that gave me the details about the people. Like, a BlogHer US magazine or something.
Ha! BlogHer US magazine would be hilarious. I probably would read that front to back.
The sessions were very hard to pick. It seemed there were 2 tracks for them: writing or monetizing. I focused more on monetize only because writing ones didn’t really seem interesting to me.
I’m sorry that you didn’t get everything you wanted out of the conference, particularly out of the sessions. I KNOW that networking is a huge, giant part of conferences, but for a lot of people, it’s an expensive weekend just to network, and I would want the sessions to be amazing as well (maybe I’m not thinking about it correctly, but whatever.)
I would have loved to meet you and hope that one day we DO get to meet
And I AM happy that the video session was everything you wanted and really ignited and reinforced that area of focus for you. Though I am scared of vlogging
The networking part was good but for the amount of money I spent on conference I would have liked to learn more social media information.
The video session was full of great information and I’ve already started sharing it for VlogTalk which makes me happy.
do you think next year you will sign up for parties
Next year BlogHer is in New York which will be way to expensive for me to go to.
Twitter: TheDanaK
says:
Ugh. I’m sorry there were some letdowns but at least the 2 that were good were really what you can use!
Now I really want to go to Blissdom. I’m a lot of things but I’m not fake. I also don’t tolerate fake very well.
Try not to let it bring you down.
From the sound of Blissdom I would say it’s a better conference for you and for me. I’m not into parties and fakeness. If I’m paying money for the conference, flight, room, etc I want to get something in return.
Twitter: HStayingAfloat
says:
I love your honesty! It really helps a newbie like myself navigate the whole big world of blogging and the conventions that go with it!
Thank you.
My goal is to always be honest here on the blog.
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
I think this is a great post and did capture how I think you felt – at least from our chat the other day. First, the bloggers walk of shame is hilarious. Great tip. We’ll make a mental note of that. I still want to experience BlogHer – if only just once. But, I think I’ll definitely go into it now with a different mind set. Who knows – maybe that will help. Oh, and I love Julie’s idea for a BlogHer US Magazine. Hilarious. I’m glad you gave your true feelings about the conference in this post.
I couldn’t believe I did the bloggers walk of shame. It was terrible.
Of course you love Julie’s idea of a BlogHer US magazine. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if you put one together next year.
Hey Jessica!
I can relate — I prepared the same exact way you did. No private parties. Well, I missed the sign up for the yoga, but I crashed it anyway. But, I’m now laughing because a yoga class isn’t really a party. (Oh, I need a life!) I was only focused on what sessions I was going to attend, is what I mean, like you were.
I liked the sessions I attended, but I really did LOL when I saw your one tweet — something about maybe you didn’t need the session about twitter because you are a twitter ninja. That made me laugh!
I found that people were getting different things out of the conference in different ways — some people skipped sessions or headed out early, not just to skip out, but because they felt that they were getting more value in talking with people and forming one on one relationships outside the session rooms. I had never thought of it like that.
Looking back, I’m a little annoyed that I tried to do EVERYTHING. I wish I had taken more breaks, and maybe I wouldn’t have been so burnt out by the time I got to Saturday.
Anyway, thanks for the honest post, and it was nice meeting you. And, if you’re ever REALLY having a martini all by yourself, I will come down to the hotel bar and be your friend.
lol
Jen
I am a Twitter ninja, or at least I play one on the Internet.
If I go to BlogHer again at least I have a better understanding of what to expect. I think that will change my experience.
It was nice to meet you and thanks for offering to come and hang out with me Thursday night. I’m always available for martinis.
Very interesting. Sounds like you had mixed feelings about it. Do you think you’ll go again?
I would not go to NYC for the conference unless I have a sponsor. And I would definitely go into the conference with a different frame of mind than I did this time.
Thanks so much for your honesty!! And I’m with Julie…we need a BlogHer US magazine or something for more details
I truly admire your bravery, from one shy girl to another.
I will tell you the first day/night was the hardest for me. I felt very alone for some parts and almost just stayed in my room the whole time but instead I pushed through it and I walked into a party by myself. It took a couple minutes but I found people I knew and it was much better after that.
Twitter: dashingly
says:
If I went it would be for the sessions. Thank you so much for sharing your honest feedback.
I would say, pick your sessions wisely then.
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
says:
Thanks for writing this Jessica and being honest. It’s kinda nice to know a huge conference such as this that everyone waxes lyrical about is not all rainbows and unicorns (though I hear Sparklecorn is an exception) – it makes not going easier
Kidding aside, I think it’s important you talked about what didn’t work for you. The organizers will have stuff to improve on for the next one and hopefully make it a better experience for everyone who will pay a bunch of money.
Sounds like a smaller conference might work better for first time conference goers.
I think smaller would be better for a first conference, or at least for me but I can’t change that now.
There were lots of unicorn things at Sparklecorn. I might have even given someone a unicorn tattoo at that party.
Twitter: TwinkieTotMom
says:
Ok. The Blogger walk of shame…love. The reality of fake people. Don’t love so much. Get this though. If you vlog, there is no way in hell you can be fake. Just watch all of our vlogs to know that. I’m sad that it wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be though. Sounds like you & others who commented that went, learned a lot (whether it was from the actual sessions or not) though.
The blogger walk of shame was bad, really bad.
I did walk away learning new things which is good and I got to meet some great people. That makes me feel better about the overall experience.
Twitter: chimomwriter
says:
Thank you for this post. It was my first BlogHer as well. I was there Wed nite – Sun, and over the first day or two, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I can echo a lot of what you’re saying – Hit or miss on the sessions, and some folks definitely not what I expected… and in truly disappointing ways.
It did help me re-prioritize, too. I gave up most sessions and brands and focused on meeting people in small conversations. For me, that made the conference and I walked away overall pretty happy with it.
As for the private parties, I honestly ended up leaving most early. The conference parties seemed to be just as enjoyable, and in many cases, more so!
I did ask around about sessions, and the feedback I gathered was that Type A is supposed to be pretty good, both for sessions and the atmosphere with the bloggers.
(Sorry so long!)
Thursday was my first day at the conference and it was the hardest one for me since there were so many people. When I left sessions early I went to expo or found people to talk to which was nice.
I have heard Type A is a good conference. Kind of a bummer that it’s on the east coast. Harder for me to travel that far.
I think your perspective is truly interesting – everyone’s is. I can’t really even write about mine!
I didn’t go to a single session but Pathfinder Day, which was really disappointing. I spent my time trying to just get a feel for brands and business and meeting the people I had really wanted to meet after talking on Twitter for so long. I have no regrets for that.
I got maybe 2 invites to private parties but was plus-oned for the others. I wasn’t a huge fan of the parties at all. Too loud and overwhelming and i couldn’t hold a conversation. But so were the BlogHer sponsored parties. I left all of them early and also left wanting a whole lot more. I think I expected too much.
there were people who were not what I expected, but it could be that I was not what others expected, too. Overall, I am trying to give people the benefit of the doubt and understand that it is a lot to process, handle and take in – people are there for different things and being pulled in so many different directions. There were a number of times that I wanted to stay and talk to someone at the expo or during an event, but I had to go because there was something else scheduled that I needed to go do. That broke my heart, because I found that the more intimate gatherings were much more my speed and where I could really be myself.
That being said, I still had a great time meeting the people behind the avatars and getting some “business” done too. I try to keep it all in perspective and know that things can feel or look skewed in such a crazy 3 day time period!
I love this perspective, Gigi! I hope you will write a post expanding on your thoughts and take aways from BlogHer.
I have heard from several people that they were so busy with events that they barely had time to talk with people which left them exhausted and wishing for more down time. There was a lot going on. At least now I know what to expect if I go to BlogHer again.
Twitter: MTDBlog
says:
Coming late to this conversation! It has taken me FOREVER to catch up at home. I echo Gigi’s thoughts completely as well as your Jessica! It was really difficult to see and hang out with everyone that I wanted to. And sadly, some people weren’t what I expected either. I would love to think I came off as I have been, but with the scheduling and quick nature of it all….I have a feeling I wasn’t always at my best. Blogher is such an overwhelming experience……I had a good time, but the sessions weren’t fabulous, especially Pathfinder! UGH.. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the Vlogging session Jessica, my friendJenny is one of the speakers and she is just a gem. LOVE her. Anyway…..Gigi and Jessica, it was such a pleasure to meet you both, I wish we would have had more time than a few passing moments….boo!!!! I’ll be in NYC provided the military doesn’t PCS us overseas. If you end up going ,please let me know!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..2011 VMA’s via Twitter
Twitter: Spitupchronicle
says:
I am so glad you wrote this post. I think going into a blogging conference I would be bummed if some of the people I wanted to meet weren’t what I thought they were. Im going to BBC Atlanta in October and Blissdom here in Nashville next year. Im sure Ill probably experience some of the same things you talked about. Its great to see a blogger be honest about her experience. Hope to see you at Blissdom!!
I think BBC will be good because it’s a smaller venue. I’ve also heard good things about Blissdom and my plan is to be there.
Twitter: MamasMonologues
says:
I’m so glad you posted this. I love that you were honest and really showed us both sides to the conference. I’ll be honest, leading up to this last week I saw everyone posting about fashion and different parties, and I did think to myself that it might have been a good thing I wasn’t going. That’s not for me. I’d rather go and sit in a session where I’m REALLY going to get something out of it. And as far as parties go? I just want to hang out with my friends!
I’ve also been watching a lot of other people say the same thing about people they’ve met there. Looks like we have some fakers in da house!
I’m not really a party person, never have been. I like to hang out with my friends and talk, not yell over loud music. However, the party on Friday night was a great time and I’m glad I went to that one.
I hope when we are at a conference together we have a better time.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
I think that you did great here- honest and true to you.
I’m so very glad that we met and had a little bit of time together! I know what to expect from you on and off line.
I’m glad we got to have lunch that first day before things got really crazy. It was great meeting you and I hope we get to meet in person again one day.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
Thanks for this! I think Alison is right…that maybe smaller conferences for your first ones are probably better…and honestly probably less overwhelming. The bigger the sessions get…the less you feel connected. LOL not that I know b/c I’ve never been ha ha…but I’m just sayin’!
I agree, the bigger the conference the harder it is to connect with people.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
Oh good, you posted with your thoughts!
I loved the sessions I went to, but I was looking for different things out of it. And I didn’t do any private parties either. I actually preferred the BlogHer ones – maybe because they were on site and I’m lazy like that
Re: the people. I actually expected some of them to be like that, so it wasn’t unexpected. But still, it’s sad that my hunch was right. Good thing I found awesome people like you to hang out with.
And the blogger’s walk of shame is still the best thing ever.
I’m so glad you loved your sessions. It sounded like they were perfect for you.
I guess I was naive in thinking people would be the same online and offline. Oh well. Their loss.
I thought you would like that I added the bloggers walk of shame to the post.
Twitter: MrsMommyMatters
says:
I would be bummed about not getting more from the sessions, too. I’m starting to rethink the idea of attending BlogHer and going a different route. I’ve read a lot of posts so far about how the sessions just weren’t up to par. I’m not all into the partying thing either, so you’ve given some great insight here. Looking forward to seeing you implement your new information!
My honest opinion is if you want to learn more about blogging and social media, go to a different conference. If you want to network and party, go to BlogHer.
Twitter: MTDBlog
says:
Very good advice. I think there is merit to both types of conferences. I just need to find the one where I can get the most learning done because I was a bit frustrated that I didn’t get enough new actionable information from the sessions. The teacher in me, the nerd in me was frustrated with that aspect of it. I really would love to go to Blissdom, I’ve heard really good things…..perhaps I need to try to add it to my agenda.
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..2011 VMA’s via Twitter
Twitter: AskDocG
says:
Thank you for telling it like it really was for you. Conference envy is easy to find. You give me the insight I need to make good decisions about attending a conference and what to expect.
I will definitely do more research before I go to another conference to know what to expect from it ahead of time.
Twitter: fromtracie
says:
I’m glad you posted it!
I think if I get a chance to go to a conference next year (I haven’t done one yet), I will start with a smaller one. Less intimidating, and maybe more focused on content instead of parties.
Finding your passion and your path is a fabulous thing!!
I think smaller will be better for a first conference.
It sounded like so much fun! I will definitely be at the next one and will make sure to go to fancy parties
RSVP early for all the fancy parties if you want to go to them.
Twitter: MTDBlog
says:
The Fancy parties were ok and had some great swag…… But, the Blogher parties were definitely a lot more fun! So, my advice…..do both!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..2011 VMA’s via Twitter
Twitter: simplyasandwich
says:
Just want to say thank you so much for sharing this. From Twitter I could see that you were really struggling with posting this and I want you to know that as a never-attended-a-conference-before newbie, I appreciate your honesty in your recap. I hope that you will put this as a learning experience and not let it turn you away from conferences in general. Thanks so much again!
I changed this post a lot before actually posting it. It was hard for me but I’m happy now with what I wrote. I will still go to conferences in the future because I know they have value, I will just have a different set of expectations for them.
That’s too bad that some of the sessions were a let down. I think I would be like you at a conference. I would go to as many sessions as I could, I would probably be disappointed that some people didn’t turn out to be as I had imagined them, and I would most likely not go to any private parties. However, I would probably be the person who wished she was at a private party but was too shy to pursue an invitation. So hopefully, if I do ever make it to a blogging conference, I’ll find a few other like-minded individuals and we can have our own little private party of introverts.
I think you probably would have really liked the writing sessions they had. Many people said they were good. I found a couple really great bloggers and hung out with them almost the whole time I didn’t have something else going on. It was nice.
Twitter: MamaRiceCake
says:
I’m glad that you said what you did. All of the posts about fashion and junk weren’t my cup of tea. I heart yoga pants way too much. I’d want to spend the money to sit thru sessions where I’d learn something… not just “be seen”. That’s one of biggest reasons that I’m not willing to travel for that stuff.
I hope that you got some decent swag… and I really can’t wait to hear what you learned about video. I wanna get back into VlogTalk (I know… “back in” after one whole post!) and I’m excited to hear where you’re going to take it.
For whatever it’s worth… I’d have been lounging around my hotel room in sweats when I wasn’t in a session!
I think the networking aspect of BlogHer was also important but it wasn’t my only goal for the conference.
I really haven’t even gone through much of the swag yet. It’s sitting on my counter.
Twitter: MTDBlog
says:
My swag is in a box….in my bedroom. I have yet to use any of it. But it was fun to get goodies!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..2011 VMA’s via Twitter
Twitter: elainea
says:
I think you’re going to love Blissdom. It definitely has a different feel and the sessions are pretty great, at least from my one experience earlier this year.
I’m just so glad that you came to BlogHer so I could meet you and hang out! xo
I’ve been hearing good things about Blissdom from other people too. Looking forward to it for sure.
I’m glad I got to meet you too and now I have a picture to prove I saw you.
Twitter: jamcadventures
says:
I’m always interested to hear the perspectives of those who went. Don’t know if a conference is my cup of tea or not, but I might get brave and try it some day. ; )
I think it’s good to go to a conference but I would recommend starting with a smaller one first.
Twitter: Amandaaustin
says:
Some of your thoughts are exactly why I am intimidated by blog conferences. What if people aren’t like I expected? What if I don’t enjoy the sessions? What if it leaves me disenchanted with blotting (kels mean How forbid!) But sounds like your good out weighed the bad.
I came home very down about blogging but after writing out some different posts (that will not be published) and talking to some real online friends I feel much better now. But I do think you should go to a conference. It’s a good experience.
Twitter: madwomandiary
says:
Oh Jessica. I couldn’t agree with you more. The people, the parties, the sessions. So many highs and lows. So many pleasant surprises and serious let downs.
I’m glad that we met and wished there had been more real social time, rather than screaming over loud music or being outrageous. (Yeah, I may have gotten a little crazy at #Sparklecorn)
I plan on going again, as long as the conference is on the West Coast but I’ll go with eyes open and expectations low.
I wouldn’t pay to go to NYC for the conference next year. If it comes to the west coast again I might consider going but like you said I will have lower expectations.
It was great to meet you and I will forever remember our time together at Sparklecorn.
Twitter: thekircorner
says:
I am glad you got the things you needed out of BlogHer and I think that going to a conference like that has to be done “your way” , you’re such a strong force of nature that I knew you would enjoy and engage every last minute of it. I can’t wait to see what you have to share with us…maybe I’ll even try VLOGGING this year!
You should try vlogging. It would be great to see you.
I think the first time at a conference is like a dry run. I learned more about what I wanted from a conference after I went to one. This post has taught me even more.
Thank you for writing it.
This was definitely a good learning experience for me.
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
How about we all just pitch in and go to Vegas to chill?
I’m in. Vegas baby!
Isn’t it crazy how different people can be in person…don’t worry, if you ever meet me in person I’m as looney and light hearted as I am in my blogs and I’m a man. OH didn’t you know?
Ha! I was told that I am just the same in real life as I am online. Everyone should be afraid.
I’ve never gone to BlogHer. I’ve wondered if I should…I would like to meet the other bloggers, but not sure how much I’d care about the sessions
The networking aspect was great minus a few fake people.
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
It’s nice to read an honest post on a blogging conference. I have not yet been to one so it’s good what others think. I’m glad you got something out of a few sessions. That’s a bummer you left two because they were lame. As for the parties, I think I would be more interested in just hanging with the gals I talk with most on Twitter. Smaller groups are cooler for me although I’m not shy. As for people being different than expected, that’s always a disappointment. Maybe some are shy? I would be annoyed by people who chat u up on Twitter but then snub/ignore you at the conference. Oh well, everything is a learning experience. Thanks for sharing yours, Jessica:)
Personally, I’m very shy at first so I know the first day I was very quiet. But once i warm up a little, it’s hard to shut me up.
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
says:
i was disappointed with the sessions this year. there were 2 that i was REALLY looking forward to and both let me know. Last year i enjoyed all the sessions i went to and was hoping for the same (cause you are right – we are paying for the sessions, not the parties).
i hope the sessions improve for next year.
I hope they are better for you next year too.
Twitter: grumpygrateful
says:
Interesting perspective. I appreciate you sayin it like it is. I think it will help with my expectations if I ever get to go to a conference. Your walk of shame made me laugh–that would be me. Too bad about some of the people–I think my expectations might be too high for certain bloggers, but I’ll keep on believing for now. I would probably be to shy to talk to anyone and people would think I’m a snob.
I was shy at first too because it was a lot to take in and in real life I’m normally shy at first. But once I get over it, I don’t shut up. Kind of how I was on Twitter, at first I was shy and now I’m all over the place. It was a good experience to go to a blogging conference though.
Twitter: anauthenticlife
says:
My sentiments as well. (In fact, I posted about the same thing a few days ago. Be sure to visit my blog for details.)
I was glad to see I was not the only one disappointed with Pathfinder day (how to grow your blog as a media company. And I did NOT return after lunch.)
The women I met were amazing, and I am relieved to not be disappointed in that.
Still digesting whether or not I will attend BlogHer12??
I didn’t go to Pathfinder day but I heard from several people it wasn’t that great.
I won’t be at BlogHer12 since it’s on the east coast and that’s too far for me to travel.
First off, I’m really glad you decided to post this. I skimmed the other comments and looks like what you had to say was very well received.
It’s nice to get something that feels like a real perspective on the different areas of the conference. While the parties sound like fun, I wouldn’t want to spend all that money just to go party it up. I can do that here. I would also go for the sessions, and I’m sorry that some of them were disappointing. Live and learn. Do you think you’ll attend other conferences? Or BlogHer ’12?
I heard the writing sessions were good from quite a few people so I imagine you would have liked those.
I plan on going to Blissdom in Nashville in February and BBC Vegas in October next year. Not BlogHer12. Too far away.
I wouldn’t be able to make Nashville or NYC, but what is BBC? I might be able to swing a Vegas trip if I felt it might be worth it.
BBC is Bloggy Bootcamp put on by The SITS Girls. They only allow 125 people in the conference and I’ve heard good things about it so far.
Twitter: krrobi
says:
—Love your post.
Thank you for sharing with us.
I am just getting into Vlogging.
—-So utterly out of my comfort zone…but fun to do.
I love watching to see what new things the Vloggers do!
I love seeing their faces & hearing their voices. xx
Vlogging is a great way to add a different element to your blog and from what I learned at session it is becoming the future of social media. Keep doing it.
Twitter: geekbabe
says:
I heard quite a bit of disappointment from several folks about the sessions. I viewed BlogHer11 primarily as a networking event & planned my time there accordingly, had a blast & connected with so many awesome people!
Btw, thank you for this really well thought out post, it’s nice to read about why people plan their conference strategies!
It was nice to network and connect with other people but it was expensive to go to the conference so I had hoped for more from it.
Good for you for even attending BlogHer so early in your blogging career. I love your blog goals. I need to get more serious with setting some blog goals of my own. I realize that it’s the best way to stay focused and grounded in my blogging.
I have been thinking a lot about my blogging goals lately and BlogHer helped to reaffirm them which was great. I’m glad I went to the conference but I know if I go again I will have different expectations.
Twitter: averagsupermom
says:
Hi Jess! I’m bummed I didn’t go to Blogher, but I’m so new to blogging that I wasn’t sure it was right for me this year. I probably should have gone to help me get more focus on what the heck I’m doing with my blog, but maybe next year. Great post!
There are other smaller conferences that might be helpful for you instead of BlogHer. Check out some of those, maybe Bloggy Bootcamp by the SITS girls or Blissdom.
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
I would suggest a smaller one too. I went to Bloggy Boot Camp from SITS Girls and it was awesome. Much smaller, much more learning too!
BBC is coming to Vegas October 2012. My plan is to be at that one. Maybe a little bit more for Vegas than for the conference but whatever.
i’m still trying to process my views on blogher. they’re conflicting in many ways. overall positive though. i agree with you on some points. i took a lot away from it i was hoping for more too.
Write them down. Even if you don’t post just write so you can get it out.
I finally put it in a post. I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting though.
I read the post, great job on it and it sounds like you took a way a lot of positives.
Twitter: surferwife
says:
You know what one of my bigger disappointments was? Not talking to you more. That first night was a big messy blur of people and I wanted more face time with you.
There was a lot of busyness going on that took away from spending time with the people that I really wanted to hang out with. Maybe I’ll just have to come to the beach to visit you without a conference.
Twitter: MomMostTraveled
says:
I went to some parties and I didn’t go to others. I had a great time and I wouldn’t change anything. If you had a good time, don’t beat yourself up over what you did or didn’t go to. No worries!
There were sessions I wanted to attend but in the end I had to admit to myself that my body needs care and I can’t demand that much out of it, i had to recharge in the hotel room a couple of times instead of speeding off to a session.
Once I did go to the room and take a 30 minute nap. That was great, helped me keep up the late night partying.
Twitter: whats4dinnerma
says:
Those are the sorts of things I had heard about Blogher in previous years. It is sort of social, and a get away from the family thing, and sort of like a sorority party. That’s sort of why I didn’t go…and it’s expensive!
It was pretty expensive to be one big party.
You aren’t the only one!! I went to one private party and it was pretty lame. I didn’t go to any official blogher parties either.
I think the best official party I went to was Sparklecorn.
I admire how honest you are in this post. I feel like there is pressure in the bloggy community to always be upbeat and positive about any kind of community event. I’ll be curious to hear if you decide to go again next year. Several posts I read said the sessions were disappointing. But sounds like you got a lot out of one at least! I know what you mean about experiencing a mix of people being/not being who you expected. I felt that even at BBC which was so small. Some people always feel if you don’t have anything to offer, it’s bye bye. Yucky.
Since the conference is in New York next year I am not planning on going. Way too expensive for me to go across the country to party.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I got a lot out of the sessions I attended and was shocked to see someone in one of the sessions playing solitaire. Really? You can do that at home!
I could care less about the swag and I don’t work with brands, so any parties I attended, I was a plus 1. The parties were fun and gave me a good chance and much needed opportunity to let my hair down a bit and enjoy being out and with new and old friends.
Wish I had taken the opportunity to leave the hotel with a small group to chat. That was smart of you!
Leaving the hotel for a little while was one of the best things. It was nice to go to dinner as a group of 4 outside of the craziness and talk. I think we all enjoyed it and actually helped each other out with our combined blogging knowledge.
I didn’t go to any private parties either, you weren’t alone there.
I was at the video blogging too, loved it. Though as I edited a video last night I had a lot of questions.
I can help you with questions on editing of video. That was great session.
Bottom line that we can all agree on BlogHer was a LOT to do, to take in, to love and to not love.
As for the sessions a “big” blogger told me on day one “dont’ bother going to the sessions you won’t learn anything” I thought it was maybe because she already knew everything she needed to know, but NO she had a point….
She did have a point and I think we know what to do if we ever go to the conference again.
I truly think leaving the hotel is key at any conference
I think it saved me from going crazy.
Twitter: litasworld
says:
This was my first BlogHer and I must say I’m still sorting out all my thoughts, emotions and reactions.
I’m glad you got focus on your passion for vlogging and Vlog Talk. My goal was to try to take away 1 valuable thing and it seems the session I was invited to on Cause Marketing ended up being the one I liked the most. Unfortunately, that wasn’t even one of the “BlogHer” sessions. I found the other sessions to mostly be “conversations” about topics more than educational sessions. It might just be the choice of sessions I went to.
Honestly, by party time, I was pretty tired and certainly wasn’t invited to any private affairs. I’m not sure how all that inviting works as I’m pretty new to the whole blog conference thing. I met some fabulous women, but when it just got too loud, I felt the need to head out and rest and recharge for the next day.
I’m not totally discouraged from going again, but I do think there are other conferences I’d like to try and attend also.
If you’ve had success with others, I’d love to hear about them.
I agree that most of the sessions ended up being conversational rather than educational.
I’ve heard that Blissdom, Type A, and Bloggy Bootcamp are all good conferences to go to but I’ve never been to them so I can’t say for sure.
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
Bloggy Boot Camp is AWESOME, I highly recommend it !
Twitter: litasworld
says:
OOHHH thanks, I’m off to check their schedule now!
Twitter: take2mommy
says:
Thank you for the honest and candid review of the actual conference. (I’ve read plenty of other posts already about the parties and outfits.)
If the conference taught you how businesses can harness the power of social media, it was money well spent. If you can translate that to actually helping corporations and brands navigate their SMM opportunities, you’re golden!
I’ve already known how businesses can use social media for good, the conference just helped me reaffirm what I know and my passion for it when I was talking to other people. Now, I just need to do something with my knowledge….
Twitter: mrsmuffinsblog
says:
I’m so jealous of everyone who went to BlogHer! I’d probably have done the same thing though, not planning to attend parties. Mingling is not my strong suit… lol!
xx
The official parties were open to anyone. Mingling is hard for me too but once I found a few people to hang out with it was easier for me to talk to everyone.
Twitter: sellabitmum
says:
Well you know how I felt about the private parties when we came back that night from the first one and I said LAME!!! I loved the BlogHer parties so much!
Also, after getting NOTHING out of the Blissdom sessions, I really didn’t think I would get much out of BlogHer’s. ..but was pleasantly surprised by 2 of them also.
It was so nice meeting you. I really like this very honest post about your experience.
xoxo
I do remember you and many other people saying Lame that first night.
I think I’m going to have different expectations about conferences in the future. I’m hoping that will make me feel better about them.
It was nice to meet you!
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
This post was awesome, Jessica! I was bummed all weekend that I didn’t get to go to BlogHer. I just couldn’t afford it. I live on the east coast and flying out to CA just wasn’t in my budge this year. Thankfully when and IF I go to BlogHer, at least I’m not a conference virgin! I went to BBC Boston back in May and it was fab. I loved it! The educational aspects were simply spectacular.
I love how honest you were in this post. I think that’s where I wasn’t true to myself in the two posts I wrote about BBC. The networking was great, but I was honestly surprised that some of the people I was dying to meet ended up being snobs and only hanging with the “celeb” bloggers. Know what I mean? It’s said, and I guess I was too naive in thinking people would be just a cool offline as they are online. Now I know better.
With BlogHer being in NYC next year I probably won’t be going since it’s so far away from me because I’m in the west coast. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed BBC. I plan on going to one in Vegas next year.
Some people were not what I expected and I was not prepared for that since everyone seems friendly online. I guess it’s just one of those live and learn lessons.
Thanks for sharing. Like you, I probably wouldn’t have signed up for parties. I would’ve been there for the sessions and definitely expected a lot from them.
It is great to be able to meet people you talk to and connect with online. Sorry to hear some weren’t what you expected. I don’t understand how people can be so fake.
And after reading this, I think I’ll plan on attending a smaller conference, if I ever get the chance.
I think you definitely should go to a conference and it’s a good idea to start with a smaller one. I think it’s a good experience for bloggers.
Twitter: csiracusa
says:
I am really looking forward to hearing what you learned about video. And it’s great that you clarified some of your areas of expertise for yourself. I love it when you realize the things you enjoy are also the things you’re really good at.
I’m now considering attending next year. It’s in NYC so not having to pay for air and hotels and being able to get ‘off campus’ might actually be a plus. I didn’t think I’d be ready but based on what you said here I can treat it like a small conference…be really particular about the sessions I attend…and then walk away…and not feel like I wasted a lot of $$.
If NYC is close for you and not too expensive then you should go. It’s good to meet people that you talk to online. Just don’t be disappointed if some turn out to be not what you expected.
Twitter: Twinisms
says:
I’m sorry that it wasn’t what you had hoped. Thank you for being honest about your experience. I’m not sure I would attend one, I’ve been to other conferences and know the sessions can be hit or miss. It’s a lot of money and time to waste.
For you I bet travel would be very expensive to go to a conference. I’m not sure if it would be worth the cost for you. But, if for some reason you do get the opportunity to go to a conference once I suggest you go. It’s a good experience.
Twitter: amyplus1x3
says:
I was wondering more about the content at BlogHer. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts about it. I am always cautious about spending money on something that I won’t get a whole lot out of. I think it would be fun to meet some of the people, but overwhelming at the same time.
Thanks for sharing!
It was both a fun and overwhelming experience but I would say it was a lot of money to not get much out of the sessions.
Thank you for sharing this! I haven’t been to a Blogher yet but I’ve heard some of the same things you had talked about. I am planning on going to NYC only because it’s so close to me, BUT I might only go for the networking and not so much the session. I also agree about meeting people in real life and it’s not what you expected….but you always walk away from conferences with a few stronger relationships
If it’s close for you to go to BlogHer in NYC I would say go for the networking. Could be great for you.
I did walk away with some great relationships so I am very happy about that.
meeting online friends…to me that’s a little scary..coz I may not be what they’ve expected me to be, we could hit it and be friends, or like you said, they could turn out to be different, not as nice as they seem online. I think, a lot of us have “split personalities” the online us, and the real us. Anyway..i think you acieved your purpose in just meeting the right people such as th hr person.
I like to think I am the same online and offline. Shy at first and then I open up and don’t stop talking but I do understand not everyone is the same. It was just kind of a shock to experience this with a group of over 3,000 bloggers.
I know a lot of people were disappointed in the sessions this year. Im glad I skipped them!
As far as the people – For me, I would say 95% of the people I met were great. The other 5% were not so great. lol Some people just really think they are important!
Im glad Kim and I took that extra day to go explore and relax, it was super fun.
I really wish I would have taken an extra day to see the town while I was there. I would have loved to visit the beach.
Twitter: amountainmomma
says:
I’m glad you decided to write about your experience. I think you covered everything nicely in a balance and fair way. Glad you had some fun and enjoyed yourself!
I had a couple posts written, just wasn’t sure about publishing them. I changed this one a lot and I’m happy I posted it and overall I’m glad I went to the conference.
Twitter: firefam5
says:
I wish I would have gone- I am in talks with the hubs to go next year if they will do it again in our favorite place- San Diego. We will see. I was excited to see that you met Elaine when she posted a photo of you two on her blog. I think those are the things I would like the most- meeting those that I am in contact with everyday.
Elaine was very sweet to meet in person.
Maybe one year they will bring the conference back to San Diego.
It’s great that BlogHer helped you to solidify your blogging goals! Success all the way baby!
I’m working on the success part!
Twitter: katiefhurley
says:
I think it would be both exciting and anxiety producing to meet a bunch of online friends in real life. It’s easier to interact online (although sometimes I fear that my sarcasm gets lost on Twitter)…I know I’m more of an observer in big crowds. I’m not sure if it would have been the right place for me. I’m most comfortable in smaller groups where I don’t feel like I have to be the life of the party to be a part of it.
It sounds like we are a lot alike. I love Twitter but I think my sarcasm sometimes is lost and big groups are hard for me. Maybe we should just plan a small get together with bloggers instead of going to a conference.
BlogHer was a sea of faces, not a single second of downtime, and always having to be somewhere.
Also, lots of peeps who looked nothing like their avi picture.
If I could do a do over, I’d find out people’s names, not just their blog names; so hard to place someone after you’ve just met 15 people in a row…and it all becomes just a swirling mass of bloggy names..
I think we learn from each conference. I already know what to do next time. At the risk of sounding deaf, I will ask someone to repeat their names 5 times over if I have to, until it rings a bell.
So many bloggers, so little days.
I heard the BBC are awesome. I’ll be in the Chicago one this Sat., I’ll let you know.
It was so nice to meet you, even if we were running in different directions at the time!
I started asking people for their Twitter handles instead of their real names since that was easier for me to identify them. Next time I will definitely get more phone numbers for people as that made it easier to make sure I connected with them.
Have a good time at BBC Chicago. I’ve got my name on the list for Vegas next year.
Twitter: joneseskeeper
says:
Good post on your opinion of BlogHer. After reading your post and others with similar thoughts, if I do go to BlogHer next year, I will kind of have an idea of what to expect.
I am going to BBC Atlanta in October, so I will be entering my first blog conference as well. Next year I’m thinking of Blissdom (I used to live in Nashville so it gives me an excuse to go back) or Blogalicious.
I have heard good things about BBC and I think that is a good conference to start with since it’s a much smaller setting. I’m also planning on Blissdom next year. Already saving up money for it. See you there hopefully!
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
says:
I spoke to my husband before going to BBC and he told me conferences are about face time and getting away on companies money. That shocked me, because I expect to learn and improve if I attend a ‘class’.
I have to say he was spot on. Not that it was not nice to meet likeminded women and spend the day in their company, but I learned absolutely nothing. I enjoyed attending the sessions, but I did not thin the were value for money at all. I am also afraid this might be the case with all future conferences. That is not to say I will not attend, but frankly I do not expect anything other the hanging out.
And as someone who sat out on BlogHer I can give you my personal observation: since all bloggers returned I have seen a major drop of visits by BlogHer attendees. Which would clearly indicate the female nature of forming cliques and leaving out the “unwanted”. Same with my Twitter stream. Except from you. Which is kind of why I expected this would be your review even before reading it.
In real life, without blogging and fancy online persona, if you were at the playground with your two girls, I would want to get to know you. Invite you over for a cuppa tea. Take your dogs for a week, while you travel. Let you drop of the kids, while you run some errands. There are but a handful of you girls our there, but I would love to meet you. At BlogHer or supermarket.
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Your husband was right on about conferences. Knowing that they are mostly for connecting with people and not about learning I’m not sure I will be able to justify going to as many conferences as some people do.
I find it interesting that you have seen a drop in things from BlogHer attendees since you didn’t go the conference. I know I have been a little behind on things since returning home but that is only because I was without a computer for 4 days for the conference and then we went out of town this last weekend for family time and I didn’t have a computer either. I can say for sure that cliques were formed and/or strengthened, I know that I made some great new friends from the conference but I didn’t forget about my online friends that weren’t there. They were actually very supportive of me while I was at the conference and afterwards when I was feeling unsure about everything.
I would hang out with you any day. Conference or no conference.
Twitter: laurenweber84
says:
I missed this post earlier, but glad I came back to it. As somewhat of a skeptic about conferences (shhh! don’t tell), I really appreciate your honest perspective. And I’m super excited for you to share your mad video skills with us…video is something I want to get better at and I’m so thankful you gals created vlogtalk for it!
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