Candice S.In just a few weeks I’ll be attending the world’s largest conference for women content creators and influencers. To say I’m excited is a bit of an understatement. I’ve been wanting to attend BlogHer for the past few years and either budget, a pregnancy or other obligations made it impossible. But not this year!
Thanks to being in the right place at the right time, a few weeks ago, I managed to get a free ticket to attend the conference through one of my FB blogging groups. It just so happened that one of the representatives from Blogher is also in the group and had some free tickets to give away. She posted on the group wall about it but somehow I missed the post until a few days later. By that time, I was expecting all tickets to be gone as there was a limited amount available. I decided to email her anyway to see if she had any left and fortunate for me, she did! So my ticket includes all of the conference events, official meals and cocktail receptions.
Why I’m looking forward to attending BlogHer17
Networking opportunities
This is #1 on my list. BlogHer conferences are known for having some of the best opportunities to meet with brands & media outlets. The conference offers an expo experience, brand sponsored parties and events as well as brand suites. This is where a business rents out a conference suite or space and decorates it to suit their brand. Basically creating their own space to network with conference goer’s and introduce them to who they are.
I’d like to get in front of some new brands and be able to introduce myself, in person. Being able to meet with brand reps is a very important part of my business. Sometimes, that personal touch can mean the difference between securing paid work or not. It also puts a face to your business pitch and keeps you on people’s radar for future opportunities.
My peers
I’m really excited about finally getting to meet many of my peers in person. Many of us have been conversing and collaborating for years and have never had an opportunity to see each other in the flesh. So conferences & meetups are precious to us. I’m looking forward to cuttin’ up with my blogger boo’s between sessions and in some of my free time. I especially can’t wait to mix and mingle with some new black bloggers, a niche that is currently underrepresented in our industry but rapidly growing. Brands are really taking notice of multicultural influence, so Blogher will be the perfect recipe for sparking great collaborations.
Orlando
Do I really need to explain this? Sunshine, resorts, Disney, water fun, food and shopping. All a girl needs.
Travel Writing
I’ll also be working on a travel writing assignment while I’m there. Which is a great opportunity to experience a beautiful resort hotel for a few days and provide social media coverage & a full hotel review for my readers and followers. I’m excited that I’ll be able to get acquainted with a luxury family hotel.
I’ll be revealing where I’m staying as we draw closer to my trip. Sharing all about the rooms, the grounds (I will be poolside at some point), the amenities and the surrounding area, so be sure to follow me on social media June 22 – 25th, to get an inside look at a gorgeous 4 star hotel in the Lake Buena Vista area.
For those of my creative peers that are reading this, I’m so looking forward to meeting you at Blogher17 . I am here for some sun, that pool life and a good night’s sleep in a fluffy luxurious bed. What I’m not here for though are these.
Florida, ya’ll can keep those. Now all I gotta figure out is what to do with my hair. Afro? Crochet braids? Soft dreads? Wig? Who knows. I like being a chameleon.
Have you been to any, or going to any good conferences this year?
Candice S.
23 comments
These conferences seem exciting I would love to go at least once in my lifetime.
There’s lots of buzz about BlogHer. Looks like a great event. Definitely looking forward to reading your review on it. Enjoy!
I’ve never been to BlogHer. It sounds like a great event. I would love to go one year, especially for the networking!! I look forward to following your experiences of the event.
I’m gonna do my best to share as much as I can, for all of the ones that couldn’t make it this year. I know that feeling of wanting to be there.
This will be my 6th BlogHer and I’m speaking, so I look forward to seeing you there! Can’t wait to see your hotel review as well!
Yes! I saw your name on the Agenda. I’ll be attending your session about Travel and I’m really looking forward to it.
I had it all planned to attend the conference this year, and hubby and I were going to make it into a vacation as well. But we had to change our plans. I’ll be tuning in to your post and social media!
Attending the BlogHer17 Conference in Orlando sounds like an awesome opportunity for bloggers! I have always wanted to attend a blogging conference, but I don’t think one has come to Detroit yet. At least not in the two years I’ve been here. I love that BloHer17 gives bloggers the chance to connect with brands and network. I hope you enjoy your conference and meet good contacts for future blog work!
Thanks for the kind words Jennifer! I’ve seen some events for Detroit, but they are all niche based. If you’re a WordPress user, I know they have meetups for users there. Also I found this one if you’re into learning more about social media, digital marketing etc. They have a great lineup of speakers. http://detroit.digitalsummit.com/agenda/main-conference/
Thank you, Candice! I will check out the link. I hope I can find a Detroit-based conference because I would love to learn more about blogging and improve my creative work! 🙂
This seems like it’ll be so fun! Wish I could attend, looking forward to your recap!
I attended BlogHer a few years ago. It was so much fun so see so many bloggers and brands in one place. The swag was out-of-this world too. Enjoy!
I’m a little bummed that I won’t get a “door drop” of swag this year, since I’m staying off site.
I went to BlogHer a few years ago, they were in California. Kerry Washington, Ariana Huffington and some others were there. I also took the dopest selfie with Run of Run DMC. Have a good time.
I’ll be there. It will be my first time. I just got back from Mom 2 and it was a lot of fun and informative.
Oh great! I hope I get a chance to meet you in person Kita !
Congratulations on scoring those tickets! I know you’ll have a blast. I absolutely love Orlando:)
Thank you! I’m hoping to get a chance to scope out a nice Cuban restaurant I’ve been researching and maybe an attraction with my daughter.
Ooh I love the fro look! Do that one! I went to Blogher ’09 and loved it. Have fun!
Thanks! Right now that fro is looking like the simplest option to go with. I really hope this is an epic year for the conference.
I am so disappointed that I can’t make it this year! I can’t wait to read your re-cap.