Houston, we had absolutely no problems whatsoever
At the Mom 2.0 Carnivale on Friday night, I had a rare opportunity to talk with Lisa Stone for more than fifteen seconds – rare because she has to be one of the busiest people I know, but she’s also one of the most genuinely caring and approachable.
I’d spent a bit of time at Mom 2.0 reminiscing about the first BlogHer conference I attended – BlogHer06 in San Jose – and how the venue had lent itself so well to meeting and greeting. But even more than that, BlogHer06 was the conference at which so many of us met for the first time. It was the one that started it all.
I adore BlogHer, both the organization and the conferences. The annual conference is included in my annual budget; there’s no way that I would consider not attending. As painfully expensive as it can get, with airfare and hotel and taxi and conference pass and alcohol incidentals, it would pain me far more not to attend.
But oh, the exhaustion. BlogHer is overwhelming, even without a baby in tow. And while I don’t expect to get more than fifteen seconds with Lisa, Jory, or Elisa at BlogHer, it’s frustrating not to get more than fifteen seconds with fellow bloggers.
It’s why we go up to our rooms and torture each other like this.
Not only did I get a great deal out of Mom 2.0 in terms of contacts and content – seriously, check out the Twitter stream for some fantastic resources – I was able to spend some real quality time with several bloggers. We sat and chatted leisurely, with glasses of wine or cups of coffee, telling stories and discovering even more in common with each other than we’d already known. I feel so much closer to these women now; we’re no longer friendly acquaintances – we’re friends.
At dinner on Saturday night, I commented that I would have gladly stayed for another day of sessions, networking and socializing. I was surprised that I felt that way, considering that as much as I have loved each BlogHer conference I’ve attended, I’ve been ready to go home at the end – most likely due to sheer exhaustion.
Mom 2.0 was tiring, no doubt. But I’m not ready for a nap; I’m energized, inspired, and ready to work.
See you at BlogHer09!
Extra-special hugs and kisses to the women of Kirtsy, who not only put on an amazing conference in conjunction with OpMom, but also treated my roommates suitemates (Catherine and Kristen) and me like absolute royalty. I’m still swooning. Thank you.
Photo credit: Aimee of Greeblemonkey
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Oh those pics still crack me the fuck up. I’m not sure we’ll be able to beat that, but you’re right. It was nice to be able to spend quality time with new and old bloggers.
Old as in ones I knew before. Not like OLD.
Motherhood Uncensoreds last blog post..I don’t think I could have even staged this if I tried
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
sounds fantastic. sure hope i can make it to a conference one day… if only to bask in the radiance of ‘real’ bloggers
MommyNamedAprils last blog post..It’s a Dancing Gringo.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
They sound like a blast to go to. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go to a conference though! Definitely not in our budget.
Heathers last blog post..Fleeting Moments
February 24th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Sounds amazing!. I am already counting down to BlogHer, since I got cheated out of it last year!
mayberrys last blog post..Chair by the window, please
February 24th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Sounds like fun! =)
I wish I could go to BlogHer, but I’ll have to wait until next year. This year while all you ladies are having a grand ole time, I’ll be swearing to my husband that he’s never having sex again just in the off chance the next time resulted in my parts having to dilate to ten centimeters. So enjoy it twice as much for me!!
Sarahs last blog post..19 Weeks
February 24th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Aw, we’ll always have San Jose.
And Chicago. And San Francisco. And putting condoms and shit on Catherine.
February 25th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Yes, it was awesome to actually hang with you mamacita. well, somewhere other than our houses.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Oh, I remember BlogHer 06. It was so much fun. Looking back, I was such a freakin’ n00b. I hope I’ve grown a little as a blogger since then.
But yeah, BlogHer is always in my budget because it’s my best chance to catch up with people I like who I only get to see once or twice a year.
I wish I could have been at Mom 2.0. Seeing how much everyone got from the conference, I’m thinking I’ll need to add it to my list for next year.
Christinas last blog post..Haiku Friday: (Lack of) Technical Support
February 27th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I’m going to Blogher for the first time this year. I just bought my conference tickets a couple of days ago. I’m pretty jazzed.
Caras last blog post..Friday Top 20: Random Things