First off, I have to say, after doing a conference with a kid, don’t do it if you can get away with it.
Yes, this is a personal preference, but it was just way too much work. Imagine everyone around you saying how hot, tired, and exhausted they are…and then me feeling all those things PLUS I have a freaking baby with me. Not so much fun.
That said, she was a great conversation starter. Like every room I stepped into, someone would stop and talk to us or ask about her. By now, you’re probably like, “Oh, that’s that girl with the cute baby, I remember her.” Right?
President Obama, Martha Stewart, and Katie Couric, were cool…but meeting some awesome bloggers in person, that I have been reading for years now, like Jill from Scary Mommy, Amanda from Parenting By Dummies, Kat from Mama Kat’s Losin It, Jenny from Jenny on the Spot, Audrey and Vera of Getting Gorgeous, Janice from 5 minutes for Mom, Fadra from All things Fadra, Amy and Haley from Mom Spark, and SO many more I could probably list a whole page of people – was what really did it for me.
I got to hang out with my Super Cool Bloggers, MomDot peeps, and a ton more people, it’s crazy how many people I talked to within just a few days. No lie, probably more then I see in person all year. Sad, I know.
I had fun listening to Mandy, Gina, Jill, and Charlie pretend they know what the hell they are doing, at the ONE session I actually made it to. Kidding, you guys rock.
I took a super fun boat tour which I will post pics, very soon.
I even took the Subway, with a few lovely ladies. It was like going into the pits of hell, but at least I can say I have done it.
I hardly eat, barely slept, didn’t drink enough water, and felt hungover with out having a single drink.
By the last day, I was ready to go home. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with my friend Carrie. Went to CheeseburgHer where they ran out of cheeseburgers, twice, before I gave up.
Overall, being in NYC with some amazing friends, was worth it for me.
While, I honestly did not feel like the expo hall was a great place to really connect, I did enjoy the private events and parties I attended. It was great to meet in person, people I have been working with, as well as connect with others.
I started a list of what I did not like this year, and it always goes back to they should have just done it in San Diego again, am I right? =)
It really doesn’t matter what was good or bad in the end, but what we take from it. I know I met some ah-mazing people, like crazy amazing and hopefully formed new friendships with bloggers and relationships with new brands.
The “swag”, was cool. It’s just stuff though. I would much rather sit down and talk and learn from others then come home with more “stuff”.
I have decided to skip BlogHer next year. I already bought my ticket for Type A Conference, and leaning towards another one, not sure which one though. Any suggestions?
……………….
The worst part of my trip was being 4.5 hours delayed in NYC, which meant missing my connecting flight, leaving my phone on the plane, having the airport police track it down, staying in the airport all night, then finally catching the 7am flight home. When of course they lost our car seat and stroller. Good times…
Special thanks goes out to Invitation Consultants, who creates customized printed invitations and announcements online - for choosing me as one of their #BoostYourBlog winners.
About Hanan Webster
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I can SO relate when you say you felt hungover without taking a drink, I felt the same way! And I didn’t have a baby with me. I cannot even imagine how exhausted you must be. Thanks for making the time to stop by the Blogger Baby Shower. Wish I would have had more time to chat. I’m also thinking about going to Type A, so maybe we’ll get to know each other a bit there. :)
Kristine recent post: BlogHer12: Smiles, Cute Babies and Saving Lives
Thank you for hosting that event! I really enjoyed learning more about Baby’s First Test, and of course it was so nice to meet you!
So glad we got the chance to finally meet in person!!! I agree Blogher was a whirlwind of craziness. I am still trying to process it all.
I still think it’s funny we finally meet in person and it’s across the country! We NEED to get together soon!
So great to meet you and of course, your third little savvy lady! Love that we have that connection! I definitely want to go to a smaller conference too next year.
Kerri recent post: Bloggers Rocking on Friday Night #BlogHer12
Kerri, I had soooo much fun with you and Michelle! You two are super sweet and I can’t wait to see you again!!
So glad we got to spend some time together! I definitely felt hungover–and even threw up–without one single drink. Glad you finally made it home, what a terrible day for travel!
Emily @ Baby Dickey recent post: Growth Spurts: not a reason to stop breastfeeding
Insane traveling that last day, huh? I’m so happy I got to see your pretty face again this year, and we better see each other next year too!
This was my 3rd BlogHer and I think the size of it is why I didn’t really enjoy this one as much as previous years. I can relate totally to the hungover feeling – and like you said, I didn’t have a baby with me. I think a lot of the stress for people came from trying to get home — that does not sound like fun!
Devan McGuinness recent post: #Blogher12 | Another Awesome, Amazing Experience!
I agree, it was just TOO big. Not enough time or energy to see everyone and do everything.
It was great meeting you and having you as my room mate and going to events with you. I’m just a little sad I wasn’t even mentioned in the post. Sigh. :(
Vanessa: the queen of swag ! recent post: The World Premiere of The Odd Life Of Timothy Green & CJ Adams is on #TeamLoki! #OddLife #TimothyGreen
I’m happy we got to room together! I totally left out like a ton of people, I’m sorry.
I can’t believe I only met you waving from an elevator. It was so hard to find/run in to people this year. Although we were both at Jill’s session, but on other sides of the room.
I know, there was just not enough time to really talk to everyone, I wanted to!
Those Crumbs mini cupcakes look huge in the picture! Yum. It was nice meeting you there :) the pic of the two of us at the bottom is cute too.
Liz recent post: Taking a ride on the #payitforwardexpress
It was so nice to meet you and get to hang out with you!! I hope we can see each other at another conference.
Awww the conferences are the only chance I get to see you and your fabulous +1! I hope that you reconsider next years’s BlogHer….
Kitty Bradshaw recent post: CONTEST: Signs on the Cheap Printing Services
I doubt it, but you never know! Maybe YOU should go to Type A instead =P
OH my gosh! I don’t think I would have EVER recovered from all that! I’m glad you were able to enjoy BlogHer and NYC in spite of it all, even if it was just a little bit.
Laine Griffin recent post: Making the Most of #blogher12
Even with all the craziness, I did get to enjoy NYC! My only regret, is not taking enough photos! Hopefully, there will be a next time though.
It was SO much fun meeting you. Thank you for letting me stay in your room overnight!! What a blessing. I wanted to meet Kat SO bad. Had an opportunity and totally didn’t realize it until I got home! UGH! But, on the upside, I got to meet bloggers I hadn’t even known about and am SO happy I did!! I hope to see you again next year or at another conference!
Hopefully!!
It was great to me you and your precious little girl! I don’t think I’m going to do Blogher next year either! You should make EVO your next one!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted recent post: Comment on Kolcraft Baby Sit & Step 2-in-1 Activity Center {Review & Giveaway} by Christina
I’m planning on it! Just waiting to hear details from them, so I can know for sure.
thanks for sharing about blog her so excited to go next year, i want to meet jenny on the spot shes entertaining and funny. whats your advice to a first time conference attendee?