I Survived BlogHer 2011

Where do I start?

When I made my plans for BlogHer’11 over a year ago it was kind of a lark? Yes, I wanted to go. No, I didn’t think I had any business going to a conference that was a full day of travel from my home. San Diego? Seriously, shouldn’t I be a much better, bigger blogger to go to an event like this?

Then, my plans began to take on momentum, a life of their own. Before I knew it, I was making a real honest commitment to go. Then I was in, both feet baby.

I was thrilled to be there and able to represent ShesConnected and 3M Canada.

What did I expect from BlogHer? I had no idea. This is what I got.

Four days of overwhelming, exhausting, enriching, amazing, dancing, bonding, laughing, good old quality girl time.

I think I could write seven posts about all that is BlogHer. Instead, I have decided share my most memorable moments, hopefully re-cap the laughter, the quick lessons and the love.

My first day in San Diego was spent at a Procter & Gamble event. We heard speakers passionate about their products, got sneak previews of the new and not yet released, played some 21 at a wrap-up party, and oh yeah I got myself some new curly hair! *I am a straight hair girl, or I was until sweet Bridget Brager did my hair! (and yes Bridget it lasted all day and all night!)

Of course, there were the parties. Parties at BlogHer, well they are legendary! So first, about the parties!

There was the party put on by the incredibly talented and savvy women of Mom Central. Canadians! Here I am with Sarah on the left and Shelagh @practicalmum on the right!

At this party, I felt like I had come home.

The Big Toy Book’s Sweet Suite Party Um, we played with toys, talked to toy reps, ate cupcakes and did I mention played with toys? All while dressed up in party dresses and heels. Who gets to do this? (My girls are so happy I went to this one!)

There was a rooftop party hosted by the Clever Girls! (Have not done this much party hopping since University…for the record, already getting tired) Know who I met there? The @SuferWife and oh yah LadyGaga. (well her double anyway!)

The SoftCup Party that started with an extended Pedi cab ride to a location where I was supposed to meet Mario Lopez, but here is the thing. I spent that party hanging out with practicalmum, ListentoLena, FacesbyFarah, and MyOrganizedChaos. We were on a beautiful rooftop patio overlooking the city, eating and laughing…about dimples, and oh yes, you guessed it, periods. Ha! Never did meet Mario!

There were parties with CheeseBurgHers, and parties with Giant Unicorn cakes. There was almost always dancing, and there was even a party where I had the privilege of meeting Jane Lynch! Squee! Glee! (pun totally intended)

There were Keynote speakers to listen and learn from, and dozens of sessions to attend. Frankly, some sessions were better then others, but there really was something there for everyone.

There was the extensive exhibit hall with it’s overwhelming number of companies wanting to show you their wares. Some stops were more fun then others!

I learned: It’s okay to turn down a party invite. To pace myself. To schedule down time. (an hour by the pool can help re-charge you for the night ahead!) To pack bandages (have you heard of NexCare liquid bandage spary…it’s genius), Advil and Visine. To be prepared for the unexpected. To be flexible and go with the flow! You never know when sharing a cab will introduce you to a new friend, or taking that phone call will lead you to a new opportunity! To have a PIC. You know, a Partner In Crime, a reliable friend makes it more fun!

The common thread among all of these events, were all the wonderful people. “Big” bloggers, “small” bloggers even peeps who don’t blog but know a good conference when they see it. All together to learn, to grow, to connect.

I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted out of BlogHer, but I am thrilled with what I got. I laughed, I learned, and made some new friends. Who could ask for more then that?

PS Umm take a camera and then bore all your readers with all the pictures. Not bored yet? You will be, many more pics to come!