Bringing Back The Goosebumps

Every once in a while life throws you an opportunity you just can’t say no to.  In case you some how missed my repeated gushing about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Orlando Florida, this is the post you don’t want to miss.  This was conference day.  The day the Disney Social Media Moms spend the entire day together, learning, laughing, cheering and in my case, even getting my groove back.

The invite to Disney Social Media Moms came to me when I needed it most.  I know as Moms many of us put ourselves last.  After the kids, the Hubby, the house, work, even the PTA.  I was guilty of doing this and had been burning the candle at both ends.  There wasn’t much wick left on that candle. 

Sadly for me, my girls had commitments they could not break the weekend of the big event.  My first thought, well, it was explicit.  Bad bad words.  I would have to decline.  Then after much thought, many conversations with a good friend, my Hubby and even my girls, my decision was made.  I couldn’t say no to this incredible opportunity.  My sister was off in the corner, literally waving her hand in the air and screaming “Take me, Take me!” and, so I did.  Two sisters took off to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.  One to relax and support.  The other to be inspired, learn and just maybe get her groove back. 

So as the day of the actual conference arrived. I was expecting a lot.  I wanted to learn, to be inspired, and to feel validated in my career of blogging.  No pressure or anything. 

Did this happen?  Was the conference everything I dreamed it could?

Watch this quick clip, just a few highlights from our day and see for yourself.  It is goose bump worthy. 

 

Dayna Steele, Marc Mero, Shannon Miller , Jackie Huba and Catherine Connors all spoke from the heart to a crowd eager to learn about building our brand. 

The conference was so full of information I almost don’t know where to start.  We heard about a new gaming system starring your fave Disney Characters called  Disney Infinity.  Listened to Heather Rubin, speak about Disney’s Try It, a program which partners with parents to inspire kids to eat healthier foods. As well as Disney’s Story App  a new and fabulous way to tell stories by accessing an app on your cell phone.  (Check it out, right now you can download it for free!)

How do I sum up the rest of this conference?  A top five list of highlights of course. 

1.  I was validated by Catherine O’Conner as she told us that we are the tellers of great stories.  That really is the thing! 

2.  I was challenged by  the thoughts of Disney’s Gary Buchanan and Thomas Smith.  The suggested we make our messages snappable and shareable by using wallpapers, infographics,  and even animated gifs. Something I just have not considered!   There was also lots of discussion about the creation of an editorial calendar.  I have one, but need to spend more time on it and stick with it!  Disney’s editorial calendar is mind boggling, they are posting multiple times per day!

3. I was reminded by the words of Olympian Shannon Miller  that there is nothing you can’t overcome.  She quipped that  “Sometimes what appears as a brick wall is actually a springboard to achieve success.” 

4. I felt cheered on by Rene Syler of Good Enough Mother, our little bundle of energy host for the conference day. She spoke about her 10 life lessons from Disney.  My favourite lesson from Rene, “If you build it WELL, they will come. Sloppy doesn’t sell.” So true!!  You always need to put your best you out there!

5. I was inspired to dream big by Dayna Steele as she spoke on the Rock Star Principles of Success.  She reminded us all that is important to write with passion and chase those dreams! “Life is 2 short 2 have anything but delusional notions abt yourself. You have to have wild and crazy dreams!! via @daynasteele#DisneySMMoms”  Isn’t that the truth!

I left for this conference hoping to have a little fun and find a little magic.  I found that magic and so much more.  I came home inspired, happy and tired. Feeling grateful and blessed, and dreaming big about what comes next!

PS I met a Storm Trooper too!

Thank you Disney Social Media Moms!

Disclosure: Participants in the Disney Social Media Moms Conference paid a conference fee which included hotel accommodations, park tickets and meals.  We were not required to write about the conference and all opinions are my own.