If you follow me on Instagram or follow my blog's Facebook page, you likely saw the multiple photos I posted while spending my day on Saturday at the Go Blog Social conference. I learned a lot, but to be honest, there was also a lot that was either a) way over my head or b) of no interest to me. Yes, blogging is a passion of mine, but it's also just a hobby (+ my scrapbook), and there was some girls who were uber-serious about upping their blogging game. Some days, I think it'd be fun to be a big-time blogger (ahem, make good money doing it), but other days I'm perfectly content with my minimal following and the small network of mom bloggers I'm a part of.
That being said....there were some definite perks of the day. The gift bags, for instance. The unlimited coffee. The giveaways (too bad I didn't win). The company. The uninterrupted {by kids} conversation. The venue--complete with an outdoor terrace that overlooked downtown KC. The weather. The food. And the fact that you didn't need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about photographing each and every moment throughout the day!! #bloggerslovetakingphotos
Here's a recap of the day.
Intro and Q&A with the GBS Team
Session 1: Photography for Bloggers with Allison Corrin
Obviously a favorite since I love photography, but it was a 45-minute crash course and she really didn't say anything I didn't already know. However, really great info for those who don't know much about shooting in manual mode!
Session 2: Business + Legal Basics with KC Fashion Week
This session was a bit confusing to me. Was it meant to promote KC Fashion Week or inform us of legality aspects in regards to blogging? In all honesty, it kind of freaked me out and now I feel like I need to create a fictitious name and get an LLC for my blog.
Session 3: From Blog to Biz with Fashion Column Twins
These twin sister bloggers are just adorable and really fun to listen to! Though they talked mainly fashion blogging and their new clothing brand, Local E, it was interesting to hear their story and they have obviously made some very smart and successful decisions in the blogging/social media world!
Lunch Break
Session 4: SEO Tools + Strategies with Kelly Rivard
This girl is not only an amazing speaker, but a genius when it comes to all things Internet. She was so, so fascinating to listen to. I understood a lot of what she said, but let's be honest, I'm not a big time blogger, so there was also a lot that went in one ear and out the other. Perhaps this is how my students feel on a daily basis?
Session 5: Influencer Campaigns with Acorn Influence
Influencer networks are all the rage in blogging right now (and how bloggers make money) so I was extra interested in hearing from Acorn. However, I can't really say that I took much from this session. Perhaps I was just too anxious and excited (and on the lookout) for the keynote!
Session 6: Keynote Speaker - Social Influence with The Bachelor's Jade Roper-Tolbert
Let's just say that Jade could have stood on stage and read the phone book and I would have been in awe!!! I know she's just another person, but she's pretty famous in my book! I don't know that she had anything super riveting to say, but she seemed very genuine and appreciative of both her supporters and her current 15 minutes of fame. I think the best part was the Q&A session at the end. Among the questions asked: What's your favorite part of living in Kansas City? Was it weird having Chris Soules and Kaitlyn at your wedding? How much of The Bachelor is produced? Will you continue your high level of social media presence after you have kids? Who do you think will/want to win Ben's season? Do you have any inside insight on the next bachelorette? (Hellooooo that was announced last week!)
Jade was definitely the icing on the cake of the conference for me. But the most amazing part? She stuck around afterwards and we were able to talk one-on-one with her! Yes I did, in fact, tell her about our neighborhood Bachelor watch parties complete with Bachelor Wine and Yoga Pants tanks! I also said 'I'm pretty sure you have the same one!" #stalkeralert She was also sweet enough to pose for photos with each of us, which was the highlight of my day year.
A great day, indeed! I was hoping to meet a few more {mommy/lifestyle} bloggers like myself,
but there just didn't seem to be many present (most were fashion
bloggers or fashion blogger-wannabes...and I totally don't mean that in a mean way....they were very fashionable girls who intend to start blogs soon!). Also, there weren't a ton of
opportunities to connect with others. In fact, I connected more on
social media after the conference was over by searching the hashtags and the location of the event. And those blog business cards?? Yeah, I think I handed out a total of six...and two were to the girls I attended with!
In the end, it was a whole lotta fun being in the company of other
bloggers (many KC based) and girls who love social media as much as I
do. And a day spent in downtown Kansas City with a good friend is
always a great one in my book!
Linking up with Erin @ Her Heartland Soul, a another midwest blogger from the conference!
Linking up with Erin @ Her Heartland Soul, a another midwest blogger from the conference!
What a fun day! I loved seeing all your IG pictures on Saturday. So cool that you got to meet jade and have one on one time with her. Bummer about your business cards, but more for other events.
ReplyDeleteFashion blogger wannabes. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm coming with next time!
Looks like so much fun!!! And I love your outfit. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a fun day! I love the "fashion bloggers wannabe" lol!
ReplyDeleteLooks like is was a really fun day even though some points you didn't seem hit home with you! Thats ok though!
ReplyDeleteI love that you shared your honest opinions about the speakers and did sugar coat it. I've never been to a blogging conference before, but I really want to go to one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool experience! Sorry to hear it wasn't exactly what you were hoping it would be. I've never been to a blogging conference but have always been really curious as to what they talk about and how much I'd really learn. I might have to check one out someday!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm so sad we didn't get to connect at the conference-- I'm also a mom and lifestyle blogger, so I think we would have connected really well! Thank you for stopping by my site and and saying hello! I'm glad you had fun, and sorry it wasn't quite what you were hoping for. Sending smiles your way!
ReplyDeleteI need more deets about SEO! You need to write up stuff you learned, pretty please :D
ReplyDeleteI've never attended a conference & my blog is more of a place for me to just write & meet new people (like you!). I don't take it too seriously & will most likely never be paid for it. But this experience seemed pretty cool. Plus, I really like the skirt that Jade was wearing. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun experience! I've alone been to one blog conference (BlogHer) and it was too big for me. I'd much rather go to something a little more focused on our kind of blogging -- like the one you went to! Loved reading your recap. It makes me want to go to one!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. This just made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words. And hunt me down in the GBS Connect group on Facebook if you ever want to chat more about the SEO stuff.
ReplyDeleteI realize I get excited and sometimes need to pump the brakes...ha!
Thanks again, and glad you enjoyed my session!
This looked like such a fun day! I loved following along on IG to see what was going on. Clearly meeting Jade was the best!
ReplyDeleteI'm headed to a conference with Elizabeth (Chasin Mason) and Erin (Hello Erin), and I'm goof fm it's just to have a day with some great gals and maybe learn a thing or two.
Such a fun conference! I'm so glad you enjoyed it too!
ReplyDeleteHer Heartland Soul
herheartlandsoul.com
omg omg omg is this for reeeeeal! That is such a cool opportunity!!! I NEED that sweatshirt. Also, SO jealous of hanging out with Jade! One of my best friends at home is dating one of Tanner's best friends from high school. He got to go to CA for their wedding but she couldn't make it! Was such a bummer. They've hung out and she says Jade is crazy quiet but really personable! Love seeing people enjoy themselves. #bachelorlife
ReplyDeleteStaci
www.missbloodymary.com
I'm so glad you had such an amazing time!!! It sounds like a wonderful conference and if nothing else, you had a great day with the girls! It does sound informative but fun too. I'm going to one with Desiree and Erin (like she mentioned) in May and I'm really excited to see what it's like!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a great time! Sometimes you just need to get away from the kids and have adult time!
ReplyDeleteEver since I started a blog, I have wanted to attend a blogging conference in my area! I should see if there is anything coming up. And so cool that you met Jade. I looooove her outfit!
ReplyDeleteXo, Evelina @ Fortunate House