Miel et Lait

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Blogging conferences

Posted by on 6/07/11 • Categorized as Uncategorized

Have you ever been to a blogging conference? I have. During the Book Expo America, I poked my head into several seminars at the Blog World Expo. Sadly, the much hyped conference was a bust.

Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I had the wrong impression. But, had I paid the $495 conference pass, I would have been crying.

The conference schedule was jam packed with topics that piqued my interest. Experts were speaking on topics ranging from off-line networking, to how to write a powerful “about” page, to innovative ways to monetize your blog. Someone over sold and under delivered.  My biggest complaint is that the topics were geared for all levels of blogging, from beginner to seasoned veteran.

Maybe my problem is that I would have preferred a blogging retreat that included seminars and workshops. Are you familiar with the difference? A seminar is a lecture. There’s a speak who gives a presentation. Sometimes, there is a question and answer period, but for the most part, the learning is passive. Workshops are interactive and tend to be smaller groups who work on an assignment which helps the person to learn the lesson — this is active learning.

Maybe my problem is that I have a vision for the perfect blogging conference and nothing shy of it will satisfy me. I want an event that empowers women to go forth and prosper. I want an event that is an opportunity for women to connect with each other. A conference that is fun, interactive and informative, that’s what I am craving.

In July, there is the first Bloggy Moms conference. I can’t quite deduce what this conference will cover. There are vague mentions about the conference being relevant to all bloggers, but I want to know what to expect. Are any of you going out to Ohio for the event?

In August, BlogHer will be having their annual conference out in San Diego. A part of me wants to join the BlogHer craze and buy a pass. But, when I do the math, the conference, plus airfare and hotel will easily be over $1000. Is it worth it? Is BlogHer the be all, end all of blogging conferences?

In October, Relevant is coming to Hershey, PA. That’s only a few hour drive from my house. This conference is a Christian conference for bloggers. I want to go, but I feel like I would be an outsider looking in. I do write about my faith, but I don’t feel like a faith blogger.

Have you ever been to a blogging conference? What do you recommend?

 

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  • http://blackhuff.wordpress.com blackhuff

    I was also asked if I would attend a Blogging conference which is far away and if I would sleepover and fly to the destination. I am not willing to attend a blogging conference which is fly distance away or to sleepover. I need to come back home to my family in the evening.
    But if you don’t mind any of these, then the big question is … are you willing to pay $1000 to attend a blogging conference?

  • http://twitter.com/thepsychobabble Jennifer Phillips

    I’ve never been to one. The cost is a huge deterrent for me.

  • Nicole Abdou

    I have always wondered about these things. i would love to attend a conference or something like it – though.. like you… I think I set my expectations too high.

  • Taming Insanity

    I went to Blissdom and enjoyed myself. But what I most enjoyed was meeting my friends. So, I’d recommend contacting some of your blogging buds and spending the money to all get together somewhere. Better use of cash and time.

  • http://mytimeasmom.com Jessica

    I’m going to BlogHer for my first conference. No idea what it will be like but mostly I think it will be nice to meet my blog friends in person. 

  • http://mamawantsthis.blogspot.com Mama Wants This

    If I was ever able to attend a conference, I’d do it just to meet the people I chat with/ comment on their blogs. I actually hate seminars and workshops LOL. I’d go for the cocktail parties, heh.

  • http://www.imnotthenanny.com Thien-Kim

    I’ve been to several blogging conferences. Blogalicious is my favorite. I attended Mom 2.0 back in April (and spoke) and really enjoyed it. Both of these are small intimate conferences with really great sessions. BlogHer is kind of a madhouse. I would save your money and go to a smaller conference.

  • http://www.thefamilytrifecta.com/ amy

    I am going to EVO in July (Park City Utah) and I am going to BlogHer.  So excited for both.  If you go to Blogher, find a roommate – it makes it more affordable and you could probably find a sponsor.  Those options start opening up pretty soon.  Keep an eye out for them.

  • http://fromchaoscomeshappiness.blogspot.com/ Leanne

    Nope, have never attended one. I’ve thought about it often . . . but then somewhere inside I remind myself that I do this for FUN. Sure, conferences can be FUN – but the minute I start putting too many expectations on myself and my blog, I lose the fun. Does that make sense?

    Would love to hear about your experiences if you attend any more, though.

  • Julie M.

    I do enjoy the conferences, mostly for the people I meet.  I’ve gone to some fabulous ones but they’re pretty much food related.  I did do a day of BlogHer last summer (I was there for a specific event) and it seemed like a bit of madhouse.

  • http://twitter.com/LulaLola112 Carol Anne Williams

    I almost feel like I’d need a remedial blogging conference.  I’d love to go and meet people.  I’ve done nothing yet though.  Someday!

  • http://www.amountainmomma.com/ Theresa

    I want to, but there are none in my area. I think there may have been a small one a few months ago, but I couldn’t swing it. Lets make one for Vancouver and we will all go. Canada rocks!

  • Alissa Ditta

    Hi Melissa – Sorry it has taken me so long to stop over & say hello!  I am also really interested in all of the blogging conferences.  I think it would be interesting to attend one but I don’t know that I would actually pay a lot of money to go!

  • http://www.baltimorehousewife.com Lori

    Hi! I haven’t been to any conferences yet, but BlogHer now has podcasts of their 2011 conference and there are loads of great sessions to listen to (for free). I’d like to go to a blogging conference soon, but I’m concerned that the material presented at the conference would be irrelevant and the money I would lay out for registration, airfare, hotel, etc. would be all for nothing. I really wish these conference sites would lay out an agenda so you know what you’re getting into (or what to look forward to) when you register.

    But back to which conference would I recommend? I would have to say BlogHer, only because I’ve been able to see the quality content they produce–it’s not just about the freebies and the parties.