Bicultural Mama: 2012 BlogHer Conference Wrap Up

8/7/12

2012 BlogHer Conference Wrap Up

Trying soy sauce ice cream with Angela Chee (@TheZenMom),
Jim Lin (@BusyDadBlog) and Grace Hwang Lynch (@HapaMamaGrace
and BlogHer's Race and Ethnicity Editor)
Photo: Maria Adcock

Years ago when I was working as a Brand Manager at a consumer products company, I had heard of the BlogHer conference but hadn’t known much about it. Back then blogging was not as popular. Many people assumed bloggers were just people who wrote their diaries online and therefore, dismissed them as a whole.

Blogging has evolved and grown tremendously since then, as evidenced by the 5,000 bloggers who attended this year’s BlogHer conference in New York City on August 2-4. By far the largest gathering of bloggers versus past years, the BlogHer conference brought together bloggers of all races of both genders who wrote about various topics ranging from parenting and travel to technology, the arts and more.

The appeal lied in the tremendous community of bloggers who came to the conference to learn and network.

Panel speakers at the "Honoring Your Culture, Celebrating
Your Identity and the Issues" workshop.
Photo: Maria Adcock

I attended mainly for the workshops, especially the technical ones that covered topics such as HTML, SEO, and Google Analytics. The classes provided real value, and I especially learned a lot from the “How to Price and Value Your Services” workshop.

Whether a beginner or advanced blogger, there was a class to meet everyone's needs. The only part of the conference that I thought really needed to change was the size of the session rooms; many people including myself were shut out even if we got there on time. The classes were so popular that they were often standing room only.

Trying Hillshire Farm's newest flavors with Diane Nassy (@philZENdia).
Photo: Maria Adcock

Bloggers know that supporting one another and networking are necessary to grow. I loved meeting bloggers in person who I had only previously known via social media. We felt like we already knew each other since we had been following each other’s websites for a long time. I also met many new inspiring bloggers from all over the country.

Toasting s'mores at Camp Bondfire hosted by Hershey's and Walmart
with Onica Cupido (@MommyFactor).
Photo: Maria Adcock

Bloggers seeing in action Samsung's newest high tech products.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Posing with the toga guy from Rickland Orchard's Greek yogurt granola bars.
Photo: Maria Adcock

The Expo Hall gave bloggers a chance to connect with brands. Companies had booths, suites, and parties to showcase their products. They understood the power of Word of Mouth through writing and wanted to build relationships with bloggers. I viewed these companies as proactive and sophisticated, because those who don’t have a social media platform or have yet to embrace bloggers will be left by the wayside in this fast-moving technology age.

After hours at the MOMentum party, bloggers could learn about sponsors'
products, including colorful and comfortable shoes by Chromatic Gallerie.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Enjoying the MOMentum party with the Hostess and
President of MOMentum, Holly Pavlika (@HollyPavlika)
Photo: Maria Adcock

Guest speakers included influential celebrities who spoke of their new projects or charitable foundations, including Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, Soledad O'Brien, Christy Turlington Burns and Malaak Compton-Rock.