Blissdom was always the blogging conference I was most curious about as some of my favorite bloggers always attended the event. This year I finally made it and there were wonderful bloggers I got to meet who made the whole event worthwhile and inspiring.
Our picture with Chris Mann and Amber Riley
I travelled to Blissdom with my friend Nikki, who writes from the heart and has a totally different blog than I do. Together we are able to get a good feeling for the overall conference, both for the writer/photographer and from the business side of blogging. We made our way through BlogHer NYC last summer and throughout the weekend we made lots of comparisons. As a green blogger, I appreciated the sponsors approach to swag at Blissdom. It was just right and (mostly) relevant items. Plus I know now not to just accept things to be nice; it only makes it into the luggage to come home if I think I can use it.
They have organic options which I didn’t know about! My kids do love these as a treat.
Here are some of the highlights from the trip…
Photowalk
Nikki taught me how to shoot in manual and I learned about what ISO actually controls. I have a lot to learn, but I’m getting there.
Here I got a lesson in capturing motion.
The weather was freezing in Dallas, just like Boston. Not exactly what we planned for, but it was lovely to enjoy some beautiful flowers inside the atrium at the Gaylord Texas.
Scott Stratten
His opening keynote was so jammed pack with tips that I wrote a whole post about it.
John Michael Morgan
I love talking about branding and being true to your message. As a healthy living blogger, it would be strange for me to partner with McDonald’s. Be consistent with your brand message. John Morgan said, “the only difference between you and your competition is your brand.”
Wendy Scherer
Wendy provided some interesting tools and tips to represent your blog statistics in a creative manner. My big takeaway is to create a page where I share quotes from the brands I have worked with in the past so future brands understand my commitment to providing a quality blogger/brand relationship experience.
Jeff Goins
While I don’t typically consider myself a writer, I guess that really is what I am doing here in this space as I share commentary, recipes and stories. My favorite quote from Jeff, “Just because it happened doesn’t make it interesting.”
Handmade Marketplace
This was a wonderful opportunity to help support small businesses, social good business and just enjoy some cool new items. My sister is the lucky one who will get a beautiful gift I found at the market. I liked it so much from Better Life Bags I may just have to order myself one.
Me and fellow Boston Parent Blogger Christine Koh, co-author of Minimalist Parenting
Jon Acuff
Jon’s love for the Blissdom Conference experience is just sweet. He knows how to talk to this audience, which certainly had a Chri
stian influence in it. He was kind enough to share his newest book with us, and I’m going to share it with you!
Two lucky readers will get a copy of Jon’s new book, Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters
To enter to win, please just leave a comment here sharing your Blissdom experience, comments about a blog conference you have attended or just say hello! Contest will be open until April 5th. US residents only, winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to confirm their address.
Glad you enjoyed it! I didn’t get a chance to hear Jon Acuff speak this year (and only had time for two sessions) but based on his keynote last year, I already know he is phenomenal!
Sounds like you enjoyed the conference! It’s flattering to be on the list of sessions – thanks! I’d love to see your page when you’re done!
I had to cancel Blissdom this year, and it looks like I missed out on so much fun! Hoping to be there next year.
When I was a corporate gal, my favorite conference was the Women’s Foodservice Forum. They always did a great job and had amazing & inspiring keynote speakers and sessions.