Category: #Travel

My First Blogalicious

me-blogaliciousAt the beginning of November, I had the pleasure of traveling to Atlanta to attend my first ever Blogalicious conference.  First of all let me say KUDOS to the Stacey Ferguson and her team for providing am insightful, inspiration and empowering weekend for bloggers, brands and everyone in between.  Not only was there the opportunity to connect and experience the brands, the social suites, a new concept to me at these conferences was an amazing way to unwind, engage and experience everything the sponsors had to offer the conference attendees.

meblogalicioussignAs a lifelong learner, it is always an plus for me when I have the opportunity to engage, to learn and to find myself immersed in an environment where I can engage others, learn more about my craft and how to be and do better and to connect with those who have experience and knowledge to share.  Blogalicious provided all of that and much more.

 

From the very beginning of the weekend, being allowed to test drive the new vehicles by Kia, to a whiskey tasting and private party hosted by Jack Daniels as well as the personalized one on one media kit sessions, Blogalicious offered a little bit of everything for the blogger. Participants were also invited to attend a social engagement panel, book signings, by New York Time best selling author Luvvie Ajaye and former Apprentice contestant phenomenal Nely Galan.  There was even an opportunity to talk health with the Change the Cycle, suite and panel discussion about women’s health and fibroids.

I had an amazing weekend.  As expected I left the conference with much more than I came with (both knowledge and swag) and I was able to meet people that I have been friends with on Facebook and who I engage through blogging and social media and I met countless others who shared, laughed, cried and discussed so many topics during the weekend.

Hasbro at Blogalicious 2016

This was a weekend to learn, to grow, to network and to engage.  All of the reasons you spend your time and your money to go to a conference.  There were also wonderful extras added to the conference that made it more of an experience.  The caricature artist, the ability to have professional headshots taken after having a professional makeup application in the Dove suite.  Plenty of soft drinks and Coke floats provided by Coca-Cola,  the book signings and day party.  If anyone left this conference feeling anything other than inspired and a little more educated, and with a few more friends, then they surely did not experience the conference.  I am looking forward to what Blogalicious has in store for 2017.  I will be there!

BlogHerFood 16

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This time last week I was just getting back home exhausted from a weekend of eating, learning, eating, sharing, learning, networking, eating, meeting new people and experiencing new brands and did I mention earing?  This was my weekend at BlogHerFood16, oh yeah and the closeout party.  It was an amazing experience and a great investment.

Last November was my first experience with BlogHerFood.  It was held in Chicago, my hometown, and it was an excellent way for me to learn more about the craft of blogging.  While not a food blogger, I felt that surely there would be some universal lessons that could be learned at the conference so why not.  It was a great decision.  I learned more than I ever thought I would as well as met people who are still a prat of my life today.

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This year was no exception.  BlogHerFood16 was a great conference and an excellent opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest in the blogging community.  For those who think that this conference is only for food bloggers, you are wrong.  This conference is for anyone who wants to learn how to take their blog to the next level and how to use the latest and greatest tips, tools and techniques to be successful at blogging.  This conference is more intimate than the annual BlogHer conference, so it provides you the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed and less hectic environment than the annual conference.

The Smollett Eats Cooking Demo
With Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond
BlogHerFood16 Closing Ceremony
The Chew’s Carla Hall
The Smollett Eats start and Elisa Camhort Page

The attendees at the conference as well as the presenters were awesome.  The Food Network Stars, the Smolletts, of Smollett Eats  gave a cooking demonstration of one of their famous family recipes and we were able to sample some of the food as well.  Helluva Good hosted a reception with the Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond with champagne and appetizers.  And for the closing keynote we were treated to the wit, wisdom and comedy of The Chew’s, Carla Hall, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Lisa Lillien.

In addition to the presenters and workshops there are the sponsors.  A few of my favorites this year were Owls Brew as well as Helluva Good!.  Helluva Good had a recharge lounge where you could charge your electronic devices as well as sit back and enjoy endless chips and  dip.  Or veggies and dip, for those working on their figures.  Hamilton Beach was there as well as Analon, Bay’s English Muffins, Martins Potoato Rolls, and Canadian lentils among others.

If you were every contemplating whether or not to attend the conference, don’t hesitate.  The knowledge imparted as well as the people you meet and the things you learn are definitely worth the investment.  The workshops and presentations while mostly for food bloggers can be used for any blogger.  The atmosphere makes it easy to mix, mingle, network and ask questions, have discussions and learn from other bloggers as well.

And side note, these ladies know how to throw a party.  The closing party was at Maggie Maes on 6th street at a huge rooftop party space with more food, drinks and dancing.  It was a great way to end the conference and to spend time with new friends and old friends, laughing, dancing, and partying in the wonderful Texas weather.  I can’t wait for next year.   Hope to see you all there!

Stay Blessed…….Stay Fabulous!

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