The REAL SWAG at Blissdom

One of the reasons we come to Blissdom is to grab a little bit of the awesomeness that is part of all the amazing attendees.  From the fearless leaders, Barbara Jones, Paula Bruno and Allison Worthington to the speaker you share a drink with at Fuse…. to the newest most favoritest friend you meet, which changes daily/hourly/minutely.  (if you are new here, we make up words, just gowithit)

This is the SWAG that rocks!

But hmmm, interesting…this SWAG doesn’t fill you up like lime/salt popcorn from Orville, a frozen Blue Bunny yogurt bar (OK 2), those Arnold sandwich thins….fill up your suitcase like Invisalign tooth care kits, coffee mugs and pens…. and doesn’t make you blingtastic like  jewelry by Lisa Leonard….oh and did I mention the fabulous clothes that were sponsored by Lane Bryant for me to wear…?

No i did not there i did…

Truth is, it is what we gain from others, from the people with whom we interact that truly makes Blissdom unique, engaging and worthwhile.

*Nodding my head like “YEAH”

My suitcase is full cool stuff (and my kids thank you sponsors)

But….

My mind is filled with the desire to analyze my brand, read the words and messages from the rockstar bloggers I met, re-energize myself and my blog from the excitement I see in those who had their first Blissdom experience and  create centerpieces out of canned Hunts tomatoes.

And…

It’s my heart that is full of the love and wisdom and knowledge that you – YOU – are not just another face, but a person with whom I have connected.  Maybe we had met before, maybe we met today, maybe we just saw each other and *meant to get over and say hi* but we will have this experience in common.

It was referred to as the Blissdom Tribe.  And it was filled with the Stuff We All Get….

*Moving my hips like “YEAH”

Inevitably you walked away with Learning SWAG that will keep you and your blog on track, move you in a different direction if you need to or keep you centered on your current track…People SWAG that make you smile, laugh, and SQUEEE.

Brain SWAG…Memory SWAG…Tech SWAG…BLISS SWAG….

Be Authentic SWAG…were you listening??? if you got nothing else from Blissdom, the message each time was be true to yourself and your voice…

*boy does that take the pressure off sheesh*

We All Get it at Blissdom…

So you’ll mark your calendar for next year.  And bring all the SWAG you can…

I’ll see you there…

How to REALLY BRING IT to Blissdom

Your bags are almost packed 1 month ahead of time.  YES! it’s exciting to be going to Blissdom!  I know it can be a little or a lot overwhelming.  Maybe it’s your first time seeing Mrs. Fussypants.  I know that feeling.  Maybe it’s your first conference ever.   Whatever your level of bloggingness, you are going to come away feeling invigorated!

yes I make up words, it’s what I do

Conferences can be a little intimidating if you’ve never attended one.  If you are shy like me, you have to put your self out there to make the most of it.  Blissdom was my first conference experience, and I had no idea what to expect.  Here is the short list of how to best BRING IT from a one timer’s *pats expert self on back* point of view.

Bring your HUGS. These people are happy, friendly, and really want to meet you.  I was amazed.  After other business conferences I had attended where the divas have attitudes and you don’t invade their personal space, this was a welcome change.  What you find is that the big name bloggers are still a little amazed that you consider them big name bloggers and that you might be a wee bit intimidated.  Squeeze ‘em tight and let them know you are excited to meet them.  A camera or flip video is most helpful when trying to capture the memories.

Bring your SUPPLIES. You need something to tweet with.  I don’t care if it’s the bird himself, you will want to tweet.  It’s the best way to find someone in a hotel and to tweet the awesomeness of the conference especially if you don’t have a laptop or netbook (*hopes for good reception*).  If you bring a laptop bring a POWER CORD.  You will make at least 10 friends for life if you do.  It’s like cigarettes in prison.  Those puppies are VALUABLE.   Bring business cards and make sure you have your twitter on them.  Helps with the first part.  Example.  DM @cassieaiden: holding Blisstini for you in lounge, hurry before I drink it.  Bring business cards.  How many?  Depends on how social you plan on being.  At least 250, but I bought 500 this go round because I am going to Disney Social Media Moms the next week.

Bring your WISDOM. Everyone has something to share.   Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  No question is a dumb one and we can learn from everything said.  Even if you are a new blogger, it’s great to see things from your perspective and can help the rock star speakers to direct the discussion.  Take notes either old school or geek like.  But most of all LISTEN.  The speakers have been chosen based on EXPERTISE so come all sponge-like, ready to absorb it all.

Bring your ENERGY. Not Red Bull, I’m talking the YOU that is YOU.  Take a nap on the plane or in the car (unless you are driving) because it’s days packed with learning, networking, dancing, chatting, walking (have you seen the Opryland pics? FUN!!).  Live it up because it goes by quickly, and then you are left wanting more.  And missing the friends you met on the way.  You will be crying and texting and tweeting them by the end.

If we haven’t hugged by Thursday Night at the cocktail party COME FIND ME I NEED MOAR HUGS!

I’m going to Blissdom AGAIN and this time I KNOW HER

Last year I made the trip to Blissdom just so I could meet Mrs. Fussypants.  I was so excited.  We bonded right away.

I KNEW WE WOULD-she saw stars, i saw stars and KISMET

Now she doesn’t do anything without me.  We are inseparable.  I know, we live HOURS away but it doesn’t keep us from doing all the fun girl stuff that girls do that do fun stuff together.   *uncrosses eyes*

It’s been a year of eating ice cream together.

Shopping for the latest trends… (I KNOW LOOK AT OUR SHIRTS YOU ARE SO JEALOUS)

And telling secrets over a lunch with a small salad, dressing on the side for me and Barilla Yellow Box pasta for Alli, of course.

She will be busy at Blissdom keeping everyone else happy and we might not be doing everything together, but that’s OK.  Because next year will be more fabulouser than you can imagine.  I’m telling you it’s crazy love!  When we see each other WATCH OUT!  We will be jumping for JOY!

Oh wait, you are going to Blissdom too?  KEEP YOUR PAWS OFF MY BFF, JUST SAYIN’…