I am pretty excited about the upcoming Southern Bloggers Conference, which is being held Oct. 12-13 in Raleigh. And not just because I’m helping to organize this amazing conference.
Pretty soon after I started blogging earlier this year, I made up my mind that I wanted to go to a bloggers conference. But my plan was always to do it in year 2, once I’d gotten into the groove of blogging and running a creative business.
Personally, I knew that a blogging conference would give me the opportunity to boost my blogging skills and to learn from the masters about photography, styling, social networking, engaging with readers and finding inspiration. I also was excited about the chance to connect with brands who may be interested in working with bloggers like us.
Despite my pledge to wait until year 2 to attend a conference, I almost bought a ticket to Haven. But by the time I made up my mind that I definitely wanted to go, they were sold out. Good thing, too, as it turns out I was super-super busy opening a retail location for Atta Girl Says in late June.
So, I was really psyched when I saw a posts from Suzy at Worthing Court and Barb at The Everyday Home announcing the Southern Bloggers Conference.
Because here’s the thing about being a blogger. Even when you have a blog coauthor, as I once did, blogging is a very solitary pursuit. I don’t get to bounce idea off coworkers or to “talk shop” very often. There aren’t many people I know in real life who understand about this passion of mine, not only to create but also to share. Nor do most people understand just how much work and time is required to produce every post.
I was a newspaper reporter for many year, but that didn’t really prepare me to be a DIY/craft blogger.
I like to think of Atta Girl Says as an online magazine. Not only do I report the stories that we feature here, but also I photograph them, edit them and lay them out. I manage the advertising, respond to reader comments, code the website, troubleshoot IT issues and market our content through social networking sites and linky parties. The newspaper where I used to work employed about 500 people to accomplish the same thing, but here are Atta Girl Says, I am one.
If you’re a blogger, you get that in a way others don’t.
I’m dying to connect and forge friendships with others who “get it,” and that’s why I’m going to the Southern Bloggers Conference. It will be nice to be surrounded by 99 other women/bloggers who speak the same language.
And speaking of speaking the same language, that applies to more than just blogging.
Here at home, I feel I’m constantly having to explain myself when I use decorating, cooking or crafting terms. My husband accuses me of making up words, when I say things like
- Armoire
- Potager
- Buffet
- Votive
- Sconce
- Valance
- Blanch
- Roux
But you understand me, right?
I thought so.
If you’re coming to the Southern Bloggers Conference or planning to, we’d love to know why. What are you hoping to gain away from this event? Friendships? Bloggy knowledge? Business connections? Your sanity, through a much-needed break from kids and spouse?
To encourage you to write and share your motivations for coming to the conference, we’re having a blog hop/linky party, starting Friday. You can link up here, at the Southern Bloggers Conference website or on any of the organizers’ blogs.
All we ask is that you write up a blog post telling us what you’re looking forward to about the Southern Bloggers Conference. What are you excited about? What do you hope to learn? Who do you hope to meet? For first timers, any conference tips? Basically, write anything that floats-your-boats about attending the conference.
The linky party hosts are:
- The Everyday Home
- Atta Girl Says
- Housepitality Designs
- Living on the Bliss
- Sophia’s Decor
- Worthing Court
- Southern Bloggers Conference
Hi Amy, Glad to meet ya, can’t wait to meet ya!! I’ll be there!
Ginger
Hi Amy, You can call me granny! all day every day. I am probably old enough to be your granny. Two of my grandsons started calling me granny many years ago just to aggravate me. Well, I laughed, we laughed, I embraced it and it stuck.
Proudly, Granny
Well, I guess I did this wrong … because I linked up my blog’s main page and not a conference post … though, Monday’s post has a nod to it. Very subtle nod.
I’m truly excited to be attending. When Kari at Thistlewood called and told me she was speaking it took me all of 2 minutes to buy my ticket. And cash in my frequent flyer miles. And book the hotel.
And I told this to my friend Shirley, but I’m arriving pretty early in the AM … too early to check in … but am volunteering my services to help set up! I actually have event planning and coordination experience …
Looking forward to meeting you ladies in October …
Linda
Not to worry, Linda. We’re just grateful to you for linking up and for helping spread the word about the conference. And we’re so glad you’re coming.
I’m looking forward to meeting you; I’ve had fun playing along at a few of your pillow parties! (Or rather, Laura has. She sews, I paint; it’s a great friendship.)
And we are so grateful to have another set of hands to help up with setup on Friday. We’re going to be stuffing lots of swag bags and doing lots of decorating and other things that I’m sure we’re not even thinking of at this point. Your help and expertise will be invaluable.
Amy
Hi, Amy! I haven’t been to a conference before, and since I haven’t bought the ticket yet I wanted to ask you if you thought I would be a good fit for this one. I do blog about DIY/crafty/etc but I also blog about other topics. I’m just wondering if this is a good fit for my “brand.” Thanks!
Marty Walden recently posted..Den Makeover
Hi Marty. While it’s true that we have a bunch of DIY/decor/crafty bloggers attending, the conference really is open to all. Many of the sessions are about building and growing your blog, and they’re being taught by bloggers who have successfully done this. Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, Kelly at Eclectically Vintage, Kari at Thistlewood Farm and Heather of At the Picket Fence. And how could I forget Brittany of Pretty Handy Girl. In addition, we have someone from Hometalk coming, and in the afternoon on Saturday, we have two paint demos. And on Friday, there’s a session on organization at The Container Store. (Something I can definitely use.)
I’ve not been to a blog conference before, so it’s a little ironic that I’m now helping to plan one. But I missed Haven in Atlanta and was bummed about it, so when Barb at Everyday Home put out some feelers about what was originally supposed to be a meetup of NC bloggers, I raised my hand. I was definitely game. Now, it has grown into so much more. I’ve found some new friends as a result, including some people whose blogs I have long drooled over and admired.
While the sessions are going to be great, I’m most excited about that — meeting other women who “get” why I am a blogger and why I’m compelled to pursue a creative business. And who are also addicted to Pinterest.
I do hope you will come. I think it will be a good fit; we have a range of different bloggers coming. You can see a partial list of attendees here: http://www.southernbloggersconferenceblog.com/p/attendees.html
That sounds great, Amy. Gonna make sure I have childcare covered. Thanks! I might also be able to help on Friday since I live so close (doing whatever, stuffing bags, you name it).
Marty Walden recently posted..Den Makeover
I just purchased my ticket last night and can’t wait for the conference in October. It will be my first one and I’m excited to meet everyone – it’s always nice to put a face with a blog! I’ve enjoyed going through the link party to see who’s attending! Thanks for hosting!
Yeah! So glad you are coming. Looking forward to meeting everyone as well. It’s going to be a great time, and I think I’m going to learn a lot.
Hi, I can’t wait until Friday. I am so excited. One to meet other bloggers and to be brutally honest to get out of the house away from the kiddos. Yep I need some woman time. haha There are two big reasons for me to go to this conference- one I need to be reignited, rejuvented, reinspired to get this blog of mine going again. It has been a bad year and I need to get back on track and enjoy it again. And secondly, I am bringing my best friend from Texas with me- she has been my biggest fan in this journey of mine.
tammy
Tammy, I know what you’re seeing about needing some time away from the kiddos and everyday life. I’m with you there.
And from what I know about the SBC, it will be just what you need to get reignited, rejuvenated and reinspired. I’ve been peeking at some of the speakers’ presentations, and there’s some amazing info. Plus, it will just be nice to be around all the energy that a group of like-minded bloggers brings. I’ve been so encouraged by other bloggers on my blogging journey; it’s amazing how supportive this community of women is.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and your best friend and biggest fan from Texas.
Twitter: ThriftyStories
says:
Hey there, Amy. I am so excited to connect with other ladies who are passionate about blogging. This weekend is going to be such fun. I look forward to meeting you then.
Heather recently posted..Day 10: Homemade Whipped Cream
Can’t wait to meet you, Heather! It’s going to be a great weekend, and the start of many great friendships, I think.