Wednesday, July 22, 2009

BlogHer or Bust, Baby

Tomorrow night, I sleep in Chicago.

I'm heading to the Windy City with some of my favorite gal pals - my Cincinnati Women Blogger friends. Red Kat Blonde and I hit the road tomorrow morning, bound for the annual, two-day BlogHer '09 conference. Once we get to Chicago, we'll catch up with Amy In OHio, Mommy Bits, Wine Me Dine Me, Wine Girl and the high priestess of Hoperatives, Radio Carla - name a few.

Whew.

BlogHer is a conference that aims to foster networking and discussion with the intent of educating women bloggers and improving their network on the internets.

Know what it's like when a few women get together for a party? Imagine that, but with 1,500 women.

You can now commence your collective squeals.

I was the lucky chick who won a free ticket ($300 face value) to BlogHer, thanks to Cincinnati Women Bloggers. I aim to take advantage of the opportunity by sitting in a few sessions on travel and food blogging, as well as discussions for folks who write personal blogs and those who are not interested in monetizing their blog.

The conference isn't all-work-and-no-play, thank God.

The generous sponsors of BlogHer '09 are throwing a series of glamorous cocktail parties on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. These events are complete with fantastic food, delicious cocktails and swag a plenty.

Did someone say swag?

I've never been to BlogHer, but everything I've read and heard indicates this conference is motherload of free stuff. The blogs, tweets and websites all say attendees should pack an extra suitcase for all the swag.

Woo hoo!

Oh, and I forgot to mention the celebrities. I've been told Food Network Diva Paula Deen, Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame and Tim Gunn from Project Runway will all be in attendance...

My brother-in-law wants me to ask why Paula wears her (massive) rings when she makes fried chicken.

I'll keep you posted on BlogHer from my Chicago outpost.

In the meantime, y'all behave...


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4 comments:

Becky said...

(Sigh) I had a free ticket that I won for filling out a survey, and I had to give it up. I'm kinda kicking myself for it now, but oh well... I would have had childcare issues anyway. (Double sigh)

Kate The Great said...

I can't believe you won a free ticket!!! That is amazing. Perhaps you can come next year? And maybe Lenna, too??

It's a great event (from what I'm told). Lots of Mommy bloggers, lots of Non-Mommy bloggers. Lots of networking, fun parties, celebs and free stuff. I cannot wait!!!

Becky said...

I know, I was so bummed when I realized how much it would (still) cost, even though it was a free ticket! Have fun!

LMJ said...

Katy - Have a great time at the conference, I know you've been looking forward to this event. Enjoy the weekend!!!