How and Why I’m Going to #BlogHer10

I hope that for my readers you don’t get sick of me talking about BlogHer 10 for the next month.  In August I’ll be celebrating my 3rd year Blog-iversary and this will be my very first blogging conference ever!  A little over a year ago my blog took a turn in a new direction when I decided to sign up for Twitter – and my life hasn’t been the same since.  I’ve met so many wonderful readers, bloggers, companies, and more – I feel so blessed to be where I am today. 

Why do I want to go to BlogHer?  I have had so much fun this past year with my blog, Twitter, and especially with the creation of Eco Chic Parties that I want to see what else is out there.  What am I doing ‘wrong’?  What could I do better?  What are other bloggers doing?  In past years I’ve read blogs and tweets about others experience and the wildness that occurs when 2000 mom bloggers unite. 

But doesn’t it cost money to go?  Yes, it’s not a cheap trip.  The conference ticket alone was a few hundred dollars + hotel and expenses.  Thankfully we have connections and don’t have to pay to fly – just have to fly standby with our fingers crossed that seats are available. 

AND – I’ve had a little help with my expenses.  I have a few sponsors that I’d like to introduce to you – and officially THANK for their contribution to my trip. 

1.  Franklin Goose, Bamboo Bums, and Teething Bling/Smart Mom Jewelry all sponsored me financially. 

2.  Lillunia LLC and Rockin Green Soap both purchased ad space that I used to help with my trip.

3.  Eco Chic Parties accepts payment for some parties – and that money has been used for trip expenses as well.

4.  Mommy Doodles is my one and only graphic designer and technical expert.  Melanie is AWESOME and always willing to help me (sometimes I even pay her) with my blog(s).  She even designed my awesome business cards for me!

Why did I get sponsors?  I’ve worked with these great companies over the past year with blog reviews and Eco Chic Parties and have formed a great relationship with these ladies.  Their sponsorship will allow me to take my blog to the next level.  During BlogHer there are 2 FULL days of workshop sessions and I will be B-U-S-Y from 9am – 5pm each day + networking with new companies, companies I’ve already worked with, and other great mom bloggers.  I hope to bring back some valuable information that will improve our relationships – and better the quality of my blog. 

What does this mean to you?  I have some surprises in store for you during BlogHer – including a few giveaways from my sponsors.  Giveaways will be for both BlogHer attendees and those of you who can’t attend this year.  I’m super excited to share my experiences with you – afterall why should I keep all this knowledge to myself?  I want to see each of you grow your blogs and achieve your goals too!   

I’m on the BlogHer Green Team.  That’s right – I decided to join the Green Team and help ensure that the founders and organizers implement environmentally friendly elements to the conference.  In past years green bloggers have been upset because of the excess waste and bottled water – I’m happy to announce that the organizers are addressing these (and other) issues.  There will be water refilling stations throughout the event for bloggers to refill their reusable bottles at.  There will be a swag recycling event to recycle (donate) unwanted swag – I hear there is a TON of swag!  Other Green Team members include Summer from Green and Clean Mom, Beth Terry from Fake Plastic Fish, Jennifer from Naked Jen, Lisa from Condo Blues, Diane MacEachern of Big Green Purse, and Jenny from Conscientious Confusion.  I feel so honored to be part of the team and can’t wait to meet these influential green bloggers at BlogHer!   

Isn’t BlogHer sponsored by some BIG non-green and controversial companies – like Nestle?  Yes – like any conference they need sponsors to keep the prices reasonable – and companies like Nestle are sponsoring the weekend.  While I haven’t personally jumped on the Nestle ban I do understand the controversy – and respect your feelings towards this and other sponsors.  For me the biggest sponsor of interest is Proctor and Gamble – the makers of PAMPERS!  As a cloth diapering advocate I’m using BlogHer as a platform for me to share cloth diapers with other moms who might not know who easy they are.  Not all attendees are green bloggers – and if I can reach just one more person with the cloth diapering message my mission will be accomplished!  I’ll even be wearing an “Ask Me About Cloth Diapers” t-shirt that will be provided by the Real Diaper Association – a non-profit cloth diapering advocacy group.  I’m even bringing my family along with me to show just how easy it is to travel with cloth diapers – I’ve decided to use a local cloth diaper service while we’re there. 

What can I do for YOU?  As my loyal readers I wanted to ask YOU what you want to hear about?  What other green bloggers would you like me to interview or meet?  How can I help you improve your own blogs?  This isn’t just an opportunity for me – it’s an opportunity for me to share with you!  AND – are you going to BlogHer?  If you are – I would love to meet up!  Let me know and I’ll be sure to hunt you down!