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BlogHer Series Part 5: The Pros and Cons of Attending
Here’s the last post of the BlogHer series. (If you haven’t already read the last four parts, here they are: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4). Overall, I thought the BlogHer event in NYC was great and would definitely go again. It is a big event, however, so it’s best to decide what you want out of the experience, otherwise you could be easily overwhelmed with all that’s going on.
Here are pros and cons:
PROS:
1. Opportunity to connect with other bloggers. Let’s face it, blogging and writing can be isolating. Having an event with other creators is an excellent way to meet others in the blogosphere. There was a pretty good mix with some attendees creating full-time, some attendees creating on the side and everything in between. There were also big brands, sponsors and affiliate services in attendance, and many have worked with bloggers and content creators before.
2. A-List speakers and workshops. There was lots to learn from celebrities, entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, journalists, game changers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, Ava Duvernay, Soledad O’Brien, Ana Chavez and too many to name. There were smaller, expert-facilitated workshops.
3. Shark Tank-like Competition was awesome. There was a competition for small businesses to get funding, so they had to pitch “Shark-Tank” style via a 1-minute video they created (we all watched the videos). Then on stage they were all interviewed by “Sharks” Kathryn Finney of Digital Undivided and Ali Pincus of One King’s Lane. The attendees got to vote for the winner via Twitter. Regardless, everyone was so impressive that all six contestants got $100K funding, which was super cool.
4. Mega swag bags. I came out with three big tote bags of stuff, including Dunkin Donuts K-Cups, bags of organic crisps and popcorn, folded grocery bags, Shea Moisture beauty samples, a professional photo headshot (which was emailed to me), dog toys, etc.
CONS:
1. At times it can be very chaotic. The lines for the bathroom and lunch can got really long, wrapping around the room.
2. Smaller workshop locations weren’t always straightforward. I had to circle the area a few times and ask several people where I needed to go for certain sessions.
3. The big group might make it hard to connect. There are so many people so it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. If you’re introverted, you’ll need to get out of your shell, although the smaller workshops make it easier to converse with others.
4. Not enough time to see everything. And this could be for both the event and NYC. For some, this might be a first time in the city so if you want to go sightseeing, you’ll have to schedule that in.
There’s lots to see, learn and do at the BlogHer event in NYC. Depending on what your goals are, it can be a really great experience. It is a huge event though (like 3000+). If you’d prefer something low-key, a smaller event might be better.
