7.24.2009

Chicago and the BlogHer Insanity

Finally I'm posting about BlogHer in Chicago, quite late because the internet service has been spotty, and also my goodness, it's nuts here! So many people and so much to take in. I'm so shy in real life, hence the blogging rather than meeting face to face, so this has been quite a change. You think I'd be used to it since I was a teacher, but it's always a struggle. Especially when there are so many big time bloggers here.

So far there have been lots of parties, tons of free stuff (really, I'm not trying to rub it in to those of you not here), and a gorgeous city that I sadly won't be exploring, since the conference and after-party schedule is so packed. I have my el-crapo camera, not my Canon, since I was too afraid I'd break it in the luggage, so the photos are bad.

I did have to post a few photos of all the swag that companies dole out on bloggers. It's insane! And since it seems that social media is the advertising of the future, corporations are targeting bloggers, as we all know already from the number of giveaways on blogs. Here's a shot of just some of the stuff.
Notice the Kodak HD video camera in the top right. So insane.
Crocs sandals, reusable bags galore, free coupons...I'm quite overwhelmed by all this stuff. You could say that overwhelmed is the word of the day for me. But in a good way.
Even iVillage had flowers placed in each hotel room. Isn't that insane?
Oh, and a winery was giving out bottles of Chardonnay, but I'm sure that won't make it onto the plane. Naomi and I went to a lovely dinner last night hosted by Frito Lay, and had some awesome Cuban fusion food, and lots of mojitos, which explains the poor quality of sleep I got last night. I think I've made up for all the alcohol I didn't consume this past year all in one night. The funniest part about our dinner was leaving this fancy-schmantzy restaurant (Carnivale) carrying bags of Frito Lay chips. Classy.
Sampling of food from the Social Luxe Party

I've been enjoying the Geek Lab sessions, naturally--trying to gather some good tips for my Tech Tuesdays. And of course my favorite part by-far is meeting some of my blog friends in real life, like Naomi and CanCan. I'll let you know if someone actually recognizes me or my blog (highly doubt it). I hope to meet at least one reader! Oh, and for all of you East Coasters like me, they announced this morning that next year's conference will be in New York City! I'm sure you'll be happy Nicole, that you can just take the subway to the event.

Off to another session, so bye for now.
Love to you SoJo and Mr. Geek! I miss you boys...


25 comments:

Nicole Ibarrondo said...

Oh boy! Looks like you're having an outrageous time!! Can't wait for next year...enjoy the rest of your trip!

MamabearMills said...

HOLY SHIT! Im so jealous I could cry! I hate you now. taking your button down and ALL! hahahha. teasing.

MamabearMills said...

BTW...i linked your post on my blog...so all my readers can HATE you now too! MUAH AH AH!

•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´• said...

Looks like you're off to a great start!! I so wish I could have gone :) Next year, next year. I'd love to meet you and the gals.

dddiva said...

I am so jealous in the gawd I hope that's me next year kind of way- I am looking for sponsors now. NY here I come! Would love to meet you in person- I'm the NOT shy one. ;)

shopannies said...

Wow looks like you are having a great time and tons of fun and just look at the loot you are getting

blueviolet said...

Looks like so much fun! I'm looking forward to meeting you next year!!!

taysmommy said...

I can not WAIT for next year! Hvae fun and enjoy all that swaaaaaggggg!!!!

Jennifer said...

Yay! Look at you in Chicago with NAomi and Candice and I am so envious. Please say Hello to them for me! I am thrilled you are having such a great time and wow, that is some serious swag. However, I am much more interested in you Naomi and Candice. I think it is so cool 3 of my favourite bloggers are together in Chicago. Have a wonderful time Kathleen!

Capital Mom said...

Sounds like you are having an awesome time! Thanks for the update.

nicole said...

arrrrggghhhh

i wanna be THERE!!!!!!!!!

NEXT year it's a girlfriend vacation to blogher!

Jennifer-EightyMPHMom said...

I'm with Nicole - I want to be there SO BADLY!! But I am so happy you are having such a wonderful time...the food and cocktails sound amazing, but meeting friends is the best.

Have fun the rest of the weekend!

Lisa Mom of 2 Boys said...

I'd know you if I were there - so glad you are having fun! (((Hugs)))

JoeyfromSC said...

woohoo for swag!! Amazing! I wanna go in 2010 especially since it's in NYC!!
thanks for updating us!

JamericanSpice said...

I"m totally envious! It's ok to say that right?

But honestly I'm glad for you and many other bloggers and also that you are having a fabulous time.

I love that so many companies also care to have real people review and do advertisement for their products. Afterall we are the ones who are using them.
Be safe and enjoy yourself mama

Bill and Lorie Shewbridge said...

Yea, yea, you're not rubbing it in!! I wanna know how you're gonna get all that stuff home on the plane???
Have fun......

Shelby Barone said...

Looks like you are having a great time!! Lots of fun and exciting presents...you deserve it!!

Have Fun!

Nicole Feliciano said...

Thanks for the shout out! I think I must have earned some good blogging karma by having Blogher in NYC in '10. I'm glad you are having such a good time. Bug hug!

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