So do we really need another BlogHer recap? Probably not. Especially since BlogHer was almost two weeks ago and I’m like moldy bread late with this post in terms of Internet time. But here I go anyway. Because after four years of BlogHer conferences, it’s what I do.
I’ve been a little slow to post it partly because I was on vacation after the conference so I lost a bit of my momentum and blogging mojo… but really it’s mostly because BlogHer is just so dang overwhelming. My head is still spinning and just *thinking* about the weekend still tires me out, let alone the idea of posting about it.
Which brings me to, am I going again next year? Because it’s so exhausting, why would I? The answer is yes, but I’m trying not to think about it much at this point. The bottom line is that everyone’s BlogHer experience is different – it’s dependent on how long you’ve been blogging but more to the point, who you are and what you choose to do with your time there. For me – I’m not there to make new contacts. It’s too much and I frankly don’t believe that walking up to someone at a booth is going to get you some big opportunity.
BlogHer is more the opportunity to reconnect with the brands I’ve already been working with. Because that’s where the true opps lie, in my opinion. The best opportunities come from the reps you’ve nurtured a relationship with and the brands you truly enjoy and want to work with. Which takes time.
And of course BlogHer is also chance to see all of my great blogging girlfriends and to have a good time with them! There’s definitely a part of me that considers the weekend to be a glorified girls weekend. I get very disheartened when I hear of the swag drama or the just general negativity surrounding the experience at the conference.
But enough of that. Let’s talk about the positives & the events. The best event I attended was hands down the very first event once I got to New York City – and that was an intimate gathering at the Hope Lodge with the American Cancer Society. The event was in honor of Susan Niebur (@WhyMommy), a Mom blogger who lost her battle with cancer last year. I didn’t know Susan but I followed her story and my heart breaks just to think about what she went through and knowing that her poor kids are without their mother today.

Everyone made a tile for Susan - these will be put together and displayed at the Hope Lodge in Atlanta in her memory
Forgive me for not remembering her name, but a lovely woman from the American Cancer Society got up and spoke about the Hope Lodge and what they do there. [edited to add – it was Jessica D’ Avanza from ACS who spoke! You can also visit her at her running blog, rUnladylike] One quote she said stuck with me; she said that the American Cancer Society exists to put itself out of business. I loved that. Wouldn’t the world just be such a better place if they do eventually put themselves out of business.
I knew about the American Cancer Society, of course, but I didn’t know about the Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge is a home away from home for cancer patients. Cancer patients travel to their local Hope Lodge and stay for a time – services are offered to help support the patient and their family, basically helping them come to terms with what is happening and to offer resources on the best way to fight cancer.
I could go on and on about this one event. Really though, in looking back at the entire weekend, that event sticks out because it’s the event I went to that had the most meaning. We’re bloggers with a big reach – people read us and listen, and it’s important (IMO) to make a difference and remember what really matters when you’re in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of everyday blogging life.
Moving on from anything else serious, and since I’m getting so long-winded I’ve probably lost 99% of the people who started reading this post, I’ll leave you all with a photo montage of the rest of the weekend:

Getting my makeup done at the Clinique booth at Lord & Taylor for the Lifetime Moms event (wrote down the blush she used, which was amazing! Will review soon.)
I ADORE that last photo. And so glad you gave so much air time to the ACS event. It was truly special.
Me too on the last photo. Love those girls! So much fun to see them having a blast ๐
OMG Whitney, I am truly honored by your words about Hope Lodge.
It always is so amazing to see you; I’m hoping one of these days we get the time to sit down for a quiet and relaxed chat. ๐
What a fun weekend – and yes exhausting but so worth it! xoxo
Nearly a dozen photos…I’m lucky to be the lone guy in such great company. Always a pleasure to see you Whitney!
I am SO glad to hear you loved our American Cancer Society event at our NYC Hope Lodge. I was the woman from the American Cancer Society who spoke ๐ It was so great to meet you and have you support our movement to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. It was such a special few hours. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, sharing our voice and for supporting the cause! Please keep in touch ๐
Jesica! So sorry I couldn’t remember your name! You know it’s crazy how many people you meet over those conference weekends!
Truly, thank you so much for an amazing event. It really left a lasting impression and I will definitely keep in touch!
And I forgot you had a running blog – following you now as I’m a runner who is always aspiring to run a little farther and a little faster!
No worries at all! We’re just glad you were a part of our event ๐ Thanks for all your support. And thanks so much for checking out runladylike.com! I hope you like it ๐ Happy runnng!
NOT long winded AT ALL!- loved the post and great pics but especially your thoughts about ACS and Hope Lodge. .
Yes, indeed. Some day it will happen. They Will be outta business. .the hope in “Hope Lodge” underlines that thought as well. . .
An absolute great wrap up of how good BlogHer can be! Sad we missed each other though. ๐ Loved hearing all about the ACS event…fun for a great cause. xo
Sheila, I know – I’m so sad we missed each other too! How silly that the only interaction we had was on a Foursquare checkin. Doh! It is such a madhouse, huh? At least I know we’re close and local so hopefully I’ll see you at the next PSMM event. Thanks for commenting!!! xoxo
I was so sad to miss the ACS event – I arrived in NYC too late to get there. It’s always great to see you!