Beth from The Angel Forever and I have been in cahoots on a project for the last few weeks. We’ve been putting together a networking conference for mom bloggers (and some dad bloggers) after lamenting the lack of time to meet and greet our fellow attendees at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.
We’ve met with some hotels. We’ve hammered out a tentative schedule. And we’re thisclose to signing a contract to make this a reality.
When: July 9-11, 2010
Where: Near the Albany International Airport (ALB) in Upstate New York
Why: To get more time to network with companies and fellow bloggers, have roundtable discussions, learn from a speaker or two, voice your blogging concerns in an open forum, and maybe extend your trip to enjoy all the upstate area has to offer – from the Saratoga Raceway to Six Flags Great Escape to a steamboat ride on Lake George to shopping.
As Beth mentioned in her blog post earlier this morning, we’re negotiating a package deal that will include everything but how you get here. (Although if you fly into ALB, there is a complimentary hotel shuttle to pick you up.) We’re talking about $350 for your conference pass, meals, and lodging for two nights if you want a room of your own… and even less (some under $200) if you’re willing to have a roommate or roommates! Local folks can get a commuter pass without renting a room, too.
If you didn’t get a ticket to BlogHer, we hope you’ll come hang out with us in this far less expensive alternative. If you are going to BlogHer, this could be like the tailgating party beforehand – maybe meet your BlogHer roommate ahead of time!
We’re also looking for sponsors and vendors. Vendors will be able to set up tables on Saturday morning to meet the attendees, hand out literature, and get pitches from bloggers who want to work with your company. You’ll get your button on the official conference page (which isn’t up yet). You’ll get thanked by the organizers. And sponsors get more. If you choose to sponsor a cocktail reception or coffee break, you’ll get to hang up your prominent signage in the conference space, get your button or banner on the official conference page (which isn’t up yet), get thanked by the organizers, and get exhibit space with the vendors. You can have a representative introduce themselves on stage at the beginning of the reception or break you’re sponsoring, including a brief pitch about what your company does and what you are looking for from the blogging public.
The official conference announcement will be made after we’ve signed the contract. This is us putting out our feelers to make sure people actually want to come. (There was plenty of interest when we talked to people last month. We need to make sure that doesn’t change!)
I’m rambling.
Would you be interested in attending? Are the dates good? The pricing seem reasonable? (You can get a personal sponsor, if you’d like.) Anything else you’d like us to consider?
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Who would “qualify” to attend?
My Daughter lives in Up State NY, and this would be such a great “extra” if I got to go visit:-)
If you buy a ticket, we’re not going to stop you from coming.
It’s mostly going to be moms who blog, but also some dads and non-moms who associate with a lot of moms who blog.
Any idea what the price would be without lodging (just the conference ticket)? Great idea. Lots to enjoy in the area during that time of year. People can make it into a summer getaway vacation with the whole family.
I’m interested but it’s just going to depend on my financial situation and if I can get sponsors. Love that it’s a small gathering.
By any chance do you have a website specific to this event yet for registration yet?
Also, do you have a hashtag figured out yet for this event?
Lastly, is there a particular twitter account that you will be using to update more information or for people who can’t attend to follow before, during, and after the event.
Thanks! Sounds like a great event!
Thank you so much!
Having just moved from Maine, to upstate NY, this sounds like something I might be interested in! As I’ve recently had to retire my co-editor spot over at New England Mamas, I’d love to get to know other area bloggers! I’ve been looking for a couple of months now, and thanks to She Posts, I found you guys! Well, some of you anyhow!
Moving to upstate NY in January 2011. Do you guys have any plans to do something in 2011?
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