Actually it was the people that made it fabulous. If you get the chance to go you definitely should. And if you don’t get the opportunity, then make it happen!
What made it unique for me is that I’ve gotten to know these people online through Twitter, Facebook & their blogs. This was my second event in a year’s time of working online. I spoke at Web Community Forum 07 & met @jowyang there. And there were a few people that I renewed acquaintances with from that event.
People say that attending events is important for building brand. I’ve stubbornly proven that I could establish myself remotely, but I will admit that meeting everyone was a fabulous experience. The one thing that really stood out for me was how warm everyone was. I have no regrets in joining this industry. In Minnesota we are proud of what is referred to as ‘Minnesota nice’, but bloggers are in that same league!
Here are some of my favorite photos:
Chris Brogan is even more inspirational & generous in person than on his blog. Sunday afternoon found him selling Glenda’s books. (I bought one – book review coming.)
This is a powerhouse. Shashi is the Social Media Swami at Network Solutions. Kristie Wells leads the Social Media Club. {me} Geoff Livingston from Livingston PR & Lionel Menchaca.
This was way better than a group chat on MSN! Betsy Weber from TechSmith & Kathy Jacobs, Community Guru from AllVoices.com
Minnesota’s representation – Lee Odden of TopRankBlog.com, Greg Swan from WeberShandwick
Superstars of the book, Now is Gone, Geoff Livingston & Brian Solis
Masters of blogging! Chris Brogan & Darren Rowse, Problogger
I have more photos but will share them with future posts. You can see all of them in Facebook.
No matter how much we learn about how to make the web our play space, face to face matters. We can’t avoid it. I’m so glad I met you and your husband at BlogWorld Expo. : )