the metafictional blues

Whew. Here I am at BlogHer09 in Chicago — I haven’t been here 24 hours yet and I’m already amazed by the experience, the number of great people I’ve met and the incredible things that can happen when passionate women come together. This is true whoever and wherever they are — and while I am not surprised by this (since I witness it every day) each time the realization hits me, it gives me chills. It’s wonderful to see so many women connecting on a multitude of topics.

Some thoughts in no particular order:

– The excitement that happens when online friends meet IRL for the first time never gets old
– They weren’t kidding when they said you’d need an extra suitcase for the swag
– Although I was kind of worried I wouldn’t know anyone here, I have run into people that I do know or have mutual friends with (in addition to those I only know online)
– Regardless of the above, have met so many lovely ladies and they’re all very kind and welcoming
– Don’t stand in between a woman and free stuff (seriously, don’t)
– It’s ok to take a break every now and then — there is no way to do and see everything, so let it go.
– There’s no substitute for being real.
– No matter what your preferred platform or medium, there are certain shared values and motivations that do not change
– Being Mrs. Potato Head at BlogHer has to be a hard job
– You are always your brand whether you want to be, intend to be or not.
– Trying to definitively decide which sessions you’ll attend before everything starts is like (insert some clever analogy here)… probably impossible.
– Sponsor booths and marketing opportunities are as equally fascinating as the sessions.
– Healthcare and advocacy is coming up a lot
– As is women & balance and women & confidence — and how more struggle with this than you might think
– You will be exhausted. But in a good way.
– Be proud of yourself if you resist the urge to eat the $4 mini can of Pringles from the honor bar. You will respect yourself more in the morning.
– Overheard: “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Good point. Am focusing more on connecting with people vs. quantity.
– If I forget that I’ve met you already, please pretend that it’s ok. Maybe you’re so awesome I want to have that “first time experience” again. On that note, thank God for nametags.
– You may think you don’t “belong” here, but you do. BlogHer conference, in reality (at least from my observation), is less about blogging and more about relating.
– If you’re feeling overwhelmed, chances are everyone else is, too.
– Going to bed early may result in missing streakers in the lobby.

So much more to say … stay tuned.