BlogOn MSI 2016
When I first started blogging sixteen months ago, I had no idea where it would take me. I have explained previously how I started my blog during a difficult time in my life, struggling with poor health, and desperately needing something to keep my brain ticking over after having the children. I blogged purely because I love to write, I shared it simply because I was a proud Mummy wanting my story to be heard, and I kept at it because, no matter how hard it got, hearing that it helped others made it entirely worthwhile. Had you told me this time last year that I would reach a point where my blog would become something more than just a hobby, I’d have thought you were winding me up. And had you told me that I would be attending my very first blogging conference, I’d have thought you were insane. And yet here I am, on a post-BlogOn high, fuelled with motivation, powered with inspiration and more determined than ever to carry on doing something that I love.
I had heard of blogging conferences previously, read countless reviews of them from fellow bloggers and told myself that one day I would have the to courage to attend one. And yet every time the opportunity arose I always found an excuse as to why I couldn’t attend, always told myself that maybe next year would be the year I finally got round to it. So when the offer of a ticket came up for BlogOn, it was a spur of the moment decision to go and I barely had time to think about it in too much depth as the date came around so fast and there was no turning back!
Having been told that I needed a) An item of Christmas clothing and b) An empty suitcase, I initially thought there was some kind of “newbie” wind-up going on, an elaborate joke that the more experienced bloggers were all in on, ready to point and laugh at us in our Christmas apparel and our empty luggage. “Are you sure they’re not winding you up?”, my Mum had asked when I told her I needed to borrow her suitcase, “It sounds like they’re pulling your leg!”. “It’s for the goody bag!” I had told her, doubt creeping in, “And I need to wear a Christmas jumper” I added, acknowledging just how ridiculous this sounded. “Oh Laura!” my Mum had said, “They’re definitely having you on!!”. And part of me wondered if she was right….
And yet on Sunday morning, after just three hours sleep following an ill-advised night out, and still wearing the previous nights make-up, I found myself at the train station, wearing my bright red Rudolph Christmas jumper, clutching my empty suitcase and feeling sick with nerves. As I sat on the train I thought about the words of a friend during a much needed pep talk the night before, where, over a few cocktails, he told me that however nervous I was feeling about going to the conference for the first time, he could guarantee that everybody else would be feeling exactly the same way. And with that in mind I swallowed my nerves, and that gnawing feeling that I wasn’t good enough, plastered on a smile, puffed out my Rudolph clad chest, and in I went…
It’s hard to describe the atmosphere to someone who wasn’t there on Sunday. Without giving you a blow by blow account of the day, which wouldn’t sound half as exciting as it really was, it is impossible to describe the noise and the chatter, the swarm of people, shrieks of recognition, the buzz and the excitement of the day ahead. I could sit here all night telling you about the amazing sessions where I learned countless things on a whole array of subjects, ranging from monetising my blog, to the technicalities of word press coding, to the practical sessions creating new and fun ideas for Christmas themed blog inspiration.
I could gush for hours about the inspirational speakers, the success stories, the ideas and suggestions that have been spinning around in my head ever since. I could tell you about the interesting and educational chats that I had with various PR agents, the contacts made, the excitement of future projects and collaborations, the feeling that this was the start of something wonderful for my blog. I could write an entire blog post based on the hard work that must have gone into organising such an event, the tireless efforts of Laura and her team to ensure that everything ran smoothly, the guest speakers who shared their trade secrets and their successes and gave hope to each and every one of us that if we worked hard enough, we could be exactly where they are a few years from now…
And yet actually, despite how amazing all of that was, my favourite part was simply being surrounded by like minded people, by fellow bloggers who completely got it, who didn’t turn up their nose when you tell them that you write for a living, or look at you like you’re crazy and ask, “Blogging? Is that an actual job these days?”. It was recognising a face from right across the other side of the room, rushing over and giving them a huge hug and gushing in mutual appreciation how much we enjoy each others blogs, agreeing that we have the most beautiful babies in the history of man, laughing at how our accents are entirely different to those we had been expecting and chatting like old friends. It was the moments where I couldn’t for the life of me link a face to a name, standing there in a sleep-deprived daze wondering how I was going to wing my way through an entire conversation until they too admitted that they had spent the day feeling equally dazed, feeling exactly the same way, and we ended up laughing in utter relief. It was standing there, wearing my ridiculous Christmas jumper, amongst a group of strong, talented, inspirational people and feeling that, actually, I had just as much right to be stood there as they did. Now that, that was a great feeling.
I took so much away with me from BlogOn this weekend, not to mention the amazing goody bag, but the biggest thing for me wasn’t the huge array of contacts made nor the notepads filled with ways to develop my blog, it was a new found respect for bloggers, and blogging in general, and the knowledge that you don’t have to have the most followers in the world, the best photographs, the all-singing website or the most hilarious stories. It’s all about passion and having belief in yourself, and if you have that, and you write from the heart, then you really can’t go wrong.
Between that and the goody bag (this was one seriously amazing goody bag!!), it was everything I had expected from my first blogging conference and more.
To all of you newbies who are right where I was this time last year, doubting your blog, panicking that you aren’t good enough, wondering if you’ll ever have the courage to go to BlogOn 2017 next year, I say do it. Absolutely do it, and I’ll be seeing you there.
*If you have enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe below for all of our latest updates.*
[email-subscribers namefield=”YES” desc=”” group=”Public”]
Fantastic write up! I followed this event on Twitter and it seemed there was absolutely loads going on and feedback LIVE seemed to be really positive!
Thank you. It was a fab event, I’m so happy that I plucked up the courage to go! xx
Oh, I so want to be there next time! I wavered this time, but seeing all the photos and posts about it makes me wish I’d had the confidence to go. Now I just need to bottle this confidence so that I can dig it out when tickets go on sale! #BloggerClubUK
Ahh it would have been lovely to meet you! Have you been to any conferences before? As far as firsts go this is a fab one to go to. I’m going to Blogfest in November too, now THAT is one I’m worrying about, London is a long way from home!! xx
I’d love to meet you too! I think Blogfest feels a bit big for me as a first, although London is much closer to home I reckon I’ll try BlogOn next year – so many people have said it’s nice and friendly and a bit smaller. But only if I know some other bloggers going too! Thanks so much for linking up with us at #SharingtheBlogLove
I’ll be there at BlogOn next year, it will be lovely to meet you! xxx
Great post, I would love to go to more blogging conferences. Now that is what you call a goodie bag :):)
You should take the plunge and do it! The goodie bag alone is worth the ticket! xx
Sounds like a lot of fun – well done for plucking up the courage to go (I’m pretty nervous about popping my blogging cherry at Blogfest in November!!) I saw Talya’s YT video of the goody bag – it’s amazing!! Glad you had fun (ps we have the same Christmas jumper) 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
Ahh I will see you at Blogfest too then!! I’m just nervous about travelling down there as it’s a long way from home! I’ll leave the Christmas jumper at home next time, although it is one of my favourites!! We have excellent taste! xx
Love this post – and good on your for attending your first of many Blogger events! I havent been to Blogon before, but I have been to Britmums for the last 2 years. The first time I went my blog was only a month old!! nothing like throwing yourself in at the deep end is there. hehe. Ae you going to Blogfest in Nov? I think that’s whats its called…
and my god look at that Goodie Bag – beat Britmums one I think!!
big love, L
xxx
#bestandworst
It’s so scary isn’t it?! I am going to Blogfest yes, although it’s a long way from home! Super nervous for that!! The goody bag really was amazing, my kids thought it was Christmas when I came home with all of it!! xx
What a fab write up! For someone that had been out the night before you look very healthy and bright eyed in your photos! I had such good things about this conference. It sounds really inspiring and that goodie bag looks amazing! I would have loved to be able to have gone. I am going to Blogfest though and I am very excited #BestandWorst
Oh I am hoping to go to Blogfest too!! I’m SUPER nervous about that though as London is a long way from home!! I felt soooo tired all day at BlogOn but I was powered on with adrenalin, it really was a fab event and everyone was so lovely and friendly! xx
I’d love to go to a Blog on event, you make it sound great fun on somany levels, just need one to come to the South West now. #BloggerclubUK
That’s the problem isn’t it? They become really expensive if you’re travelling to lots of them with transport and over night stays. Thankfully this was local to me and I have a sponsor for Novembers Blogfest, just need to find the courage to go now! xx
It sounds like an awesome event! I really want to get to a blogging conference or two next year, it always sounds like everyone has such a fun time. 😀 #BloggerClubUK
BlogOn is a great one to start with if you’re a little nervous like I was!! It’s not as big as the others but it’s way more sociable from what everyone was saying. xx
Oh this has just made me so excited for Blogfest in November! The first event I went to in July was more of a networking event but I realised that I wanted to be doing this forever, and I am so excited for my first big conference, although so nervous! Being inspired by other bloggers and just enjoying the day with them is what I want to take from the event most! #bestandworst
Ahh I so hope that I find the courage to go to BlogFest, I think I’m just going to get my ticket bought and stop being such a baby about it!! Cant wait to meet you! xx
That sounds like a really fun event. While I’ve been blogging for some time now, haven’t really been to any blogger’s event. Primarily because we live so far! If I lived anywhere nearer would love to be able to meet other bloggers as well 🙂
Ahh yes, travel is an issue and it gets so expensive too! It was lovely to meet people who just got it, I can’t wait to go to the next one now! xx
I haven’t been to a blogging conference yet but after seeing everyone’s posts about it I really must get myself booked up for one! #BloggerClubUK
You really should! Just go for it, you cant back out then! xx
Ah it sounds amazing Laura! So glad you enjoyed it. BlogOn is a bit far for me but I really should go to a blogging conference one of these days, purely because I want to meet other bloggers! LOVE your jumper, too. #BloggerClubUK
That was the best bit, although all of the other parts were lovely, and the goodie bag….obviously! I would be lovely to meet you! xx
Well done for going. It is great to meet likeminded people and be inspired. Very well worth getting over your fears for. I was nervous at my first one too but found it really interesting.
Kirsten Toyne recently posted…The Emotional First Weeks With A Newborn
Thank you, it was hugely inspiring. I feel like I came home thinking I could take on the world! xx
Great write up. It was an amazing day, wasn’t it? Blog On is quite something, really. It’s so friendly and full of energy. I loved every minute of it (and I also wondered whether the suitcase was a joke… no it wasn’t!)
It was so much fun. I loved your talk on monetising your blog, you were so lovely, funny and informative! Thank you! xx
Great post. You explained the initial nerves so well. Sounds like it was a fab event.
It was so much fun! I’m hooked now, got another one lined up for November! xx
It sounds like you had an absolutely amazing time Laura! Good for you, and well done you for going. I have been wanting to go to a blogging conference for so long but somehow the dates have never quite worked out. I’ve been in two minds whether to go to Blog Fest in November and after reading this I’ve made up my mind – I just have to find a way to go! 🙂 Emily #BrilliantBlogPosts
Yayyy! I’m going to blogfest too!! Oh I would so love to meet you, fingers crossed you make it happen! xx
I have heard loads about blog on and all have said how much they enjoyed it. I’m glad you settled in well, events like this are so nerve racking aren’t they! I should be going to #blogfest, so will be nice to meet you. I’m dreading the journey too as I don’t know of any bloggers living near by who I could travel with x
Ooh I’m looking forward to meeting you there! I think I will be travelling to blogfest by myself too, I’m super nervous about that but maybe we can all arrange to meet somewhere and at least walk in together! xx
Your story is lovely. I’m happy it was so nice for you, starting with a big event can be daunting. My first blogger event was small and still had a lot of nerves.
The seminar with the funny food was so interesting, I loved it.
Anca recently posted…Jewel Tower and my little piece of history
Thank you, it was so daunting but apparently BlogOn is quite a small conference, I think Blogfest will be huge! The food seminar was really fun to do, I’ve never really played around with food like that before but I’m definitely going to do more of it on the blog and with the children! xx
Oh you write about this exactly the same way I felt about BML and more than anything it was the meeting fellow bloggers that was absolutely the best bit! Like greeting long lost family. So wish I’d been there! Will hopefully see you at a blogging event in the future my lovely! #CoolMumClub
justsayingmum recently posted…You Know You’ve Got Teens When …
That’s exactly it, it’s funny because you read all these blogs and share some really quite personal stories, and so when you meet you feel as though you already have this amazing bond! I’m going to blogfest next month and will be at BML17, hopefully our paths will cross!! xx
Well done for going, I know I would have felt the same! I would love to go to one of these blog conferences, maybe next year!
It’s a huge step to go to your first conference but honestly, it was amazing. I struggle massively with my self confidence and hugely doubt my blogging abilities, but the motivational speakers really get you feeling as though you can achieve anything and it definitely gives you a much needed boost! xx
I’ve yet to go to one, although I am going to mums net blogfest in November. Your post helped me to realise that there will be loads of other people in my position, going alone for the first time!
I’m going to blogfest too!! How exciting, we must seek eachother out!! xx
This sounds fab. I’ve never been to a blogging conference before but this certainly sounds a good one. And that goodie bag – that’s Oscar worthy!
#stayclassy
Rach recently posted…Is Marriage The Kiss Of Death?
It was amazing!! When they said to take a suit case for the goodie bag I did think it was some kind of prank, but then it all made sense! My kids thought it was Christmas when I walked in the door, they couldn’t believe all of the goodies and we are still working our way through the sweets and chocolate! xx
Aw wasn’t it fab! I’m just sorry I didn’t get to chat to you. When I bashed you with my reindeer horns, I just thought “she’s a pretty lady who looks familiar” but it’s so hard to recognise people sometimes or get the time to speak to everyone on the day. I’m about to start writing my post. You’re right though, it must take such a lot of organising and the speakers were amazing. The best part of blogging is the community for sure! Hope you see you again another time Laura! Tor xx
teacuptoria recently posted…6 High Street Statement Necklaces You’ll Love
Hehe and I was just thinking nice antlers!! We came so close, next time I’m sure we will manage to exchange a conversation!! It was such a great day, I definitely think the community is the best part of blogging absolutely, everyone is so lovely and supportive, huge confidence boost too! xx
Oh Laura! I am so happy for you! This sounds like a wonderful experience and you absorbed so many more things than just a goodie bag! Very happy for you indeed! Blog on! One of these days, maybe I’ll try that too! #StayClassyMama M’wah <3 <3 <3
Thank you Lisa, it was such a huge confidence boost and my mind is still racing with everything that I learned. It would be lovely to meet you one of these days! xx
I have yet to make it a blogging event, and as a newbie I really should go. But trips back to the UK are spent visiting family and friends. But thanks for the write up sounds like you had an amazing time and learned so much! #sharingtheBlogLove
Ahh yes, it gets expensive travelling within the UK but even more when you’re out of it! Hopefully you will make it one of these days! xx
What an amazing day and so great to meet you lovely! Thanks so much for linking up to #coolmumclub xx
So lovely to meet you!! I’m so excited for Blogfest now, are you going there too? xx
Looks like you had a blast and learned a ton! I am a newbie- only three months- so maybe someday…and btw you rock that Rudolf sweater!
#stayclassymama
You should go for it, there were people there who have literally just launched their blog. I felt like a total newbie but everyone was so lovely and welcoming, there was definitely no hierarchy or bloggers! And thank you, I do love a Christmas jumper! xx
This blogging conference certainly looks like one to look out for next time! I must have been living in a cave over the summer as totally missed any build up hype! Glad you got what you wanted from the conference hun…next stop, world domination! xx
Thanks for linking with #coolmumclub
I missed it all too! It was only when I saw a post on FB I realised it was happening and thankfully I got a ticket at the eleventh hour! It was lovely to meet some of the names I have been following this last eighteen months, I felt a little star struck! Hoping to get to Blogfest in November, now THAT makes me nervous! xx
It sounds like a great event! I almost went but then was put off by the travel/hotel costs – I’m kind of regretting it now. I would love to meet some of the lovely people behind the blogs I read on a regular basis. When is a blog conference going to be held in Scotland? #stayclassymama
Squirmy Popple recently posted…What happens when the Guardian writes about mummy blogs
Ahh yes lucky for me it’s only an hour away on the train. The next one, blogfest, is a long way from home so the travel/hotel costs do add up. Perhaps try and get a sponsor who will cover the cost of the travel and your ticket? Always worth at try! xx
Ah sweetie v proud of you as I know you’ve admitted struggles with anxiety before so that’s major. I think I may strike the ‘June’ event off the list and go to this and Blogfest instead next year! And I’m very impressed you had the guts to wear a Xmas jumper in September. #bloggerclubuk
Ah sweetie v proud of you as I know you’ve admitted struggles with anxiety before so that’s major. I think I may strike the ‘June’ event off the list and go to this and Blogfest instead next year! And I’m very impressed you had the guts to wear a Xmas jumper in September. #bloggerclubuk
I’ve added this again as commentluv didn’t work last time!
absolutely prabulous recently posted…What Really Happened at the MAD Blog Awards 2016
Ooh please go to Blogfest, I will be there and it would be so lovely to meet you!! Despite the success of BlogOn I feel equally nervous about Blogfest, probably more so as it’s such a long way from home, but it should be amazing and at least I won’t have to wear anything Christmassy this time! xx
It sounds as though Blogfest was amazing for you and I am so glad x
Rachel recently posted…Introducing Noble Naturals
It was a great experience and has definitely eased me in ready for Blogfest! xx
I’ve always been too nervous to attend blogging conferences. I’ve heard they’re very cliquey and I’m a complete introvert. You’ve really convinced me though. I love that you had to wear a christmas jumper and I can’t get over that goody bag. So many amazing things! I love how much you’ve learnt and I can only imagine how nice it must be to stand in a room with people who just get what you do. Hopefully I’ll see you at one in the future! x
Chloe Ciliberto recently posted…INTERVIEW WITH A MUMPRENEUR – ELLIE ILLUSTRATES
I had heard exactly the same Chloe, and from what I heard at BlogOn some of the conferences ARE very cliquey, but BlogOn wasn’t like that at all. The general consensus what that BlogOn was the friendliest, most social of conferences! So if you’re looking for one to ease you in, this is it!! Maybe I’ll see you there next year? xx
But was everyone else in a Christmas jumper?! A fabulous write-up. Your infectious enthusiasm makes me want to go! Alison x #coolmumclub
Alison (MadHouseMum) recently posted…Seeds of Thought
Haha no not really!! There was a few but it appears that most had gone in their normal clothes! Awkward!! xx
I am that newbie and it all seems so scary, I haven’t even considered going to an event!!! Loved reading this! Now I must do it! Think I might put the Christmas jumper on in the loos when I get there though!! xx #momsterslink
sonia recently posted…Wait, Why are we Moving?
Haha I was sat there on the train, sweating, with my coat fastened up and I didn’t dare take it off and have everyone see the giant Rudolph jumper! If only I had thought of that!! You should definitely go for an event, it IS nerve wracking but you wont regret it, I promise!! xx
Thank you for giving us newbie bloggers encouragement to press on, knowing that something actually *can* come out of this hobby! Looking forward to following you.
It was so motivational to see so many bloggers doing this for a career, and a successful one at that! The idea of getting paid to do something you love is pretty much the dream isn’t it? I look forward to following you too! xx
Sounds super and you lady are gorgeous x
Ahh thank you so much. It was a huge confidence boost going there and facing my anxieties. Next step, Blogfest! xx
Ah it looks brilliant, I’m gutted I didn’t go! I went to the last one a few months back and loved it. So glad you went and enjoyed it so much. Brilliant goodie bag as well! Yay! x #bestandworst
Becky at PinksCharming recently posted…Thea’s Starting Preschool. It Hasn’t Been Easy!
Ahh it would have been lovely to meet you! The goodie bag was definitely worth going for, so many fab things and we are still working our way through all of the edible goodies! xx
Hey Laura, I just returned from my first blogging conference too. I wish someone had warned me about bringing an empty suitcase. Ha ha.It was tough finding room amongst my clothes in my small suitcase for all those goodies. It truly was great fun meeting so many like-minded people. 🙂
Barbara recently posted…Kasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Giveaway
Oh no!! I bet that was a struggle! Apparantly some people didn’t take a case last year and had to juggle all of those bags home on the train, I can just imagine what a nightmare that would be! My case was stuffed! Glad you had fun, it’s always lovely to be surrounded by people who just get it! xx
Sounds like you had a great time!! #momsterslink
Heather Keet recently posted…Training for the marathon…
We did, thank you! xx
#LinkyNeighbor (we should start this hashtag!) I’m sending blogger love from #FabFridayPost too. Love the reindeer sweater too! #FabFridayPost and hugs too <3 <3 <3
Haha we should totally start this hashtag, either that or #cyberstalker Lots of love to you my friend! xxx
Compelling read as I’ve never been to Blog On! That, by the way, is quite a jumper. #BrilliantBlogPosts
Thanks John! It was a fab event! xx
I love your blog Laura! Like you I’ve heard great things but never thought about going to one before, I always still think that only a handful of people read my blog and I’ll just be a lost little face in the crowd! It looked like great fun! Sarah #FabFridayPost
Sarah Stockley recently posted…#ExplorerKids – September Round-up
That’s exactly how I felt but it was lovely to see that not only did people read my blog, but they liked it too! I felt a little star struck to be honest, some of the bloggers I see as celebrities in the blogging world, I literally lynched one poor girl!! You should definitely take the plunge and do it, I’m sure you would love it! xx
I really wanted to go, but found out about the event too late! It looks like you had a great time! Thanks for linking up to #ThatFridayLinky
Emily recently posted…That Friday Linky
What a fab time and well done for working up the courage. So glad you had such an inspirational time #picknmix
Thank you. It was nerve wracking but I’m so glad I went! xx
Oh it’s always nice to hear about bloggers who are successful like you it’s giving me hope that one day my blog will be at least half good as yours
#FabFridayPost
Aww that’s so nice of you to say. I don’t consider my blog a success just yet, but I guess that depends what you class as a success. Am I proud of my writing? Absolutely, and it’s an honour that anybody takes the time to read it. Am I making a living from it? Nowhere near, but one day I like to think I would get paid to do something I love! xx
BlogOn is amazing isn’t it. I find it much smaller than other blog conferences but it is deliberatley like that so you can network without feeling completely overwhelmed. Was lovely to meet you
Kara recently posted…New research reveals most popular family holiday destinations of the summer
I think it was a really good one to start with as it wasn’t TOO over whelming. I’m going to Blogfest next month, I’ve heard that’s a lot bigger? Lovely to meet you, apologies again that I seemed like I was on another planet! xx
I’m so sad I didn’t see you, I would have loved to say hello! You summed it up brilliantly, it really is something special being surrounded by like minded bloggers. I was SO nervous, but I’m pleased I made myself go. It was definitely a good one to go to. X #picknmix
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Me and Mine…A Family Project September 2016
I have a confession, when someone told me that Laura had organised BlogOn I thought that was you! When the other Laura got up to introduce it I said to my friend how you look nothing like your photos, it was only when I got home that I realised my mistake! No wonder you looked so different!! Gutted I didn’t get to meet you, at you going to Blogfest? xx
Ha ha that’s so funny!!! Sadly I won’t be going to Blogfest, but I’ve voted for you and hope you win X popping back to say thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove X
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…A Week of Germs…The Ordinary Moments
I’m so stupid sometimes, I was so looking forward to meeting you and then went over and thought wow she looks different, before I twigged!! Haha! Thank you for the vote, that’s lovely of you. Hopefully meet you soon! xx
Beautiful family.
Thank you! xx
Well done for going lovely I need to build up the courage to attend one! This one was not too far from me but it was Meme’s birthday weekend so I couldn’t really miss that. Sounds like you had a lovely time and you look amazing!!! #sharethebloglove
Ahh maybe next year you will go? I would love to meet you there! And thank you, I felt so rough!! xx
I love blogging conferences, I used to have a blast at BlogHer! I remember when that was “small”! Hope you have many more to enjoy, you can take so much from them and earn lifelong friends.
Yes definitely, I learned so much but more than that, I learned that I can do anything at all I put my mind to! xx
It sounds like you had such an amazing day….Well done for attending. I have never been brave enough. Yet x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Autumn is well and truly here. #WotW
You should do it! It IS nerve wracking but it’s a great feeling afterwards! I’ve just signed up to Blogfest in November! xx
Sounds like a fab conference and what a goody bag!! Thanks for sharing with the #bestandworst
Helen Gandy recently posted…Best and Worst Linky #67
It was amazing! The goodie bag was one of my favourite parts! xx
This was my 4th blog on and i love it. I think I will always try to make it for the blogger to blogger interaction. It was a lovely day and glad you enjoyed it x
I’ll definitely be going next year, it was such a lovely social event, I’m going to Blogfest in November and I’m not sure how that will compare! xx
IT WAS AMAZING, wasn’t it? It was SO lovely to meet you and you’re so right – I was just as nervous and terrified but I needn’t have been. I’ll definitely be going again and hope to see you soon at all the other blogging events we’ll have the confidence to go to now!
Yes! It was lovely to meet you too, you’re exactly how I imagined you to be. I feel like I was just walking around in a daze and I was EXHAUSTED afterwards! Are you going to Blogfest? I got my ticket last night, I feel sick with nerves all over again! xx
Sums the day up perfectly, was lovely to meet you properly x
Jenni recently posted…Blogtober #1 – who are you?
You too Jenni, and we rocked our Christmas jumpers didn’t we?! xx
Hi Laura, I’m glad to see the wearing of the Christmas jumper wasn’t a newbie windup! I would have wondered the same thing. I have yet to attend one of these blogging get together’s. I would really like to one day, but attending from where I live isn’t just a ride on a train (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it!).
It’s good to see that you learned so much positive stuff. And what is it with people who don’t ‘get’ blogging? Blogging is fun. Blogging is social. More people should try it!
xx
Debbie recently posted…Baby Loggerhead Turtles
Haha it does sound like a wind-up doesn’t it? I had such a good day, so much so that I’ve signed up for Blogfest next month in London. Now THAT is something I’m scared about!!! xx
I haven’t been to a blogging conference yet. I’m slightly scared about being a newbie and not really knowing what I’m talking about. I really should brave one next year. #weekendblogshare life in the Mum’s Lane
That was my worry Emma, I was panicking that everybody would realise I’m just a fraud who is winging it!! You should brave one though, I came away from it feeling like a real blogger for the first time since I started out. It was a good feeling! xx
I’ve never TO a blog conference maybe next year but knowing me I probably won’t bother looks like you had a great time and what a goodie bag Thanks for linking to the #THAT FRIDAY LINKY come back next week please
You should give one a go Nige! I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but if nothing else it was great to meet so many people I had followed for the last eighteen months and learn so much too! I’m going to blogfest next month now too, now THAT makes me nervous! xx
Sounds like you had a brilliant time – I’m jealous!! #coolmumclub
Crummy Mummy recently posted…#MySundayPhoto
It was fab! I’m not sure what I was expecting really, I had no idea, but it was a great event and I’ll be back next year! xx
Love your Christmas jumper 🙂 and well done for being brave enough for the conference, I loved it when I went to Britmums 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
A Cornish Mum recently posted…Review: The Moorland Garden Hotel – Devon
Thank you! I loved it so much I’ve signed up for Blogfest in November, I’m super nervous about that though! xx
Oh my goodness you are more than enough for you are you. I love reading about how other people have got on at these conferences and imagine I’d love to go to one. #coolmumclub
Helena recently posted…Word of the Week: Overwhelmed
Thank you. It was a much needed confidence boost, I suffer with anxiety and the fact that I made it there and through the day was a real step forward! xx
Sounds like BlogOn was fab, but I still don’t understand why the Christmas jumper was a requirement! That goody bag looked amazing. Hopefully see you at some more conferences in future. Thanks for linking with #FabFridayPost
It was a Christmas themed event although most people seemed to turn up in their normal clothes – awkward!! I’m going to Blogfest in November, hopefully see you there? xx
Aw I’m so so glad you had such an amazing experience! I wish I could have been there, next time I would love to meet you there : ). You’re right, the mutual feeling of dazed and confused but also respect and admiration for the other bloggers at a conference is the best part. I went to Brit Mums and was overwhelmed at the amazing people I had met, and putting a face to a blog is such a strange but wonderful experience, you really never know what to expect (almost like having a baby lol). Thanks for sharing this lovely post with #StayClassyMama!
I would so love to meet you. Are you going to Blogfest next month? I have signed up for that now, I must have caught the blogging bug! I’m freaking out about travelling down to London by myself, it’s a world away from our little village in Lancashire!! xx
Back from #stayclassymama and yes I agree we have to meet one day!
absolutely prabulous recently posted…What Really Happened at the MAD Blog Awards 2016
Are you going to Blogfest? If so, me too!!!! xx
Ah good for you! My first blogging conference was Brit Mums Live earlier this year and I felt exactly the same as you – you definitely gain so much from being surrounded by like-minded people. Fantastic post and hopefully you’ll inspire other newbies to have the courage to attend other conferences as they are so worth it x #coolmumclub
I’m planning on doing Britmums next year, I missed this year due to my husband being away on a stag do. Inconsiderate!! I’m going to Blogfest next month, I’m super nervous about that! xx
Sounds like it was a really good day – I am yet to make it to a blogging conference as I’d need someone to look after the children for me, but hopefully one day. Thanks for linking to #sharewithme
Mummy Fever recently posted…At home with the #WackyBakers
I was lucky that my husband could be with them, although not lucky for him after a night on the drink!! xx
I was really gutted not to be able to make this one as I really wanted to go. Sounds like you had a brilliant time I am so loving that Jumper!! Although I have brought a ticket to blogfest so hopefully that will be just as good. May see you there if you are going? Stopping by from #sharingthebloglove
Mudpie Fridays recently posted…10 play ideas for your 4 month old
Yes! I’m going to Blogfest!! It will be fab to meet you although I am super nervous about it. Travelling to London on my own is a huge thing for me, I’m convinced I’m going to get horribly lost! xx
Well done you! I totally know how you felt too, I felt much like that when I went to BML 2016 – I was terrified. I’m going to Blogfest again this year, but this time I think I’ll be a little more confident (or at least I hope so!). Hopefully I’ll see you there! xx
Thanks for linking to #pocolo
Morgan Prince recently posted…Tips for getting your children to do chores
Oh yayyyy!! I’m going to Blogfest too!! We have got to meet, although I am super nervous and will probably be walking around like a rabbit in the headlights all over again! xx
Aw so glad that you had a good time and that you met some other lovely bloggers. I always love reading your posts x