My #Blissdom Recap

I have been home from Blissdom for over a week now, and I feel like I have probably put off writing this way too long.  So, in between horrible coughing that is making me have to cross my legs (you Moms out there — I know you know what I’m saying), I’m going to try to write up some general thoughts on my trip.

1. The Trip — I had a great drive to and from Nashville.  With almost all of the trip being interstate driving and having my friend Amanda with me, it was hard for it not to be a nice trip.  Well, that is until we both freaked out as we got to the Opryland Hotel and couldn’t figure out where we were supposed to park the van while we checked in.

2. The Hotel — Amazing!  But, overwhelming too.  Amanda explored while I was at the conference and then had to help me find my way around every time I needed to get somewhere new.  The staff at the hotel was also very helpful as well.  But, I do have to admit, I didn’t think the rooms were worth the $125/night that we got as a conference rate, let alone their actual $200/night price tag.  Then again, I guess you are paying for a whole lot more than just your room.

3. The Attendees — I wanted to write about everyone I met, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.  I’m so afraid that I will skip over someone and that person will feel bad.  Maybe later this week I’ll try to put together a little highlight of some people I met, because there really are things that I want to say in this area.  Let me just say for now, however, that meeting other bloggers and connecting with people you have already met online, as well as people that you are meeting for the first time, was by far the greatest part of Blissdom.

4. The Speakers — I’ll admit it, some of the talks were more useful to me than others.  (And I was really disappointed in one of the two Wisdom Workshops that I signed up for.)  But, that being said, overall it was great.  Sometimes it was things that I knew, but they sounded different coming out of someone else’s mouth.  And, other times, I heard things that I hadn’t even thought about.  Some ideas came up again and again, but that just cinched it to me that those were some of the things that were important takeaways.

5. The Food — Yum-o!  The meals were just delicious.  And you know what?  Nobody said, “Mom — can I get some juice?” at anytime during my meals.  That alone would have made them great.  Seriously though — best food I’ve ever had at a conference.

6. Savvy Blogging Round Table (which was not an official Blissdom event, but happened on Friday night courtesy of Savvy Blogging)  — It was worth missing Harry Connick Jr. for.  I didn’t even feel bad. 

7. The Swag — So much great stuff to bring home!  From coupons to snack foods to an Amazing Blissdom bag to gift certificates and so much more.  I filled my kitchen table with stuff when I came home.  It was crazy and fun!

8. Conclusion?  I’ve already got my eye toward next year’s road trip to Nashville.

Later this week, I’ll write up some messages that I took away from various sessions.  And, I’ll try my best to get over my fear of leaving people off of a Blissdom people list.

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