I just got back from the Evo conference in Park City, Utah, and am still walking on air.
To preface this story, I’ll tell you I’m still new to blogging, only eight or nine months in, but trying to take it seriously.
I met a local blogger last month, Linda Sellers of Linneyville, and she was nice enough to have lunch with me. Linda was so helpful and gracious. She recommended that I start attending blog conferences.
The Big One, BlogHer, that takes place in San Diego next month, but that is too far away and too close to our cross-country road trip (I hope to get some good stories out of that trip.)
Evo Conference is coming up soon, she said. I’d never heard of it. This reflects my noob status, because Evo is “Kind Of A Big Deal”.
When I went home I googled “Evo ticket giveaway”, because this is how my mind works.
I found Lara Galloway‘s fabulous site, MomBizCoach.com and entered the giveaway for her ticket. It was ending soon so I only was able to tweet a couple of entries before it closed. I tweeted my second entry seconds before the deadline.
When I got the e-mail that I’d won, I went from elated to crushed.
Of course I couldn’t go. It was too soon and the airfare to Utah was too high.
Luckily, I married a man who makes every dream of mine come true.
Before I knew it I was booking a flight and finding roommates for The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah.
For three days I learned about blogging and social media, ate amazing meals, met great bloggers, social media professionals and brand representatives. Also, I made friends.
Both real and Muppet.
I learned about some great products and services I’ll be sharing with you soon. I’ll only tell you about things I really liked and I promise you my authentic opinion.
The best and worst part of the conference was coming home. I missed my family so much, but leaving what was effectively summer camp for bloggers was tough too. I can’t wait to go back next year!
So glad you won a ticket and were able to come! You husband rocks! 😀 Hope to see you again next year!
Rachael, I hope to bring my family with me next year. Evo was so well run and professional in every way.
You and Jyl should just relax for the next month, because you earned it.
Wow- sounds like so much fun! Your husband is terrific and you are blessed, girlfriend! And look at you with Elmo! Just as beautiful as always!
I can’t wait to hear what you’ve learned!
OMG! So many exclamation points!! 😛
Hi Becky, I’m glad you found me! And, I love exclamation points, so it’s all good!
Wow Totally cool
Thanks, Ro! Isn’t it pretty? Even this is temporary though.
YAY!!!! 🙂
Like you didn’t know. 😈
Love the new look of your blog! I bought a little fabric today that has little birdies sitting on branches. I like!
I’m am so glad that you went to that amazing conference.
This is probably temporary, but it’s cheerful while it’s here.
GUESS WHAT NOTA? Early on, you were a top runner in my guesses. And then, you fooled me. Sheesh. I knew you loved me! And, I clearly don’t have the detective skills you do. Now I will sleep better at night!
I thought I told you!
You’ve been a good friend to Nota, not even know it was me. Thanks! :hug:
You didn’t tell me! To think I could have asked…I thought if I knew, you’d have to kill me… 🙂
Here’s a link to my homeschool blog: http://munchkinmom9.blogspot.com
You are adorable, Nota!
Thanks, honey!
wow! so cool! and we got to see the real you!
Yes, I’m the one with the red fur.
I am so happy for you, Nota!!!!!!!!
Hugs!!!
Thanks, babe.
Hate to one-up you, but I DID have my picture made with the REAL Elmo…the FELLOW behind the Fake Fur….
Kevin Clash? LUCKY!
Now I think I better go change you in my google reader, because you haven’t shown up today, so far….I’ll report back….
Rats. Rats, rats, rats.
I am so glad I met you and got to room with you at EVO I miss it to. It was the best. great recap!
Same time next year? If I go solo, that is.
It was so great to meet you ladies. Thanks for letting me room with you guys!
I have a cute picture of us at the Lodge I’ll send you.
I’m still trying to digest all that we learned at evo. It was great getting to know you. Let me know if you go alone next year and we can room together!
I would love that, Raejean! I enjoyed every second of it.
So I guess this is your coming out party! Woot! Woot! Someday I’m going to be able to say that I knew you back when…
I’m certain you destined for greatness.
And I couldn’t be any more fortunate than the day you became my friend.
If it’s a party, why isn’t there cake? There should be cake!
I’m so glad you were able to come! I loved meeting you and we really did have the best roommates.
I know! Everyone was so easy to be around. I think it went perfectly.
Nice to see you, Nota! I’m glad it was such a great trip!
It was a very nice trip, Cindy. I am almost recovered from it.
I’ll be in GA in Oct. I think we are trying to plan for coffee in Atlanta one day.
Cross country road trip? Hmmm…. how far west are you coming?
I may or may not be very near you next year, Stephanie. 😉
Your blog needs a Like button! 😀
That would be cool.
If you look at the main page, it does have a Facebook Like button!
Soooo glad you were able to make it to evo’11, especially at the last minute. Blog conferences are such a fun way to turn your online relationships into IRL friendships.
I hope we’ll see you at future evo Conferences.
In the meantime, enjoy a terrific cross-country roadtrip.
xoxo
Jyl, you and Rachael did such an amazing job. I can’t imagine a better conference.
Thanks so much for all the work it takes to pull off an event like that. It’s appreciated.
Added, I really like your blog! 🙂
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