The Top 5 Reasons Why This BlogHer Conference Virgin Will Return Next Year

The Monday morning after BlogHer ’14 was filled with epiphanies for me – epiphanies mostly about clarity, direction, and focus.

I’ve never felt like this after a conference before. Don’t get me wrong, I believe one should leave a conference inspired, challenged, and just better overall, both personally and professionally, than when you arrived.

When I think about my first experience at a BlogHer conference, the famous quote by the late Maya Angelou comes to mind: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

As an avid conference-goer, but a virgin to BlogHer, I will admit that this one stood out and was like no other conference I’ve been to. In fact, let me give you my Top 5 reasons why I’ll be back next year:

1.  Well-organized & Professional

From the set-up in the Grand Ballroom at the San Jose Convention Center, to the Expo hall, to the food, to the helpful people, to the signage directing you to the next spot you need to be, this conference was professional and organized, and boy do I love that!

2.  Speakers & Workshops

Whether it was a 10X10, interview, keynote, and everything in between, I found myself enthralled by every speaker. My mind was challenged and my heart was touched. I laughed, I cried, and even found myself doing both at times. The smaller workshops were also wonderful. I learned so much about brainstorming ideas, writing headlines, building community, and more!

3.  Arianna Huffington & Kerry Washington

‘Nuff said.

4.  Diversity & Authenticity

It was so beautiful to see and hear thousands of women who spoke their mind, were unapologetic about their unique voice, and were open and accepting of one another’s diverse views on motherhood, midlife, the world, politics, the environment, divorce, gender, and more. I found it refreshing to be a part of this world for a few days – women who say, “This is me. This is my experience. This is how I feel about it and I don’t care if you don’t like me.” This is the world I love to live in.

5.  Community & Camaraderie

I’m going to give my personal experience in this area, which I hope other newbies felt as well this past weekend. Because I was going to be among the company of thousands of women, I’ll be honest. Part of me was ready to feel left out because this was my first time. Part of me thought it may be a bit “cliquey.” Part of me felt like there was going to be a lot of competition, sizing each other up, looking each other up and down, talking behind each other’s back saying, “I can’t believe she would wear that…” and even “worshiping” of the so-called “celebrity bloggers.”

Wow, to my very pleasant surprise, I experienced none of that. Zero. Zilch. Nada. What I did experience, however, was acceptance, an arena where all could have a platform to be heard, a place where you could be real, a community where you can be yourself, and a willingness to support each other’s endeavors, big or small. All in all, I found the support, camaraderie, and acceptance among all the females in attendance to be refreshing – the way all women should be toward each other in everyday life – a world where we constantly build each other up, celebrate each other’s uniqueness and strengths, and challenge and inspire each other to reach new heights.

Last, but not least, I can’t forget to mention the beautifully done 10^th Anniversary video that I got to be a part of! After seeing the video “Why I Blog” come together like it did and then shared at the opening of the conference, I feel more sure than ever that empowering women in their 50’s to a healthier and happier life is my calling, my passion, my purpose. I will continue to bring my richest content to my beautiful community each week. They deserve my best.

Thank you, BlogHer ’14, for all that I received. I didn’t know what to expect, but I couldn’t have dreamt of anything more spectacular. I arrived in San Jose hoping to come away with some helpful tips and tools that would improve my blogging. I left San Jose with a truer mission, new relationships with phenomenal women, and a newfound assurance that when you bring thousands of women together who have a place to speak their mind, be who they authentically are, and support one another’s strengths, experiences, and perspectives on life, nothing can or will stop us from doing anything we set our minds to.

You WILL be seeing me next year!