One week ago I got on a jet plane to head to the big state of Texas to meet my bloggy BFF Heather in Dallas for a little weekend fun at the SoFabUOTR conference. This is the second Collective Bias conference but this year the planners decided to make mini conferences through out the country rather than a large gathering. I decided to join Heather in Dallas since she only lives a short drive from the hotel. It worked out really well – I even got to see my college roommate from my freshman year. Funny story, Heather and my roommate Nikki only live 4 minutes from each other! Small world! Friday night I got to sit and visit with Nikki and her family. So great.
Now if you have been living under a rock you would not know this but the rain in Texas recently has been insane, scary and dangerous! We woke up early Saturday morning, the conference morning, to one active thunderstorm but we headed out for the conference anyway. We only had one scary point on the drive – that river on the highway showed up out of no where! Yikes. And now the fun stuff – Welcome to SoFabUOTR Dallas!
We started our day with a hearty breakfast from one of our sponsors Muller Yogurt, conference food is always tasty! We were lucky enough to be hosted by The Gaylord Texan resort – beautiful does not even come close to the word to describe that venue. Wow! Our day was packed full of great advice, tips and discussions.
Some of our panel discussions included Courtney, Rebecca and Paula. So informational about how to apply for shops, things that Campaign Leaders look for in apps and even some pet peeves for some Campaign Leaders. A great panel with some of my favorite Collective Bias employees – always nice to meet them in person instead of via email.
Heather and I did not plan our paisley purple and blue shirts but we sure do look great and conference ready! Ha! I was so happy that we were able to attend another blog conference together. Our first one – SoFabCon14 was a lot of fun!
Rebecca Parsons had a great session with us. She really encouraged us to become the wordsmiths that we all strive to be. The exercises she had us do made our brain work and it was great. I especially loved that she shared one of my favorite authors quote –
“The First Draft Of Anything Is Shit!” Ernest Hemingway.
We enjoyed some social media instructions, tips and insights from the great Randi Dukes from Dukes and Duchesses. She really gave us some great information that I have already started digging into. She made my “Blog To Do” list grow quickly!!! You must check her out – all of you!!
After we completed our session with Randi we went on our adventure around the Gaylord Texan. It was quite the adventure. We got to walk about the gorgeous fountains and art work but also spend time with some of the chefs of the Gaylord. Oh and taste some of the food and drinks too! Yum!
This is the view from the middle of the Gaylord. Love it!
Once our adventure was complete we were set for a little happy hour to network and mingle and have some fun! Heather and I had to take part in the photo booth of course. Good times!!
After our happy hour we said goodbye to a lot of our Collective Bias folks but some of us decided to take advantage of the free evening. We headed to a club on the grounds of the Gaylord called The Glass Cactus. The reason we went there? We heard that an 80’s Cover Band was going to be playing!! YES!! Before we settled in for the show I had to take a look at the beautiful lake the resort was on. It was running high due to all of the rain but it was so amazing at sunset!
And then this happened! The Velcro Pygmies!! Oh man, words cannot even…so a picture will have to do….
I mean, come on!!! HA! They were fantastic. Especially because they sang the best song ever – Pour Some Sugar On Me – of course! It was a great way to end a fun day with some amazing blogging friends!
Photo credit – Social Fabric
Look at this group of talent!! Honored to be apart of an agency like Collective Bias. I look forward to improving my writing and blog with all of the information I learned last weekend. Here is to another great year of blogging!
Have you attended any blogging conferences this year?
Sounds like it was fun. I might try to get to the one in Atlanta.
What a fun conference. I wanted to go (actually SPEAK!) but I waited too long! Maybe next year.
This looks like a lot of fun. I hope to make one soon!
I haven't been to one this year. I am hoping to see if there is any conferences happening in FL soon.
Its so cool you got to see your friends 🙂 I'm all for fun reunions … I like the idea of the event being held in cities all over the country instead of one big event
I haven't ever attended a conference before, but I can't wait to! This one looks pretty great! Jeanine
This sounds really great. Hope to go next time.
Looks like fun! I can't wait to go one of they conferences
I haven't attended any this year. I want to but I'm trying to find the perfect one. I think this would have been exactly my speed but no time/money this time. Maybe next year!
I haven't attended any blog conference and don't plan on attending any this year but definitely next year.
Ha I love that quote about the first draft and can relate; just back from the BlogPaws Conference which has been a life changer for me in a good way.
That's it, next year I am going.
I'll be there for New York. I can't wait! Looks like so much fun.