Blissdom 2013 Recap

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BlissDom or Bust

Leaving the family for a few days to head to a blogging conference was a new experience. I wasn't sure what to expect.

The BlissDom conference ran Thursday thru Saturday night and was held at the Gaylord Texan, right here in Grapevine. Each day started with a keynote speaker and ended with fun entertainment. The session schedule was organized around four tracks: Writing, Business, Photography, and Life Development. You could pick and choose which topics were the most appealing to you.

The People

I am not sure what pops into your mind when you hear 'blog conference'. For me, I pictured a bunch of women sitting around on their computers and iphones-- blogging. While there was a lot of social media going on (tweeting, posting pics to IG, and status updating on facebook) at BlissDom there was a lot more actual talking going on.

"Sew Caroline"- "Selby Lane"- "Printed Palette"- "Rags to Stitches"- "Lisa Leonard Designs"- "Pleated Poppy"- "Me" 

In between the sessions were meals, time to meet with sponsors, and lots of chances to just talk. Not everyone was a 'craft blogger'- but that was what made it interesting. I loved hearing everyone's story.

1. Blissdom Stage 2. "Live, Laugh Rowe"-"Kristen Duke Photography"- "Me"- and "Bobaloo Kids" 3. New Business Cards 4. "Two Bobbins Later"- "Selby Lane" 5. "Love Feast Table" 

6. New Headshots :) 7. Selby Lane Bags- Small Business Love 

8. Edie from "Life in Grace"9. Sam from "Bobaloo" 10. Small Business Friends 

11. Jessica from "Be Present" 12. Omega! from Selby Lane

13. Amy from "Living Locurto"14. Bobaloo Kids  15. Connecting with Business Cards

16: Crafty Texas Girls Bag- for all those conference goodies

The Speakers

One of the key note speakers, Scott Stratten, pointed out that before 'social media' became a label, it was just called 'networking' and that is really what this conference was all about.  I went to network- face to face- with women who had similar interests. Bloggers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, passionate, enthusiastic women.

My favorite speaker was Jon Acuff, I even woke up early morning to attend his "5Club". (He says if you are serious about your dream, you should be willing to wake up at 5AM to work on it. Nobody wakes up at 5AM just to hang out! You wake up at 5AM to hustle!) His words coupled with the book I am now reading really breathed new life into me. I came home feeling uplifted and excited about what is to come.

This is the book I am reading now. 

The speakers, shared messages that could apply to anyone. They were really inspiration for living a life without fear, a life where dreams are pursued, a life where you know that you are 'enough'.

The Take-Away

It definitely required me to push myself. Most people came with a best friend or a group of friends. Since I was alone, I met new friends. I talked to everyone who looked interesting. I approached 'big bloggers' who I have been following for years. I asked questions, smiled, and socialized.

I exchanged business cards with women who I felt I would sincerely contact after the conference.

Tonya from "Love of Family & Home" -- such a sweet, creative girl! 

BlissDom for me was not about sitting in front of a screen and picking up some new email addresses. For me it was about meeting people who 'get it'-- they understand my passion for writing and creating. And they are excited to share their dream too.

I was so nervous when these business cards arrived. I had never introduced myself before as
"Blogger or Clothing Designer". I still have friends that don't even know I blog!
Seeing it printed on 500 business cards made it real.
And sometimes real is really scary! What if I failed? What would I do with all those cards??

If you ever have a chance to attend a conference, whether it be for a hobby, church, or even work-- I encourage you to go with an open mind and big smile. The opportunity to meet others and exchange ideas is one not to be missed.

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