After much debate, cancelling, then rebooking, then losing a room and then finding a new one...
I'm going to the BlogHer conference in NYC in less than a week!
I have to admit, I am a bit terrified.
My first blogging conference, Brandcation, was the unconference of conferences. No brands, no PR, no sessions. Just 30 blogging gals having fun and becoming besties.
My second blogging conference, TBEX, was a bit more complicated. I think there were about 600 people there. Lots of sessions, lots of brands, lots of PR, lots of parties, lots of beer - it was in Denver, after all - lots of sight-seeing...and lots of new friends.
BlogHer?
LOTS AND LOTS OF BLOGGERS. I think there will be about 4,000. PLUS lots of sessions, lots of brands, lots of PR, lots of on and offsite parties, and hopefully, lots of sighting-seeing and the making of new friends.
But again...lots and lots of bloggers.
I'll be sharing a room at the Hilton with someone I've never met before - I just met her on Facebook. I suddenly found myself without a room and she offered up her spare bed to me and basically saved my life.
I might be slightly exaggerating.
For a minute, while we discussed the nights I needed to stay with her, and what my share would be, I had a moment of sheer terror: how was I going to share a room with a stranger?
And then I thought back to Brandcation, when I SHARED A BED with a total stranger...and she was completely awesome and it was totally fine. I expect this will be no different, except that I won't have to worry about waking up spooning a stranger.
No, I didn't spoon my last roommate, I was just terrified that I would. I normally sleep with two dogs and my husband, it's impossible not to snuggle something when I fall asleep.
And then I thought back to TBEX, when I spent an entire week with my pal and her sister, whom I'd never met before or traveled with. They were both wonderful and awesome and it was a fantastic trip!
So I'm not worried.
And I'm getting excited. Like, really, really excited.
NYC with a bunch of my blogging buddies.
A walking tour of NYC with one of my favorite bookmarking sites, StumbleUpon.
An extended weekend at the Hilton in Manhattan - which I ordinarily would NEVER have been able to afford!
The last time I was in NYC, I stayed at the Whitehouse Hostel in the Bowery. Yes, their sign was just printed out paper.
BUT they had free wifi. And air conditioning, which are really the only two things that are of consequence when I am traveling.
It wasn't very luxurious. We slept on cots, basically, and the ceiling of our "room" was just lattice.
No privacy, yo.
Shared bathroom...
Again, no privacy.
My friend and I saw the sights, being Macy's department store, a bunch of other boutiques and shops and a few bars and nightclubs.
We went to Times Square and had dinner at the Brooklyn Diner - where we shared a meal because we were too broke chicks in NYC on a budget!
As much as I'm looking forward to the BlogHer conference...I'm looking forward to seeing NYC as well.
Seeing NYC the way it was meant to be seen - with breakfast at chic cafes, dancing the night away at uber cool parties and...
Having my own bed at the Hilton.
Have you been to NYC? Do you have any must-see places for me to visit?
I'd love to hear your recommendations, I have two mornings that I've kept free for sight-seeing!
Also? I just realized that the last time I was in NYC, I was still in my 20's. If you see me at BlogHer next week, just remember that I look just like these photos, only with more wrinkles and grey hair. 🙂
Alison
I love Brooklyn Diner! I took the boys there when we went in for an event last month. 🙂 Annnnnnd of course it's less then 2 weeks! It's exactly 1 week away! WOOHOO! I can't wait to see you again you lovely lovely woman!
Kate, aka Guavalicious
NYC is amazing! My must sees: the HighLine, Times Square at night, the flagship Toys R Us, Central Park, and MOMA.
Sheila
Well I am jealous! I so want to go, but just can't this time. So, next year, you and I can share a room 🙂
Have fun.
Kelly
I'm so jealous since I can't go! Y'all are going to have so much fun. I hope you learn a lot, make lots of connections, and meet lots of MomDotters while you're there!
Theresa
Hope you have fun! One of these days I need to go to BlogHer.
Crystal
Hope to see you there.
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
And THIS Blogger can't wait to meet you! What SU tour time are you?
Our Small Hours
Awesome! Have fun and tell us all about it!
HilLesha
How fun and exciting! I hope to go to a blogging conference someday. I need to overcome my shyness a little bit, though! 🙂
Marcie W.
After blogging for over two years, I am still a conference virgin. SOON I tell you!
Notorious Spinks
Congrats! I hope to get to go next year!
Liz
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! I will get to meet you!
Jennifer
now that I'm not going I hope you have a TON of fun! Don't stress and things will go smoothly!
Colleen
Very cool I"m going too, bringing the whole family to experience NY!
Ty
Hope you have a wonderful time!
Stefani
I am so glad you will be going too. Maybe we will end up seeing each other. If it makes you feel any better, I am rooming with someone I have not met in person either. I bet it is going to be a blast!
Lolo
Don't be scared! You will have a blast!! Make sure to wear comfy shoes!
April Decheine
You are going to have so much fun!!! I won't be making any conferences this year with the livestock I am handcuffed until I get that all into a routine! I have been to New York many times on business, but heck if I remember any restaurants I went to. Have fun, look forward to all your pictures and posts about the experience.
Maggie
wish i was going! I love NYC!
debra p
I hope you have an incredible time! New York is fun!
Kim L
Sounds like Blogher is going to be a blast. Enjoy NYC.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
Haev fun and learn lots!!
Kelly
Have fun! I'm hoping to make first blog conference next year.
Anne
So exciting, I wish I was going! Have fun, but not too much fun!
Katie
I hope you have an awesome time! Some day I'll make it!
Emily
Have fun. I found Blogher very overwhelming, but still had an amazing time! Enjoy!
MomStart (Ashley)
Louise and I will be there too! Maybe we'll see you! HAVE FUN!!! And enjoy that bed. 😉
Amy
Since all you ladies are bloggers, going to conferences and all do you think you can check out my blog? Thanks so much, maybe I'll see you at the next blogging conference!