I have always been a conference lover- I think it is the inner geek in me. I love to learn! When I taught, I had the opportunity to attend conferences and even present- it was my favorite thing about teaching. Since becoming at stay-at-home mom, I have missed those experiences so you can only imagine my excitement when I signed up with Blogfest 2015.
Blogfest is a conference for not just bloggers, but the best kind of bloggers: HEALTH & FITNESS bloggers. We spent Thursday and Friday learning about the blogging business, networking, working out and enjoying everything the expo has to offer. Saturday and Sunday we got to signup for IdeaWorld sessions that included workouts and seminars on the best and newest in the fitness industry.
I arrived late Wednesday night without my luggage, which was stressful. I sat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of wine, salad and shrimp cocktail while I waited for my roomies to get back from dinner. I was a little nervous rooming with three women I had never met before, but let me say this: it was the best decision.
Rooming with Giselle, Sandra and Jen was awesome! It was so fun to meet these bloggers in person and share our tips and tricks over breakfast, while getting ready, and in workshops. Giselle and Sandra have been doing this blogging thing for quite some time and it was fun to “roll with some experts”.
Each morning we woke up early and went to bed late, but it was so worth it. On Thursday we woke up in time to meet some other bloggers for a run run before spending the day in blogging presentations. During this run I met Tara and we had in instant connection as she is a mommy of two as well, runs the same pace as me, and lives just 30 minutes from where we will be vacationing next month in Michigan.
Thursday and Friday was amazing! I loved learning about blogging, but being surrounded by some of the best bloggers was the best part. I may or may not have snuck a picture of Gina and sent it to my friend because to us “Gina is famous”. I was later then thrilled when I got invited to dinner with Gina, Bobbi, Ashley and Heather. (Thank you, Giselle)
The speakers from the whole event were outstanding! I was inspired by Jenna Wolfe from the Today Show; division 1 wrestling champion, Anthony Robles who won with one leg; and Brendon Burchard who spoke on ways to be successful; and of course the one and only, Gabrielle Reece. I listened to advice from some of the best bloggers (including the lovely Katy Widrick) on building my brand and readership and using different social media platforms.
The workouts and IdeaWorld sessions were the best! It takes a lot for me to get sore… I woke up on Saturday and could barely move! I was more sore than I was after running a full marathon. Over the four days I got to get sweaty with not only friends, but also with Gabrielle Reece and Jillian Michaels (front row, thanks to Ashley!). I took classes on using the BOSU, Medicine Balls, and Weight-less Bootcamp.
And I can’t forget the expo! If you like race expos you would be in heaven with this! Every kind of fitness apparel you could ever imagine. Hundreds of different types of equipment and workouts paired with all kinds of snacks. I was challenged to a push-up contest on a piece of lifeline equipment and I did 32! You put your feet in the straps, did one push-up and then pulled your knees into your chest- it was similar to a TRX push-up. I had to stay there until someone came and beat my number and was there for awhile until some man came and kicked my butt with 50+ push-ups.
Right now I have a Blogfest hangover. I have so much inspiration and so much I want to do with it all that I don’t even know where to start. I am going to take the next week and enjoy the California sun with my family and decompress at night, reread my notes and make a plan of action. I will be back next week with more on Blogfest & IdeaWorld: Motivation & Inspiration from the event; Fitness Highlights & Takeaways; as well as Blogging Tips & Tricks. Stay Tuned!
Enjoy California! I can’t wait to read your upcoming posts about what you learned and what inspired you. To that end, Debbie and Natalie and I are hosting the Top 10 Takeaways Link-Up with a chance to win prizes. I also have BlogFest hangover. Haha, I’m trying to stick to the POST conference tips I wrote about going through notes, following up with contacts, etc. Yikes. I really just want to sleep.
I am emailing you re: link up. Thanks Tiffany!
Conference hangover is REAL! OMG, I feel it too. So glad you made it this year and can’t wait until next year….I feel so inspired & learned a TON this weekend! XOXO
I will be back Jamie!
Well now I know why I like conferences. There aren’t many times I have the chance to go to classes anymore that aren’t online. Particularly, these conferences allow me to learn about something I’m interested.
Yes, I rarely go to classes either. Thanks Julie!
Yay! So glad we met! I don’t even know how I’m awake right now. Brain is tired, mind is full! Hope to see you in August! Stay in touch!
August is a must!!! I will be in touch!
Great to meet you! Looks like you had a blast too! I’m in full on Conference hangover right now!
Great to meet you as well, Renee! I will be sure to keep in touch via social media
As a Michigan girl, I’m excited you’re going on vacation there!
“Conference hangover” is a real thing. I’m still quite tired, have not unpacked, and have a to-do list the length of my sofa…one thing at a time, all based on priorities (like unpacking the hummus has already been done!)
I am still on vacation so I am going to have a serious hard time after i get home and really have to unpack and tackle the to-do list. Where in Michigan are you from?