BlogWorldExpo Recap

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I had intended to post this last weekend but life sort of happened. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about .

I had a blast at BlogWorldExpo 2009. I got to meet some of my favorite bloggers and social media types plus a whole new group of awesome and highly talented people.

I thought I was pretty well prepared for Vegas — after all I grew up in New Orleans and lived in the Twin Cities for awhile. I was not prepared for the pace at which Vegas runs at. (not to mention all the hookers aka independent contractors”)

I don’t think there was a single night, my roommate DeltaWhiskey and I  didn’t go back to our room before 2AM. Maybe I’m just getting old(er) and can’t keep up that pace anymore….

My first night there of course, there was a party to attend. I went to the Las Vegas Tweetup which happend to be at the same hotel that I was staying in . Most of the attendees were local people including my freind, Eleanor Prior.While at the tweetup, I spotted several of the  milblogger crowd. It was my first time meeting many of them so it was so cool and was a little awestruck.

The conference itself was awesome. We started bright and early Thursday morning. As we are getting off the monorail, I notice one of my favorite milbloggers CJ Grisham . The morning started off for me with a hitch. LaughingWolf (Blake) asked me to moderate the milspouse blogger panel.

I thought sure…SEMPER GUMBY ! I’m flexible … adapt and overcome! LOL

Our panel (with DeltaWhiskey and BarmyMama ) went pretty well I think. (especially for my first moderating a panel before) We discussed many things like how we got started as bloggers, OPSEC issues on blogs, and some of our best and worst moments as bloggers.

Of course I talked about my dislike of Army Wives (tv show) and Greyhawk told me that I had to go and ruin it for him. LOL

One of the things that came up was the mention of “Spouse Bootcamp” .. It prompted a really good discussion about how as spouses we need more support and knowledge is power. This is not the first time that something like this has been discussed but I was excited to see it talked about so openly in a public forum. I really hope that we see that move forward.

Even “Sgt Daddy’s story” came into the conversation which the majority of people liked the post and wanted to hear more of those kinds of 1st hand accounts. Afterward I was a bit nervous, when senior Army officer from the Army’s Social Media division approached. I thought UH OH! It was a very nice conversation in which she told me I was doing a great job and to keep blogging!!!

The rest of the panel discussions were just as great ! We even had some panelists calling in all the way from Afghanistan.

One of the topics of discussion was the future of milblogging. As a social media person (personally and professionally) I was excited to hear that our military community embracing the benefits of social media. It was also discussed about networking and having conversations outside our little military bubble. I think its time to share the great stories and realities that we have to share.

The nightlife was fun too! The entire Milblog Mafia (those are Chuck Z’s words not mine) had a blast hanging out at all the various places we ventured too. I was introduced to a new drink (and a very good one at that ) by Blackfive.. its called a Gimlet. By the way – Yes there are pictures of the nightlife but there is no need for a war or anything LOL amongst us all.  : )

One of the highlights was that I got to meet one of my readers, a friend and all around great guy – JihadGene! If you haven’t read his blog , I highly urge you to do so!!

All in all , I had a great time and made several new friends! Thank you for the best 4 days since SGT Daddy left for Afghanistan! You all are ROCKSTARS!!!! I miss you all already! I can’t wait to go back .. and next time I’m bringing SGT Daddy with me!  : )

To Rick Calvert (Blog World Expo CEO) and Laughing Wolf (Milblog Track Leader) — you guys out did yourselves!

To CJ, Blackfive, Toby, Beth , DeltaWhiskey, BarmyMama, Bouhammer, Mrs. Bouhammer, Greyhawk, Mrs. G., Chuck Z, Laughing Wolf, Mr. Wolf,Boston Maggie,  JihadGene, CDR Salamander, — can’t wait to see you all again at the Milblog Conf in DC next year! (if I missed anyone – I apologize)