Anyone besides me wonder if the networking at this year’s BlogHer will consist largely of sponsored conversations? Is everyone going to be handing out their sponsor’s business cards instead of their own? Will everyone be wearing corporate T shirts?
I’m not knocking the practice, but since I’m not going to BlogHer this year, you’ll all have to let me know if it gets turned into a giant infomercial. Inquiring minds (and by that I mean “nosy types”) need to know!
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooh! Good question. First: Your daily photo is totally distracting and totally awesome. I can't stop watching it cycle through. I like your orange headband!
Second: I'm really curious to find out how it will turn out, too. Of course, I'm attending the conference – so I suppose I'll find out firsthand.
However, I can say this: I was at BlissDom '09, where some of the attendees had corporate sponsors. And other than getting a little extra swag or a few more business cards, there wasn't a lot of talk about sponsors. Just a casual mention, and the conversation was only pursued if someone asked a question about that sponsor or what they do. So I'm hoping that the experience at BlogHer will be similar. Especially the part about the swag. As long as it's good. ;)
OK, I expect a full report!
I'm curious as well. I wonder if those going to Mom 2.0 will avoid BlogHer because of the expense as well.
I'm not sure I'm going this year, sponsored or not.
That's a really good question. I'm going to BlogHer regardless of whether I receive sponsorship but of course I would love to represent someone. That's just cool.
But it's also the other way around… I'm going so I can make some great contacts for my review blog.
Until you posted the twitter search, I didn't realize there was sooo much talk about it!
Thanks for the interesting post!
I'll get back to you when I can find a sponsor to back my comment.
Well, I know I can't go without some help. But, I see your point. IMHO spending $1200 or so to send someone to the conference is pretty good for the marketing budget if the person sponsored represents the company well.
I ditto that.
Oops. I meant the original statement. (Erika's)
The only way I'll be going is by sponsorship. I simply can't justify such a large frivilous expense this year.
As for sponsorships in general, BlogHer is one giant adverstising party for some companies anyways. Think back to the huge area Nintendo had for the Wii or the Sesame Street room. So many of the talks, lunches, special events were co-sponsored by other companies. The logical option would be to sponsor a blogger to the contest.
I hope that Blogher sticks to its guns about sponsors not being able to dictate the content of the conference. If it turns out to be one big commercial, then I'll probably be out for more than just this year.
I hadn't even thought about that, Erika. Interesting. Etsy should totally sponsor you to go, by the way.
You're right, Etsy is something I would probably talk to people about anyway ;)
You know following twitter I wondered how all of these bloggers who always talk about being broke can afford to go to so many conferences a year. I've been saving my money for years, and now am finally able to go to just one–BlogHer. I guess I'm a little dense for having never thought of the sponsorship idea. lol
Shhh, but I wonder the same thing about 'broke' bloggers myself…
I'm going to write about my BlogHer sponsor. I've been pondering a post for some time now. Not to spoil the drama, but no, no you'll have to wait until I get it out there.
"I hope that Blogher sticks to its guns about sponsors not being able to dictate the content of the conference"
Hey, just wanted to assure you that the church/state approach to sponsoring and speaking is still very much in effect. :)
Excellent — just as I would expect. Thanks Elisa :)
Great point! I also need some light regarding the conference. I will be following this post to learn more information. Thanks!
In accordance with Elisa's comment, I have been (and remain) confident that there's no "pay to play" with BlogHer and their sponsors.
The bloggers in attendance, on the other hand…well, that's a different story.
Erika, I'll miss seeing you this year.
I'm trolling for sponsors. [This meaning: to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat. Not this meaning:Being a prick on the internet because you can ;)]
BUT, If I can't find some company [whose product I already use and love] to pay for my really expensive hotel room then that's cool-I still plan on going. My take on the whole deal is that I'm going anyway and there are companies out there who want to sponsor bloggers and I'm a blogger…
As long as I'm honest about who is sponsoring me then I don't see there being an issue.
And now I must write about this. No sense writing an entire post in your comments section. :)
Oh, ERIKA. You always have your finger squarely on the pulse of the interwebs.
I'm been half-heartedly, half-jokingly, half-seriously looking for sponsorship, simply because I'd LOVE THREE DAYS IN CHICAGO with my peeps. But with the current economy, there's no way I can send myself.
SO, I figure if I throw it out at the internet, something might happen. You never know.
Plus, I've had fun coming up with assanine reasons for companies to sponsor me. :0)
It keeps the hope alive.
I'm going to BlogHer but I have no sponsor nor have I sought one. But I've been wondering the same thing as you … I'll let you know.
I'm bumming that you aren't going since I started my public blog in large part b/c of you! I wish I had someone sponsoring me but I'm just pinching pennies to go and asking family to contribute towards the cause for my birthday present. This will be my first in-person full BlogHer event (I've attended via Second Life twice) so I can't compare it to other years in terms of the difference in the role sponsors will play, but as a former MarCom person, it will be interesting to observe the dynamic!
I'm going and I hope not!
The daily pics are too fun!!! I got completely distracted and had to keep looking back at them.
I am thrilled to go to BlogHer. You've raised an interesting question though, guess we'll let ya know!