This week, as bloggers have returned from BlogHer, their recap posts are going up all over the internet. I ventured to read a few last night, even though I had no desire to actually go to BlogHer. It seemed to be such a huge, overwhelming get together… a sort of sorority party that I wasn’t invited to. I’m okay with that, really. I couldn’t afford it even if I had wanted to go.
I read some posts that talked about all different aspects of the conference experience. Some were, as I expected, ecstatically thrilled with their experience, connecting with brands, meeting blog friends and having fun together. Others were what I feared my own experience would be, feeling like the uninvited party-goer as an outsider looking in.
I think I’m more afraid of that than just not knowing anyone. I’m okay going somewhere that I don’t know anyone, if I think that the crowd will be welcoming (or at least tolerant). There’s nothing worse than going to a function where I don’t know anyone, and then spending the entire time alone, or worse yet being purposely excluded from conversations or activities. It makes me feel like the last kid chosen for kickball. Oh wait, I was the last kid chosen for kickball. Too many times.
The Relevant Conference does not strike me as that type of blogger’s conference. We will meet, connect, and learn to make an impact on one another and our world. We cannot do that when we sit in cliques and never venture out of our comfort zones. Being relevant isn’t something that is contained to one niche or one clique: it is making an impact on the world.
Being in children’s and now youth ministry has forced me out of my comfort zone more times than I can count. Blogging has continued to push my boundaries as well. Bloggers write. We expose ourselves to the world. We reveal things, show our weaknesses, and ask prayer for our needs. We also support one another and our sponsors absolutely! Or we should.
It wasn’t that I didn’t have the courage to go to BlogHer, but more that I didn’t feel it was the right conference for me. While I’m thrilled for the ladies who found it worthwhile, I’m also saddened for the ones who didn’t. I am so excited about Relevant, and still praying that I am able to get a sponsor in time to go! Tickets are still available, but the weeks are counting down.
Oh Dawn… After I read the Snyder 5 blog, honestly I was glad I didn’t go! I read other posts but still that is my fear as well. I do feel the same as you. Relevant is going to be different. All people that go, are Christians and should not act that way. I am praying that you can go!! Would love to meet you!
Chele recently posted..Do It For Others Project
Me too, Chele! I need sponsors, bad!! I have no way to go without them.
I agree too, a Christian conference with Christians attending should NOT be that way. I have a list of ladies I am dying to meet (YOU included!) Praying I can go.
Dawn, I hope you get to go. My husband was so sweet. He worked over time so I could go. I’m still looking for sponsors too..to make the trip more comfortable. And I see you’re on BlogFrog too. I’ll find you and connect with you there as well.
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Hi Lisa! I’m glad you dropped by. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.
My husband sees the conference as an extra, and won’t do that for me. I wish! But I know if the Lord wants me there, He will provide the funds to get me there. I hope to meet you there!
[...] over at 5 Kids and a Dog shared her heart about the Blogher conference and Relevant. I totally feel the same way and thought [...]
I’m feeling the same way about the conferences. I’m so excited to go to Relevant and connect w/ like-minded bloggers. BlogHer isn’t even on my radar – too big and “impersonal” for me. Blissdom is a “maybe” in a few years, and SheSpeaks is a “dream”. Just gotta let God guide me!
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