The first time

I have wanted to go to a blogging conference for quite awhile now.  As recent as last year, I thought “Not yet. I don’t know enough people; I don’t even blog that much.”  But then I heard about Gleek Retreat – a small, casual conference in my very own state. So I signed up.  It was months ago, and I figured I could at least go and get something out of it for my office.

So, Friday I packed a bag, grabbed some snacks and my ipad and headed to Holland.   I was so excited to go on a little road trip and have a night in a hotel by myself that I totally forgot to be nervous!! I’ve avoided conferences because I wasn’t ready, because I was scared I’d be left out or not know what to do.  Turns out, I fit in just fine. Which, of course, was surprising to no one but me.

I had to get up very early and left the house by 5:30am to drive over. The drive was easy peasy and the weather delightful. I found the conference center easily and collected my name tag and ‘swag’ bag.  I found a seat in the back corner of the room (a perfect spot to observe!) and settled in.

The speakers were all very informative; the break out session nice to get to know people.  It would probably have been good to do one or two other break-outs to mix people up a little, but it wasn’t too big of a deal. I found myself taking notes, jotting ideas down, brainstorming like crazy. Just being in a room full of bloggers was inspirational; not to mention comfortable. Yes, comfortable.

I was totally comfortable the entire time I was there. I didn’t worry about being alone, I didn’t worry about sounding stupid, I didn’t worry about how I looked. (!!) I met some wonderful people, finally met a few that I’ve been online friends with for a long time, and laughed A LOT.  I’m not sure why I was ever nervous, because the little people that live in my computer are just as fabulous in person.

All in all, it was a good first conference for me. I won’t be hitting BlogHer this year, but you never know…maybe next year.

Tagged as: GleekRetreat11, life list, meeting friends, trying new things