This weekend I had the chance to attend Blog World Expo in Las Vegas. Yes, what happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas - except for when you are attending at blogging conference. Then everything said and done is documented and sent around the world via twitter, blog posts and actual talking to each other the next morning. It was a good time - a few interesting panels and many great parties.
Like any conference, the real learning happens in the hall ways, over drinks and when meeting new folks or folks you have met online. It was a huge cross section of bloggers - tech, real estate, military, political, and the godbloggers. It made for a crazy mix of folks.

Here's a snap from the TechSet party at the Mirage's Bare pool, where normally women pay $20 bucks to lay poolside and men pay $40.00. Swanky! Met loads of folks and quite a few free and overpriced drinks.
Had the opportunity to speak this year as a last minute replacement with City Mama and Susan Getgood at the "How to Pitch to (Mom) Bloggers" panel. We had more people in the room than I thought given the audience of BWE and had a ton of questions during and afterwards. Susan kept the session moving and being both a marketer and a mom she had a ton to contribute. Stefania and Susan seriously kick ass. Go over to City Mama's post to read what she didn't get to say on the panel to PR folks. Again, she. kicks. ass. Enuf said.
I learned a whole bunch and left with a million new ideas of what I could do to beef up my personal blog and helped me clarify why I even write this blog. It also helped validate our strategies for launching my latest venture Lookiloos. Most importantly, reminded me that I actually knew more about this than I gave myself credit for.
A few key take aways include:
* Twitter can mobilize masses - or just be an avenue for sharing what you had for lunch.
* At the end of the day, it is ALL about great content. (ala Guy Kawasaki)
* There are a gazillion social media tools and you DON'T have to use them all - just the ones that will work for you or will help you reach your audience.
* Men think a "Hotchick" can sell anything on a video pod cast. (Oh geez, that must explain Sarah Palin!)
* Pack lunch when going to BWE - cuz, you're on your own for food.
* Even boys get giddy when they meet someone they only know online - SO cute to watch. Kinda like BlogHer without all the hugging and squealing.
* Marketers still struggle with figuring out how to outreach to mom bloggers - to some it is a complete mystery that I am not sure they will ever master.
The expo floor had a lot of resources with some great swag. I picked up a few videos including "The Real John McCain" and "Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections" from the BlogCritics booth. I was hoping to win a new wii game from the Yard Barker booth, but left with a ping pong ball. (uh, thanks...) I also got some antibacterial gel from Tara at the Lijit booth. (A very cool tool you all should install on your blogs asap!)
The best swag of the weekend had to be my Maker's Mark Drink Shaker. The MM bus was handing them out, while they were signing up voters. (Does a MOMocrat proud.) As I loaded 4 shakers into my suitcase, I overheard one young woman admit she was not registered and wasn't thinking she had the chance to do so since she traveled so much. The MM person quickly pointed out the computers they had onboard the bus and told her if she registered she could have 2 shakers. She actually went on the bus and signed up! Hot damn, nicely done MM dude! Nicely done!
Overall, great weekend. Now on to figuring out what it all means.