If you are looking for a conference packed with information, star-power, brands, and fun, then you’ll want to consider BlogWorld Expo. Being held in Las Vegas from October 14-16th, 2010, you’ll get the chance to learn tons about social media from experts in the field, all while enjoying the Vegas atmosphere. It’s no surprise the buzz about this expo has already begun!
I interviewed conference co-creator Rick Calvert to get insider information to share with you. Here is what he had to say about BlogWorld:
1. What makes this conference unique?
Several things actually. First off it’s the largest social media event in the world.
Second we are by far the most diverse conference in the blogosphere and I mean that in every imaginable way: gender, color, educational content, political persuasion, type of new media content, social media platforms, you name it. You won’t find any other conference with mommy bloggers, godbloggers, sportsbloggers, military bloggers, political bloggers, real estate bloggers, travel bloggers, food bloggers, medical bloggers, non profits, Fortune 500 bloggers, main stream journalists turned bloggers and it goes on and on. Our audience is about 65% men and 35% women.
We cover every aspect of social media. Blogging, podcasting, internet radio, internet TV, YouTube, and of course all the social networks like Linked In, Facebook, and lots of stuff on Twitter.
We embrace newbies and we have content for folks who are on the bleeding edge. There are a lot of other ways that make us unique, but another really important aspect I believe is that we focus on helping content creators create, distribute and monetize their content. Our exhibitors are companies like Technorati, Lijit, Alltop, BlogCatalog, Demand Media, and other companies whose core business is new media.
BlogWorld was built for me (a blogger) to attend. I wanted to know how to make my blog better, how to build my community, how to monetize my content, and how to diversify and audio and video to what I was doing and of course meet my friends and new media rockstars.
2. What are some of the highlights or features of this conference?
We have over 300 speakers and 150 different educational sessions. In the past we have had keynotes from Mark Cuban, Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park, Wendy Piersall (@emom), Laura Fitton (@pistachio), Scott Monty from Ford, Kara Swishher (Wall Street Journal/All Things D), Matt Mullenweg (WordPress founder), Hugh Hewitt, Don Lemon from CNN, etc. It’s a long list.
Lots of our panelists are keynoters at other conferences. It really is a jam-packed educational event. We include tons of networking events for bloggers to meet each other and of course meet with potential sponsors for them, and a pretty big exhibit floor with lots of companies there to help them create, distribute and monetize their content.
3. Does this conference have different learning tracks or focuses?
Yes, there are 8.
We have the Social Media Business Summit which is geared toward businesses, the Monetization Track, Audio, Video, Advanced Podcasting, and then all the community tracks like sports, non-profits, travel, medical, food, politics, Milblogging, Arts & Entertainment, etc.
4. If you could share your top 3 tips for conference newbies, what would they be?
Go early and stay late. You spend a lot of money to go to a conference with the travel, the hotel, the ticket, food etc. Get your money’s worth.
Plan ahead if you can and pick the sessions, people and booths you really want to see. Again every minute you are there is valuable use it wisely.
Don’t be afraid to talk to people and introduce yourself. You are at an industry conference so you are going to have lots of things in common to talk to people about. Talk to the exhibitors and ask questions. Talk to your fellow attendees, you can learn a lot from each other and talk to the speakers when you can. You have a rare opportunity to meet these people don’t waste it.
5. How can people find out more information about your conference or contact you for questions?
The event takes place October 14 – 16 in Las Vegas. www.blogworldexpo.com
Or send me a message on twitter @blogworld. You can pick up the phone too 858.309.4747.
Blog Conference Newbie’s Thoughts….
While it might feel a bit overwhelming for a newbie reading about all of the fabulous information you’ll absorb by attending BlogWorld, don’t let it keep you from attending. Conferences are all about what you make of them and even the busiest ones can be a calm experience. This is one that you won’t regret attending!
If you attend BlogWorld Expo, please share your experiences with us. Come chat about BlogWorld Expo in the forum section, too!
And if you don’t yet have your ticket, what are you waiting for….register today!*
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