Considering that this is only my second conference, I know it’s hard to explain, but let me try to explain. First, let me tell you about last year’s conference. Let me tell you the difference between Vera circa 2014 and Vera circa 2015:
Circa 2014: When I went to the BlogHer14 conference last year, it was my first time and I did not know what to expect. At all. I did not have any friends or acquaintances, and I did not know if I would even make any friends. I went there with a ton of business cards and I practically gave everything away before I came home. I also collected just as many business cards, if not more. Before the conference, brands would reach out to you to request “meetings,” and they’re not always necessarily brands that are sponsors of the conference. When they reached out to me last year, I made arrangements to meet every one of them. I was running from pillar to post trying to meet with everyone. And you know how many long-term relationships I developed from those meetings? Zero. I did meet two very wonderful ladies: Nichole from New York and Juliet from Atlanta.
Vera Circa 2015: I went with more cards than I did last year, not because I intended to hand them all out, but because I happened to print out a lot more than I did last year — and it was great that I printed so many because I took them for the Blogalicious Pop Up Event in Baltimore, which wasn’t planned for. This year, however, I gave out probably about 30 to 35 business cards during the whole conference, and I collected even less. But guess what? I made wayyyy more connections this year. This year, I was conscious about who I was spending time talking to. I went with a more focused agenda. I knew exactly what I wanted to accomplish. How many brands did I have those special “meetings” with? Zero. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t meet with brands, and it doesn’t mean I don’t have future business with them. I don’t know how many will pan out to be mutually beneficial relationships – long or short – but I know for sure that I have more prospect this year.
Last year, I got to be in a round table conversation hosted by StayFree. It was video taped and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. This year, however, I got to be on a panel hosted by Prudential. There were about 40 to 50 people listening to us, and after the conversation, there were questions and answers. It was video taped, too. I felt so at home at that panel. I had my microphone and my glass of water, and I felt like I was born to do this. You know it’s not real until you have your own microphone and a glass of water. I. Loved. It. [Picture below].
I also got to watch the first episode of Grandfathered, a new comedy coming to FOX in the Fall. I’ll tell you more about it later in details. I met up with Juliet and Nichole from last year, and I made new friends this year. The conference is a lot more enjoyable when you have friends, or at least acquaintances. We were able to coordinate where we were going next, and we were able to save seats for one another. It’s such a relief because there are thousands of people at the conference, so it’s always a plus to have someone who has your back. I’m looking forward to continuing long relationships with these ladies.
I was not as active on social media this year as I was last year. This year, I really wanted to enjoy the moment and soak everything in. Ava DuVernay was the keynote speaker on the last day of the conference, and I really liked her attitude. She was so poise and confident and strong, the way I love to see women. Gwyneth Paltrow was there on the first day, but she was not really my cup of tea. I couldn’t connect with her, which is totally okay. You won’t ever connect with everyone. Generally, I just loved this conference.
Oh, at the close-out party sponsored by McDonald’s, Boyz II Men was there, and they still sound good. They sang all the old songs we grew up with like On Bended Knee and End Of The Road and I’ll Make Love To You (videos below).
Thank you @boyziimenofficial!! #Verastic #BlogHer15
A video posted by Vera Ezimora (@verastic) on
I remember when all the boys used to send Boyz II Men lyrics to girls they liked. Tehehe. Anyway, Nick Cannon was there, too on the ones and twos. When he was leaving, he and his bodyguards breezed past us so fast, I was wondering who he thought he was, walking so fast. But then when I saw the group of girls literally chasing him, I understand his speed-walking. Go ‘head, Nick Cannon!
A few more pictures below. And I cannot wait for the next conference.
This was on the first night, right after I ate this plastic hot dog for dinner.
I met a girl named Vera, so we had to take a picture because this doesn’t happen often.
Left picture was on the 2nd day and right picture was on the 3rd and last day. The window was the only place I could get natural light in my hotel room.
Yeah it definitely sounds like you had a better, more productive time this year. May I ask what your goals were for attending and if you think you accomplished them.
Thanks, Berry! I sure did. My goal this year was simple: create meaningful bonds. I didn’t want to just go and listen and come home. In fact, I wanted to be a bigger part of it. Maybe next year they’ll pick me as a speaker? 😀 A girl can dream nah. But I got to be a panelist at the very least. Anyway, I wanted to meet and connect with people I can collaborate/do business with in the future. Pray for me.
Did I accomplish this one simple goal? Absolutely. I’m excited about the future.
glad this year was really awesome than last year
THE PERKS OF BEING SINGLE
Thank you, sweerat! I’m glad too.
Make up on point!
Awww. Thanks, boo. I’m still learning. But one cannot go out looking jagala jagala.
you look lovely!
Well done for blogher 2015 🙂
Thank you, Sweet Potato! I dey try.
I still want to go back to those few days…there wet truly magic! I wonder if we bumped into each other…next time!’ Happy blogging!
Mrs. Pancakes, I know, right? I wanna go back, too! And the crash after the conference is a real thing. We probably did bump into each other … who knows.