Thursday, February 4, 2016

For Real: 5 Straight-Up 'Unprofessional' Reasons to Attend #BlogPaws With Me!

2016 AAA Five-Diamond Kai Restaurant Terrace, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa | 2016 BlogPaws Destination





I bought my early bird-rate*, full blogger pass to the 2016 BlogPaws conference in Phoenix, AZ a year in advance (like right after I got home from the 2015 conference in Nashville). Because I'm a bargain hunter. And folks - for all the resort-quality food that was coming with that (practically free), three-day pass (plus maybe a bonus ice cream social the Wednesday evening before, and a red-carpet, sit-down awards affair the last night) - even if I fell in a sinkhole and temporarily lost the ability to type another blog post - there was no way I was letting that deal pass me by. I just love to eat food someone else prepared (and will clean up) too dang much!

Don't think I only go to BlogPaws for the food, though. Nope, I go for the important, professional reasons most other people do: networking (a fancy word for talking to like-minded, pet people); learning about things that can help me get ahead in my pet-centric career endeavors; and getting in front of brand people who might want to pay me some day (for my influence, or writing, because I've worked my tail off to get this far and getting paid is a necessity in life), among other things.

But I'm here today to tell you: there's more. I don't go for purely professional reasons; I go for all these rave-worthy UN-professional ones, too!

Poolside lounge chairs and palm trees on sunny day BlogPaws conference 2014 Las Vegas
I took this photo from inside my poolside cabana at the 2014 BlogPaws in Las Vegas.

1. People (and their pets)-watching.

Introverts will truly appreciate this...No matter where you are in the main conference venue, if you take a seat for a little "me" time (there will be plenty of seats to take; it's a hotel lobby and conference center), you'll spy all sorts of people and their pets. Just like at the mall, or airport, but with a heaping side of critters! It's a sight that I can't even justify with my words. You just have to experience it to appreciate it!

Pausing to simply "watch" is also a great way to get one's bearings after just arriving at the conference. Without a doubt, you'll notice people congregating in areas; that's a sure sign that something important is going on! When your "me" time is over, you'll definitely want to head that way and investigate. You might even get to meet a pet industry celebrity!

Oh, yes it is. Instagram sensation, Priscilla pig (@prissy_pig) with 599k followers, at BlogPaws 2015.

2. Pet-industry celebrity sightings.

Ever watched the old Animal Planet Dogs and Cats 101 shows? They were popular in the network's line-up about five years ago. Here are the Animal Planet synopses.

Anyway, each show featured a panel of pet experts who would introduce and describe particular breeds of dogs and cats. I - along with most every human in my house - have seen every episode. Some episodes (Cardigan Welsh Corgi) I've viewed an obscene number of times (and I'd do it again). Well, one of the show's regular expert panelists was nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and radio host, as well as Chicago Tribune blogger, Steve Dale.

Steve Dale and his pooches via Dogster
Steve Dale was at my 2nd BlogPaws (2013), while the show was still etched in my mind. I will never forget (though I'm sure he has) catching a glimpse of him walking toward me in the hotel corridor, alone. I didn't know what I was going to say, but even if it caused me to hyperventilate and pass out, I was going to say something! Five seconds later...cue me, in my teenage fangirl voice, "Are you Steve Dale?!" knowing full well he was. Taken aback by my exuberance, I think, he smiled and said...yes? Did he say yes? Oh, crud, I don't know what he said, OK, but it was epic! Do you know I went home and bragged to my whole family that I talked to the man on Dogs and Cats 101? That I still brag about it to this day?!

My point is, you never know who you'll see at BlogPaws! But I'm telling you, there will be pet industry celebrities there (including some who are pets themselves)! Oh, and Steve Dale is SPEAKING this year! (I'll just be the one hiding her splotchy red face in the corner.☺)

Donkey shirt at BlogPaws? You bet your @ss!
3. Getting to flaunt every pet-related item of clothing and/or accessories you own.

In layperson's terms: You get to let your crazy pet lady (or dude) flag fly! Oh my gosh, y'all! I loooooove getting to wear my "Ask Me About My Cats" t-shirt, corgi ring and earrings, cat necklace, cat print boots and shoes, and carry both my personalized Dewi and Jon Farleigh needle-felted bags from Etsy! I could go on! Yes, I love getting to display my inner self on the outside almost as much as hunting for more pet-themed adornments to pack for the next BlogPaws! (Guess who just scored a screaming deal on an animal print dress for the Nose-to-Nose awards in Phoenix? ME! Aagh!)

But don't worry, if your wardrobe is light on pets, you'll get a fabulous, free BlogPaws conference t-shirt (last year it had dogs and cats on it) at registration, and you might even get to fashion yourself a pair of cat ears or glasses in the Cat Style Lounge! Yay!

4. That euphoric, out-of-body, stupefying, and otherwise indescribable feeling you get when you meet a close online friend in person for the first time.
Laurie was my blogging idol!
Some of you know what I mean! Do you have any friends you've only seen in a 2x2 profile photo, or in a rare blog or Facebook/Instagram post, but you talk to them online nearly every day? And have been for as long as you can remember? (In this digital age, there has to be someone!) Got any idea what it feels like to finally get in front of them and hear them speak?

OMG! Like your mind flew straight out your ear and is floating about two feet above your head looking down, that's what! Like your brain is seeing them speak, but it can't reconcile their face to their voice. It's nuts! And it's happened to me at all four BlogPaws conferences! (And you can bet I'm already making a list of people to find and speak to this year!)

How I spent my "me" time at BlogPaws 2014 (The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa)

5. IT'S A VACATION!

Some people like to use the term "working vacation" to cover themselves when they're having too much fun doing "work" at a place where most people go to have a vacation. I guess I'm OK with that. But what if even the work feels like a vacation? Let me think...It's a vacation! Have you ever taken three kids to Disney World in August? Never mind. My point is, yes, BlogPaws is fast-paced, it's busy, there's a lot to absorb, you might get outside your comfort zone a bit...but it's so. much. FUN! The hotel is pampering (especially when it's a resort hotel like this year), you're surrounded by dogs and cats, and people you feel like you've known your whole life, there's a ton of food (in case you forgot), entertainment, built-in night-on-the-town (or by the pool with a waterslide) time, TWO happy hours, a red carpet awards affair, free stuff galore to take home to your pets, and memories that might last you a lifetime.

Though, I can't guarantee - while you're having all that fun - you won't end up opening a career door or two, like I did.☺ (But who cares - don't let anybody tell you it's not a vacation! It is! A vacation with career benefits. OK, I'll be quiet now.)

AAA, today announced their list of 2016 award winners. The resort as a whole was awarded their prestigious Four-Diamond...
Posted by Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa on Monday, December 14, 2015

* The early-bird rate has expired, but even the regular rate is a huge deal, y'all! Have you ever been on, or heard someone else brag about, the food on a cruise ship? How it's so plentiful? Well, this is what I'm talking about. BlogPaws is like a pet person's conference cruise on land! And I've been on a cruise, so I should know! Wait! I didn't even mention the conference venue - Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa! It's in a desert oasis! Check it out!



But wait! Use my discount code and get 10% off the already reasonable, regular blogger rate (and by blogger, they mean conference cruise passengers. OK, not really, but don't let the word "blogger" hold you back; its umbrella covers lots of people).

* 2016 DISCOUNT CODE EXPIRED *


** Are you going? Yay! Now remember - after you go to BlogPaws in Phoenix this June - to snatch up that BlogPaws 2017 early-bird rate as soon as you get home!


31 comments:

  1. Wonderful post and I love all your reasons and the uber-awesome enthusiasm!! I felt like you did the first time I met Steve Dale (Salt Lake City BlogPaws) so you can only imagine how over the moon I was when he wrote the foreword for my second book, Purr Prints of the Heart - A Cat's Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond.

    Going to a spa this year and getting to bring out my inner leopard lady!! Plus learn stuff and hang out with people I love and adore... Really... pinch me, cuz I must be dreaming!!

    I can't wait to see you and it's been so much fun ambassadoring (made up word) with you and the others!

    Purrs from Deb of Zee & Zoey

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  2. Like you, I bought my BP ticket as soon as I got home from Nashville last year! Now I've got to finish saving for the plane ticket and hotel! Hope to see you there -- Phoenix, here we come!!!

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  3. I keep saying, one of these years I'm going to be able to attend! Keeping our fingers and paws crossed it comes to the east coast! :)

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  4. I'm so excited to go - and now even more so after reading your post. This will be my first time attending!

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  5. This is so awesome. Mom will make it there one day
    Lily & Edward

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  6. Great post! I really wish we could go. Hopefully some year I will be able to.

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  7. I'm so sorry I won't be at BlogPaws this year. I'd love to see Arizona. But it's pretty hard to boat to.

    Hoping to see an announcement that 2017 will be held in a coastal, preferably sailboat friendly, city. :)

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  8. I am hoping to be able to go to BlogPaws again this year, but as always, finances decide that. The hotel looks gorgeous this year! It is always a great time and full of information and contacts for pet bloggers.
    -Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

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  9. I'd love to go but I don't know about this year.

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  10. Great reasons to attend - I've been to the last two BlogPaws Conferences and still hoping to get to this one too.

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  11. We love your reasons to attend ! Mum promises to do it before 2020 (it's one of her goals) ! Purrs

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  12. As we expected a super funny but true post we love. Of course, we got that deal our ticket at the last conference. We will always go as long as we are blogging. BlogPaws is great, even for shy folks like my mom. Everyone needs to go!

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  13. A great post!! Plus you can put your tootsies in the pool and chit chat with pals! This is a great rest - nice choice for BlogPaws!

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  14. Love these reasons so much and I will see you there for our 8th time!

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  15. These are all terrific reasons for attending BlogPaws 2016! I love finally meeting my blogging friends in person and their pets in the fur. Can't wait until June. ☺

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  16. Sounds like a great time and after I retire I plan to put it on my list of things to do!

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  17. I'm signed up to go (I think I booked a room. I should check). I'm hoping to get there a day or two early to check out the horses...

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  18. Oh I'm SO excited to meet you in June! I cannot wait to let my pet lady flag fly!

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  19. We do think BlogPaws rocks and wish we could attend. Hopefully next year. We look forward to learning from our peers.

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  20. Those are great Unprofessional reasons. I wish I could attend BlogPaws

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  21. Sounds like a wonderful time. I'm sad that I can't go, but maybe next year...

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  22. I'm going and this will be my first year. Looking forward to it!

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  23. Ahaha, love this list! I was rolling with laughter at your descriptions and infectious enthusiasm! It's true, the people and pet watching is too much fun. I remember that at Utah =)

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  24. BOL, my mom is rolling on the floor right now! This is such a cute and very unprofessional post! ;) Can't wait to see you guys this summer!!! :)

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  25. Wow! Great post. If I could travel, I'd be sold! Wish I could attend, but due to health reasons, I can't, but I'll certainly be there in spirit!

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  26. Totally agree with you. Last year was my first year. Looking forward to this year.

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  27. Sounds like a lot of good reasons to go. Unfortunately we're not going to make it this year, but maybe next year.

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  28. Mom says, as if she needed more reasons to attend! Very fun post. We both look forward to seeing you there.

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  29. Yes for fan girling when I see pet celebrities!!

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  30. This is a wonderful post! If I had a dog (or two) they would be Corgis. I want to be sure to meet you and the dogs this time. Be aware that you will have to tell me my time is up and you need to see other people. Seriously, I love your dogs. And of course, I am looking forward to seeing you too!

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