MMC Blog - The Inside Scoop
Community, Activism and Partnership Main Themes at BlogHer 2010
Last weekend, nearly 2,500 Social Media enthusiasts and participants – mostly women, but not all! – gathered in New York for the annual BlogHer conference. When reflecting on my experience as an attendee, the first word that comes to mind is inspiration. After two days at the New York Hilton, I left inspired: inspired as a marketer, inspired as a content creator, inspired as a consumer, and most importantly, inspired as a woman with a voice and a platform for change.
The sessions were filled with hot topics, respectable debate, teaching moments, collaboration and thought-provoking questions. Everyone seemed eager to learn, network and share their stories.
Regardless of their background or motivations, all attendees had something in common: passion for Social Media. Talk of community online is common, but seeing it play out live through reunions, first-time meetings, education, common drivers, etc., was almost indescribable.
Something I had not expected to be so prevalent at the conference was activism. Both keynotes on Day 2 (The International Activist Blogger Scholarship Recipients and How to Use Your Voice, Your Platform, Your Power) as well as a track of sessions appropriately called “Change Agents” focused on speaking up and joining forces for positive change. Attendees were encouraged to ask themselves how they wanted to use their voice and reminded that “the Internet puts everyone at the same decibel… and that’s a huge advantage for women.”
It’s no secret that conferences like BlogHer are unique opportunities to connect with influencers. I for one was excited by seeing some of these relationships play out in the real world. Attendees seemed genuinely interested in learning about brands and welcomed – and were welcomed by – marketers with open arms.
Another key takeaway – and a point that we can’t stress enough: events like BlogHer prove time and again that influencers are not created equally. Each has his/her own voice, interests and is motivations. In PR, really knowing your audience and tailoring your key messages to meet their needs head-on has always been important – especially when engaging women. Today, empowered by Internet, that fact cannot be ignored.
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