So this past Friday, April 24th I attended the Digital BlogHer Parenting conference. Originally I was to attend this conference in person in Nashville Tennessee but we know what Covid-19 did and is doing to travel right now. So how was it? Here are my thoughts and tips on attending a digital conference since we may all be in these types of settings for quite some time.
Set Up Matters
By the time I attended BlogHer Digital Parenting conference it was my 4th digital conference. So I feel like a semi digital conference pro in my own right. Set ups matters. It matters in how the leader or organization sets up the conference. BlogHer had a great set up with text boxes you could communicate issues or simply chat with not only with other conference participants but also with IT.
This set BlogHer high above the scale. I had to contact IT once and it was a super easy fix. Having IT available made me feel supported. BlogHer has distinct areas of engagement and that helped to keep the focus.
Come Prepared
As much as we have the world on our minds and hearts, it’s important that no matter if it’s a free conference like BlogHer made theirs, or a cost, it’s still about time and time is just as important as time. Come to the screen focused. A lot of the attendees for BlogHer I would assume had some children or would want some in the future. Not all of the information was parent based but a lot of it was. It’s important to come ready. I had my snacks, water, coffee, pen and paper ready. Being that it’s a digital conference, it’s important to be ready to catch the nuggets that happen.
In my situation I had the kids do their work ahead of time so that Friday would be available for me to concentrate. As a mom who has a supportive partner it’s easy for me to set it up that way. There are plenty of moms who had to attend with their children in the same space. BlogHer did a replay that participants could go back and re-watch for that very reason.
First time all week I got dressed from the waist up that wasn’t a sweat-pant outfit
Participate
If you were working from home or if you are attempting to multitask as I always am I understand if you’re not able to actively participate. However if you can don’t waste your own time, participate, ask questions if you’re able to and come ready to learn. The atmosphere set by BlogHer set the bar extremely high in being able to collectively come and learn from one another. As a parent who blogs or moves in a creative space with my children it’s not as easy.
Parent Creators
As a creator I have to do more than an average blogger, influencers or creator. I have to be more aware in going to events with them or without them. I’ve said this before when outside was open and you would see me on the scenes, it was because I meal prepped, organized my schedule to the T and sometimes would be switching kids at the door with my husband to make it to where I needed to be.
It’s a stressful way to live at times if I’m honest. I also need to be aware of my social spacing making sure what brands I link with. Also I ask myself if I am attending an event that the organizer has asked me to bring the kids can I move in that space and give full integrity to it while having my kids with me. We all know the best behaved kids can go left at any moment.
Kids Welcomed?
When I’m in my circle I’m usually one of the only one who has kids or there are a small amount of us with kids. It’s a different wave. I try not to bring my children up unless it’s relevant. It’s not about being ashamed to be a parent at all it’s about respecting those around me who may or may not be on the same journey. Also my blog space is uniquely mine so I don’t always bring them in unless again it makes sense.
Oh You Are A Parent…
The flip side to being a parent who is a creator in any form is that just like in any working world, moms can get a bad rep. When I first started back to work in my regular working world, I would get pushed aside for opportunities because moms aren’t seen as someone who can get it done. However let me say hiring a mom is one of the best things you can do because their ability to multitask and see the bigger picture is definitely someone you should have on your team. If anything we need more support in the workforce no matter the arena.
FYI a little dig, all of the jobs these folks said couldn’t be done from home is proving to be a gotcha moment….
BlogHer Parenting Nuggets
So there was a lot going on from the time it started, the crash; yup there was a crash, and the ending but here are my personal take away:
Mindfulness Matters
This was presented by Neuriva was conducted by Rebekah Borucki. Neuriva is one of the leading companies helping with supplement as well as an app to help others in maintaining brain health. We all need to make sure our brains are sharp. BlogHer is always known for setting their conferences with intention. Rebekah lead us in some mediation. It was the first time since being home I had a quiet moment where I wasn’t one sleeping and two I wasn’t in a serving capacity. I was able to take deep breaths, sit quietly, and focus on me.
Passion to Profit
This was led by Amelia Edelman, Senior Editor if SheKnows and Jana Kramer. They spoke about the highs and lows of building a brand and being honest about what happens with the brand etc behind the scenes. I loved the conversations. Also not being afraid to share our human side. We all have hang ups or things we go through that may be unique to you but touch others on a widespread way! It’s time for more of us to not worry about what a few say when we know we are being authentic and it may help others in the long run.
This was how my blog was birthed. I was in therapy for postpartum depression and needed a creative outlet. More and more women understand how it feels to have a baby and feel lost. We need more voices being added to the conversation especially if it will help someone else.
Here are my 5 biggest moments (there were more but trust me I’ll talk about them in the coming weeks:
Jeanine Edwards: having a good relationship with brands is always important and that includes not burning bridges!
Alechia Reese; NO means Next Opportunity. Do you know how many NOs come before a Yes! You have got to keep moving on to the next thing and not get stuck.
Jennifer Nettles and Leslie Fram talk about the way women are supported or not supported on and off the stage within the country music scene. Women shouldn’t have to fight for equality but yet here we are! Still fighting but I loved the way they had zero problems calling out their counterparts!
Julie Solomon literally gave us the code book for brand deals. From what your Instagram bio says about you to the pitch letter. FYI she actually gave us the pitch letter. Do you know how much people charge for this piece of information?!
Shout out to Tika Sumpter and Thai Randolphs on their new venture SugaBerry and The SugaPod (podcast) a space for women of color to talk about motherhood and everything in between. There’s a need for more spaces for women of color to speak about their health care needs, highs and lows, as well as what we see as value in our own space
Laura Prepon
The finale was with Lara Prepon on her new book, “You and I as Mothers” where she talks very clearly about how she’s navigating the new space of motherhood. I was even able to ask her about how her relationship with her own mother channels through her as she parents. It was a very good discussion that we all related to.
You take an organization that is for women and supports women, add equal parts amazing content creators, amazing speakers, great sponsors, and technology and you have created a space for women to connect, be heard; and engage in a great safe space that’s unique to us!
Kids Messenger
Oh and if you have kids who are around 5 or so and up don’t forget about Messenger Kids which is a platform that allows your child to have an messenger account that you approve and can control who they speak to. I’ve since allowed my daughter an account and so far I’ve had nothing but great space for her to speak to friends and family with my control. There are no pop up ads, no one able to sneak and speak to your child and no way for your child to add anyone without your permission. My husband and I get alerts in real time when we allow her. I like the ability to teach my oldest the safe and healthy ways to use social media.
Oh next week I’ll show you my BlogHer x ban.dō gift box I won! Yup there were prizes as always given by the amazing sponsors!
Thank you to BlogHer for always making sure we are supported and Flipping the Switch!
If you somehow weren’t aware of maybe you weren’t able you can Still register and rewatch! Yes!
Also on May 20th at 1pm EST BlogHer presents Healthy at Home as apart of their new digital series. As they continue to honor this time at home with safety, learning and support!
To register for free to here!
