Hi!  So as I shared in our closed Blogging group on FB, this conference was AMAZING.   It is invite only.  You fill out an application and they go through them and choose bloggers that they think would be a good fit.  (Here is the landing page, but applications are not out yet)

While I was there, not only did I get the chance to take a photography class (the pictures would have turned out beautifully there, no matter how well I did!), but it was a great time to bond with fellow bloggers and share tips.

1- Meet with friends.   I finally had an opportunity to hang out with several of my friends.   It isn’t often that we can forget the “real world” and come together to simply focus on our blogs.  This gave us the chance to do that.

2- Brainstorm.   Great things are on the rise!  I am always inspired when talking to other bloggers.   It has been a goal of mine to take my best-selling book and turn it into more: an app, a package, merchandise… to extend my idea.   Well, after talking to my blogging friends, were were able to come up with an idea to do just that.

(picture below: Cheryl of WhatCheSays, Amy of TeachMama, Me, Allie of NoTimeForFlashCards, Jamie of TotallyTheBomb, Amy of LivingLocurto)

3- Relax.   OH yes… relax.  That is what you can do when you get there.   Relax and enjoy the many, many, many beautiful views.

4- Hear wonderful speakers.   I don’t think that it matters how many page views you have or how much money you make on your blog… you can ALWAYS learn more.    I walked away with new information and ideas that I probably would never have thought of on my own.

5- Eat, drink & be merry.  The food was great, the drinks were delicious and you can’t help but smile when you are enjoying both of those things on the beach.

6- The parties.   It was so fun to have a party every night with Social Media on the Sand.   I don’t think I’ve gone to that many parties in years!  (Here is Mickey & I at the 80’s party)

7- It forces you to use your social media channels.   When they give you a hashtag and a challenge, you are going to want to do it. #beachesmoms #beachesgoseek

8- New partnerships are made.   I walked away from this conference with partnerships that would not have been formed if we had not gone.

9- The Swag!   The gifts that you are given is awesome (be sure to bring an extra bag for all of your goodies!)

10- Did I say friends?   Meeting bloggers that can share your interest and swap ideas with you is an amazing thing.

(from left: Mickey, Stacy of KSW, Kevin (back), Jeneboy (best bartender), Jamie of Totally The Bomb & me)