I have been to Chicago, New York three times, and San Diego for blogging conferences.
But my favorite was in Birmingham, Alabama.
Last year was the inaugural year for Y'all Connect Presented by Alabama Power. And it was everything those huge national conferences were not.
I was able to learn from equally brilliant speakers, but the intimate, local environment gave me the relational opportunities I had been craving. I was able to finally meet friends that I'd been communicating with for years, I made new connections, and I strengthened relationships I already had.
All while learning from leading social media experts.
I had been skeptical of the sessions, because I feared it would be geared completely toward corporate social media, leaving my own niche of personal social media out in the cold. But that was not the case - I was able to increase my understanding of tricky subjects such as SEO, learn about the millennial generation (and realize that I was one of them), and glean tips on how to tell better stories.
Wade Kwon, the Conference Organizer, reflected later, “My biggest takeaway was meeting as many guests as possible and learning about what they do and what they were learning at the conference. It was fun just being able to chat with folks as they were in line for the lunch buffet.”
And I agree – the chatting in-between was just as valuable as what I learned from the sessions.
I left feeling exulted and enriched, excited about my city’s social media presence and leadership.
This year's Y'all Connect is coming up shortly on June 13, and I already bought my ticket. I also have a coupon code to share with you - ALABLOGMEET200 will give you $30 off the ticket price, bringing the entire conference (the full conference, two meals, one snack, and the closing party) price down to only $99.
I strongly recommend you come - I hope to meet you there, This year's speaker lineup is incredible, and I know you'll benefit from what the conference has to offer.
Disclaimer: I received no compensation from this post nor will I from the coupon - all opinions are my own.
Grasping for Objectivity, sells Birmingham photos to benefit The WellHouse at Picture Birmingham, and runs the blogging networking site Alabama Bloggers.
