Wednesday, August 26, 2015

{#WordlessWednesday} Recap of @BloggerBashNYC Blogging Conference #BBNYC #sweetsuite15 in Photos!

@BloggerBashNYC Blogging Conference #BBNYC #sweetsuite15

We have already established I will never be able to go totally Wordless. I try. I really do.

For most of you in the blogger loop this year a very tricky blog conference overlap occured in New York City - two top notch blogging conferences - BlogHer and Blogger Bash both went on pretty much at the same time.

No bueno!

I'm a New York City born and raised girl and I knew that with the venues for both conferences being far from close this was going to be tricky for me. And it was. Decisions were made, and some goings on at both conferences were missed. It's a FANTASTIC problem to have and I am not complaining. I am humbled to have been invited to attend both conferences at no cost to me. (Long time readers know that I am on a very strict budget for a variety of reasons!)

I am not even going to go down the - 'which conference was better road' - at this point in my blogging career I have learned that being asked to pick a favorite conference is like being asked to pick a favorite child (if you have children of course, which you all know I do NOT!) - they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

So what's a butterfly to do?

'Conference hop' of course!

I am a total introvert you all know that. I think my event recaps are popular because I take photos of literally everything I see at events, except myself if at all possible. I have an aversion to 'step and repeats' and my attitude about them is pretty much 'who needs to see another photo of someone in front of a branded backsplash? Tres Dull right?'

I have always had a soft spot for one very specific type of photo, MASCOT photos, I live for them, I am obsessed with them, and they are pretty much the only photos where I am super relaxed and happy and laid back about being photographed.

Now I will say this - PR/BRANDS - please pay attention to this: Do NOT force me to take a photo at your booth with the threat of you not talking to me at all if I don't. I HATE that, all bloggers hate that and even if we would have taken that photo, we will walk away if you directly tell us the only way to get your attention is to be forced into taking a photo. Tres TACKY. and that is not the way to start what should be a 'partnership'.

Here is the rundown of the mascot heaven that was Sweet Suite at Blogger Bash:


Above: The fantasy land fun was established the moment I walked into Sweet Suite!

Above: Pretty in pink!


Above: These friendly smiles set the tone for the fun that was waiting for us inside!


Above: I am big fan of looking both up AND down, I found another shareable sticker on the floor!


Above: Aren't these floral arrangements by Teleflora super pretty?


Above: This is called the Perfect Drink and I NEED one of these in my life right now. I truly wish THIS had been in our box of awesomeness, as a Lifestyle Blogger based in the city that never sleeps mastering the perfect cocktail is an absolute MUST. I will be reaching out to them to see if we can partner and do something fun for you guys (and for me too, tee hee, and wink wink!)

Above: Isn't this SuperGirl Costume awesome? The theme of girls being a super hero too was definitely strong at Blogger Bash and I was all about it!

Above: Like I said unleashing your girl power and super hero power was a running theme, what's NOT to love? Follow the hashtag #IAmElemental on social media to learn more!

Above: And while she is not a 'super hero' Strawberry Shortcake was a big part of my childhood and I was totally stoked to see her at Blogger Bash. You can also follow her hashtag, #StrawberryShortcake

Above: An instagram moment with TWO hashtags no less! Both #StrawberryShortcake and #BerryBestBits

Above: I got to attend the CareBears Breakfast, well more like watch it, although I arrived early there were NO seats and because I did not have a seat I didn't get a gift bag so I was super bummed! Some bad blogger behavior happening with people taking multiple bags or putting pocketbooks on seats and not moving them. When I arrived the bear was on break so it took awhile to nab these shots!

Above: Seriously can anyone really resist the 'cuddly-ness' that is a Care Bear?

Above: Finally! I got my shot with the bear!

Above: A blogging pal took one with her phone and my DSLR just in case, I was NOT missing this moment. If I wasn't getting a gift bag I was getting a photo! (BTW, the 'lei of mini care bears' is a total photo prop, we were not allowed to keep them, le sigh!)

Above: I had to nab a shot with Peppa Pig!

Above: Snoopy was at Blogger Bash last year and I was super happy to see Snoopy again this year, my Godmother even had a poodle named Snoopy! I was so excited I forgot to take off my glasses, you guys know I rarely take photos with my glasses on! Sunglasses yes, 'seeing' glasses NO. LOL

Above: After the Care Bears Breakfast, Blogger Bash attendees were wisked off in buses to a private 'Blue Man Group' experience. Yes I have already seen the show and covered it here on Ascending Butterfly, so it says A LOT that I signed up to do this because I wanted to see it again!

Above: Unfortunately this is the second time my photo WITH a Blue Man didn't come out, next time I am just going to have the person use my cellphone instead of the DSLR but I did nab a shot with fellow bloggers showing off our supercool blue VIP bracelets! And this is my only Blogger Bash 'step and repeat' shot!

MY TAKE:

The exact skinny on my pros and cons? Glad you asked:

PROS

✔ Blogger Bash is totally FUN
✔ Mascots Heaven
✔ Toys - but not just the sheer quantity of them, the fact that the swag is not a bag of goodness, but an entire BOX OF AWESOMENESS that is mailed to you - hello, no back breaking lugging stuff around from place to place or knocking into everyone as you walk around the venue. TOTAL PLUS!

CONS:

This is a con for all conferences, this trend toward "VIP" ticketing is a HUGE Pet Peeve of mine. I wish Blogger Bash would drop this and not follow the herd on this trend. But at the end of the day conferences are a businesses and organizers will do what benefits the bottom line. I get it, I just don't like it.

Overall impression: As a Lifestyle Blogger who does NOT have children, I gravitate more toward the nostalgic toys that bring me back to my own childhood. As I don't have kids I don't have anyone to be a 'product tester' so the ton of toy pitches that follow this conference aren't a real win/win for me in that regard so seeing a bit more variety in brands this year was definitely a plus. I posted some of the standout toys when I un-boxed the swag BOX of awesomeness on instagram, so be sure you are following me there too, time has forced me to do more micro-blogging at events and that's the best way to see the conference unfold in real time or see products that I am sent or pitched that may not get a full feature on these pages due to time constraints.

If you are a parent/mom blogger this is DEFINITELY the conference for YOU, it will have you covered for pretty much any child age range you focus on. As a lifestyle blogger I would love to see a bit more variety next year (I do get it's a 'night of play' - but I miss some of last year's stuff like the covergirl suite (I mean free lipsticks/lippies you know I love wearing a signature red lip everyday, I run out of REDS super fast! LOL), the hijinx of the angry birds after party, and I'm all about last year's wine brand)

Did YOU attend Blogger Bash? If so, what did you think of it? What is your personal favorite of all the blogging conferences you have attended? If you haven't attended one yet, which one is on your wishlist?

As always no formal linky here, bloggers feel free to leave a comment with the link to your Wordless Wednesday Photo this week and we will be sure to pay you a visit! (NO Giveway links please, WW only!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (a gift box was received). All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

43 comments:

  1. I like the photos looked like you had fun heheh! :-)

    Have a posetastic week & thanks for pirouetting by :-)

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  2. This looks like a great event to attend. I could sure use the Perfect Drink right about now.

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    1. It does look amazing. For some reason the girls in the first few photos remind me of a live action Candy Land game.

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  3. Sounds like they were both a blast, I am happy for your honesty. It helps to understand what each conference it and decide on what you want to do.

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  4. Conference hopping? You're a genius. I mean, they're both there. Why not?

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  5. You are very right...this would kind of be a fabulous problem to have! lol I love your photos, they really show some of the fun things going on at both conferences! It was smart to kind of pick and choose, prioritize your needs and conference hop!

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  6. looks and sounds like you had a lot of fun!! awesome! You had some fun photo opps too!

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  7. Looks like a good time. Interesting costumes to say the least.

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  8. Such a fun event for ya all out there. I have never been to any blog conference and would love to experience it someday.

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  9. This really does look like you had a great time! I'm glad you were able to do so much.

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  10. Looks like so much fun! My daughter had a strawberry shortcake doll that blew kisses that smelled like strawberries. Great memories.

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  11. One day I will make it to NYC for these conferences. I've heard great things about both

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  12. Wow... looks like a great event. Not sure what I liked more the Care Bear or Strawberry Shortcake.

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  13. Sounds like great adventures. I would like to attend

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  14. Looks like you had so much fun at the event. I never been to any blogger events .. I would love to!

    ==== RIKA ========

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  15. :) Your mascot pics are very entertaining ;) lol I always enjoy a good conf recap.

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  16. Looks like you had a great time! Those photos with Rainbow Bear took me back to my childhood days! Thanks for sharing memories of your one of a kind experience.

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  17. Ah it is a good problem to have, I agree. :) And I didn't know you were an introvert. No way I'd have guessed it from reading the blog!

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  18. I would have attended both if I were there. Both events sound too fun. I hope I can attend next year.

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  19. I wish I had been able to go! Those "sweet" characters are just too much fun!

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  20. Both of these events had to be so much fun. I so love the Care Bear and Snoopy. Hopefully one day I will be able to go to one. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Oh wow this looks like such fun. Definitely my kind of party. I know so many people who have gone to Blog events and just adore all the events and parties. Looks like great fun. - Jeanine

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  22. I would have loved to attend either event! Looks like you had a blast!

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  23. Strawberry Shortcake, Snoopy and Care Bears, oh my! It looks like there were so many of my sweet old favorites in attendance.

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  24. That Care Bear is too cute. I would have loved to have gotten my picture made with it!

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  25. Oh, I feel ya with the booth pressure. Like, don't talk to us unless you enter the raffle, take a photo, tweet the message, etc.

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  26. I was so sad that I couldn't attend Blogger Bash this year as it was too far away, I did get to go to Sweet Suite a few years ago and it was SO fun!

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  27. How lovely are those mascots?! Love how colorful they are. And the care bear. I watched care bears a lot when I was little. Now I'm nostalgic. :) Glad you had fun.

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  28. You look like you had so much fun! I would love to go to a blogger convention but there aren't ever any near enough to where I live!

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  29. Both events look like they would have been fun. Those ladies up on stilts have amazing talent :)

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  30. I wasn't able to attend BlogHer15 and I was really bummed. I was so looking forward to Sweet Suite this year.

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  31. Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears were a big part of my life when I was younger. Too bad Cabbage Patch wasn't there, too!

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  32. Sounds like you had a blast blog conference hopping. I would have loved to snuggle that Care Bear. I was the biggest fan growing up.

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  33. These are fantastic photos. My favorite is the Care Bears. This would be a great event to go to.

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  34. How fun and exciting! I have never been to a blog conference before, but it sounds like a wonderful way to meet other like-minded individuals. :)

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  35. I have always wanted to go to a blogger conference! They look awesome! Thanks for motivating me to look into it!

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  36. What a totally fun time! And I love those awesome IG photo props! So fun!

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  37. Looks like a really fun time! I need to attend a conference sometime soon.

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  38. one of my goals is to attend a blogger event like this but from the looks of it I would have to take my girls. They would have freaked the entire time. Strawberry Shortcake, peppa, snoopy, carebears... It would have been starstruck screams and giggles all day.

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  39. I'm really considering doing a blog conference of some kind next year, since I have never attended one. This post makes me really want to!

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  40. It looks like you had a fabulous time! Conferences are always such a good time - especially with other bloggers.

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  41. This looks like it was a great event to attend!!!! Conferences are the best! You just learn so much!

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  42. Your pictures are great! Looks like you had so much fun. I hope to have this much fun. When I finally get to a blogging conference.

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