Central Florida Blogger Conference in the books; Excited for 2012 event
The Central Florida Blogger Conference brought together some of Florida's hottest and most taletned bloggers for a day of learning, networking, and fun. Photo Rori Paul
Blogging often brings a glaze to many a person’s eyes. “What is ‘blogging’” they ask. What is a ‘blogger,’ ‘what do you do,’ comes along quickly. Ok, so not as often as it did a year and a half ago and not as often as in my professional realm, but it does still happen. So too does the roll of the eyes and the condescending smile of ‘oh, you’re not real media’ or whatever they’re thinking.
Yet to attend the Central Florida Blogger Conference this weekend was to see the power of blogging full on and to be surrounded by a lot of awesome, successful bloggers side-by-side with those who’ve just started and those who wonder if they should.
Hosted and produced by the amazing and incomparable Bess Auer of Central Florida Top 5, this event was in its first year and for a first, hit a home run.
Ben Reed and Mark Baratelli talks during a break between sessions. Photo by Rori Paul
I’m honored to not only call Bess a colleague, but a friend as well, and was even more touched when she invited me to be on the Q&A panel. Indeed I would go on to contribute in several ways throughout the day, but that was the overall and most powerful theme throughout the day; helping each other to get better and be successful.
Those who participated in that concept came away with a thousand and one ideas, a brilliant smile, and the idea that no matter your dream, it is achievable.
Rachelle Lucas, one of Florida's best known bloggers and media personalities, talks media, marketing and blogging. Photo Rori Paul
This was perhaps no one more evident than in our key-note presentation by the very kind, Mark Middleton. I only spoke briefly to Mark and hope to one day remedy that, but to hear this talented and generous man speak was to know that no matter the person, age, sex, obstacles or (insert other here), you can do, become, and achieve whatever you dream.
That message came home through Mark’s presentation as well as can be seen on his weekly national program, Growing Bolder.
Along with Mark there was a Florida-who’s-who list of bloggers you should be following and if you’re an aspiring blogger, learning from. I was honored to be among the talents of Ben Reed, Colleen Burns, Josh Murdock, Joshua Johnson, KyAnn Lewis, Lee Allport, Mark Baratelli, Rachelle Lucas and Will Rodriguez, among others.
Bev Collins of PlacesAroundFlorida.com signs up under her blog topic. There were bloggers from a range of areas such as travel, food, style and more. Photo by Rori Paul
Several sessions, a breakout session, the Q&A and our mixer afterwards at the oh-so-fun Eden Bar had everyone learning, networking, growing and laughing throughout the day.
For bloggers, new bloggers, and future bloggers, you need to think about next year’s event (which to my knowledge is not yet planned but needs to and will happen) and get it on your must-do list.
Two of the nicest, funniest people; Colleen Burns and Joshua Johnson. Colleen and Joshua share location-based check-ins like Yelp and FourSquare. Photo by Rori Paul
Kirby Collins of PlacesAroundFlorida.com and Ben Reed of adventureswithben.com share a laugh. Networking is key at a conference. Collegues become friends. Photo by Rori Paul
Our wonderful host and my friend, Bess of Central Florida Top 5, makes us all feel welcome. Photo by Rori Paul.
Key note speaker Mark Middleton talks about being who you want to be, doing what you want to do, and achieving your dreams. Photo by Rori Paul
I was honored to be a part of the day. Sitting besides me is the generous and kind Lee Allport and moderating, the fun, funny and fun-nomenal Peter Murphy. Photo Rori Paul
Ben and I "recording live" at the Central Florida Bloggers Conference for the Florida Travel Cocktail. We love doing live recordings, letting people see what it takes and getting all the engery from our surroundings. Photo Rori Paul
Hi Rori,
It was great to meet you at the CFL Blog Con and in the destination blog group. I didn’t have a card to hand out, but you can find me @alexinorlando or on alexinorlando.blogspot.com.
Hope to see you around!
Alex, thanks for checking in! The great things about conferences are all the new people you get to meet. The bad thing about conferences is there is always too little time to do anything with that! I’ve taken a brief look at Alex in Orlando and look forward to seeing more. Best of luck, do stay in touch and “see you around town!”
- Rori
I’ve been to a few conferences in the Sunshine State myself and each and every one was so eventful and I really did learn a lot at each! Bogging is essential in our tech day and age, and the best way to stay up to date with things! I cannot wait until I get to go back-In Palm Bay, planning on staying at the Palm Bay Hotel (www.palmbay-hotel.com). Inexpensive and close to a lot of great stuff to do and see in town!