BlogHer: It’s Like…

Trying to describe BlogHer is like trying to describe the color blue.  To some people, blue is fresh, like air.  To others, it’s cool like water.  To some people, it’s sad.  To others, it’s calm.

The point is, everyone will have their own “take” on trying to describe something which is, in essence, indescribable.

That’s how I am feeling about BlogHer after day one.

Now, there’s a textbook definition I could give you, the one used for press releases and ticket sales:  BlogHer is a conference meant to educate, guide, inspire, support and connect women (and some brave men) blogging in the social media landscape today.

But that doesn’t get to the heart of what it’s like.  What’s it’s like to be here.  And although my answer will be different than many other bloggers’, I’ll attempt to give you my first impressions of the BlogHer experience.

BLOGHER IS LIKE…

• The first day of college.  The BlogHer Campus is vast, you’re walking great distances to get from point A to point B.  The sessions are thoughtful, the panelists articulate.  You sit and scratch notes and try to absorb and try to think of a question that will get you noticed by your teacher or by your peers.  You talk excitedly with tablemates about your “major,” or the topic that interests you most.  You skip “class” to go get a pizza and feel slightly guilty that maybe you’re not getting everything out of something you’ve paid a great deal for.

BlogHer is like…

• The first day of high school.  You worry – if only for a minute – if anyone will like you, if you’re outfit is right, if you’ll find your clique.  You put forth shy, yet genuine smiles and are sometimes rebuffed but sometimes someone will smile back in relief and begin to chat with you.  You get lost in the dizzying thoughts of “who am I?” and “who could I be?”  The future seems exciting and all yours.

BlogHer is like…

• Vegas.  It’s fast, it’s packed, it’s sometimes noisy.  You wait 20 minutes for an elevator.  People are dressed in all manner of self-expressive styles.  Time loses all meaning and moments blur together.  It seems like no one ever sleep.  Everyone has something to sell and wants your undivided attention.

BlogHer is like…

• Your best memories of summer camp.  Women hanging out in rooms together, sitting cross-legged in their jammies on top of the bed, talking, telling stories, sharing, showing kindness.  There are midnight snacks and giggles and arms around shoulders.  There are “I’ll see you tomorrow!”s and “I’m so glad I met you!”s.

BlogHer is like…

• A cruise.  You are mostly self-contained in a huge, confined space.  There is great food, and plenty of it.  Everything feels lavish and fun.  There is a little something for everyone.

BlogHer is like…

• A scavenger hunt.  There are people you know you want to see and/or meet, but it’s a beast trying to find all of them.

BlogHer is like…

• A game show.  It seems if  you know the right answers (or the right people, in this case), you go home with great prizes.

Let me reiterate:  this is just my experience of BlogHer, and only after day one.  I have a full 24 hours left to form, develop, and maybe even change my opinions.  I wonder what it will be like after that?

You might also enjoy these related posts from Tree, Root, and Twig:

1. BlogHer: A Newbie’s Quick-Fire Wrap-Up
2. JVC Everio "Send Me To BlogHer '09" Sweepstakes
3. Your Voice Is Yours To Keep {Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ’10 Contest Entry}

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.