Blogger Bash 2016 exceeded expectations with outstanding opportunities such as Sweet Suite and Blogging Concentrated.- SahmReviews.com #BBNYC

Disclosure

Everyone has expectations. Whether it’s that much-anticipated and highly-publicized movie, a toy or game from an established designer, a random meal at a new restaurant or even a family trip, we all set a bar somewhere and are either overjoyed or let down. It’s as simple as that.

Conferences are no different. I’ve attended my fair share and some are fantastic, others… just meh. As I explained a few months back, I was selected as an ambassador to Blogger Bash 2016 conference. With Blogger Bash 2015 for comparison, my expectation for this year’s event was that it would be good. I knew there would be opportunities to connect with brands, hear celebrity speakers, play with toys and learn some new tricks to improve the site.

The result: I was wrong. My expectation that it would be good was completely off the mark. I set the bar and the Blogger Bash team was completely oblivious to it, rising far above it. Simply put, Blogger Bash 2016 was GREAT!

Blogger Bash ambassadors were beautifully outfitted by Jude Connally. - SahmReviews.com #JudeConnally #BloggerBash

Maybe some of you will conclude that my impression was skewed by my ambassador status. Let’s talk about that for a minute. If anything, being an ambassador was a deterrent. I had a lot of responsibilities, including attending activities I didn’t think were a good use of my limited resource of time. What the ambassadors did receive that other attendees did not was the opportunity to be personally fitted with outfits from Jude Connally.

Blogger Bash ambassadors were treated to a styling session with Jude Connally. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #JudeConnally

Not just the outfits themselves, but a personal styling session with Jude Connally herself as she hand-selected outfits that met the personalities and figures of all the ambassadors. The first day of the conference, I wore a Rachel dress that made me feel stunning and confident and the second day I wore a skort and shirt that were casual and comfortable. Both days, I sported a nautical-themed tote (we were on a boat, you know!) for carrying my business cards, chargers and other conference essentials.

Blogger Bash 2016 included a variety of activities including speed pitching. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC  Care Bears aren't just for kids. Blogger Bash attendees enjoyed a Care Bear breakfast. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #ShareYourCare

Other than that, I had the same opportunities for experiences as everyone else. While I would love to tell you all the nitty gritty details, there was so much happening that anything other than a recap would make this post awfully long. So let’s start with Wednesday, Day 1 at the beginning of the day! I opted to apply for a speed pitching session. There were four sessions providing influencer and brands 5 minute one-on-one get-to-know-you time. My session was the first one which meant I missed most of the Care Bear brunch. There were overlapping opportunities and it was impossible to fully experience them all! I did catch the end of the breakfast and was able to see Sunshine Bear in person.

Blogger Bash attendees honed their business skills during Blogging Concentrated. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #bloggingcon

Following that, some participants attended The Ride while others of us attended Blogging Concentrated to find ways to improve our blogs, businesses and methods. While ambassador commitments prevented us from staying for the entire session, I felt that I gained a lot of knowledge even in the few hours I was able to participate.

LEGO Dimensions showcased their latest products at Sweet Suite during Blogger Bash 2016. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #SweetSuite16 Splashlings were one of the many new toys featured at Sweet Suite during Blogger Bash 2016. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #SweetSuite16

The day was capped off by “The biggest night of play” in the form of Sweet Suite. As many times as I’ve attended a Sweet Suite event, I’ve never been able to fully complete it. There are so many sponsors set up displaying all kinds of new and fun toys to play with there simply isn’t enough time to see them all.

Spin Master showcased a variety of new products including Zoomer Hedgiez at Sweet Suite during Blogger Bash 2016. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #SweetSuite16
This year, the event boasted numerous vendors featuring everything from baby toys to hover boards.  I connected with some new brands who hopefully will participate in our holiday gift guides this year as well as reunited with existing companies such as ThinkFun, Spin Master, Winning MovesUSAopoly and Wonder Forge.

Twizmo Games was on hand to show off their various games at Sweet Suite during Blogger Bash 2016. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #SweetSuite16  During Sweet Suite at Blogger Bash 2016, Upper Deck showcased their blind packs which will make great stocking stuffers. - SahmReviews.com #BBNYC #SweetSuite16

The day ended with as much excitement as it started and I would have been perfectly content chatting it up with the folks at Sweet Suite for even longer.

And that was only half of the story…

Stay tuned if you want to hear about Blogger Bash Day 2 which included an amazing soldier with a story of inspiration, a football player promoting STEM education and a keynote presentation with Nicole Polizzi and Jenni Farley. You might be more likely to recognize them as “Snooki” and “JWoww”.

16 thoughts on “Blogger Bash Delivered Big on Day 1!

  1. It’s a nice opportunity to meet with companies and people who represent a brand. I’m sure it’s quite a learning experience too. I’m glad you were able to join this year’s Blogger Bash. Can’t wait to hear more!

  2. It’s good to know that the Blogger Bash exceeded your expectations for this year’s event. I think it’s great to be part of this and I’m sure everyone had an amazing time. I’d like to hear more about this and how day two went!

  3. It is amazing that you have been selected as an ambassador & Blogger Bash 2016 conference sounds like a wonderful event with lots of fun & being able to connect with other bloggers as well. The Sweet Suite event with those cute fun toys is just amazing & I a sure you had a wonderful experience.

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