I have mulled over even posting about my trip to the BlogHer conference last weekend mostly because I’m kind of tired of reading all of the Tweets and other blog posts about it but more importantly, I have a newborn and I’m exhausted and putting thoughts into words is a time-consuming and tough chore these days.  I suppose I won’t be able to get it out of my head if I don’t at least try to write something about it.  Forgive me but as I type with a fussy newborn laying on my chest, I’m sure this post will come off as more of a disjointed ramble than anything.

I went to the conference this year because I was given a ticket at the last minute by Yahoo.  Someone wasn’t able to make it, so I happened to be next in line to receive it.  I didn’t bother purchasing a ticket because of my pregnancy due date.  It just worked out that Teagan arrived two weeks before the conference.

So, after two weeks of recovering from my daughter’s birth by cesarean section, I put myself together (with a new top and some make-up) and made my way into the city; anticipating the quick reunions I would have with friends made throughout the blogosphere over the past few years.

Before I left for the conference, I skimmed over the agenda and highlighted the sessions that I wanted to attend.  My goal was to make it to all that I thought would be most beneficial to a person who is lacking blogging inspiration.  Unfortunately, I got a late start on day one and when I arrived at the hotel, I ran into friends that I haven’t seen in ages or who I was meeting in person for the first time “offline”, so of course we had to chat a bit before moving along.  I failed to mention that I had my newborn in tow, so many people needed to stop and feast their eyes on my little pink bundle.  Many people also called me “brave”.  I didn’t think I was being very brave at all.  I was just ready to get out and enjoy myself now that my uncomfortable pregnancy was over.  I wasn’t intimidated in the least bit about bringing a new baby to the conference.  From my experience at past BlogHer conferences, it’s a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and I knew there would be places to rest if needed, as well as a Lactation Lounge where I could nurse her.

But I digress.  I drove home after day one feeling quite disappointed that I didn’t make it to a single session.  Not a single one.  The day was spent chatting it up with my blogger buddies and trying to figure out how to make it from floor to floor with a stroller.  I had to take a sketchy back elevator (used by hotel staff) to make it where I wanted to go most of the time.  I am also severely directionally challenged so, I walked around most of the day like a deer in headlights, not knowing if I was coming or going.  Blame it on the fact that I just had a baby or that this is basically what happens when I go to a BlogHer Conference.  Last year and the year before were no different.

I wasn’t entirely sure that I would make the trip back downtown for day two, as I was pretty drained and anticipating the long night ahead.  As it turns out, I felt somewhat re-energized the following morning, so the newbie and I headed back to the conference.  I was determined that I was going to make it to these conference sessions this time.

We arrived just in time for me to make it to the first session.  The room was packed.  There was barely any room to squeeze through and find a spot to stand or sit on the floor.   The room was very warm and it was hard to hear any of the discussion.  I left the session halfway through because I wasn’t getting anything out of it.  I was hoping to take away something new and inspiring but left with no more information than I began with.

The next session I attended was much more comfortable.  There really weren’t a lot of people in attendance.  Again though, my expectations were that I would leave the session feeling inspired and again, I left without learning anything new.

My purpose for going to a conference like this is to gain inspiration and take something away from it.  This is the second year that I haven’t felt that way about this particular conference.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved seeing blogger friends and showing off the newborn but as far as getting my money’s worth, (had I paid for my ticket) I would have to say it wasn’t worth it.  Unless I have an all-expense paid trip and conference ticket, I doubt I’ll be in attendance at another BlogHer conference.  Because to me, it’s like paying to visit with friends and go to parties and that’s just not in the budget.

However, if you’re a new blogger and/or you’re looking to network with other bloggers, non-bloggers and PR reps; BlogHer is the conference for you.