Tuesday, January 28, 2014

First time blogging conference attendee? Feeling Jitters? Never fear, the BlogPaws Newbies Group is here!!!

Attending your first blogging conference can be a daunting, nerve wracking and terrifying experience. The thought of meeting hundreds of people can send even the most gregarious  running for the hills!!

Your mind swirls with questions such as:


Hello???? How can you pass
THIS UP???

 Westin Lake Las Vegas Hotel
Henderson, Nevada, On beautiful Lake Las Vegas
 (30 minutes from the Strip)


Ok kitties bear with me!
DOGS learn at the Conference too!!
This is Chuy Chihuahua
from Irresistible Pets
he and his Mom
were sitting next to me
at a session in 2013

  • Who will I eat with? 
  • Will I have someone to talk to?
  • WHY DO I FEEL SOOOOOOOO OVERWHELMED AND STRANGE!!??


Nobody likes to feel strange, least of all ME.  That is why when I was about to attend my first BlogPaws Conference in 2011, Barbara Strunin and I began the BlogPaws Conference Newbies Group! 

Click here to join us!!!!!


The group was designed to give other "Nervous Nates and Nellies" like myself,  a safe-zone to connect, vent, share concerns, learn the conference "ropes", and hopefully make some new friends in the process!
See these tables?
There were EIGHT ROTATING
"NEWBIE" TABLES
AT THE KICK-OFF BREAKFAST ON FRIDAY!!

This is my third year managing the Newbies Group and I couldn't be happier! Our first year I think we had 50-something members, last year 108 (but who's counting?) and this year we hope to be even larger! CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE 2014 NEWBIES GROUP!

One of many things that I am thrilled about with the group is that many of our Conference Veterans have joined, eager to share their experiences as well!

Why a Newbies Group?
Why Does BlogPaws Have a Newbies Group?
Fellow BlogPaws Ambassador
Angie Bailey (left) and me
meeting for the first time
at BlogPaws 2011!!!!
Little did we know we
would be
BlogPaws Ambassadors in 2014!


As a proud BlogPaws Ambassador, I am here to tell you that BLOGPAWS CARES!!  We all know that animal lovers are some of the kindest people on the Planet, right? Well, that philosophy is evident in all that BlogPaws does, and that extends to the Newbies Group as well!

BlogPaws wants their conference attendees to have the BEST PRE-DURING AND POST conference experience possible! Let me tell you, that is NOT the norm!

I have attended conferences that from the day I arrived until I departed, not only was I lost, I could find NO ONE to ask a question,  I wasn't made to feel that my attendance mattered, I was given misinformation and left with a super bad taste in my mouth.

We do NOT want that to happen to you! All of the BlogPaws Ambassadors and the BlogPaws Team themselves are here to help YOU! YOU MATTER!

IF YOU DON'T ATTEND, LOOK AT WHAT YOU WILL MISS!!



If you have been sitting on the fence, wondering if you should attend the conference, ACT FAST....last year was a sell-out and this year is sure to follow suit!!



You can get a 10% DISCOUNT by mentioning the code
 BlogPaws2014-Caren-10

I WANT TO SEE YA IN
VEGAS BABY!!!!!!

Remember....

"What happens at BlogPaws in Vegas,
STAYS at BlogPaws in Vegas!!

oh and on BLOG POSTS
when we blog about 
BLOGPAWS 2014!









59 comments:

  1. This will be our THIRD BlogPaws and we're more excited than ever!!!
    If anyone is even remotely on the fence.... DO IT!!!
    It's the highlight of the YEAR : )

    ; )
    Glogirly, Katie & yes, even Waffles

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    1. It's my THIRD too :) The third one is the charm!!! Thanks for your support my furiend! xoxo

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    2. When you say "our"...do you mean that Waffles is coming too? Please say yes!

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  2. I've booked the hotel room but am waiting to register and book a flight until I see how much of a tax refund I'll get. Keep your paws crossed I'll be able to attend.

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  3. I can't WAIT to meet everybody!

    Caren, would you be interested if I went over to the resort and shot some photos? Anything in particular we bloggers are gonna want to see? email me!

    Trish xx

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    1. you are a COMPLETE DOLL! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! OMG THANK YOU!!!! Will message you on Facebook now! THANK YOU! I sooooooooooo cannot WAIT TO MEET YOU!!!! xoxoxo

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    2. You guys are great. Have a wonderful exciting fun time.

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  4. My human says you had better spend some time with her, even though she is not a newbie!!

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    1. Awww you and Trish just made my day!! Of course!!!!!! Thank you! But...there is one glitch.......I'm bringing my hubby this time! Is he allowed too? He is nice and quiet lol

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  5. We hope everyone new and old has a great time at Blogpaws. Have a terrific Tuesday Caren and Cody
    Best wishes Molly

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  6. Have a fab time at Blogpaws x

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  7. We're looking forward to BlogPaws. It will be the head peep's first time at BlogPaws, and she can't wait to meet you and the other bloggers there!

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  8. YAY!!! I do have a question (and bear with me because I can't remember your first name, I am so sorry! I only know the names of kitties lol)......did you join the Newbies Group? YOU MUST!! All of your questions will be answered there and if something isn't there that you need, just ask! Be sure we are friends on the BlogPaws Community too!!!!

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  9. The newbies group helped Mom a lot last year. This will be my first time, but I have Mom to guide me along. Actually, Bailie will be there too, so it will be different going with dogs. Hope we don't cause too much trouble! Bailie may be able to be in daycare some of the time since she is still a puppy, but I need to be out there meeting my friends and learning with Mom. Can't wait to meet you!

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    1. Hi Emma!!! I am sooooooooo happy that I will finally get to meet ALL of you! Can't wait to give you and Bailie kisses and a giant hug for your Mom!!! Did you know that both of you can join Mom at breakfast and the other meals? If Bailie does go to Day Care she will love it!!! I will have to take lots of pictures of you!

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  10. How wonderful to have a newbies group to make everyone feel comfortable. My goodness I want to go - and certainly wish I could have been last year when we actually won, such a huge honor! I know I will make it one time, I just have to see how and when!

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    1. thanks so much Coccolino!!! I soooo wish you could come this year! There is still time!!! If you look in the community and on my last blog post, there are tips on how to get a sponsor! I bet someone would LOVE to sponsor a piggy! So unique!

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  11. I wish I can come to this conference :( It looks so fun...but it's so far.

    I am not a nervous person...I have been to a conference where I knew no one but mingling is one of my specialty ;)

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  12. Sounds like a fun event, Caren. The hotel is beautiful. Looks like you are a dog AND cat person with this blog and Dakota's. Great to get acquainted!

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  13. Hi Beth!! OMG it is FABULOUS! And....you don't have to be a pet blogger to attend! I love your blog and I am so happy you stopped by! Yes, I am a dog AND cat person (I have both, but....don't tell....I lean more towards "TEAM CAT" lol!!!) So nice to know you!

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  14. Funny but good post. Mom wants to attend one time or another
    Lily

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  15. Caren, what would be the absolute latest you could book for this event?

    Sophie and the crittters in the cottage xo

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    1. Hi my friend! Not meaning to be a "Smart A" but when it sells out....last year was a sell out....I am sure this year will be too. Also, the Hotel is filling up fast (that has to be taken into consideration), and it is Mother's Day weekend which if you are flying, flights might book up more than normal so if you think you are going (which I SOOOOO HOPE you are!) I would do it sooner rather than later!

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  16. It sure sounds like a good time for all. What a fun thing to do. Take care.

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  17. We have been registered for a while now and are really excited!
    Vegas here we come!

    Noodle and crew

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    1. Laura that is GREAT news! Are you a member of the Conference Newbies Group? I don't recall seeing you but it could be my feeble mind lol. If you aren't please join because there is TONS of info that you need to know! See you there!

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  18. Tracey and I are SO hoping we can attend BlogPaws again this year. We had a great time last year -- the Newbies Group is awesome!

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    1. I hope you both can make it too! Would love to meet you guys. x

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  19. I am soooo hoping you both can make it too!!! Will be great to see you both again and thanks about the Newbies Group!

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  20. Caren, you're the best newbies host! I can't believe this year I'm a speaker and a newbie!

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    1. thank you!!!!!! Happy for you!!! You better make sure your butt joined the Newbie's Group :)
      Remember....you will be seeing me in person and you DON'T want me upset :)

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  21. it would be nice if there was a uk version of blog paws!xx Rachel

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    1. Speedy there is actually someone flying in from the Australia!

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    2. Hey speedyrabbit - I'm coming from Australia, the UK isn't so far. Would be great if you could fly over too...we could start an 'international table'. x

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  22. Wonderful tips!!! I'd lice to go but unfortunately I don't have the funding for something like that this year.
    ((Husky hugz frum da pack))

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    1. thanks Jenna! I DO understand, I sooo know! If you haven't already, read the blog post that Carol Bryant wrote (I have it on Cody's facebook fan page and it is in the community) about some creative ways to save money to go, but I DO know it is hard xoxo

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  23. The mom's got her ticket! And she's so excited to be going again. Not as much fear this time. :)

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    1. YAY!!! Are flying home together again? MOL!!!! This year I have the hubby joining me. What airline are you flying?

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    2. Caren, I haven't booked my flight yet...plan to use frequent flyer miles. What flight are you on? It would be cool if we were the same one coming or going...or both. :)

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    3. don't have the times in front of me but we are flying out Wednesday (I think late morning?) and are returning Sunday......I think we get back around 2 but not sure because I don't have the info in front of me. We are flying Delta!

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  24. Well I am trying to figure out if I can afford to officially go - but I definitely want to meet you in an unofficial capacity! I live not far from the hotel.

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    1. Meg, I am so hoping to meet you whether you go or not. :)

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  25. OMG! If you live near the hotel I don't want to hear another word! YOU NEED TO GO!!! I doubt I will be "off-premises" other than possibly Friday night if there is nothing going on Friday night. I promised Lenny (my husband) we would go to the strip that night because believe it or not I have NEVER been! If you want to do that the more the merrier!!!! I think Jobi Harris and her hubby are going as well and anyone else who wants to! (that's providing there is nothing going on with BlogPaws that night and we usually have one night on our own)

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    1. Caren - have you been to Fremont Street? I was in Vegas a few years ago, and the strip was great, but I absolutely loved the Fremont Street experience.

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    2. No, I am going to see if my husband has, he has been to Vegas numerous times. Since you mentioned that you love Fremont Street I MUST check it out!! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  26. don't wait too long!!! That is Mother's Day weekend and flights are gonna fill up!! For creative ideas on how to get there, be sure to read Carol Bryant's blog post that is posted in the Community and on Cody's fan page on Facebook! I am sooooooooooo wanting to FINALLY meet you!

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  27. @Sweet Purrfections, the above comment was for you!

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  28. Caren we have all our tickets/reservations set and are so excited to attend BlogPaws again this year! The hubby came with me last year and he is coming this year too...but I was so sick I feel like I missed so much, although I learned a lot and I met a lot of amazing people. Can't wait. I really want to get more involved with the BlogPaws family and take the Cat & Birdie Blog to the next level thanks to you! xoxo

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    1. Amelia I am sooooo happy you are coming! Please join the Newbies group (I know you aren't a Newbie, but we want veterans too!) if you haven't already!!! We share TONS of conference info there and there might be some things that you will find to be interesting. I am bringing my husband this year too (he will probably be out by the pool most of the time).....your photos on your blog and everything are just amazing!!!) OMG do NOT credit ME at all! You run circles around me! xoxoxoxo

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  29. Caren - I absolutely can not wait for the Blog Paws Conference, it sounds like so much fun and a great learning experience too. I'm looking forward to meeting YOU and all the other pet bloggers too, it'll be so nice to hang with like-minded people! See ya in May. xoxo

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    1. Ohhh I am soooooooo happy that you are so excited! I am too!! It IS HUGE FUN and a fantastic learning experience!! I am greatly looking forward to meeting you too!!! It is super special being with a group of people who soooooooooooo "get it!!" xoxoxo

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  30. I would love a chance to go, but finances are very tight when you are on a fixed income. I like the Newbie idea. More help when you don't know what to do or where to go. I wish everyone good luck and good fun! And you are definitely helping! Would you kiss all the dogs and kitties you can for me?

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    1. Hi Guys! Ohhh I know about a fixed income for sure. My husband is retired and I am unemployed and I only make dribs and drabs here and there. There is still plenty of time! Maybe this post by Carol Bryant will help? You never know! http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/blogging-social-media-info/learning/13-ways-afford-blogpaws-conference/

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  31. Woo hoo, we bought our ticket last night! And we appreciated your discount code, thanks so much! Can't wait to meet you Caren! Now I have to join the newbies group too!

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    1. OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!! Can you feel the earth shaking from me jumping up and down with excitement??????????You mean I am FINALLY GOING TO MEET YOU???!!! OMG OMG OMG!! I can't wait! Just think of the things you will have for Tunnel Tuesday!!! Ohhhh I am soooooooooo happy!! You just made my day!!! Yes, when you join the group please be sure it is the CONFERENCE Newbies Group, there is a "Newcomers" group that is for people who are new to the BlogPaws Community and that is a whole year group. The CONFERENCE Newbies group is for the conference. I am soooooooooo happy!! xoxoxoxoxo

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  32. Mommy is really looking forward to meeting you there. She is a little nervous about making the hotel reservation at the least expensive rate as it is non-refunable, and she says one never knows what could happen. Any thoughts? Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo.

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  33. Hi My Furiends!!! I am SOOO looking forward to meeting your Mom as well! Here are some answers to your Mom's question
    1) I don't recall seeing your Mom in the CONFERENCE NEWBIES GROUP (not the other Newcomers Group) in the Community. If your Mom is a member I apologize for not remembering, if she isn't a member she NEEDS to be because TONS of important info is shared in that group

    2) The same thing happened to me in 2012. I had a kidney stone attack literally on the way to the airport. I was lucky and one of the brands that was going to be at the conference needed an extra room and the hotel was sold out. They took over my room and I wasn't penalized at all. Oh and I believe you can cancel up to 24 hrs ahead which means, you should be FINE!

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