My attendance at this year’s BlogHer conference was my 6th time attending this women’s social media conference. While attending conferences several years in a row leads to many friendships as well as fun times, sometimes it can also leave you feeling like you have to dig a little deeper to gain value. I think this can be true with many things – when you’ve been at something for a long time, you often have to take a step back to see it again with fresh eyes. With that in mind, I took a small road trip last month to Orlando in the awesome Mazda CX-9 and made my way to #BlogHer17! Check out what I took away from my attendance this year.
3 Takeaways from Attending #BlogHer17 in Orlando, FL!
1. Always Share Your Story
It’s hard to be vulnerable and share what’s yours or private. I know this all too well. However, I’ve found that the more you share your story, the more your story will resonate with others. In turn, sharing your story may also help in healing. I’m glad I took a chance and shared a bit about our family’s caregiving journey during our BlogHer panel presentation.
2. Friends are Good, But Be Open to Meeting New People
It’s easy to meetup with your tribe and spend the majority (if not all) of the conference with those you’ve come to know and love from years online. But, being open to meeting new people is great! I’m always amazed by the connections I make by simply sitting with people I have yet to meet!
3. I Still Have So Much to Learn
Even after 11 years in the social media and blogging industry, there’s still so much to learn! This industry is ever-changing and as you probably know, there is new technology popping up nearly every day. Attending conferences and listening to others who have been able to focus on areas I have yet to explore in-depth provides new learning opportunities.
About That Car…
I mentioned that I made my way from Tampa to Orlando for BlogHer with a road trip in the Mazda CX-9. This is not our family car, but one that I was lent thanks to the folks at Mazda. Can I just say how awesome the CX-9 was? I had never driven a Mazda before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised.
I really liked the safety features in the CX-9, such as the rear camera and the distance recognition support system (while on cruise control the CX-9 automatically adjusted its speed if too close to another car). There was also something new-to-me that popped up as I was driving – the active driving display, also called heads-up display! There I was on my way out of my neighborhood when I suddenly see my speed displayed on the glass in front of me above the dash! It turns out that your speed and navigation directions display onto the glass so you can keep your eyes on the road and still have access to such information.
With plenty of trunk space, 7 seats, lots of safety features, and a pretty sleek look, the Mazda CX-9 is worth a look if you’re in the market for a new family car! I know it impressed both myself and my husband!
All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™, except where noted
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