Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Blowing into the Windy City

I think I have mentioned before that I am hoping to go to Blogher* '09 in Chicago. I wanted to go last year, but there was just no way I could have gone to San Francisco. I hadn't been blogging long, I had an 8 month old that couldn't be left and couldn't be taken, and we were still adjusting to life with one income. All this added up to conference envy. This year is different. I'm something of a veteran at the old blogging business, with a year under my belt. I've come to know so many great people through their blogs, and I just can't miss this opportunity to meet them for real. It's not a sure thing yet and is dependent on a couple of factors, finances being chief among them, but I'm working to make it happen. So, if you're looking for a birthday gift for me (February 24, I'll be 30+5), Blogher tickets would be just the thing. And if you're thinking, "hey, someone probably already got her those tickets." Well, then, airline tickets are also perfect! Just kidding.**

I got onto Blogher and looked into registration, which was not on there yet the last time I looked. I was mostly just curious to see how much tickets for the event would be. I was not surprised to see that a full ticket for all events was $199. You can also buy one day tickets ($99) and tickets for only the cocktail parties ($50). What I wanted to spread the news about was how much you can save by buying tickets before February 28th. It's a pretty significant amount. After 2/28, the price goes up to $298 for a full ticket and $149 for the single day passes. I hope to get tickets before that date because who couldn't stand to save some moolah?

So my question is: who else is planning/hoping/dreaming about going? And for my gals that have been before, is the full pass worth it or is it better to buy a one day pass and the cocktail party pass?

* Blogher is an organization whose goal is to "create opportunities for women who blog to pursue exposure, education, community and economic empowerment."

** Not kidding.

22 comments:

  1. I'm hoping to go, but still unsure. I've reallllly got to watch my $$. We are in quite the pickle. But Chicago is within driving distance, so I don't know.

    I'm glad you provided that info though! Good to know there's a discount

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  2. Yay come to Chicago!

    I don't think I will be going but maybe I can swing tickets to the cocktail parties.

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  3. This will come as no surprise to you...
    but had I my druthers, I'd rather go to Comic-Con in San Diego than Blogher. My not-so-inner geek thrives when I'm amongst my people. Last year's Comic-Con had an enormous BSG panel...and, of course, the cast of that one movie about vampires and werewolves. Jason was there...Abrams previewed Star Trek...Cuse & Lindelof gave away Lost spoilers...I mean, tell me all of this is not yummy goodness!

    So yes...if I'm getting my convention on, it's with the Sci-Fiers. Not the bloggers. I'm just being totally honest here. But I want you to go to Blogher and tell me all about it. With pictures!

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  4. I knew you weren't kidding. ;)

    And no, I shant be joining the festivities.

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  5. I would actually love to go--and Chicago is only about 5 hours from me, so I could drive. But we have so many changes happening here in my family & will most likely be moving back to New England soon, so it won't happen this year. I hope you get to go though! from what I heard/read, the last one was really fun!

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  6. I would LOVE to go, I just don't know if I can. But oh what fun it would be....

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  7. I have been blogging now for over two years and would love to go BUT unless the economy takes a 180 degree turn or I win the lotto (whatever miracle occurs 1st), I just don't see the expense fitting into our budget. You know, since Big D likes to complain when I spend $15 on a "friggin BOOOK!".

    Chicago is my hometown to boot ... *sigh*

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  8. Well knock me over with a feather! I have never heard of such a thing! ( I am quite new to this blogging thing though)

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  9. I would love to go but there is just no way. There are so many people I would love to meet, but most of all I would like to meet YOU!

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  10. I'm not sure it would be something I would like. I'm not a big people-person. I mean, I like spending time with individuals, but not with lots of people. I couldn't afford it, anyway...

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  11. Nope, not going. It's too far...and I have other things I'd rather spend a few hundred bucks on =)

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  12. Yep! I'm going! Got my little Paypal account halfway there with ads and bits of money from articles. Also, put your name out there to find someone to room with to cut down the costs. Being only 45 minutes away, I am almost ashamed to get a room, BUT I have NEVER gone ANYwhere by myself. EVER. So you know what? It's my turn.

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  13. How fun.

    Heather and I need to go next year representing SITS.

    I turn 34 on February 20th, so I'd also like to place my plea for airline tickets.

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  14. Becky and I are cracking up over the "fight" between me and you on her blog...

    That is too funny that you were leaving a comment when I was typing. One night Becky and I did that on Keeper of the Skies, at least 8 times, until poor Betty had to promise to make us both shawls to get us off her back.

    Maybe Becky will give us both some of those photos to get us off her back, huh?

    Worth a try...

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  15. I'm actually a published writer and had a writing career in a previous life. Would love to get back to it and prove that my undergraduate degree in creative writing wasn't a total waste of time and money. The problem is that I have too many hobbies, and my two current main "hobbies" of maintaining my part time career as a professional psychotherapist and homeschooling my wee ones just doesn't leave room for anything more.

    I tell myself that when I retire I will write professionally again or free lance.

    Needless to say, I'll not be attending the festivities in Chicago.

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  16. I live about 10 minutes away (by car) from the festivities and am planning to attend. I hadn't figured out yet what to buy tickets for, but I was thinking I would throw myself into it and buy tickets for all of it (but I will have to take a look-see on the website to see what's what).

    Remember, staying at Casa MEP costs zero dollars and zero cents . . .

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  17. I missed last year because of my broken foot so I'm definitely going this year. Well, pretty sure. I think. Maybe ;)

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  18. I thought about it but, given that baby number two is coming on or around July 12, there's no way I'll make it this year.

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  19. I'm dreaming about it, but there is no way I'll be there with the baby coming in February. Next year I'd really like to go, though, unless my husband somehow manages to impregnate me at an inconvenient time.

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  20. I'm going Cara! I haven't bought the tix yet though--thanks for the tip on buying them early!

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  21. I went last summer and it was great. I got the whole pass which I highly recommend, though the unconference could have been skipped. Not sure if that's an option or if it's just part of the whole package.
    Last year I could justify it. It was 20 minutes away. Not sure I can swing the conference and Chicago.

    You should go. It's a real blast!

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  22. I am going! We will meet there, yes? Yes. I am going to buy my ticket early but am hoping to get some help from my *friends* to do so. We will see if that works out. Nonetheless, I am going to meet many of my wonderful bloggy friends.

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Give me some sugar, baby!