The first day of the Savvy Blogging Summit was such a great experience, but Day Two definitely topped it! 😉
They provided breakfast before things kicked off, and then at 9am I had a "Mentoring Session". We were broken up into small groups of 4-5 people for an hour, which was a random selection to encourage meeting new people.
That was A LOT of fun.
We brainstormed, shared resources and discussed blogging strategies.
Next on my agenda was a scheduled "Work Break" (cool!). Tom Brownsword (@thebizprotector) and I decided to grab an iced coffee and do our work out on the patio. The day was just too beautiful not to enjoy!
Before we got started on our work, Tom and I were talking about the quality of this event - and how we're both impressed with the organization, the content and the atmosphere here...
Every single person has been a joy to meet. There's a genuine interest in getting to know each other, sharing ideas & resources, making introductions, and just having coffee and conversation even. Outside of the very few people here that I know, I'm a total stranger to this group. But I certainly haven't felt like one.
And it's not just the other attendees, but the sponsors and speakers as well. Several of them made it a point to find me after a session where I'd asked questions, and offer a resource or a more detailed answer in the hallway. There's definitely an "atmosphere" to this event like none other I've experienced...
The Venue & Agenda
Unlike most events, they have given us plenty of leisure time to enjoy the beautiful weather & scenery here!
We have extra breaks, long lunches, outdoor evening meals & events, etc.
It has been FABULOUS 😀
And the Cheyenne Mountain Resort...
Wow. Just wow.
The Monetization & Productivity Expo
Just before lunch I went into the Monetization & Productivity Expo, which was a room set up to mingle with the sponsors and companies. It was similar to a typical expo, but much more casual and conversational.
We were separated into smaller groups to access the Expo, which gave you a lot more one-on-one time with people you wanted to speak with. Again, incredibly well organized. I was able to sign up to affiliate programs on the spot, got some cool swag, and learned a lot more about the companies that are here.
After, we enjoyed a long lunch - and then another iced coffee on the back terrace before heading in for the afternoon sessions.
Phil Hollows kicked it off with a session on Email Marketing...
Phil is SO COOL in person, by the way. He's funny, engaging, smart - and his presentation was full of actionable tips (just like his guide).
He talked about email engagement, list growth, social media integration, subject line hints & tips, branding and design, and much more. And he gave away t-shirts. 😀
Next was the Search Engine Optimization Session with Troy Lerner
This was actually a very in-depth session, which surprised me. I expected it to be more basic for some reason. Troy was right on target - accurate information, great stats and detailed how-to information with *proof*.
He gave detailed how-to information, lots of resources, and live examples. He showed us what to look at in Google Analytics, how to use Google Trends, talked about Mobile Search stats and what type of keyword phrases to target for mobile searchers. It was an excellent presentation.
At one point he used the term "share-bait" (a play on linkbait), which I liked. Great tips for increasing your rankings through social media...
The closing session started off with the "Savvy Blogger's Husbands" on a panel, answering funny questions about their blogging wives.
THAT was funny. LOL.
They ended the event with a Dinner & Tour outing at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It was a higher altitude (and the end of several long days in a row) so several of us stayed behind and enjoyed a quiet evening on the Terrace. 🙂
The attendees at this event truly are "Savvy Bloggers"
They are not newbies or hobbyists, but very smart & talented bloggers. The content was a great match for the demographic. It was advanced, high quality how-to content. But not over-your-head.
There were no pitches. Even the sponsors and merchants were more interested in helping us than "selling us". Everything was geared toward growing blogs and growing businesses, from the content to the networking - and even the companies that came to mingle with the bloggers.
The content was GOOD. The perfect mix of topics, on the right level, with plenty of time to implement & network in the event schedule. Truly amazing. Hands down the best event I've been to this year (and in awhile, to be honest)...
Best,
p.s. You can get recordings from last years event, and you can also watch that page for recordings of the 2011 Savvy Blogging Summit event as well.
The Summit Sale ends on July 23. The discount code is “TheSprings”. All 2010 recordings will be 50% off plus if you get the recordings during the sale you’ll receive a free recording of Phil Hollow’s 2011 Email Marketing session:
About Lynn Terry
Lynn, as always I enjoy reading your review of the events you attend. This event sounds outstanding; high quality content, attendees, location and food. Love the fact there was built in extra time for breaks and meals and how friendly and helpful everyone was. Even more impressive was your comment about how there wasn't one pitch. Yay! Looking forward to hearing more about QR codes and how to implement them and use them in my business.
It truly was a great event. I am SO glad I went.
QR codes can be used in a lot of ways - in store windows, on flyers, on business cards, in print books & magazines, etc. It basically lets the user scan the code for a coupon, information, or to go directly to a specific web page.
Can I just say ditto? I agree with everything you said Lynn. This event was exceptional. All the brands who sponsored the event were so giving and always on hand to talk and answer questions even if they didn't get to eat entire meals while doing so.
I'm very impressed and sure hope to return to the next one in 2012.
Me too. We'll just plan on it. 😉
And you're right. The sponsors and companies that came were super helpful. I was impressed with how friendly and connected the group was!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. i wish i was there to attend the mobile search session (unlucky for me). I hope they will release a recording of this session soon. Good luck with your future events.
The recordings should be available in a few weeks. I have already downloaded the 2010 sessions (currently half price) and will definitely order the 2011 sessions I missed this time around.
OK. You really have me curious about that "share bait".
Please do a post on that when you get back from this trip...;)
Mark
It got my attention too 😉 Will do!
Lynn, I'm so glad you are enjoying Savvy Blogging. Last year's conference was really very well done and it sounds like they've improved on great this year too. Still a little bummed I didn't go this year, but it wasn't to be. It really is a different type of environment that the other IM & blogging conferences out there. I'm enjoying your updates, and am so glad that you've gotten something out of it.
We missed you there. Hopefully we can ALL attend in 2012. That would be great. I agree that it's a totally different type of event - in atmosphere especially. It was just incredibly well organized, and everyone I met was really fun to know & talk to.
This is the first event in awhile where *I* have taken notes, learned things, and came straight home to implement new ideas! 😀
Lynn:
Savvy Blogging sounds like it has been a wonderful event!
It sounds like you were treated very well as a speaker.
I look forward to geting more information about the 2011 recordings.
Take care!
- Rick
I was just attending - and enjoying 😉
Sorry about that. I should have read a little closer. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
- Rick
No worries. As well as they treated attendees, I can't imagine how well the speakers and sponsors were treated. 🙂 I am looking forward to the 2011 recordings as well. Should be out soon. I just downloaded all of 2010 on my flight home!
Hi Lynn,
Cheyenne Mountain does look beautiful!
I also have found going to live marketing events a real buzz. Not just the learning but the connections with other like minded people - cyber space can be a lonely place at times.
Thanks for the enjoyable read.
Regards
Catherine
I agree Catherine 😀 And wow, the views. It was gorgeous!! They couldn't have picked a better venue for this year's event. 😉
For this kind of experiences i start blogging few years ago. It's great to see how these events creates connections between people. Too bad you don't have more pictures to share with us.
The location i believe was fantastic.
I shared quite a few pictures via Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/lynnterrybiz and still have more to upload 😉
Thank you Lynn!
Ah wow, it seems like you had a great time!
I've yet to attend a live seminar / summit, but it's definitely on my "to do" list for the rest of 2011.
After all, as a wise man once said, "your network is your net worth"!
Thanks for a great post 🙂
Talk soon!
- James.
I like that saying! Good one!
Which events appeal to you? Every one is different, and of course it depends on your objective - learning, networking, meeting specific people, etc...
Hi Lynn,
Sounds like the summit involved work and fun! It must have felt really good to meet other bloggers in person. 🙂
Ok, now I´m curious about this kind of summits 🙂 Hopefully I also find one in my country (Germany) but these kind of events are rare here
it sounds amazing ill have to get on the list for next year
I'm going to a blog seminar next month and I am so excited for it. I just began my blog and looking forward to helping it grow!