SOBCon08 – Biz School for Bloggers… A report, part 1
Liz and Terry sure nailed it this year. Not only in concept but in execution. Their goal – create an event where business owners and bloggers come together to learn from each other – both about social media and about running a business. In my opinion, much needed and only scraping the surface of what’s needed around social media. The weekend was great…here’s my experience.
The flight to Chicago on Friday was quick and uneventful. We landed just before a storm rolled in that delayed a number of SOBCon-ers, including Chris Cree and Gorgeous (his name for his wife). I jump on the orange line out of Midway which deposits me, 40 minutes later, a block and a half from my hotel – in a downpour. Cab it or walk…I chose to walk. And when I stepped into Hotel 71 I was drenched.
I get to my room, dry off, unpack and out comes the laptop. I was thinking of a short nap before the afternoon’s festivities, but turns out Chris Garrett was looking for a lunch date. Sonia Simone and I join Chris for a stroll down Michigan Ave, a nice chat and a great lunch lunch at Carmine’s. Thank God the weather cleared up.
Back at the hotel we walk into a cloud of bloggers. Liz, Terry and bunch of old friends from last year’s event. Hugs go all around. I’m overjoyed to meet Joanna Young for the first time. To David Airey: she flew all the way from Scotland.
Lots of faces, new and old. Too many to remember. But I did get a huge hug from my dear friend Wendy Piersall (tell Dave it was great to meet him). Had a great talk with Tammy Lenski – she and I need to do some work together. Then, finally, after months of phone calls and emails, I got to see the communicatrix – Colleen Wainwright in the flesh. She’s shorter than I thought thought she’d be – AND big bags of fun. We spent much of the weekend hanging out. Loved her before, love and adore her after. She’s a friend for life, I think.
Dinner time was approaching so Adam Kayce and I round up a few people for Indian food at Kypher Pass on East Wacker. Pretty nice food. Nothing, though, like Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine which Adam and I found last year. It’s out in Park Ridge near O’Hare (map) – like Indian food, gotta check it out.
Anyhow, Todd Jordan along with Shashi Bellamkonda & Randy Windsor from Network Solutions joined us. I learned much about Shashi over the weekend. One thing is he loves to take photos. And did you know he was once a chef?
Chicago Cruises and the Chicago Skyline provided the backdrop for our evening. The entertainment…by a hundred bloggers on a boat, Jim Beam (who sponsored the Friday night) and the amazing music of Christine Kane. If you don’t know Christine’s music – you should. But more on that later. Becky McCray has some great shots on Flickr of Chicago at night. As does Wendy.
Had a great walk and chat back to the hotel with Ruth Marie Sylte. We could have stayed up all night talking politics, spirituality and fixing the problems in the Middle East. But sleep called – especially since I missed that nap (thanks ChrisG).
I’ll continue with my in depth report of SOBCon. For now, I’d love to know your SOBCon experience. If you were there, what was one highlight. And if not, what’s one thing you would have liked to have taken away from the event if you could have come?
Dawud, we sure do! I’d love that.
It was terrific to see you again and actually get to *talk* to you this year.
One highlight, you mean just one? I can’t. So many.
People kept on giving me things – words, smiles, advice, links, practical suggestions, a smile, hello, recognition, a moment, a song, a book to read, each one was worth my trip.
My take away was this: there is *no* substitute for meeting people in person, for connections, for learning, for business, for name recognition, for friendship.
I’m so glad I gave myself permission to go there. And I’ll be back.
Joanna
PS Did I mention the great hugs you guys give too? Thank you.
One highlight for me was the chocolate chip cookies.
Okay, a real highlight … meeting Chris Garrett for the first time. And meeting Joanna Young for the first time. And meeting …
Dude, there’s no way I can stop at just one.
I also loved looking out the 10th-floor windows of the meeting room.
Then there was the humor that helped drive home so many of the unforgettable points made by the presenters.
The Silly Putty to take home was a nice touch, too. 🙂
The Klondike bars did rock… but they paled in comparison to VTK (don’t worry, I won’t steal your thunder on this one)
But like Chris said, it was the people; totally the people. It was great to hang with people I forged friendships with last year, and meet a whole bunch of new ones.
Of course, I was sitting at the ‘cool table’, so I felt ultra-privileged. 😉
I might be tempted to say the Klondike Bars were the highlight for me, but that wouldn’t quite be true.
As is always the case with SOBCon, it’s all about the people. David Bullock’s presentation really got my attention. That and Gorgeous & I connected with Christine Kane after we shared a horrible flight to Chicago. We also were able to spend some quality time with Kristen King, who we found out later was also on our rough inbound flight!
Over and above the high quality content, connecting with the people made it totally worth making the trip to Chicago.
Tammy,
For me too. Could always use more time, and some is better than none.
And, btw, the kids love the paper swans – thanks
Joanna,
I know, it’s unfair to ask for just one. Sorry. The thing that has surprised me each year is the ease I feel in meeting people I only know through blogging. Pretty incredible.
Chris,
Ooh, though they melted to fast to savor. I’ve got more great moments to share too. Have to attend to sick family today but I’ll get my second post up soon.
Preview – David Bullock rocked! Christine Kane is beyond lovely.
Dawud, thanks for your kind words, and thank you for the help you gave us to make SOBCon08 the success that it was.
Once again, I wish you and I had more chances to chat, but knowing you were there spreading your wonderful spirit and love among the other attendees was a great inspiration for me.
SO glad you were there, and see you the next time.
Much appreciation,
Terry
Terry,
My pleasure. Thanks for a great event. Can’t wait to see how this evolves for next year.
Easton,
Would you say that SOBCon08 was remarkable? See how this thing Seth Godin talks about works?
Adam,
We’ll get to VTK tomorrow.
I agree…it’s all about the people. I loved the mix of people from last year with the wonderful new folks I met this year. Damn, if only we had more time.
One (out of many!) of my take-away’s is from Chris Garrett’s presentation: People like stories. So I will work on improving the narrative style of my posting and measure the effects.
Thanks Dawud, it was great to meet you and everyone else. I am psyched for next year already!
It was a glorious weekend, to be sure. And Dawud, you are, if possible, even BIGGER than I’d imagined! And a great hugger, which I suppose goes without saying.
Thrilled to meet so many people I’d only known online; almost equally thrilled to meet so many of *their* friends.
And yes, friends for life. Maybe even neighbors someday–I’ll have to get to work on that one…
Hi Dawud,
I’m so bummed I didn’t make it for a number of reasons. I live in Green Bay “boo” transplanted from Chicago and would’ve loved being back in the city. I also hear from my friend Stephen Hopson, and Karen Putz, it was a blast. I could have had someone to sign with.(Sign language) and for the so many connections I didn’t make, they tell me I would have fit right in!! Next year fer sure.
@Stephen,
Tons, I agree. Would love to have more time with you. Guess we’ll just have to pick it up on Twitter, email and by phone.
Best take away…the memories. And what’d you think of David Bullock?
communicatrix,
First off, you simply rock – except that you’re not following me on Twitter – which I can overlook…for now.
Truly, it’s been lovely meeting you through our blogs but even better to get the communicatrix vibe in person.
Anything specific you got from the presentations that knocked your socks off? Were you wearing socks?
Lisa,
Definitely look for me next year. I’ll be posting other pieces from the event soon. Some great video/audio stuff that’s pertinent to running a business. Hopefully you can get something from the event here.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time and hanging out with like minded people like that is just the sort of thing i enjoy doing most! Perhaps next year…..
I envy the whole lot of you. Wish I had been there.
Wow…this is the first I have ever heard of a blogging convention…oh well. Looks like good times.
Sure he seems to having really Cool Time.
Dawud,
You betcha, bring it, cuz I’ve got lots to learn in the next year. I’ve got a plan, so hopefully that will help – wink!
Ahhh sorry Dawud.. Codadiva is me, Lisa
Oh man, I am so jealous. Between all the fun and the useful info you picked up, you are way ahead of me.
Nicole,
I did. Love it. Not only is the event great, but the conversations in between.
Home Recording,
Come next year.
Westminster,
There’s a number of blogging conferences. This one specifically about business.
shanker,
It was, thanks.
codadiva,
Always begin with a plan. Then know how to put the plan in action. And as David Bullock talked about – then test it and re-plan.
And if I can be of assistance, just let me know
Lisa,
No worries. I like that you let me know you’re Lisa. I like connecting with a real person and the name helps.
Mark,
No need to be jealous. Just come next year.
That’s what I’m petitioning for – that next year be a full two-day event (two days of presentations, masterminding, etc.). We could use the time, that’s for sure!
I wish I had been there! Next year Im there!
One highlight, you mean just one? I can’t. So many.
People kept on giving me things – words, smiles, advice, links, practical suggestions, a smile, hello, recognition, a moment, a song, a book to read, each one was worth my trip.
My take away was this: there is *no* substitute for meeting people in person, for connections, for learning, for business, for name recognition, for friendship.
I’m so glad I gave myself permission to go there. And I’ll be back.
Joanna
PS Did I mention the great hugs you guys give too? Thank you.