We, each and every one of us, are unique in our own fabulous way. Some are blessed with a nurturing spirit that is a calming and comforting presence. Others charm with their gregarious nature. And then there are those whose bold and forthright ways make us think, “Wow, I wish I could be that strong.”
With so much distinctiveness floating around on this planet, we should be thanking our collective stars. Why? Because this means that for every singularly phenomenal woman walking around out there, there are an infinite number of chances to interact with equally fabulous women. Yeah . . . I’m thinking women rock.
This past weekend, I was phenomenally blessed to be able to immerse myself in a swirling sea of a greatness. There were 130 women — count ‘em, 130 — who lit up Las Vegas as bright as that infamous strip in the desert. From points near and far, we came together to the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa for the second Bloggers at Midlife (BAM) Conference, a two-day gathering aimed at the wonderful blogging women of midlife. At the BAM Conference, we came to learn, we came to laugh and we came to uplift, inspire and motivate one another. The energy in the room was palpable . . . and it flowed from one woman to the next.
We learned that, as midlife women, we matter. We embraced the knowledge that we, as bloggers, are the media. We learned that if you crank up the volume on disco music, the dance floor will be taken over by twirling, undulating, boogie down dancing queens. Yeah, we did the damn thing.
Many of us jumped in our cars or hopped on planes and were heading into the unknown. There were whispers of uncertainty. How will these women receive me? Will it be cliquish? Do I even belong here? Answers to the questions unasked were likely the same for all who were unsure. There was welcoming with arms wide open. Strangers walked away with new links in their chain of friends. It was a place of belonging, of simpatico.
At the BAM Conference, we learned from social media superstars, video whizzes, rockstar brands, an assortment of voices in blogging (including my voice on the “Now What? Blogging and Careers at Midlife“ panel, along with Pamela Lutrell, Doreen McGettigan and moderator Candace Karu), outstanding essayists, marketing mavens, insurance reps, awesome authors, branding authorities and a witty Brit who regaled us with helpful information on email marketing.
The BAM Conference Esteemed Panelists:
And I can’t forget our wonderful sponsors . . .
While each of the 130 attendees and the sponsors played a major role in making this BAM Conference a success, a standing ovation goes out to the four women who pulled it all together — Anne Parris, Sharon Hodor Greenthal, Beth Rosen and Teresa Kindred. These ladies are the real stars.
Rumor has it BAM Conference 2017 is already in the planning stages. Now, I’m no soothsayer, any crystal ball I had would have cracked a long time ago and I’d rather drink tea leaves than read them, but I’m going out on a limb to predict that I’ll be right there, hanging with the BAM tribe next year. I’ll be gettin’ my midlife woman on. Will you be there?
Yes Valerie, your words described the experience in perfect detail. It was indeed a refreshing experience. It felt good to connect with ambitious women of midlife.
You know, Glenda, it certainly is refreshing to enter an environment where there is a willingness to help one another succeed. And it was definitely great meeting you in person. Your poise and style are hallmarks of the woman you are. BAM 2017….!
It was so nice meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again!
Sara, great meeting you as well. So, is BAM 2017 on your radar? Perhaps we’ll see each other there…
Love it Valerie and you are truly the disco queen! Your energy was infectious!
Hahaha Rebecca…there’s nothing like dipping back in time, shaking your groove thang and having a ball!
Well said, Valerie! I’m sorry I had to leave before your presentation but I had a blast sharing the dance floor with you Friday. I look forward to seeing you at BAM 2017!
Oh my stars, Paula…wasn’t the disco a hoot?!? I loved it! I’m contemplating putting my presentation as a post or tiny ebook… Perhaps you can check it out that way. Have a wonderful day!
Valerie, you are so elegant and so much fun! BAM just would not have been the same without you! Love and hugs to a true Disco Queen!
Awwww, thank you Teresa. You know, I think I’m going to order new business cards and add “Disco Queen” to my title. 😉
It was great to meet you and your words here ring true for me as well. I am looking forward to the next one as well and can’t wait to see what everyone does during the time between conferences.
Great meeting you as well! I’ve set goals for myself in terms of applying what I’ve learned, so, yes, it will be wonderful to see what everyone does during the time between conferences. Have a blessed day!
Valerie – your panel was one of my favorites! So much great information on working with brands. Thanks for the time you put in to share your experience and teach us. It was my first BAM. Enjoyed it immensely & will be back next year!
Thanks so much, Cathy. This was my first BAM, too…but not my last!
Valerie, this is so wonderful and validating to read. It was fun getting to know you and I’m very glad we met! It was also fun dancing with you–you rock!!
Terri, I’ll be having disco flashbacks for a while to come! So great to meet you and shake it like we meant it on the dance floor. I’m glad my words here could provide you with a sense of validation. We, as midlife women, rock! Take care.
Loved meeting you! And your panel was fabulous. What a wonderful recap, too. Thanks for sharing your experience and so much about the conference.
Oh, you’re so welcome Andrea. I was blessed to be in attendance. And great to meet a fellow North Carolinian, too!
I’ll be there! See you next year, Valerie!
Yay Kim! I’m pretty sure I’ll be right there as well.
I was at the BAM conference in Nashville but couldn’t work this one into my schedule. I’ll be there next year — this just reminded me of how much I got from the 2015 BAM. Looking forward to 2017!
Karen, I’m sorry I missed the inaugural BAM Conference and equally glad I made it to the second one. Third time will really be the charm! Hope to see you there!
I really appreciated your words of wisdom. I know we didn’t get a chance to speak in person but I’m glad we connected through social media. Hopefully next year we can sit together at a table!
~Sheila
Making the Most of Every Day
The amazing connections we make with like-minded women: sheer simpatico! Glad we connected as well, Sheila — and look for me at BAM Conference 2017…I’ll be the one in the red disco boots! 😉
“Witty Brit”? you’re too kind. I’m grateful anyone was paying attention at all.
Oh you were quite the entertainer! 😉