A first time meeting for old friends – Blogger Social ’08

Bs08 Here’s how it seems to work.  I’m talking with one of my smart blogging buddies and they say "we could or we should…." And I reply, "great idea…let’s do it!"

And then the trouble begins!

That’s how Gavin Heaton and I created the Age of Conversation.  And that, on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is how CK and I began to create Blogger Social ’08.

I’ve got to learn to shut up.  ;}

Over lunch, we were talking about how there is no substitute for face time. And when old friends finally meet for the first time it’s remarkable how quickly you ease into a natural and easy rhythm of conversation. Both of us agree – every blogger we’ve met has been just what we expected.  You can’t fake it when you hang it all out there every day.

That quickly led to "wouldn’t it be great if we could all just get together for a weekend?"  And uh oh…you can feel it.  Suddenly I found my hand waving in the air and heard myself saying, "let’s do it."

So we are.

Calling all bloggers across the world.  You are hereby invited to the Blogger Social ’08.  (We want to give everyone time to save their pennies!)

Here’s what we know:

It will be a Friday evening to Sunday event in the continental US.  (Next year – Europe?) 

There’ll be Friday night cocktail party – casual but cool.  Saturday will be an afternoon event of some kind (big BBQ or some sort of group outing) and Saturday night it’s time to put on the Ritz, get glammed up and party until the wee hours of the morning.

Everyone foots the bill for their own hotel, airfare and incidentals. There will be a per person fee that covers the 3 parties/events and other group expenses.  This isn’t about making money; this is about connecting with friends.  So this is a net/net deal for CK and me.

This is all about being social.  In between the three scheduled events, there will be plenty of down time for talking, tanning (depending on where we go) and tapping into those hugs and grins that just aren’t the same when you have to type them out.

Here’s what we don’t know:

Where.  Exactly when.  And who.

We need your help with that part.  We’ve put together a short survey that we really want you to take.  We want to know if you like the idea, if you want to come and where the collective wisdom wants to go.  All entries are due by July 1 so we can give you the full scoop by August 1.  No exceptions so go today.  Why get caught in that last minute rush?

After you answer the survey – please share this with other bloggers. Talk it up, point it out and hold it up high enough that everyone can see it.

What do you say…want to get social?  Come on, get that hand in the air!

P.S.  If we determine that there’s enough interest – we’re going to be coming back and asking for committee volunteers.  This is a community event, so we’re going to pull together to pull it off.

P.P.S.  Special thanks to Cam Beck for preparing the survey and Luc Debaisieux (Mindblob) for creating our event’s official graphic.  And of course…kudos and hugs to my co-hostess with the absolute mostest — CK.

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13 comments on “A first time meeting for old friends – Blogger Social ’08

  1. CK says:

    “I’ve got to learn to shut up.”

    Oh please don’t ever do that…or ever change a thing. You do too much to better our community, and cause.

    What the eBook can do for the world better understanding the conversation age, this event can do to take our conversation to a new level (face-to-face). I so value you. So never stay quiet!

  2. Mark Goren says:

    Drew: Thanks, once again, for taking the lead on such a community-driven idea. The initiatives you’ve spearheaded are important to the community – kudos!

  3. Doug Meacham says:

    Drew, This is a great idea. I missed out on getting in on The Conversation Age, but I won’t miss this. BTW, as a fellow Disney fanatic, I voted for Orlando.
    Doug

  4. Kris Hoet says:

    Next year Europe absolutely – time to get all you guys to mashup there as well. But we’ll be there this year too for sure 😉

  5. CK —

    Too late for shutting up now. We are throwing a party! And as I said in your comments section, I’m the one who benefits the most.

    Drew

  6. Mark,

    Ahh, don’t let me fool you. I just love big parties and boy is this one going to be huge!

    Thanks for helping spread the word.

    Drew

  7. Doug,

    Can you imagine how cool a few days at Disney would be with this crowd? I can see Ann Handley on Tower of Terror and Armano would love Rockin’ Roller Coaster. And somehow, don’t you know, CK would end up being in the parade!

    Drew

  8. Kris,

    It wouldn’t be quite the party if you guys don’t find a way to come over. So it only seems fair that we’d head your way next time around.

    Looking forward to meeting you in person!

    Drew

  9. Kris Hoet says:

    Thanks – we should find a way indeed. And for ’09 – one word: Barcelona 😉

  10. Nathan says:

    This sounds awesome!

    Although I may be a bit out of place, I will definitely try to be there! Sweet stuff.

  11. Toby says:

    Amazing what a couple of friends can dream up (smile) Something tells me pre sleep would be a good idea.

  12. Darren says:

    This sounds vaguely like our NorthernVoice.ca, without the actual conference bits. I’m sure you’ve got all the event planning stuff covered, but if you have any questions, I’d be glad to offer any advice from our three years of experience.

  13. Kris — okay, Barcelona sounds like a plan!

    Nathan — you will most definitely not be out of place. What a great networking opportunity for you. If you haven’t introduced yourself to Andy Drish and Ryan Karpeles…you need to do so. If I can help, let me know.

    Toby — well, when one of those friends is CK…watch out! God only knows what will get created. Don’t you know this is going to be one of those weekends that we talk about and remember forever?

    Darren — thanks for the offer. I guarantee you…I will be in touch to find out what you learned!

    Drew

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