So Long, Chicago: BlogHer 2009 Recap

 

We’ve returned safe and soundly from Chicago and BlogHer 2009 was a big success.  Its biggest turnout to date, the five-year-old conference morphed into a true tradeshow format with major brands turning out to grab the attention of bloggers across the country.

Elaborate booths, impressive swag and even celebrity sightings (Tim Gunn, Paula Deen and Carson Kressley), are a testament to the fact that brands know how important bloggers are to their success; and are willing to put the resources and funds behind social media initiatives to get in the bloggers’ good graces.

Social media is a force to be reckoned with; and is certainly gaining lots of attention in the industry.  Issues with the FTC (see Laura’s recent post), Blog with Integrity and the recent announcement of the PR Blackout Challenge all point to an obvious truth: new media is calling and is here to stay. By the looks of BlogHer 2009, brands have taken notice.

From national brands like Pepsi Co and Walmart to non-profits such as Safe Kids to the unexpected presence of Pork (touting themselves as the Real Pork Bloggers of Chicago), the brands at this year’s conference ran the gamut.  Also, our Safety 1st client was in attendance to introduce its new Complete Air car seat with Air Protect Side Impact Technology.  Stay tuned to view our Flickr page with all of our booth visitors in front of the Chicago skyline!

See you all next year in NYC for BlogHer 2010!

3 Comments

  1. It was so nice to see all the smiling faces behind the names at 360PR :)

  2. Thanks for the long hours guys! I love the BlogHer backdrop for the “Safety 1st Summer Roadtrip booth.” It was great seeing all of our blogger friends and clients in Chicago!

  3. I know the Safety 1st Air protect was surrounded by love when it attended our Pre-BlogHer gathering. I heard about a few bloggers coming by your booth to visit and say hi. Unfortunately I never made it down there. Yes there were tons of booths, but it felt so chaotic i just couldn’t hang there very long. Good news tho, the Hilton in NY has windows where the exhibit hall will be, so it won’t feel quite so dungeonesque. : )

    See you in NY if not sooner!

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