Alright you guys…if you missed part 1 of this series check it out to see how I got here…to most possibly the greatest event on earth…SWEET SUITE at Blogger Bash!!
I’m here talking about my experience at Blogger Bash- my first ever blog conference- one that I HIGHLY recommend and will be attending next year for sure! From venue, to food, to staff friendliness, this was one of the best events I have ever attended (and they let me bring my 2 month old!).
So at Blogger Bash, there is an event called Sweet Suite where TONS of toy brands and their reps set up booths with some of the hottest toys already in stores, and soon to hit the market. It is so fun to feel like an ‘insider’ and see the next best thing before much of the general public, all while establishing relationships with some fantastic companies.
In addition to trying and seeing some new toys, I had great conversations with many of the brand reps. If you are planning on attending a conference for the first time and are nervous about this like I was…don’t be! I know, I know…easier said than done. But seriously, one thing that I took from a little talk from Acorn Influence was that it can be a mutually beneficial relationship. They are here to see me, as much as I am to see them. They WANT to talk to me, spark a connection, and build a relationship. I have three little tips for meeting and talking to some of the brand reps and PR consultants.
1. BE CONFIDENT.
Be confident even if you don’t feel it on the inside. Be honest when describing what you write about. Not every brand will fit into your niche and that’s ok. Have organic and honest conversations, and try to understand how the products you come across can fit into your point of view. My biggest concern was ‘selling myself’; I was incredibly fearful that I would go down a path of trying so hard to fit in with a company, that I would take my blog in a different direction. I approached every booth taking in information, and then relating that to my point of view.
2. ASK QUESTIONS.
I wanted to gather as much information as I could so that when I brought this to my readers I could answer questions. I played with everything (tough life huh?) and tried to relate to each brand in at least a small way, referencing the catalog of blog posts stored in the back of my brain. It’s amazing how much information you are able to access in there without kids tugging at your legs or touching everything in sight! Once again, Nolan just slept through the event π One of the best tips I received was from Pam of Natural Organized Parent whom I talked about in Part 1 of the series. She told me that she always asked the question “How do you work with bloggers?” Sounds simple right? Duh. Why was I not asking that question? Once I did, talking to sponsors became a whole lot easier. Rather than wondering what I could do to work with the company, they just told me. Imagine that…asking ‘how’ works. π
3. BRING BUSINESS CARDS…AND A PEN.
Thank God I had prepared enough to read about having business cards in other blog posts before attending Blogger Bash. They are incredibly important for networking with other bloggers, as well as when interacting with sponsors. I have already had one company reach out to me that I talked to at the event! So happy that I was readily able to give them my information while I was there. If I could have changed a couple things about my cards, I would have added a headshot, and would have also included my social media handles. I collected so many different cards while at the conference and am thankful for the ones that have photos on them. I also realize now that with networking, people are much more likely to reach out or follow me through social media rather than by email. Rookie mistake.
I say bring pens because often you will meet someone from the PR firm rather than from the brand itself. When you get home and go through the mounds of contact information you received, and stumble upon a few business cards from random PR firms, you will have NO idea who they were representing. It really helps to just jot down a few notes on the business cards as you receive them.
Now that I’ve teased you with how much fun it was learning about the toys…here they are! MY TOP 10 PICKS FOR THE 2015 HOLIDAY SEASON! Keep in mind I have a baby boy, a 2 year old girl and a 4 year old boy so my opinions might be slightly skewed in those directions ;)1. PEPPA PIG
It’s no secret we love Peppa (and George) in this household. After all, one of my most recent posts was on throwing a Peppa Pig birthday party… We have been coveting the Peppa house for some time now, and just to add to the list of coveted Peppa toys, Jazwares has added a Peppa Pig School House, Grandpa’s Train, and the Peppa Pig and George’s Pirate Ship Construction Set (my favorite) coming this fall. I love building toys..actually I’m kind of obsessed with them. I think they give you the best of both worlds, kids can follow directions and put together a 3D object but can also use their imagination to then play with it.
Also new and out now, they have a rainy day Peppa, Peppa’s Family Campervan, Peppa’s Red Car and the Peppa, Danny and Suzy plush with lights and sounds.
2. PALACE PETS BRIGHT EYES DREAMY
I have a little Disney princess fan in my house, she has not yet discovered Palace Pets, EDIT, she HAS discovered Palace Pets and LOVES them! (definitely on our list) but I know it is only a matter of time. I might have to be the one to introduce them to her this holiday season after seeing how cute the Bright Eyes plush by Blip Toys really is. You can pat her head to wake her up, tickle her chin to hear her speak, and rub her back to help her sleep.
In addition to the interactive plush, they also have the Magical Lights Pawlace. Don’t these make you want to be a kid again??
3. SANDS ALIVE! GLOW
This stuff is really awesome. I got to play with it at Sweet Suite and I all could think about was the endless possibilities of play and learning with this product, Play Visions has really outdone themselves this year. My son is afraid of the dark so we do a lot of glow play to make it seem a bit less scary. I will be reviewing this product in the near future, so keep your eye out for that π It even comes with glasses that make it glow as well as a glow pen for ‘drawing’ on it! *UPDATE – check out the full review here.
4. 12V TONKA MIGHTY DUMP TRUCK
We all love ride-ons right?? This classic Tonka truck just looked like WAY too much fun when I saw it.
5. TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE SUPER BUMBLEBEE
This transformer by Hasbro was so inviting to play with simply because of its size. At over 19 inches tall, the toy has different lights and sounds for robot and vehicle mode. My son would LOVE this π
6. DOC MCSTUFFINS PET VET CHECKUP CENTER
This center by Just Play has everything your little vet would need to take care of their beloved pets. Lights and sound x-ray, pretend water sprayer, a scale and other doctors tools. My daughter would have a blast with this!
The interactive plush Take Care of Me Lambie was also another Doc favorite of mine π
7. LASER PEGS: TINTED SPACE FIGHTER SET
With this set by Laser Pegs, kids can build 16 different models or their own unique design! I love STEM education and this fits right in.
8. NUMBER LOVIN’ OVEN by Leap Frog
Leap Frog has some really fun toys coming out but this is one of my favorites. With over 30 songs and 16 ingredients there are many ways to play and have fun!
9. MODARRI CARS
This ‘modern Ferrari’ really is the ultimate toy car. I thought these were so much fun! They are cars that you get to build, interchanging the bodies as you like. I love that it comes with a small hex tool. My son loves to build things with tools but often these types of toys are too difficult for him to do independently. The Modarri cars he would be able to build by himself. In addition, they have realistic suspension and are super fun to drive! I’m putting these on the Christmas list π
10. CANDY CRAFT CHOCOLATE PEN
This motorized chocolate pen by Skyrocket Toys dispenses real liquid chocolate that hardens to solid chocolate at room temperature or in the freezer. My daughter loves art and chocolate…so I can’t imagine a better toy for her! Being gluten-free, she is not able to eat much of the ‘toy food’ products like Easy Bake etc…so just plain chocolate is perfect for her!
So those are my top ten…there were SO many more amazing toys to choose from! And what a way to end an amazing first night!
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