Why You Should Attend BlogPaws

Brulee and Truffle remind everyone to register for the BlogPaws Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC

Little did we know nine years ago...

Nine years ago, I began a blog for Sweet Praline to tap into my creative side to escape from the stress of my state government job and to journal about the daily life of my precious cat. My blog was very basic with little knowledge of photography, blog design, Google Analytics, SEO, FTC, working with brands, and networking with other bloggers.  We had a small community of cat bloggers in the Cat Blogosphere who celebrated successes and stories of our cats and sympathized with each other when our fur children who left for the bridge. After losing Sweet Praline in 2011, I chose to begin a new blog and Sweet Purrfections was born. Our group of cat bloggers began to expand and we had a private group on Facebook.  I began hearing about BlogPaws and wondered what this organization was about. I joined the BlogPaws Network in 2013 and blogging changed forever for the girls and me.  I was able to attend my first BlogPaws Conference in 2015 in Nashville, TN.  

Attending a session at BlogPaws 2015

One would probably think they have to have a blog or blog about animals in order to benefit from attending a BlogPaws Conference.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  The BlogPaws Conference is for anyone who wants to know about blogging and social media. BlogPaws is open to pet bloggers, lifestyle bloggers, micro bloggers, influencers, and anyone interested in the world of pets and social media.  There are sessions on legal issues, understanding the analytics of your blog, working with brands, photography and videography, and many other sessions.  Check out the agenda for all of the sessions, workshops, speakers, and events.  I've learned so much from attending the BlogPaws Conferences and there is so much more to learn.  

Ruth Carter, Esq. in a BlogPaws 2016 Workshop on Legalities of Blogging

What is included in your registration for BlogPaws?  Admission to sessions and workshops, the exhibit hall, and meals.  BlogPaws has provided meals or food on Wednesday evening; Thursday evening; Friday breakfast and lunch; and Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I found sitting with people you don't know provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people and to network with experts and brands.  

Once again, the Cat Writers Association (CWA) is holding 23nd Annual CWA Conference & Awards Banquet at the BlogPaws Conference.  Anyone attending the BlogPaws conference can attend the sessions and workshops offered by CWA.

Mom Paula, Lisa Richman (A Tonk's Tale), and Sue Doute (The Island Cats) at the CWA Awards Banquet 2016

Another positive outcome of attending the BlogPaws Conference is the face-to face interaction with Brands.  Make sure you have business cards to exchange with representatives and make notes on the card of specifics you discussed to assist with follow-up later.  The Brands are excited about meeting influencers who can represent their products well.  Last year, I even tasted one of the cat food products (there's a video out there for evidence).

Mom Paula tasting one of the chicken flavored cat foods from Weruva at BlogPaws 2016

The conference will be held in Myrtle Beach, SC from May 18-20, 2017.  The Conference location is at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel and you can book your room here.  You'll want to book your room quickly before they are sold out at the conference rate ($142 per night with applicable taxes, which includes free wifi). Make sure you register quickly before the conference is sold out.  

Graphic courtesy BlogPaws

I encourage you to visit to multiple BlogPaws social media outlets to keep up-to-date with announcements for the BlogPaws Conference. There is an excellent blog post on the BlogPaws webpage about everything you'd want to know about the conference.  You can also follow BlogPaws on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. BlogPaws has set up a special Conference 2017 page on Facebook where regular announcements are shared.

I grew up going to Myrtle Beach several times a year and look forward to welcoming each of you to our beautiful state.  As an attendee-focused BlogPaws Ambassador, I'm excited to greet each of you with a smile on my face, Southern hospitality, and assistance where needed.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BlogPaws. The opinions and text are all mine.