You can’t have failed to notice that this weekend saw the second ever CyberMummy conference for UK Mummy bloggers, taking place in London.
I’ve heard the word ‘overwhelmed’ a lot from other bloggers talking about the event and I can see why – 450 bloggers, sponsors, PRs and speakers in one space is a lot to take in, and there seemed to be a lot going on.
If you didn’t go along and you’re wondering whether to invest in a ticket for 2012, I’d definitely say it’s worth considering. A big thanks to my sponsor, Play Mais, who covered my expenses to attend the event – I’ll be reviewing their products on the blog very soon.
If you want to work with lots of baby brands, CyberMummy is a brilliant event – I was jumped on by two companies enthusiastically wielding bags of promo materials before I’d taken a step inside the venue and left with a goody bag filled with baby wipes, bottles and toys which I gave to a grateful friend with a newborn.
To enter the conference competitions, you had to talk to every sponsor at the event, and ask them to stamp a piece of paper, which was then entered into a prize draw at the end of the day. Not suitable for me, sadly, as I had to leave early and I didn’t really have anything to chat to baby product companies about – but a nice ice-breaker for Mums with young ones.
I’d really recommend CyberMummy if you don’t attend many other blogging events throughout the year – there’s nowhere else you’re going to see so many other bloggers and PRs in one building. All around me, people were throwing their arms around friends old and new, which is lovely to see.
I saw many people I’d previously met at MAD Blog Awards and BlogCamp events, but it was lovely to meet a few new faces, including Liz from Violet Posy, Amanda from Flying Start, Merry from Patch of Puddles and Wendy from Savette Gazette. I should also mention that Jane from Northern Mum was looking delightful and was incredibly rude to me, which I like in a person.
Thanks so much to the organisers for their hard work and well done for organising such a fab bloggy get-together.
Oh, and you know I mentioned leaving early?
I may have sneaked off with Jen, Amy, Vic, Emma and Tim to attend the Glee Live Concert at the O2, thanks to the fab team at E.ON.
I may have danced like a maniac with Emma, Vic and Tim’s amazingly cool daughter Sally when the Warblers sang ‘Raise Your Glass’.
I may have screamed like a teenage girl when the Warblers came on stage.
I may have gone deaf when Emma screamed twice as loud when ‘Finn’ sang Jessie’s Girl.
I definitely want to go and see it all, all over again.
Awesome night out.
I am so jealous you got to see the Glee Live tour. I hope you sang along!
My teens would be so jealous if I was brave enough to tell them you saw Glee. I enjoyed cybermummy to but would have loved some brands aimed for older children as well.
One of these days I’ll get a mention on this blog. Probably for being an old boot that turns up to the opening of an envelope if there is food involved. 😉
I’m about to blog my “What I learnt over Cybermummy weekend” post. 🙂
I sang EVERYTHING. Not all in tune, but with lots of enthusiasm 😉
Yes, I felt a bit of a spare part at some of those stands. “Yes, baby bottles, that’s nice, erm….” Although better that than one of my friends who was accosted by a PR wanting to talk to her about a specialist shampoo for people going grey!!!
I think we waved a few times! I think to be fair it’s about where the money is – and Mums with babies are of most interest to brands. I wouldn’t have expected anything too different, it’s just tricky for me to try and engage with those brands because I’m never going to blog about baby toys or whatever.
I am convinced I have mentioned you stacks of times! But since I’ve met you before I didn’t mention you today – although it was lovely to see you again yesterday. Can’t wait to read your post and hopefully we’ll do lunch again when I get back from my trip.
I didn’t know you were there or I would have said hello. Sorry to have missed you
I was unsure whether to go to Cybermummy and in the end decided not to. My son is 15, I write about travel and other random topics but not particularly parenting as such. However I did wonder if I was missing out on meeting other bloggers, many of whom I would know. What do you reckon for next year Sally?
hmmm, I was looking rather wedding style tasty wasnt I.
And rude? moi?
I have looked back in my limited memory files in my head to try and remember any occasion that I may have slightly over stepped the line but I am convinced I speak the truth when I say I was nothing but polite.
Did I not give you full northern loving when my busom pressed against your head in our greeting hug?
I appreciate I may have referenced your shortness but as you can see from the last sentence we do have a height discrepancy between us.
Ok I did snatch a rather irratating snap bracelet from your wrist in a fot of impatience but I did give it to a rather adorable small child which instantly cancels out any rudeness in the action. Plus I also made the idiotic error of returning home with several of those bloody neon yellow things and my kids have been snapping them all day.
So as much as I like that you like my rudeness I must call your character into disrepute and ask you for proof of my unchariteristic naughtiness.
As always Ms Whittle is was a pleasure seeing you and rather lovely enbracing you in a great big huggle!
Oh, I didn’t see you at all – what a shame!
I would say if it’s worth it to you to spend that money to meet other bloggers then go for it – it’s a fantastic social event.
You just referred to me on Twitter as “my shorter twin”. I rest my case.
Luckily I secretly like you. Don’t tell anyone.
Its our secret! promise…..
I cannot believe you TWEETED that. You social media hussy, you.
Oh blimey, someone else I didn’t realise was there and didn’t get to see (there were also numerous people who I knew were there but didn’t get to see either). I used the word “overwhelmed” many times! Hope to get to a blog camp soon!
Crikey, I didn’t even SEE you?!
Really hoping you can make the next London BlogCamp, it’ll be ace to chat in person.
its interesting and well judged analysis is reflecting in this writing.
Lovely to finally meet you too! Wow the Glee night looks like it was a blast. I’m very envious x
So that was all the loud singing I heard that night – hahahaha….Good to know there are so many Glee Mamas out there…I am going tonight and I will be singing just as loud, if not louder.
x
I have to hold my hand up and say that I swear by that shampoo….
I’m still bitter about my Mum pointing out my grey hairs.