3 Great Dog Products I Discovered At The BlogPaws Conference

One of the great things about attending a pet industry conference is discovering new pet products.  I get really excited when I discover helpful new products for pets, especially products for dogs!   At this year's BlogPaws Social Media and Bloggers conference, there were 3 dog products that really stood out for me.

The first one was the Easy Walk dog harness from PetSafe.  I happen to love PetSafe, and I'm so grateful to them for creating the Easy Walk harness because it's made specifically for dogs that PULL! Siberian Huskies are by far not the only dogs that like to pull you clear across the county, there are plenty of other dog breeds that love to pull on leash!  We've been using the PetSafe Easy Walk harness for years, since Icy was about a year old.  So why am I so excited about a harness for dogs that I've been using for years?  I'll tell you:

One of our original Easy Walk no -pull Dog Harnesses

WALK YOUR DOG IN STYLE WITH A BEAUTIFUL NO-PULL HARNESS!

I love the Easy Walk no-pull harness sooooo much, it literally saved my sanity!  However, it wasn't the prettiest dog harness, it came in few colors and looked nice but pretty utilitarian.  That makes sense because it's a tool that helps prevent dogs from pulling on leash.  Just because something is a tool that makes your life easier, doesn't mean it can't be pretty, right?!  I had secretly hoped PetSafe would come out with an Easy Walk harness that came in some pretty designs.  Imagine my joy when I walked over to the PetSafe booth in the BlogPaws Exhibit Hall and there it was!  The new Easy Walk harness in several beautiful designs!!

Icy's beautiful, new sparkly Bling Easy Walk harness!

I could have kissed the PetSafe folks in the booth, but that would be weird.  Instead I just gushed about how beautiful the new harnesses were and how happy I was that they made some Easy Walk harnesses in beautiful designs.  I was admiring the harnesses when Toni from PetSafe mentioned that although they didn't have it with them that day, they also had a new ✦ BLING ✦  Easy Walk harness!  I love Bling and I love to Bling out my dogs!  They offered to send me one to try, and of course I jumped all over that offer!  A short time later PetSafe sent me the most beautiful purple sparkly Easy Walk harness!! It's gorgeous, I absolutely love it!  It's perfect for walking around town, lunch at dog friendly cafes, trips to the pet store, or an evening at a special pet friendly event.

Icy wore her new Bling harness on a recent trip to PetSmart.  She looked so pretty!

C'mon, let's go into town and show off my new sparkly collar!

Thanks PetSafe, for sending us this gorgeous sparkly Easy Walk harness!  It's perfect!

EASY TO MAKE DOG FRIENDLY ICE CREAM MIX

Another new pet product I found at the BlogPaws conference was Puppy Scoops dog friendly ice cream, made by Puppy Cake!  This is such a cool product, no pun intended!  It's ice cream for dogs that you make yourself.  It's super simple to make and Icy and Phoebe just loved it.  It's perfect for the hot weather we're having right now.   

There are 3 simple steps to "make" the ice cream.  Add water to the mix, Stir, then Freeze right in it's own container!  It couldn't be easier.

The container comes with the ice cream mix in a plastic bag

Open the contents of the bag into the container, stir in the water and pop into the freezer for a few hours.

Voila!  Delicious dog friendly ice cream!

Puppy Cake also makes several different kinds of Puppy Cake mix for dogs.  I keep wanting to make a cake for my dogs from scratch, but somehow I never get around to it.  The puppy cake mix looks really easy to make, I  definitely want to give that a try as well!

THIS DOG TOY KEEPS DOGS BUSY HAVING FUN!

The next product I really liked is also by PetSafe, it's one of their Busy Buddy toys.  At first I thought it was a pink Rhinoceros, because it's so sturdy and tough, but it's actually a Unicorn!  It comes with 4 rawhide treat rings that you can place around the Unicorn's neck.  Icy couldn't wait to get her paws on that pink unicorn - she loved playing with it!

The PetSafe Busy Buddy comes with 4 rawhide treat rings and is easy to set up for play

At first it seemed a bit puzzling to use, but it's actually simple to get the rings around the neck of the toy; just push the head in and twist is right off to put the rings on.  It provides great mental stimulation as dogs work to get at the treat ring.  Icy continued to play with it even after she ate the treat ring!  Note: Always supervise dogs' playtime with any toy or chew, don't leave them unattended.

As you can see from this 30 second video, Icy is thoroughly enjoying her Busy Buddy toy!

It was so much fun meeting great brands at the conference and seeing what new products they have come out with.  I love getting that sneak peak!

How do you like Icy's new purple Bling harness?  Leave us a comment and tell us what you think, we love reading your comments!

How Bloggers Can Work With Brands They Love

At the annual BlogPaws Blogging and Social Media Conference, you will always come away with great learnings and a list longer than your arm of take-aways to improve your Blogging and Social Media skills.  I always look forward to learning how I can grow my blog traffic and my social media channels even more.  This year's conference did not disappoint!

My blog is a business, driven by a Passion for my own pets and for helping animals in need.

IS YOUR BLOG A BUSINESS OR A HOBBY?

Like many bloggers, I consider my blog more of a business than just a fun hobby.  It's a business driven by passion.  Passion for animals, passion for helping homeless animals, and passion for my own pets!

The more money I make through blogging, the more time I can justify spending on my blog and the more I can give to the causes I am most passionate about.  For this reason, one of my key blogging goals is always trying to increase revenue from my blog.  The learning sessions at the BlogPaws conference are always so helpful in working towards that goal.

As I prepare for the conference, I start by searching for the working sessions that will help me accomplish my Blogging Business Goals.  At this year's conference, one of those sessions was WHAT ARE YOU WORTH IN 2017 AND HOW TO GET BRANDS TO BELIEVE IT! presented by two great bloggers I love; Bryn Nowell creator of the blog A Dog Walks Into A Bar and Alison Reder creator of the blog Sarcastic Dog.  I was so impressed at the research Bryn and Alison compiled in the months prior to the BlogPaws Conference in preparation for their presentation! They did a great job and provided so much insight and so many helpful blogging tips!  Tips on how to work with brands you love and how to improve your blog to attract the brands you want to work with. 

The educational sessions at BlogPaws conferences are so helpful in achieving your blogging goals!

Bryn and Alison surveyed both Bloggers and Brands to find out what makes them want to work together.  They gained valuable insight into what brands are looking for when they select bloggers they want to work with and what makes brands NOT want to work with a blogger.   You may think the numbers are all brands care about, but you'd be wrong.  Brands don't only want to work with bloggers that have the highest number of monthly blog views, there are other things they look for. Some of those things may surprise you!

HOW BRANDS FIND BLOGGERS THEY WANT TO WORK WITH

Bryn and Alison started off by talking about how brands find bloggers they'd like to work with. The top 5 ways brands find bloggers they want to work with are:

🐶 GOOGLE SEARCH - they search for the kind of bloggers they're looking for via Google search.  That makes sense, if you're looking for dog bloggers you search for dog bloggers.  Make sure your blog is searchable for the things you want to be known for.

🐶 INSTAGRAM - this was interesting to me, I thought brands would be more focused on Facebook.  I hadn't paid that much attention to growing my Instagram account, but since Bryn & Alison's presentation I have focused on it a lot more! 

🐶 OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA - I'm a big Twitter user and have focused more on promoting and growing on Twitter much more than my other channels.  Now I'm going to focus more on my other channels for growth as well.

🐶 PR FIRMS - Yes, I know, they seem to always say whatever brand they're representing is "unable to pay" for any work you do to promote their products. Apparently, brands also rely on PR Reps to help them find blogs that are a good fit for the brand so don't ignore PR Reps, keep those relationships going! 

🐶 BLOGPAWS - this was music to my ears!  I was so happy to see that our BlogPaws community was high on the list of places brands look to find bloggers they want to work with.  If you're not already a member of the BlogPaws community, please join us - It's Free!

They talked about several other avenues brands use to find bloggers they want to work with but these were the top 5.

REASONS A BRAND WILL SELECT BLOGGERS FOR CAMPAIGNS

Next, Bryn and Alison talked about the reasons a brand may select particular Bloggers to work on their campaigns.  Here are the Top 5 Reasons a brand will choose a blogger for a campaign...

- DRUM ROLL PLEASE - 

The number one thing a brand will base their blogger selection on is, and this one is no surprise, BLOG POST CONTENT.  Obviously, if you have a dog blog they expect you to write about dogs, they don't expect blog posts about collecting model cars!

😻 QUALITY OF IMAGES -  is a very big reason brands will choose to work with a blogger - or not.  Of course images are important, but it surprised me that it was the number two reason a brand will chose to work with a blogger or not.  Bryn and Alison mentioned this many times during their presentation.  I spent much of last year working on my photography skills, and this year I'll be focusing on developing my video skills.  Time well spent, I'd say!

😻 COMMUNICATION -  from the Blogger.  Following up in a timely manner, delivering what you said you promised you would, and the quality of your communications with the brand.  This was a bit of an eye opener for me.  Of course, all these things are important but I didn't realize how important they were to a brand's decision to work with me or not.  Good to know, right?!

😻 POST ENGAGEMENT -   A brand will not be impressed by a blog post that has zero engagement.  No surprise there!  With active promotion and a good network of blogger friends that shouldn't be an issue.

😻 VALUES -  Matching the values of the Blogger to the Brand is important to a brand.  This makes sense.  A brand that makes high quality safe dog products doesn't want to see you promoting a product that seems unsafe such as a shock collar (Heaven forbid!)

WHAT ABOUT SMALLER BLOGGERS?

Another interesting thing Bryn and Alison talked about was why a Brand might want to work with a smaller blogger.  We tend to think that a brand wouldn't want to work with bloggers that don't have "the numbers", but apparently that's not always the case.    Your content, quality of your images, meeting deadlines, and social engagement are all factors that could sway a brand to work with you even if your numbers aren't high.  Good News, right!?

WHY WOULD A BRAND CHOOSE NOT TO WORK WITH A BLOGGER?

They also talked about why a brand would choose NOT to work with a blogger even if they had stellar numbers.  Here are a few things that turn them off:

The Alignment of a Brand's messaging with the Blogger's content was number one.  You and the brand need to be a good fit.  Content and Image quality are also important  Both of these things make perfect sense.  

The fourth reason may surprise you - having a Poor Reputation will turn a brand off!  What constitutes a poor reputation?  One thing I know will get you a bad rep is trashing any other brand online.  If you're trashing that brand, what might you one day say about them??  

I would venture to say that today's U.S. political climate has also brought out the worst in many of us. Friendships have broken up, online bickering and UNfollowing seem like they're at an all time high! Making harsh negative comments about sensitive subjects online is probably something a brand would cringe at.  You also don't know to whom a business, any business, is loyal. Many businesses are die-hard political party supporters.  If a brand sees you making harsh comments about the political party they have allegiance to and strong relationships with, it could work against you.

Slide from BlogPaws Presentation by Bryn Nowell & Alison Reder: Reasons why Brands may choose NOT to work with a blogger, even if the blogger's numbers are great.

Bryn and Alison put together this slide, which shows several other reasons a brand may choose NOT to work with a Blogger, even if their numbers are great. Keep these in mind as you navigate through your online world.

Brands will search you online.  If you think they won't ever see negative things you post, think again. It's amazing what they might be able to uncover.  Your reputation is indirectly a reflection on them, so brands are careful about who they work with.  It's hard to resist the temptation to lash out against the injustices we see online, I get that.  Whether or not to do so is a decision only each of us can make. We should all proceed with caution!

There were many more tips and learnings in this incredible presentation, far too many to list here!  In closing, Bryn and Alison advised us to create our Branding Strategy and maintain focus on Integrity and Professionalism.

I want to thank Bryn Nowell and Alison Reder for all the research and hard work they put into this incredible presentation!  The insights and advice I gleaned from them will be so helpful to me in achieving my blogging goals.  I hope this excerpt from their presentation will help you as you work toward your blogging goals as well!    

Please visit Bryn at  A Dog Walks Into A Bar and Alison at  Sarcastic Dog  If you don't already follow these great bloggers, you should!!

Note: This is a PetSmart Affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link I may make a few pennies in commission, which would be much appreciated!


Did you find the information in this post helpful?  Please leave us a comment and let us know - we always want to know if the information we share is helpful, interesting, or entertaining!

Post BlogPaws Conference High

THE AMAZING BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE IN MYRTLE BEACH WAS A WHIRLWIND OF SEEING BLOGGER FRIENDS, MEETING SPONSORS & LEARNING!!

This was Icy & Phoebe's second conference!

At the BlogPaws Nose to Nose awards dinner with Kristin Avery of The Daily Pip and Denise Yoder-Gruzensky of Denise's Dog Dish.  It was such a beautiful event!

The best part about the BlogPaws conferences is seeing our blogger friends in person & hanging out together!  In this photo I'm with Kristin Avery of The Daily Pip, Robin Mudge of Playful Kitty, and Nose to Nose WINNER Susan Nation of Talent Hounds - Congrats Susan!  Congrats to Kristin for being a FINALIST in two categories as well!

  

The BlogPaws Blogging & Social Media conference culminates in celebration at the BlogPaws Nose to Nose awards dinner!  Congratulations to all the award winners and the 56 finalists as well, you are all WINNERS!! The official final list of award winners will be available on 5/26/17.

With my husband John, Icy and Phoebe at the Nose to Nose awards reception

Icy wore the animal print skirt I made for her to the BlogPaws Conference Nose to Nose awards event.

Icy and Phoebe on the Red Carpet!

Did you attend the BlogPaws conference in Myrtle Beach? Tell us in the comments!

A Dog Gets Ready To Dazzle At Yappy Hour

PHOEBE IS READY TO SPARKLE AND DAZZLE AT THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE!!

SHE JUST LOVES THE SPARKLE ON TOP AND THE CUTE RUFFLES ON THE BOTTOM OF HER DRESS.  THE TOP IS GLAMOROUS WHILE THE BOTTOM IS KIND OF "BEACHY", PERFECT FOR MYRTLE BEACH, DON'T YOU THINK?

REST UP BEFORE ALL THE GREAT YAPPY HOURS AT THE BLOGPAWS SOCIAL MEDIA & BLOGGER'S CONFERENCE, PHOEBE, ALL EYES WILL BE ON YOU!

DO YOU LIKE PHOEBE'S YAPPY HOUR DRESS? LEAVE US A COMMENT AND LET PHOEBE KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF HER NEW DRESS - AND PLEASE  LOOK FOR US AT THE CONFERENCE IF YOU'RE GOING!!

Ready For The BlogPaws Social Media & Bloggers Conference Experience?

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! THE BLOGPAWS SOCIAL MEDIA & BLOGGING CONFERENCE IS NEXT WEEK! 

LEARNING, COLLABORATING, AND NETWORKING ARE  AT THE HEART OF THE BLOGPAWS SOCIAL MEDIA & BLOGGER'S CONFERENCE!

This post is sponsored by the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated as a BlogPaws Conference Ambassador to help share information about the BlogPaws 2017 Conference but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article

TIME IS RUNNING OUT, CONFERENCE TICKETS ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT!  IF YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN YOUR TICKET YET, REGISTER HERE SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT! USE MY AMBASSADOR DISCOUNT CODE:  BP17-10off-Ambassador  TO GET 10% OFF YOUR CONFERENCE TICKET!  

HAVE A TICKET BUT STILL NEED A ROOM?  MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION HERE

Reserve your spot at the BlogPaws Social Media and Blogger's Conference in Myrtle Beach

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE?  LEARN MORE HERE

 *** IF YOU'RE ALL SET TO HEAD TO THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE:

✽ CHECK OUT THE  ESSENTIAL BLOGPAWS 2017 CONFERENCE EVERYTHING POST ON THE BLOGPAWS WEB SITE.

✽ DON'T MISS THE #BLOGPAWSCHAT PLANNING & PAJAMA TWITTER PARTY, TUESDAY, MAY 9th 8-10PM EASTERN TIME.  THE ENTIRE BLOGPAWS TEAM AND ALL THE CONFERENCE SPONSORS WILL BE PRESENT!  BRING ANY CONFERENCE QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

✽ IF YOU'RE A FIRST TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEE AND YOU HAVEN'T CHECKED OUT THE BLOGPAWS SLC (SOCIAL LEARNING COMMUNITY) NEWBIES COURSE, SWING BY NOW!  YOU'LL GET LOTS OF FIRST TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEE TIPS AND CONNECT WITH OTHER FIRST TIME CONFERENCE ATTENDEES.

✽ BE SURE TO READ THE WEEKLY BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE ATTENDEE NEWSLETTER TO STAY UP TO DATE ON CONFERENCE HAPPENINGS.  THE NEWSLETTER IS EMAILED TO ALL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES EVERY THURSDAY.  IT ARRIVES VIA EMAIL (THE EMAIL YOU USED TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE) FROM CAROL BRYANT (Carol@blogpaws.com).

✽ DOES YOUR BLOG VISUALLY REPRESENT YOUR BRAND IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT?  IF YOU'RE NOT SURE,  TAKE A LOOK AT THE FREE BLOGPAWS DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOK, HOW TO PREP YOUR BLOG FOR THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE.  THE TASKS IN THE WORKBOOK WILL HELP YOU POLISH UP YOUR BLOG IN PREPARATION FOR THE CONFERENCE.

✽ BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE UPDATED CONFERENCE SPONSOR TWITTER LIST AND THE CONFERENCE SPEAKER TWITTER LIST.  FOLLOW  & ENGAGE WITH CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND SPEAKERS!

Gain valuable insights from the Expert BlogPaws Keynote Speakers!

AT THE CONFERENCE:

🌝 WHEN YOU'RE AT THE CONFERENCE, ENGAGE WITH THE SPONSORS!  VISIT THEIR BOOTHS IN THE EXHIBIT HALL AND CHAT THEM UP IN THE DINING AREAS.  IF IT SEEMS A BIT INTIMIDATING AT FIRST, HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS FROM FELISSA ELFENBEIN, DIRECTOR OF INFLUENCER MARKETING AT BLOGPAWS, AND AUTHOR OF THE BLOG TWO LITTLE CAVALIERS:

Show our Conference Sponsors some Love!  Follow these tips from Felissa Elfenbein on engaging with sponsors at the conference.

🌝 JOIN US FOR THE OFFICIAL BLOGPAWS 2017 PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY, MAY 18th AT 9:45am SHARP IN THE MAIN EXHIBIT HALL!  THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE BRIEF SO DON'T BLINK OR YOU MIGHT MISS IT!

🌝 FOLLOW THE BLOGPAWS CONFERENCE HASHTAG, #BLOGPAWS TO STAY UP TO DATE ON WHAT'S HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE.  YOU CAN FOLLOW THE CONFERENCE FACEBOOK PAGE AS WELL.

🌝 DON'T MISS A BEHIND THE SCENES SNEAK PEEK FEATURETTE OF THE NEW MOVIE, MEGAN LEAVEY ! THE MOVIE IS BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF A MARINE AND HER K-9 HERO, REX.  THE MOVIE WON'T BE RELEASED UNTIL JUNE, BUT CONFERENCE ATTENDEES ARE GETTING A SNEAK PEAK!  THE FEATURETTE WILL BE SHOWN DURING BREAKFAST ON THURSDAY MAY 18th, 8:30am

🌝🌝 TOP OFF AN AMAZING CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE WITH THE NOSE TO NOSE AWARDS AND DINNER!  WALK THE RED CARPET AND CHEER FOR ALL THE TALENTED AWARDS FINALISTS, THEN CELEBRATE AT THE AFTER PARTY!  

TIME IS RUNNING OUT, CONFERENCE TICKETS ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT!

Enhance your Blogging & Social Media Skills at the BlogPaws Conference
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

May 18 - 20, 2017 

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

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

Improve Your Social Media and Blogging Skills At The BlogPaws Conference

BlogPaws is the premier online social media company for Bloggers, Micro-bloggers, & Social Media Influencers.  Enhance your Blogging & Social Media Skills! 
Join us at the BlogPaws Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! 

May 18 - 20, 2017 

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

Myrtle Beach, SC 

This post is sponsored by the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated as a BlogPaws Conference Ambassador to help share information about the BlogPaws 2017 Conference but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article

Have you registered for the BlogPaws Conference and reserved your hotel room at the Reduced conference attendee's rate yet?

If you haven't registered don't delay, this conference WILL sell out!  Register for the conference and enter code:  BP17-10off-Ambassador to get my 10% Ambassador's Conference Discount!




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As a Conference Ambassador, I'm pleased to offer you my AMBASSADOR 10% CONFERENCE DISCOUNT!!  Use the code  BP17-10off-Ambassador to receive 10% off the price of your conference ticket!  Click here to Purchase Your Conference Ticket   (discount applies only to the conference ticket, not hotel or airfare and is not available to members of the BlogPaws Influencer Network i.e. those who have gotten paid for campaigns through the BlogPaws network)

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If you've bought your conference ticket but haven't reserved your hotel room at the discounted conference rate, don't wait!  There are only a limited number of hotel rooms at the discounted conference rate at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel so Reserve Your Conference Hotel Room now!

Our beautiful conference venue, the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

My BlogPaws Conference Story:

When I first started blogging I had no idea what I was doing, and I didn't know any other bloggers out there.  My friends and family weren't bloggers and didn't understand what I was trying to accomplish with my blog.  I had no network of like-minded pet lovers that I could share with or learn from, I was eager to connect with an online community.  

Finding BlogPaws was a total game changer for me.  If I hadn't found BlogPaws I would have given up on blogging and social media altogether.  That would have meant giving up on my passion for sharing what I know about pets and animal welfare, and turning that passion into a full time endeavor.  It may sound a bit extreme but it's true, I was only a few months from giving it up completely because I felt like my blog was going nowhere fast!

I found BlogPaws in 2014 and it changed everything for me. I quickly discovered that I didn't know what I didn't know about blogging and social media!  My first conference was a whirlwind of learning and networking.  I knew there was a way to make blogging a business and that there were people doing it. The trouble was, I had NO IDEA how to do it!  But by the end of the conference I felt like the full time blogging life I was dreaming about could actually become a reality!  Thanks to the learning sessions at the conference I had a better understanding of how to "monetize" a blog, how to use social media to promote content and much more. 

After that first conference, I was on my way to pursuing a life of working from home as a pet blogger and social media influencer.  BlogPaws conferences offer learning sessions at all levels, so each year I've learned and grown my blogging and social media skills more and more.  I've expanded my network of bloggers, social media experts, and brands as well.

In reviewing my Blogging Goals for 2017,  I'm thinking about which Agenda Topics will be the most relevant for me to attend at this year's conference.  Here are just some of the sessions I'm most looking forward to attending:

➤ One of my goals is always to continue growing my blog, so I will definitely benefit from attending one of the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) sessions.  SEO optimizing each of my blog posts will help me get my numbers up.  It's not all about the numbers of course, but if I'm putting my heart and soul into everything I write, and I want to consider my blog a business (I do!), then understanding and utilizing SEO is a must.  There's a session for beginners and one for advanced bloggers, I just might attend them both!

➤ Another goal of mine is to line up more campaigns for myself.  The working session on What Are You Worth In 2017 And How To Make Brands Believe It is definitely on my radar!  There's also a Branding Workshop that will talk about creating a blogging brand strategy and what brands are looking for in the Influencers they choose to work with on their campaigns.

➤ Online Video Marketing has begun to dominate, especially on social media channels.  Hubspot.com reported that "by 2017 online video will account for 74% of all web traffic"  Needless to say, a session on improving video skills is on my agenda.  There are two great video sessions offered at the same time, I've got 3 weeks to decide which one to take!

➤ How To Set up Shop and Monetize Selling Your Own Product is another one I'm interested in.  I've got a product idea but I'm not sure how to bring it to fruition.  I'm really looking forward to getting some solid guidance at this session!

➤ Fabulous Keynote Speakers always provide a wealth of information and a hefty does of motivation!  I can't wait to see what Digital Marketing expert Jay Baer and expert Marketing Strategist Kathleen Gage have to share with us.

And of course there's  FUN stuff like the Yappy Hours, the Revamped Cat Lounge, the Special Events hosted by conference sponsors, and the Conference Grand Finale, the Nose To Nose Awards Dinner!

Whatever level your social media or blogging knowledge and skills are at, there are presentations and sessions that are right for you.  The BlogPaws conference is jam packed with sessions that will help you enhance and expand your blogging and social media skillset.

BlogPaws conferences are totally PET FRIENDLY!  That's right, you can bring your furry, feathered, or scaly Muse along!

I regularly visit the BlogPaws web site to stay current with all things blogging, social media and pets!  The myriad of social media, blogging, and pet-related educational articles and resources on the BlogPaws site is unparalleled!  There's so much to learn and share on the BlogPaws web site and it's FREE!

BlogPaws is an inclusive, global community of pet enthusiasts who write about and support pets via social media.  They connect brands with pet parents and pet parents with each other.  BlogPaws is  shaping social media excellence, influence and education one amazing pet parent at a time!

What are you hoping to achieve for your blog and social media strategy this year?  How do you think the BlogPaws conference might help you accomplish your goals?  Leave us a comment, we'd love to know what you think!

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

Phoebe Gets Ready For The BlogPaws Conference

Phoebe is getting ready for the best Blogging and Social Media Conference of the year, BlogPaws!

All the Essentials I'll need for the conference.  Do you think I need more toys?

The conference is at a beach, Myrtle Beach, so I'm packing my Mermaid collar!

My pink pearl necklace will be perfect for the Yappy Hours

Have you registered for the BlogPaws Conference yet?  They are 75% full so don't delay, tickets will run out!  I hope to see you there!

5 Great Reasons To Attend the BlogPaws Conference

BlogPaws is the premier online social media company for bloggers and social media influencers.  BlogPaws connects brands with bloggers and social media influencers, and connects bloggers and influencers with each other.  Take your blogging and influencer skills to the next level by joining us at the BlogPaws Conference! 

May 18 - 20, 2017 

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

This post is sponsored by the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated as a BlogPaws Conference Ambassador to help share information about the BlogPaws 2017 Conference but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article.

If you're a new blogger or haven't attended a BlogPaws conference before here's why you should go!  

5 Great Reasons To Attend The BlogPaws Conference

1. THE EDUCATION!
The blogging and social media education is more valuable than I can say.  Whether you're brand new to the blogging community or a seasoned influencer, there are Featured Speakers and Workshops that will help you grow your blog and your social media presence. The workshops cover a wide variety of the hottest industry trends in blogging & social media.  There are so many great sessions to choose from!

2. THE NETWORKING!
Network with other bloggers, brands, and industry experts in the pet community.  BlogPaws bloggers learn from each other, support each other, and have a bond that comes from our shared interest in pets and their welfare.  We're in this blogging journey together!

3. THE CONNECTIONS!
Connect with industry professionals and brands you'd like to work with.  There's nothing like meeting in person and talking about your passion and your blog (or microblog) to make an impression and forge a relationship with a brand.  You'll learn a lot about their company and products as well, and what new products or initiatives they may be working on.

4. IT'S ALL INCLUSIVE!
The BlogPaws conference is a great deal.  You get SO much for the price of a conference ticket.  It's all inclusive from Keynote Speakers, to Working Sessions, Food and more!

5. THE SWAG!!
BlogPaws SWAG bags always contain great new products to try!  You'll want to share about all the great SWAG you got with your readers after the conference... or during the conference via your social media channels!

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I'm honored to serve as a Conference Ambassador this year, and pleased to be able to offer you the AMBASSADOR 10% CONFERENCE DISCOUNT!!  Use the code  BP17-10off-Ambassador to receive 10% off the price of your conference ticket!  Click here to Purchase Your Conference Ticket   (discount applies only to the conference ticket, not hotel or airfare)

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Already have your ticket but haven't made your Hotel Reservation yet?  You can make your Hotel Reservation Here.

Serving up Learning, Networking & FUN at the 2016 BlogPaws Conference!

9 Common Conference Questions Answered

What does my conference ticket include?
Entrance to the Exhibit Hall, all Keynote Speaker sessions, Working Sessions (w/ a few exceptions as noted), Events, Nose-to-Nose awards dinner, Meals (as noted on the agenda).

Should I bring Business Cards with me?
YES!  You'll be meeting so many people you want to keep in contact with, from fellow Bloggers and Influencers to Brand Representatives and  Industry Leaders.  You want them to remember you so business cards are a must.  If you need to order them, do so NOW!  Printing mistakes often happen (especially to me, I have no luck with printing!).  Leave time to have them redone just in case.

Can I bring a friend or my significant other to the conference?
Yes!  Your companion will need a conference ticket as well if s/he wants to partake in any of the sessions, events, meals, or the awards dinner.  You can apply the 10%  Ambassador discount code to their ticket as well!

What kind of food will be served?
BlogPaws always offers a wide selection of delicious food, and plenty of it!  They include vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options as well.  If you have other dietary restrictions let them know in advance and they will work to accommodate you.

How will I get from the airport to the hotel?
BlogPaws will be providing a code for FREE Uber taxi rides from the airport.  Airport transfer is included in your conference ticket price.  Watch for updates to find out the code & details on airport transport.

What do I do with my pets while I'm at the presentations and sessions?
One of the best things about BlogPaws conferences is that you can bring your pets with you!  They can even attend presentations and working sessions with you.  If you or your dog need a break there is supervised doggie playtime at on-site Pet Parks available. This is set up either indoors or outdoors, depending mostly on weather. There is no extra charge for this!

What should I wear?
Dress is mainly casual/business casual, although it can vary.  You want to be comfortable and dress appropriately for a warm climate, but you will also be meeting industry professionals and brands you want to make a good impression on.  Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes!  You'll be doing lots of walking and standing.  You are free to dress up for the Awards dinner the last night, many people do!  You'll find people wearing anything from slightly dressed up to full out black tie, it's up to you!

What should I pack? 
One important thing I'll say right now is to Leave Extra Room in your bag for all the SWAG you'll pick up as you walk through the Exhibit Hall!  Our generous Sponsors want you to see their products, and most want you to take a sample home with you to try - and hopefully write about!  Honestly, people always say they wish they had left more room in their suitcase for all the fabulous SWAG!!

You'll have your cell phone of course, and you may want to bring a laptop or tablet for taking notes during the sessions.  I also bring a notebook & pens because one year I somehow deleted notes I was taking at a session!  Some folks like to upload photos and video to blog about the conference in the evenings.  I share conference images on my social media during the conference, and blog about my experiences later.  Sponsors love when you take photos or short videos with them at their booths showing their products.  I'll be posting photos & video with some of the brands on my social media.  Don't forget your chargers!

Icy and Phoebe loved their first BlogPaws Conference in 2015!

Pet food isn't provided at the conference, you'll need to bring your own.  I'll bring along fun outfits, collars/leashes, and bandanas for my dogs.  I'm going to dress them up for the Awards dinner too!  You don't have to be a Nose to Nose Awards Finalist to walk the Red Carpet, we're all invited to strut our stuff on the Red Carpet that night!  

Where should I go to stay up to date on conference news?
Follow the BlogPaws Conference 2017 Facebook Page.  As we get closer to the conference, updated conference information will be posted there.  Check out the Essential BlogPaws 2017 Conference Everything Post on the BlogPaws web site for all the essentials you'll need to know for the conference.

A really wonderful addition this year is the BlogPaws  Newbies Course! If you're a new Blogger or Influencer attending the conference for the first time, you should take the BlogPaws SLC 2017 Conference Newbies course - it's FREE and full of great conference tips!  It's not completely finished yet, but go on in and introduce yourself!

Click this link to learn more about the BlogPaws 2017 Conference.  

I went to my first BlogPaws conference in 2014.  When I read about all the great speakers and working sessions they were having, I knew I had to be there!  Despite the fact that I was a total newbie blogger who wouldn't know a soul there, I took the plunge and went.  I didn't know anyone or have any idea of what to expect.  As soon as I arrived however, I started meeting people!

Not only did I have a great time at the conference, I learned so much more than I ever expected.  The connections I made and the things I learned did wonders for my blog and my social media presence. I couldn't believe so many pet loving people (and their pets!) gathered in one place to network, learn, share information and ideas, and have FUN!  I had found my "Tribe"!

As a Conference Ambassador, I'm happy to assist conference attendees in the BlogPaws Conference experience both before and during the conference.  Do you have questions about the conference?  Post them in the comments and I'll answer them!  If I don't know the answer, I'll find it for you.

I'll See You In Myrtle Beach, Friends!!



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