For me, the second annual BlogHer Food Conference was more than just an event.
This time last year, I was totally bummed the event had sold out by the time I’d heard about it for the first time from my food blogger friends. I went searching on the BlogHer website and realized I was just SOL. But as a blogger and a woman, I was intrigued by the company. So I wandered over to the “Jobs” link on the bottom of the page. With the economy in a serious funk, I had been out of work for over 12 months, sent over 200 resumes, and was just plain discouraged. I sent my resume in thinking I had nothing to lose.
I’m so glad I did.
This year, I not only got to go to BlogHer Food at the San Francisco InterContinental Hotel as a food blogger, I was there as a member of the BlogHer staff.
I’d spent a lot of years conducting interviews for radio and television, but I was truly honored to moderate the two panels I was on: “Our Food Future: Kids, Cooking and Health” on day 1, and “Food Diplomats and Cuisine Ambassadors” on day 2. There’s nothing like the topic of food to get people talking, whether it’s about starting your own food revolution in your community, or sharing stories about how family and food can create wonderful memories. I was delighted to help guide the panel and include the audience in on the conversation, as well.
Aside from the usual “cliques” that emerge at blogger conferences like this, I was overwhelmed with how friendly and supportive everyone was. I had the pleasure of meeting so many people I’ve both admired and followed, as well as reacquaint myself with old friends.
I don’t know what it is about a BlogHer Conference, but they always manage to make the vibe totally about community. I know I work for them now, but I got to attend this conference, for part of the time anyway, as an attendee and observer. Whether I work for BlogHer or not, this is an event I’ll be attending for years to come.
A quick shout out to some of the many wonderful people I chatted with at BH Food (in no particular order):
@istelleinad
@dianasaurdishes
@whats4dinnermom
@blackamercooks
@vegansaurus
@fedupwithlunch
@joanneisafoodie
@inuyaki
@hedonia
@aidamollenkamp
@dominiquecrenn
@catchthebaby (& Charlie)
@cooking4all
@renelynch
@gourmetlive
@thatwoman
@chefrachelle
@krystaltingle
@thepeche
@streamingourmet
@momfood
@celiacteen
@sassymonkey
@justinhackworth
Virgo in Wonderland 
I agree that BlogHer did a great job of making it feel like a community. I am new to this community, but not new to the working world or professional conferences. It did not take me long to feel welcome or that I was able to converse, share ideas and ask questions openly. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog and for sharing my Bubbe story on Twitter. I do hope we can meet in person next time. I think we would have much to talk about – we share many things in common including, but not limited to, a career in marketing communications and of course a love for food.
Elaine, it was really a wonderful time. You guys really made me feel so comfortable. And the panel was just great. You really rocked. It’s nice knowing about your experience last year and how fantastic it is that you are on the staff this year..that is really something!..love your lil one’s picture on card, yes I remember the place you said I can get it done..:)
It was wonderful to meet you, and you did an EXCELLENT job of moderating (and I’m kinda picky about my moderators).