Although you’ll see lots of bloggers seeking sponsorship for every BlogHer conference (this is the first year I went unsponsored), the truth is, the actual BlogHer conference ticket is very reasonable. That’s due to the number of sponsors who help offset the cost of putting on such a huge, robust event. While there were probably hundreds of brands in the expo hall and running official sponsored events, there were a few that stood out to me.
Samsung
Forget 50 Shades of Grey, Samsung had the real “mommy porn” in the form of a refrigerator that keeps track of expiration dates (and plays music), that incredible looking Samsung Note (and the new Galaxy s3), and a fabulous media TV. I crossed my fingers that I would win one of their giveaways – I would even think of giving up my beloved iPhone for one of those beauties.
Kikkoman
Why did I put a soy sauce company on this list? Because their chef, who was in attendance at the booth, created a delicious soy sauce and brown sugar ice cream so we could taste the versatility of the product. I *may* have gone back for a second cone.
Amy Hodges and me in the Room Key limo!
Room Key
Room Key sponsored the hotel room keys (except for those of us who arrived prior to Thursday night), and a fun party that took place on the roof deck of the Dream Hotel. The party offered limo transportation to and from the hotel (although it was very walkable), mixologists that made some yummy watermelon/vodka drinks, great giveaways, and an iPhonographer (yes, it’s a thing) who taught us some tips on how to take the best pictures with an iPhone. Best of all, the Room Key employees and PR reps were friendly and made sure to circulate throughout the party.
Disney Junior
Disney Junior sponsored a breakfast to showcase some of their new programming – including my daughter’s favorite, Doc McStuffins. They really committed to decorating the entire room and as we entered the room, you could feel the pixie dust! Just look at that cute table (pictured above).
Martha Stewart Home Office With Avery
I love office supplies, and I love the Martha Stewart Home Office With Avery line, so as you can imagine, I was ready to move into this booth and set up shop.
My imPRESS nail manicure
Broadway Nails
Broadway Nails showcased their new imPRESS nail line – press-on nails for the modern generation. I got a “manicure” while I was there, and now I’m hooked. I just wish I could find a place that sold them.
Bowlopolis
I originally passed by the Bowlopolis booth because I wasn’t entirely sure what they were – a bowling alley chain? A video game? Then a person in a dog costume handed me a DVD, so I wandered into the booth. To be honest, when I left I still wasn’t sure what they were, but the kids really loved the DVD, and I’ve since learned they are a bowling alley chain that also produces a serialized cartoon. We’re going to have to venture over to one of their bowling alleys because my kids want the next set of shows.
McDonald’s BlogHer Bus
McDonald’s
McDonalds sponsored a bus for a whole bunch of Boston Parent Bloggers to travel from Boston to New York in style. We all had a great time, and it was a fun way to connect before and after the conference.
Minute Clinic
Minute Clinic has been so supportive of bloggers, sponsoring BlogHer11, Mom2Summit, and BlogHer12. They brought along a few practioners from their clinics, and offered gift bags filled with practical items like sunscreen, kids’ vitamins, and hand sanitizer.
Molly and me in the Energizer booth.
Energizer
Energizer was at BlogHer showcasing their new electric candles, which, unlike other electric candles, are deliciously scented. Their booth was so pretty that Molly and I decided to pose in it!
Hershey’s
Once again, Hershey’s teamed up with Walmart for their s’more suite. I am always amazed with how much work they put into a 2-day event, and I could have sat up there all day. Yum.
Disclosure: These brands all helped sponsor BlogHer for attendees. I rode the McDonald’s BlogHerBound bus at no cost.
Thanks for such a nice write up of these wonderful brands. I liked Bowlopolis, too – my family loves to go bowling and my teen has taken to wearing the cute Bowlopolis wrist band!