Some pets had better hair than the rest of us!
I wasn’t sure what to expect at BlogPaws 2013. You see, I’ve attended and spoken at several dozen “writer” conferences over the years such as the awesome OWFI event and Thrillerfest in New York. I’ve also gone to many veterinary conferences that included hands-on-the-fur sessions. Pet-centric behavior conferences such as the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) conference allowed dogs to attend–bliss! And even a few of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and the Cat Writers’ Association (my fav!) often include our animal companions.
After attending, I wanted to share a newbie’s-eye-view of the event…so check out photos, and the fun VIDEOS below for a taste!
Lap dogs were welcome, too.
All of these other conferences offer outstanding information to their target audience. A small number are what I’d call “newbie friendly” and embrace pro and beginner alike (ain’t that as it should be?) while some tend to clique-icity and can be daunting to a newcomer. So as a relative newcomer to the world of blogging (although I’ve been a writing pro far longer than I care to admit), I wasn’t sure what BlogPaws had to offer me–or if I’d be more on the outside-looking-in.
I finally got to meet Carol Bryant! (Next year, I’m bringing my Seren-kitty and Magical-Dawg stand-ins.
What a marvelous surprise to discover the atmosphere and “culture” similar to my beloved CWA conference, in which helping one another, mentoring and celebrating each others’ success are founding principles. PAW-some!
Remember the “lion” that terrorized the neighborhood profiled on CNN last year? Charles the Monarch attended…and soon after this pix, he slipped his leash and made a mad dash away to find his ‘dad.’ (He was easily corralled *s*)
Mee-WOW and oh-my-doG, this was a fun event! It had the best of all furry (and feather-y…perhaps even scaley) worlds! More than 500 bloggers attended, each dedicated to providing pet-specific information for, about, or even BY animal companions (yes, in the ferret’s voice, for instance). Not only were the speakers outstanding, those just a wee bit shy could calm themselves by schmoozing with one of the many critters in attendance.
Some pets took notes during the sessions on their “paw-top” computers.
Pet products companies provided information and samples, plus a priceless opportunity to speak one-on-one with folks as passionate about our animals as we are. The food was terrific–and yep, we got to take meals alongside the dogs and cats and bunnies–pets were well behaved, and the high fashion couture was to-die-for (and I’m talking about the pets!).
Proof that Deborah Barnes (Chronicles of Zee & Zoey) likes dogs, too!
Those who know me are aware that I enjoy a bit of bling-icity, so I felt right at home during my Ebook Publishing For Bloggers talk (although there wasn’t nearly enough time to get in all the info I wanted). It was also an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face some of the bloggers I’ve loved reading.
Debbie Glovatsky, (GloGirl), Kimberly Gauthier (KeepTheTailWagging) and me…
BlogPaws Conference 2014 will be just outside Las Vegas May 8-11, 2014 and I’ve already registered because…well, this year was terrific. But I happen to have some EXTREE-SECRET-SPASHUL-AWESOME-SAUCE info that means it’ll be even MORE outrageously good!
Need more convincing? Check out the three short videos, below. Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty are vying for who gets to go next year!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
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