BlogHer is great for lots of reasons — it’s a conference where the speakers are just as amazing as the crowd, which is, in a word, stellar.
However, I have very personal reasons for thinking BlogHer is the best conference ever.
Today, I am one of the three cofounders of a web startup that has a woman CEO, a woman CTO, and a woman COO.
All of whom met at the first BlogHer conference in 2005, in San Jose, California.
When I went to that conference I was a regular old blogger with a personal blog. I read so many great blogs by women, but I had no women friends in real life. I went because I thought, I can see these people? In person? And when I was there I was so star-struck by many of them that I was too shy to talk to them. It was just a pleasure to breathe the same air, really.
I know you’re going to think that’s really silly, and that’s okay. I have a deep reservoir of silliness. I know it.
When I left Blogher, my limited idea of myself and what I could do hadn’t changed. Yet. That was the work of the women I met there. For the first time in my adult life, I had friends who were women. Little by little, email by email, blog post by blog post, we changed what each of us thought was possible, for ourselves, for each other.
The next time we asked ourselves that old question, “Why is it so hard for women to get a seat at the table?” there was a new voice in our heads, the voice I now think of as the BlogHer voice, and it said, “It’s a lot easier to get a seat at the table…when you OWN the table.” Forget about getting a seat at a conference — start your own conference! Forget about wishing for women executives in tech — start your own company and hire your friends!
But I wouldn’t have had those ideas if I hadn’t stumbled on BlogHer, and I couldn’t have stumbled on BlogHer if Elisa, Lisa, and Jory didn’t decide to create it. And I wouldn’t have had those ideas if the women who came to that first conference — (I’m looking at you, Grace Davis. And you, Ronni, and Amy, and Ryanne, and Julie).
So now we have a company with a woman CEO and a woman CTO and a woman COO. And the work we do? The work we do together? It’s only incidental that it’s software. Because what it is — what it really is — is applause. It is praise, for all these glorious women. Because it is fitting, and it is right, to give them thanks and praise.
20 responses so far ↓
1 Laurie // Jul 3, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Right on!
BlogHer changed my life when Lisa Stone gave me the chance to write two years ago…and I’ve never looked back, or stopped appreciating. The energy is that good.
I am so glad we’re only two weeks away from this year’s experience. I’m way past ready.
Thanks, Lisa.
2 Lisa Williams // Jul 3, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I figured we weren’t the only ones
Seek me out when we’re at the conference! You’ll be my secret schwag buddy. I crossposted this entry at BlogHer, and over there you’ll see a picture of me, so you’ll be able to spot me (although not if I’m behind tall people!).
3 becky // Jul 3, 2008 at 3:56 pm
This? Is awesome. I’ve gotten several leads and writing jobs through BlogHer. I agree, it’s a great conference.
And if you ever need a business analyst to help with testing and development for your software co., let me know. Seriously.
4 Erin Queenofspain // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I need a tissue
5 Average Jane // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I can hardly wait for this year’s conference. Every year I meet amazing people and make new friends.
6 This Military Mama // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I am even more excited about going to BlogHer now!
Thanks!
7 Elisa Camahort Page // Jul 3, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Are you *trying* to make me all verklempt 2 weeks *before* the conference, are you??!!
Worked.
8 GeekMommy // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Thank you!!! And congrats for getting your own table!!
9 AngryRock // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Yes! Yes! Yes! BlogHer ROCKS!!! I go to a ton of media/tech conferences every year, and this is the only one I pay for out of my own pocket.
Brilliant!
- Amy
10 Britney Mason // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Looking forward to checking it out. Im very excited
11 Donna // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:27 pm
That first BlogHer really was a magical experience. I am still friends with many of the women I met for the first time there, and cannot wait to see them and all the other amazing blogging women I’ve met since then.
12 Lisa Williams // Jul 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Elisa: Well, I figured it would be right about now that you might be thinking “OMG, this is so much work, I need ten of me, this is crazy, why am I doing this again?”
Just wanted to remind you of just one of the many reasons why what you’re doing is worth doing ;->
Big hugs to all — LW
13 Lisa Williams // Jul 3, 2008 at 6:04 pm
QueenOfSpain: Highly recommend the experience. Everybody oughta get their own table.
Becky, AJ, TMM, GM, Britney, Donna — look forward to connecting with all of you at the conf. Not long now!
Wow, AngryRock likes something! Highly guarded secret.
14 califmom // Jul 3, 2008 at 7:13 pm
This will be my first year attending BlogHer. I’ve been blogging since 2004. Your post is the reason why I want to go. Thank you for sharing your life-changing experience.
15 Al_Pal // Jul 4, 2008 at 12:57 am
How. Cool!
Great post, and yeah — having your own table is what it is all about!!!
I can’t attend but am thinking about doing a quick visit - my sis VDog is attending!
16 GraceD // Jul 4, 2008 at 1:10 am
And I’m looking right back at you, o Queen of the Placebloggers!
Though I missed last year’s BlogHer and will be missing this summer’s conference, I will always feel connected to the women and spirit of BlogHer. I owe a debt of gratitude to Elisa, Lisa and Jory for creating what has become a stimulating and supportive venue for anyone who participates.
Thank you for your friendship, Lisa.
xo
17 vard // Jul 6, 2008 at 3:03 am
Lisa — congratulations! can’t wait to hear more about it.
18 Tish Grier // Jul 7, 2008 at 3:26 pm
hey Lisa…yes, lots of wonderful stuff has come out of BlogHer for sure…
sorry I’m missing it this year
and I’m glad to see things are going so well with People’s Software! much more than you imagined, I’m sure.
19 owlhaven // Jul 15, 2008 at 9:31 am
Hope to see you there!!
Mary, mom to many
20 Andrew Hyde // Jul 16, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I am looking forward to seeing what BlogHer is all about, and meeting all these great people you have been telling me about.
Leave a Comment