It’s taken me several days to feel semi human after rolling out of the Gold Coast after my fourth (out of 7) ProBlogger Training Event weekends, my third as part of the team. Hundreds of bloggers converge to hear inspiring speakers, go to practical workshops, fit in some socialising where they can… wait, I think I’ve got that round the wrong way.
I’ve had every intention of eating well and nurturing myself back to fighting weight since I landed but to be honest I’ve survived solely on breakfast foods today and I’m not likely to make any socially acceptable life decisions until at least Thursday. At least.
As usual, I had a blast. I never fail to learn things, meet awesome people, get caught up in the enthusiasm, and walk away feeling proud to be even a little bit part of it all. This year I was the fastest fingers in the north capturing all the learning and excitement on the twitter machine for the ProBlogger Event profile, check it out:
This #twitter looking after stuff for #pbevent is hard work 🙂 pic.twitter.com/C6pshfmNtC
— Mick Russell (@mickrussell_) September 8, 2016
My finest work:
Awesome seeing all the #pbevent tweets! Loving the buzz. Keep it up! pic.twitter.com/ajerAIwRJ2 — Problogger Event (@ProbloggerEvent) September 8, 2016
It all started Thursday afternoon with the niche networking and I wandered around grabbing every niche sticker from the stations for my lanyard because I don’t know know who I am or why I blog. Emilie Wapnick came in on the last day and told us that was GOOD because that meant I was a MULTIPOTENTIALITE and I could DO WHATEVER I WANTED. Lucky, cos I was doing that anyway.
After that I totally gatecrashed the Olympus VIP launch dinner in the penthouse, where I saw sneak peeks of incredible new stuff coming up, ate amazing food, talked to people who are cooler than I’ll ever be, and ate six desserts.
It was awesome.
The next morning involved 7am meetings, more registration desk shenanigans, my blog BFF Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim and Rebel hand-delivering me breakfast, and 500 bloggers pouring through the doors to fill their heads with knowledge and their hearts with motivation.
As usual Darren had a few home truths for me, aka something his Mama Rowse once said to him:
He had been asking us to think about what we needed to work on with our blogs, and that the things we are avoiding are probably the things we need to attend to the most. He’s right, of course.
He said that once he got over the procrastination and ticked his to-do list off today not someday, he saw real benefits for his effort.
I thought about what I had been avoiding – tons of fiddly admin work and a couple of those things that start with an “e” and end in “book” that I started years ago and never got around to, and nodded, and then freaked out and put it back on the someday pile.
“Change Evangelist” (I’m not sure what that is but if I can have “All-Round Badass” on my LinkedIn, he’s welcome to it) Brian Fanzo had a few things to say, mostly in Bitmoji form. He said perfection is a fairytale, and I’m inclined to agree. Perfection is not a standard, make it go away.
Reminds me of a post I wrote for ProBlogger a while back, where I talked about perfection holding us back from progress. There is a poster in Facebook HQ that urges employees to focus on getting stuff done (and then refining it) rather than slowing down or being hamstrung because they’re waiting to launch only when something is perfect.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
Well that’s a wrap!! I’m unsure you missed anything out besides #getinthehedge
Great to hang out once again, lady.
Veggie Mama says
Yes I pride myself on my thoroughness! You’ll note I excluded Saturday night’s shenanigans haha 😉
Miss Chardy says
I agree – Karin from Calm to Conniption is a bloody legend!!!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
Miss Chardy! Shucks. To continue the love fest, I was just talking about you yesterday to my girlfriend. I was saying how you are one of the most hilarious people ever on earth and live with like a billion cows in the centre of Australia.
Denyse Whelan says
Gosh I loved reading this because it was like you were telling me about PB in person. This year, from all I have read before yours and now this, confirms for me it was a more ‘cruise’ event in terms of the messages, the speakers and the ways in which everyone got to join in (or not). Well-done YOU and of course Team ProBlogger. Thanks for making me feel special too, by linking up on my first link-up. You are a special friend my dear S…and all because of blogging!! Love D xx
Stacey says
I know! Imagine what the last few years would have been like if we didn’t have blogging and all the friends that we made through it?! I’m so grateful for what the internet has brought.
So excited for your linkup! I think it’s a great idea and im really looking forward to contributing and maybe making even MOAR FRIENDS!
You’re right it was such a laid-back, friendly experience this year, minimal freakouts, maximum good times x
Ashlea | Glamour Coastal Living | says
Oh wow you make me laugh. This was hands down the best PB wrap up yet! What fun it looked! I love the Thank You Water story, very inspiring. Hope you are on the road to recovery, sounds like a few more days in pjs are needed though…sometimes you need a holiday after these type of things. They are so full on!! x
Stacey says
I’m willing to bet that these school holidays I’m never getting dressed. All concerns and enquiries (and food) can be directed to the lady in the bed xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
That wrap up is a cracker – so sorry I missed it… The FOMO is real!
Stacey says
It ain’t the same without you, that’s for sure!
Brooke McAlary says
Can we please make this a monthly thing? Probably my favourite event ever. And thank you for zero mention of Saturday night…
Stacey says
Did I tell you there’s photographic evidence? However it was actually one of the funnest bits and I totally vote a Jackrabbit family kumbaya reunion regularly <3
hugzillablog says
We need a do over!! Like, immediately.
Stacey says
I know! how can we make this a weekly thing?!
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
I’m in!!!
Stacey says
DONE.
Tina Lacy says
Glad you had a good time 🙂
Stacey says
It was awesome. If only I really could sleep for a hundred years now!
Maria Parenti-Baldey says
It looked and sounded full on. How great to be able to catch up with so many like minded bloggers and podcasters.
Stacey says
Yes it’s always nice to get out from behind the keyboard!
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker) says
Well even though I didn’t make it this year (as I was working a kilometre or two down the road) that was the best wrap up I could imagine. Bloody Amy from Handbag Mafia! Now that’s someone I’d love to meet. I remember a session you ran a couple of years ago on blogging and the law. I got so much out of that. I’m sure you were as brilliant this year.
Stacey says
argh I can’t believe you were so close yet so far! I missed the pink bits at pbevent. I bet you missed me saying I like to shit behind doors but hey, there’s always next year <3
Rebecca Bowyer (@RebeccaBowyerAU) says
What an awesome, epic wrap-up! I love it. It was wonderful to meet you 🙂
Stacey says
Yes after all these years! Here’s to many more x
Caitlin Dyer says
This year sounds like it was amazing…I am actually considering getting a virtual ticket…but then I also have a feeling like I have stop learning and just start doing. Action over perfection I guess. But I like learning. The struggle is real.
Stacey says
Dude, of all the years, this would be my pick for a virtual ticket! Absolutely heaving with amazing advice and real hands-on approaches. doooo ittttttt
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
I was still a drink or two away from getting up on the dance floor but you’re a hard gal to say no to! My first PB was a blast thanks to a great crew of kickass bloggers. So much info to take in and now so much admin I realise I need to do! I’ll take a cup of tea and lie down for two weeks now thanks (PS – conference coffee? I’ll allow it if you agree to put up with my incessant nattering on about 90s music) xx
Stacey says
Yo surely that was not my idea to get on the dance floor? I don’t remember the music being that great (hence my motormouth haha) and I was at least three days off getting up there for its intended use haha. Let’s dance instead of admin though yeah?
Anne says
Sounds like you had a good time! Hopefully I can get there one year!
Stacey says
Almost too good! So tired now x
Shannon Morrow says
Fab wrap Stace. I’ve been devouring all the wrap posts and damn I wish I was there this year (even though I’m still getting through the to-do list from last years pb event!) Xx
Stacey says
Ha I still have SEO stuff I need to do from 2013!
Ness says
Maybe I’ll sit in the corner with my resting bitch face on at one of these things one day. Maybe. You never know. Glad you had fun!
Stacey says
ha I think my first year that’s what I did!
Kat @AnAussieinSF says
For those newbies (like me) this post was fab to read. And, to be honest, you had me at six desserts. And those beers. OK maybe if I ever showed up to one of these things it’d just be for the foods.
Stacey says
Oh the food is so worth it haha! Let’s have a beer & dessert party next time!
Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1) says
This was my 3rd PBEvent and the best yet! I’m sorry I didn’t get to hear you speak – or say hi – but there’s always next year!
Stacey says
Always! So glad you had a great time <3
Laney says
Great wrap up Stacey. You did an amazing job on Twitter! I haven’t brushed my hair since Sunday. Probably should hey?
Stacey says
I’ve spent this week combing out bloody nits so I don’t think I’ll be brushing at all next week haha.
Brian Fanzo (@iSocialFanz) says
First I’ve ever been called a walking Bitmoji but I will take it. Great recap and it was great meeting you! Thanks for the mention and the kind words! Cheers!
Stacey says
Great to meet you too! I learned so much! And re-downloaded the Bitmoji app haha. Let small cartoon characters of us reign supreme!
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
Why, why am I always pregnant/breast feeding for these things? Maybe next year… So much FOMO! I keep seeing such awesome photos with all of my favourite bloggers – maybe I shouldn’t go, I feel I’d be way too creeper/stalkerish?
Stacey says
The creepy stalker bits are the best part!
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
I’m so entertained by this recap. Like living it over. But sober!
I had no idea you were stalking me- you must be SUPER good at it!!! Also, I got a sticker from each niche thingy- same reason! Soul sista! (Because soul multipotentialite sounds weird!)
Stacey says
we could totally hashtag that #soulmultipotentialite no wait that took too long to type. And I am NINJA.
Shauna 'Round the Corner says
Great wrap-up Veggie. It would be an interesting exercise to somehow quantify how far-reaching the influence of this conference has been beyond those who were there. Don’t you think? Because I feel SO inspired. Man if I’d have been there I would have imploded I reckon. So much good stuff has found it’s way out of there and I’ve been drinking it up like a milkshake. Might have made a bit of of mess had I been there. BOOM.
Just kidding. I am actually stable.
Learning aside, it looks like so much fun. Definitely going to have to get my A into G next year and come along. If for no other reason then to meet you! I want to know where you lived in the outback, for starters 😉
Stacey says
I am not stable! We can be awkward and clumsy together! I was soooo afraid wearing that white dress haha. And I lived in Longreach! 4730 represent, y’all
Lydia C. Lee says
I really love that quote about the light at the end of the tunnel…that’s perfect.
Stacey says
Yep I totally needed it at that point. Glad it meant something to you too x
Helen K says
What a fantastic wrap! How good that I met you amongst the many others you caught up with, for Sat night drinks! And great dress by the way too x
PlanningQueen says
I really enjoyed your session Stacey and loved this wrap up. There were so many gorgeous new bloggers there, I loved having the chance to meet so many of them. Hope you have recovered!
Johanna says
I love your wrap up Stacey and you made me laugh – hard on a day when I’m having techie issues! Sadly I didn’t get to your session, but will look forward to getting the audio version soon.
Robyna May says
Thanks so much this wrap up. I didn’t make it this year and I have been enjoying the sort of virtual attendance by way of all the amazing blog posts.
Emily Toxward says
EPPPPPPPPPPICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC wrap up Stace! But yes I think you nailed it. So much to take it, especially as I was a little too distracted before my preso to get about catching up with lots of people. But I’m sure it’ll get easier each time I do it! x
Miss Chardy says
Hi there Veggie…. was so much fun catching up with you – at least there was one stayer at the party, ha ha ha. Great post, god it was fun wasn’t it, I just god so much out of this years event. I am bummed I missed your talk (I always seemed to be in the room up the left hand end, will have to listen to you on the recordings, If I can figure out how to do that). Oh and that silky hair is actually a bit freaky…. I did use velcro rollers in it that morning ha ha ha ha #highmaintenancebob ha ha ha. xxx