Focus Group Contest!

After every single Blog Conference, we hear the same things from attendees:
· It is just too expensive
· I want to learn more advanced techniques
· My favorite part was networking with others who do the same thing I do

So, we have set out to change the shape of Blog Conferences! We want to offer attendees not only basic and intermediate classes but more advanced classes as well, less cost, and more time to network!

To start it off and really get some input from a wide-range of bloggers, we are having a We Blog Conference Focus Group. The group will be getting together May 16th through May 18th, 2010 in beautiful Gatlinburg, TN at the awesome Glenstone Lodge. (Our first FULL conference will be held in this same location in May 2011.) We feel this will give us a chance to “hear from the people” and let us tour the facility.

Besides just discussing “Blog Conference Wants”, we have several neat things planned for the mini-conference Focus Group attendees including:
· Round Table Discussions
· Live Twitter Party
· Southern Style Tea
· Critique My Blog
· What Works
· SWAG
· And more!

At this point, we will be choosing 8 bloggers to be on the Focus Group in addition to the two of us. Each person selected will bring something unique to the table! Attendees will be chosen based on a set of criteria that encompasses all walks of life and blogging styles. As part of the selection process each blogger will be required to blog, vlog, tweet, etc. what makes them the perfect candidate. Included in their submissions each candidate will have to mention and link to Glenstone Lodge (conference location) and Discovery (our diamond level conference sponsor).

If you are selected you will need to cover your own transportation and lunch on Monday (during your free time). Our fabulous sponsors are making it possible for us to cover your room (you will be sharing with a room mate), swag, and all other meals.

To enter for a spot on the We Blog! Conference Focus Group:

1. Write a blog post or a vlog post!


2. Why you want to be in the group
   
3. What you can bring to the table


4. What you want to learn/accomplish while in attendance


5. Link to this site http://www.weblogconference.com/


6. Link to Co-Founder - 3 Boys and a Dog http://www.3boysandadog.com/
   
7. Link to Co-Founder - The Post-It Place http://www.thepost-itplace.com/
   
8. Link to Discovery for making it possible for you to STAY FREE: http://www.discoverystore.com/
   
9. Link to Glenstone Lodge: http://www.glenstonelodge.com/


10. Not required, but requested: It would be nice if you could include an exert about all our awesome sponsors that are making it possible for this to be a VIRTUALLY FREE EVENT!
    
11. Once your post is live, enter all of your information into the following form:
    
    
    

Please note: Due to the small size of this event, at this time we can not provide childcare nor rooms for family members.

Also note: We will be choosing people based on their heart, their writing skills, and more... not just on the number of readers they have! We want a wide range from fairly newbies all the way through majorly established!

Don't forget to follow the site so you can keep up with what is happening!

Our schedule will be posted soon.

**DEADLINE TO ENTER THE CONTEST IS MARCH 14, 2010 AT MIDNIGHT EST**

Schedule

This is a tentative schedule. Things may change as more Sponsors are finalized.


Sunday, May 16th
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner and Round Table Discussion
BYOQ (bring your own questions): we will meet and discuss "What Works"

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Team Building Event: Twitter Party

Monday, May 17th
8:00 AM 11:00 AM Critique My Blog
Will look at each blog and all give opinions on what can be done
better to improve blog

11:00 AM 3:00 PM Free time for attendees

3:00 PM 4:00 PM Rock It Southern Style Tea
Afternoon Tea to discuss "Conference Wants"


5:00 PM 7:30 PM Dinner (Working Dinner)
Will discuss SEO and More!

8:00 PM until P.J. Party Party
Networking, Swag distribution, Brainstorming, and just hanging out
with the girls!
Location: Kelli & Jyl's Room

Tuesday, May 18th
8:00 AM Breakfast Farewell ;-)
One last fling before going back to our normal lives

Sponsorships Available

We have many sponsorship opportunities available so that everyone from the largest corporation to the small mom-and-pop companies can participate and be featured in the We Blog! Conference Focus Group. Our goal is to make this portion of the event virtually cost free for the attendees! They should only have to cover transportation!

Diamond - TAKEN

Platinum—$500 Sponsorships (2 available)

Gold—Team Building Events $300 (2 available)

Silver—Small Meal Sponsorships $100 (2 available) 1 pending

Bronze—Hydration & Energy Sponsorships $50 (2 available)

Bronze—Notes, Not Nonsense Sponsorships $50 (1 available) 1 pending

“Tell them about ME” Sponsorships $35 (10 available)

“Yeah, I am cool” Sponsorships $25 (10 available)

“I’m Poor, But Want to Play” Sponsorships $10 (currently available through February 2010)

Please email weblog.conference@gmail.com for complete sponsorship information!

The Glenstone Lodge

The Glenstone Lodge is located in a beautiful mountain setting along a clear sparkling stream in the heart of Gatlinburg. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Smoky Mountains we will have a fabulous time at the WeBlog Conference! Filled with time for learning, networking and playing there is something for everyone! as well as all the wonderful attractions nestled in the mountains. Perhaps best of all, you'll experience their special commitment to extending the best possible service in Gatlinburg.

The Glenstone Lodge will be the setting for our very first WeBlog Conference! Held May 16-18^th in the beautiful Tennessee mountains.

Regardless of the season, you can enjoy their indoor swimming pool. They're proud to say it's the largest in the Smokies! And if swimming isn't your favorite activity, you can putter around on the indoor putting green or enjoy many of the other ammenities offered by Glenstone Lodge.

When the weather is just right, you will love the Outdoor/Picnic Recreation Center. This complete outdoor pool facility has lots of green space for a casual picnic or a stroll. It's something for all to enjoy! Peace and serenity can't be beat on the River Deck that extends right out over a rushing mountain stream.

You'll feel comfortably at home in their affordable restaurant located right in the hotel. This central location makes it possible for guests to explore the surrounding city on foot or by Trolley. And trust me, there is lots to explore.

More Information Coming Soon!