#BlogHer20 Health As Told By A Newbie Attendee
by SHE Media Partner Network’s Caitlin Houston of Caitlin Houston Blog
Last month I headed to Los Angeles for my first EVER blog conference, #BlogHer20 Health. On the most gorgeous Saturday in February, I joined fellow content creators to celebrate and learn from an insanely talented group of female storytellers. Together, we applauded celebrities, medical professionals, and fellow bloggers, while each representing a different story, collectively believing in the power of our female voices.
The Schedule
It was hard to imagine what an all-day conference would be like, but the SHE Media team created an easy to follow, entertaining schedule. Almost all of the panels were held under a large tent, with multiple breaks built in for networking and wellness workshops around the property. I loved the laid-back, yet intentional flow from one panel to the next, and the casual atmosphere where I never felt obligated to stay rooted to my seat. The overall atmosphere of the day was warm, not just under the beautiful sun, but because of the undeniable energy and excitement of the attendees.
The Speakers
I don’t think it’s possible to pick a favorite speaker of the day as every panel was equally riveting. I’ll highlight a few of my most memorable moments though.
One of the first panels of the morning featured Ali Webb and Jen Gotch discussing self-care and success. As someone who struggles with anxiety, it was refreshing to hear two incredibly successful women describe their own demons. They spoke about stripping down the stigma that financial success equals infinite happiness. Jen Gotch also encouraged us to help end the “everything is perfect” social media feed and create a community based on authenticity and self-awareness.
Another incredible female icon I felt privileged to see was Busy Phillips. As a well known activist for women’s reproductive rights, Samantha Skey, CEO of SHE Media, appropriately presented her with the Voice of the Year (#VOTY) Truth Teller Award. Busy is the epitome of celebrity status being used for the greater good, inspiring others to speak up for what they believe in.
The third most powerful moment of the day felt like an outer body experience. LeAnn Rimes, the closing keynote speaker, guided us all through a meditation after opening up about her battle with depression. I never felt so much love and community in one place as I did standing among the women at BlogHer.
The Sponsors
There were countless sponsors and brands displaying their products sprinkled throughout the property. Not only did we receive a glorious gift bag upon arrival, but brands also gifted additional products at their booths. During the panel breaks, I was able to network with my favorite vitamin brand, Nature Made, while sampling various healthy sips and bites. If you’ve never been to a BlogHer conference, be prepared to go home with lots of goodies!
The Overall Environment
I walked into #BlogHer20 Health with a blank notebook, open mind, and zero expectations. What I walked away with is invaluable. I felt empowered, motivated, and inspired on my journey as not just a content creator, but as a woman in our society.
#BlogHer20 Health truly exceeded my expectations. From the speakers, to the sponsors, to the overall energizing atmosphere, I didn’t want the day to end. As the sun set, we concluded the summit with a cocktail party. I toasted my new friends and celebrated a new understanding of how to use my platform in a meaningful way to raise health awareness.
About Caitlin Houston
Hi I’m Caitlin Houston, a Connecticut native, wife and Mom, lover of magic, dancing, and being alive. I consider myself both a storyteller and content creator, writing honest posts about the life and style of a girl Mom from New England. On Caitlin Houston Blog you can find a mixture of raw truth and comic relief as I cover everything from motherhood struggles to putting together outfits to anxiety as a woman in our society. My love of writing stems from a background in English literature and my desire to teach/connect/inspire others is derived from the years I spent as an elementary teacher. My main goal in life is to teach my daughters self-love and to always share the ways I find peace in the chaos of life one kitchen dance party at a time.