I read, and then re-read, and then continued to reread the same email about 25 times, completely convinced my eyes were playing tricks on me. But there it was in front of me, the words staring at me: “You’re Invited! The 2016 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!”
The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is a conference of about 175 invite-only bloggers and it’s put together by Disney. It’s about blogging, it’s about Disney, and in the blogging world, it’s a pretty coveted invite.
I remember very clearly the first time I heard about the Disney Social Media Moms Conference (#DisneySMMC), it was 2013 and I had just started blogging. Back then, I tried to go to as many blogging conferences that I could, because I really wanted to learn the “tricks of the trade” and also I wanted to learn what “not to do” when it came to blogging. I was a newbie in every sense of the word. So I was at this conference and sitting at a table with some bloggers I had just met. The topic of different conferences came up. Someone mentioned DisneySMMC. I said, “Oh, Disney? That sounds awesome! I would love to go to that.” And as quickly as my excitement bubble blew up, it popped right in my face, when a blogger across the table said, “Oh. You can’t just go. You have to be invited.” “Oh.” I said, sheepishly and deflated, somewhat ashamed by my own newbie-ness.
I went home that night and googled everything I could about DisneySMMC:
“How to get invited to Disney Social Media Moms Conference”
I semi-stalked the blogs that had been invited. I read their well-established blogs.I saw their social numbers. I told myself the mantra they always tell you at blog conferences: “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” I heard that blogger’s voice in my head- “You have to be invited.” I sighed. I was very much at my beginning. DisneySMMC wasn’t in the cards for me, at least not yet.
In June 2014, I was invited and attended Disney Social Media Moms On The Road, which was a one-day conference held in Philadelphia. It’s like a mini-version on DisneySMMC. I wasn’t sure if the expense made sense- a plane ticket and a hotel room for a one day event. It was so fun though and my friend Lara of Run Stroller Run met me there, so it was great to catch up with her. The Philly trip made me really think to myself that I really did hope one day I would be invited to the big event.
So now fast forward to now, and this email staring in front of me. I’m literally shaking as I re-read it again.
I’m invited. Me. The once newbie. Maybe I’m at my middle. Maybe.
Thank you Mickey! I’m on my way!
Follow my journey! Hashtag: #DisneySMMC
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