Mom 2.0 – Why I Go

For many of us, making the decision to leave home and attend a conference can be a difficult one. Particularly when you are not strictly traveling for “work”. That is to say, compensated work that is currently paying the bills. It’s expensive to attend conferences. It can seem selfish.
This sums up how I felt the first time I went to Mom 2.0. Selfish. A little indulgent. I dipped into my emergency paypal fund a little guiltily. But I took the leap.
Somehow, I knew it was just what I needed. It’s hard to believe that this will be my fourth time at Mom 2.0. At this point it’s hard to imagine not going.
Great things happen there.
At the first Mom 2.0 in Houston, I met Allison & Marie and we dreamed about a celeb style party for Mom Bloggers. That dream, launched the SocialLuxe Lounge.
At the Second Mom 2.0 in Houston I met my dear friend and partner in crime, Stephanie. She moderated the panel I spoke on, and blew me away with her sharp mind, kind personality and amazing marketing and social media insight.

I spent time with Julia, the only person I’d ever completely hand over the menu to at a restaurant. Trust me, she knows how to order! This is be a metaphor for more. She’s not only an impressive mentor and ally, but also great friend.
Last year in New Orleans was just a wonderful blur. Like a carousel that’s come up to speed.  My memories are like beloved snapshots: Meeting Stacy, who I’ve long admired. Great convos with Lindsay. Joining Karen for a resplendent dinner.  Stephanie risking her neck in high heels  on a late night French Quarter Walmart Benadryl run.

This was just the tip of the iceberg. I can’t begin to recreate all the conversations that nourished me for the months that followed. I was enriched.
Mom 2.0 is fuel for me. Fuel for my creativity, and food for my soul. It’s opened up friendships with smart, like minded (and some not so like minded, that’s ok too) women that I cannot imagine my sanity being so solid without.
Mom 2.0 has made me a wiser woman, and savvier businessperson.  It’s made me a better mom, because it’s led me to pursue and fulfill dreams. Dreams seem so much more achievable with the right set of mentors and advocates to turn to.
Most notably, Mom 2.0 has made me a more optimistic person. You can’t help but feel enthusiastic, inspired and ambitious in the presence of so much greatness and accomplishment. There is that palpable, intoxicating feeling of “anything is possible”. If you need a refill on that feeling — this is your pit stop.
I can already tell that this year is going to be amazing. The location, the speakers, the friends I’m eager to see. I feel so lucky to be attending and speaking again this year. Truly fortunate.