Last year at BlogHer 2013 I was sitting between sessions when someone got word that a new network of bloggers was in the process of being set up. For many bloggers, networks are their lifeblood for paid work and for building influence. I was not clear on the mission of this proposed EnmNetwork; but I knew it was to involve entertainment and travel,two areas that have intrinsically improved my quality of life. Needless to say, I want to work in areas where I can indulge my passions.
I followed up and indeed the inaugural EnmNetwork 2014 took place this past Feb 14-17 in Anaheim, California. It was a small, intimate conference and a resounding success when measured in terms of content, engagement and networking.
Based on EnmNetwork 2014, here are my top 5 reasons to attend EnmNetwork 2015:
1. This is Erica. Look at that smiling face.
Erica I.Pena-Vest, the Organizer is, as the French say, “formidable.” I met Erica IRL at the conference but I felt I’d already met the same person virtually. Her way of expressing herself was both heartfelt and genuine online. In person, she is the same way. There were several examples of this —- but none more telling than the way she treated one of her sons who approached the dais as she was speaking. He was experiencing some angst. Erica put us on pause, settled him in the most loving way and then carried on. It was awesome example of the parenting business woman. Her on-site team consisting of Margaret Salmond and Jessica Walker Ballard were also on their A-game.
2. I came home from EnmNetwork 2014 with business cards from real people with whom I might share an affinity. I will definitely follow up with them, all the exhibitors; and hopefully over time I will be able to forge a relationship with a percentage of the brands and PR folk.
3. Although conference sessions were on one track, content was very focused such that I came away feeling that I had an insider’s perspective of how content creators operate in both the entertainment and travel world. Some of this was old news to those already established in this arena. This is however a rapidly changing arena. So even for the veterans, it seemed there were other trade-offs. Of this I cannot be sure. But it seemed that way.
3. One could feel a sense of tolerance and acceptance at this conference, not in a religious sense, but in the way that people were treated. What I mean is this conference was NOT about the popular or the pretty…to me. It was more about the real.
4. I felt the presenters also brought their A-game and made themselves more accessible than is commonly expected. Sometimes presenters seem more interested in other presenters. I did not feel this dissonance. And because they were not all coming from the same place, this gave attendees a broader perspective.
5. There were not 1000 brands present. But the brands that were present were present for us which is more than I can say for the usual larger Expo halls where often exhibitors are exhausted, and they cherry pick bloggers they want to talk to. I felt all the exhibitors genuinely tried to make connections with the bloggers without the “Why should I be interested in you” side-eye.
EnmNetwork is a network of new media influencers who specialize in word of mouth marketing. I am happy to be able to say we serve as the ultimate connection, according to EnmNetwork’s mission statement, between the world of Hollywood and the online world who review, critique, and promote film, music, books, television and celebrity projects.
Register early to attend EnmNetwork2015. It which will take place next year in Nashville. It won’t be huge and it will be even better than this year. I have already purchased my ticket.
Jamie says
I really, really enjoyed our conversation we had Patricia. Very heartfelt and real, couldn’t ask for a better conversationalist to sit next to.
And like I said, if you need anything related to Sonoma please reach out to me =)
And I just saw that you’ll be at Blogher? I hope our paths will cross while there this year. It’ll be my first time attending.
Patricia A Patton says
Hi Jamie. Blogher is fun and you will be exhausted but you will enjoy especially if you are focused 8-)). I too enjoyed our convo and hope that your move turned out ok. I do need your help for a few photos and will be in touch this week. I really appreciate you.
Margaret Margs World says
AWWWWW thank you! And it was great to finally meet you.
Patricia A Patton says
Pleasure was allllll mine.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Perfectly said, Patricia. You took the words right out of my mouth.
Patricia A Patton says
Oh good Helene. Thank you for reading this. It was a good use of my time.
Liz says
I didn’t know you were at BlogHer 2013 too! I went to both ’12 and ’13. I’ll see you at ENMN next year or maybe at BH ’14 this year in San Jose :).
Patricia A Patton says
Yes I have been at BlogHer since 2010. I will see you for sure this year.