Type A Conference 2014: Getting Back to IRL

This past weekend I was in the ranks of a myriad of NC bloggers who took Atlanta, GA by storm for the annual Type A Conference.

Isn’t it bizarre that it took a conference in another state, hours away, for us NC bloggers to connect in real life?

But let me tell you, meeting in real life is irreplaceable.  Sure, us bloggers are great at Tweeting, and Facebooking, and commenting on each other’s blogs.  But nothing is a substitute for meeting that blogger-friend off the screen, rapping to “Ice, Ice Baby” together, and realizing how much you really do like them.

In fact, the overarching theme surrounding TypeACon seemed to be, “Let’s remember blogging is about community.  Let’s get back to connection, and real life interactions.”

I felt as though nearly all the speakers were pushing us to stop hiding behind screens and remember that being a blogger is about more than hitting “publish.”  It is about being an influencer, creating community, and talking WITH people.

We received real, tangible advice such as: answer all comments, post to Facebook 6-8 times a day (no joke!), trust your readers with your content, and allow your superfans to be your biggest advocates.  Afterall, it isn’t about numbers of followers and pagehits, it is about the number of genuine interactions.

Which, of course, left me cheering and fist bumping strangers since this is exactly the mission Nikol and I set out to accomplish in creating this network.  We wanted to create that community of bloggers where we all support each other, learn from each other, and can even get together at coffee shops, wine bars, brew pubs, and other places that don’t just serve beverages to connect in a meaningful way.

I was beyond proud of all of our NC representation, by the way.  If you didn’t know, there were an amazingly diverse and talented group of bloggers from North Carolina that fueled TypeACon.

First to know is that Type A Conference is the brainchild and hard work of Kelby Carr, who lives in Asheville.  That’s right!  A down-to-earth lady from the mountains of our state created a conference larger than life.

Also demonstrating how much knowledge we have in this state:

• Melissa Culberston with Blog Clarity (whose awesome class, Media Kit Smash, is currently on sale at a discount to our NCBN Members)
• Susanna Barbee with Zealous Mom
• Sonja Faust with The Pintester
• Sarah Pinnix with Real Life with Sarah
• Ann Zuraw with Zuraw

and I am sure I missed someone since, well, there was a lot of NC at the conference. Another blogger actually asked me at one point, “What? Did you all decide to take over this conference?  I feel like every blogger I meet is from North Carolina.” I, for one, am OK with that.

But don’t just take my word for how much it meant to be involved in the community at Type A.  Here is what some of our other NC Bloggers had to say, directly from their mouths:

Networking is key, and the action items require action. You get what you put in, the information is there and can be surface level or deeper depending on your involvement and questions you ask and lead to. If you can do #VIP do it, there are more options available to you. My favorite sessions included the We still Blog, Headline tips, Video and the Beautiful Blogging photography tips. I walked away with relevant information and put them to use.
– Jessica at Begin to Craft

Meeting colleagues face to face is the best part. Conversations about the craft and the business with real people who get it. That’s something you can’t make up for online.
-Ashley Shaffer at Today’s NC

I’m leaving the conference feeling very blessed in every way. I’ve bonded further with old friends from the blogging world and made new friends and connections.
– Susanna Barbee at Zealous Mom

There is a lot to be said for being there in person, and sharing a glass of vodka-spiked lemonade with strawberries in it with some real friends.  At the end of every single session my table mates and I, even if they were complete strangers when they sat down, would turn to each other and immediately start brainstorming new ideas, ideas that were inspired by the people on stage.  They always had phenomenal feedback to provide me and I felt blessed to hear their direct thoughts.

There were so many more quotes from NC bloggers who attended that I want to share, too, since, as usual, they say it better than I:

Networking. Not just with brands, but also with the other attendees. It was fun to meet so many “profile pics” in real life who share my love for blogging. I definitely made great new connections, strengthened some connections and learned a lot in general conversation with these people.
– Sarah Coggins at 2 paws Designs

As always the best part of the conference for me was the people. Connecting with “my peeps” is critical.
Making new friends who totally get it? Also amazing.
Dancing like a fool and loving every second? Yep, that, too.
– Andrea Bates at Good Girl Gone Redneck

Type-A is an amazing community. This year I’ve pushed myself to really try new sessions, sit with new people and talk in real life to many of my pocket friends. I love it. I can be such an outgoing person and I enjoy learning about new people, hearing stories, sharing stories and really connecting.
– Jaime McKee at Love, Jaime

I loved attending the sessions, especially David Griner and Thom Singer, but my favorite thing was meeting people and putting names and faces to blogs.
-Kate Klaus Kelly at My Mommy Brain

I was blown away by how, remarkably, we all focused on the community aspect first and foremost. It’s time and it feels right.

Here at NCBN, we are working hard for our community! We are currently gathering information from Type A Conference.  Right now, we have a 4 page document with things you need to know about Blogging and the LAW from Kerry O’Shea Gorgone and Jaime from Two Happy Mamas. They share resources on everything from copyright, to FTC disclosures, email lists, to giveaways.

If you are a member, login and head to the Members Resources Page.

Not a member?  Join us today.

Membership will not only will you get access to this exclusive TypeA document, but you can also get:

• discount codes to products and classes
• insider information on exciting events coming up in Asheville, the Triangle area, and Hickory for the NCBN
• directory access and a listing
• in to our Members Facebook Group, Group Pinterest Boards and Forums
• access to the Ultimate Bloggers Checklist
• in addition to sooo many things we have on the burners!

If you are on our email list you received a discount code to join today to be a Founding Member.  (PST! Do it soon since the code to Media Kit Smash expires September 29, 2014 and the code for the membership deal is only valid until October 21, 2014.)  If you want our membership discount, I recommend you subscribe to our email list since we will probably send it out again.  Just a hunch…

I believe in the message of TypeACon 2014: that community matters.  And so, we are here for you.

We are your community.

About Allison

Allison Barrett Carter is a writer who shares how to live a traditional life and still have great family adventures on her website – The Family Trip Online.