To start with, I hadn't even realized that big companies have employees whose jobs specifically entail working with social media and bloggers to promote products. (I know, call me naive.) I sat back during our round table discussions about these relationships (and yes, we were actually sitting at round tables) and just took it all in. I realized that there's so much I didn't realize I didn't know. Yup.
When we were turned loose into another room to meet and chat one-on-one with the brand representatives, I persevered past my initial holy-crap-I-feel-so-out-of-place-here feeling and just see what happened. Some representatives shared product samples and talked about their latest endeavors, while some of the folks engaged in deeper conversations, asking questions about my blogging and family experiences and how they might relate to the product(s) they were representing. Before my memory of the event (now three days ago!) completely leaves me, here are some highlights:
- Lice Happens-- Those are two words that any preschool teacher can affirm. After ten years in the biz, I can tell you that yes, lice does indeed happen, and it's a gigantic pain in the rear. But I truly love the motto that Nancy Fields and MJ Eckert, RN, established for their business- "No Shame. No Blame." Absolutely. I remembered reading about Fields and Eckert in a Washington Post Sunday Magazine "Making It" feature article last year. As soon as I began speaking with Nancy Fields, I liked her- friendly, engaging and nonjudgmental when I told her that whenever I even hear the word lice, I begin to instinctively scratch at my hairline. I'm thankful that our family hasn't had to deal with the issue of lice personally, but I'm now prepared with my own "Terminator," their metal nit removal comb. Everything about their products and business is genuinely awesome, plus there were at least two other DC Metro Moms writers there who could personally swear by this service, so I'm happy to recommend contacting Nancy and MJ if lice happens to you.
- Lawry's-- Next up, I visited the Lawry's table, where there was a spread of their various products. I began a conversation with the representative that had the potential to get awkward, but thankfully didn't. I have a terrible memory, so I told the woman that my husband always buys one type of marinade when he does the grocery shopping, but I couldn't remember the brand (bad memory + nerves = clueless me). I had just looked on the label of the two different flavors we had left in the pantry and noticed that high fructose corn syrup was the second ingredient on both of them! Now, like I told her, I can't claim to be a 100% healthy eater (the percentage is WAY lower), but that I feel there are certain products that just shouldn't need HFCS, and I considered marinades to be one of them. She respectfully offered a couple of different competitors names, but those nerves still had me in their grasp, so I still blanked. She then stated that several of their marinade products do include HFCS, but that they were working on updating the product line, and now several of their new flavors feature natural sugar and no MSG in their ingredients, which is the case for the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade with Minced Garlic and Olive Oil, one of the flavors included in our sample bag. (Which is now covering a container of boneless chicken thighs in my fridge for tomorrow evening's dinner!) The other flavor that I received was the Szechuan Sweet and Sour BBQ Marinade, which does indeed have HFCS as it's number one ingredient. But, I was really pleased with her honesty and her willingness to hear a consumer's constructive criticism.
- BitDefender / BitMoms-- I'll admit that I haven't yet toured around the Bit Moms site a whole lot yet, but from the informative conversation I had with Nicole, a Social Media Coordinator with BitDefender, this new company appears to be making quite a splash with their concept of merging internet security products with an online community for parents (I'm assuming there can be BitDads, too!) who are trying to be cognizant of their children's online safety. I'll be making it a priority to look at the online community more in-depth so that I can be a BitMom, too!
- Stonyfield-- I also made a complete dork out of myself with Brett, who was representing Stonyfield. Well, she was friendly and we chatted a bit about my own family's yogurt consumption, (the kids will NOT tolerate any fruit pieces, and are satisfied with eating vanilla each and every morning), and she had a big old bucket of yogurt containers on ice right there on her table. There were even spoons, so I asked her if I could eat a yogurt while we chatted. That's what I proceeded to do- I consumed 4 ounces of delicious Stonyfield Organic Probiotic French Vanilla yogurt, and it was fabulous. (It did not, however, go well with my white wine. Mental note...) I was a little nervous about the probiotic line, because truth be told, my kids aren't the only ones who are picky eaters. I worried it would be chalky or funky tasting, but it simply tasted like rich vanilla. YUM. I'm definitely more inclined to check out Stonyfield yogurts on my next trip to the grocery store now.
- TLC / Georgetown Cupcake-- Okay, I'm going to be completely honest here. I'm not a fan of reality television. There I said it. That's not to say that I haven't watched my fair share of it over the years, but I've been too often left with a guilty feeling afterward. So, I have to admit that I was hesitant to approach the TLC table at first. Well, that is until I found out it was inhabited by the fantastic bakers Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake. I don't believe I've stepped foot in Georgetown itself in probably a good eight years, so I had never before had the experience of consuming one of their delicacies. Holy crap that was one helluva cupcake. Katherine and Sophie were friendly and cheerful, and even their very obviously proud mama was there with them. Now, have I confused you by starting this section talking about TLC and then switching over to cupcakes? Well, worry not, I haven't lost my mind- Katherine and Sophie will be among the newest TLC stars when their reality series, Cupcake Dreams, airs later this summer! TLC even blogged about our SV Moms event, that's how cool they are.
- The Ritz-Carlton-- thank you so much for allowing someone like me through your fancy doors!
- k12-- an online learning alternative to public or private schooling
- BOSCH-- home appliances and more, and the maker of one kicking single serving beverage maker
- Cinnabon-- the origin of that enticing smell at a mall near you
- iGo green-- an awesome new company providing on the go chargers, perfect for the mom on the go!
- Army of Women-- how had I never heard of this amazing force in breast cancer research?? Go. Join. Now.
- Cultural Care Au Pair-- looking for an au pair? look no further.
- Love Life Images-- amazing photographer Mary Gardella, who took some great pics at the event!
- Eden Fantasys-- oh yes they did... one "special" swag gift that I didn't expect!
Whew!! Many thanks must also go to Sarah, Devra, Samantha, and Vanessa for arranging such an amazing day, as well as for allowing a newbie like me to be a happy, happy part of it. I was happy to meet some of the blogging ladies who I've read online, especially Jean, Sue, and Aimee!!
Thrilled to have spent a day with other people who treasure the word "blogging" as much as I do,
In the interest of full disclosure: The companies linked here provided products and samples and coupons to all attendees, but all opinions expressed here are just my own.
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