Ok now that last week is over and so is the holiday I will sit down, catch my breath and share with you some of the AWESOMENESS I have enjoyed over the last week or so!! First up I had the privilege of attending the Disney Social Media Moms “On the Road” half-day conference at the beautiful Claremont hotel in Berkeley California.
This invite-only event was created by Disney and BSA Media to share the new events taking place at the Parks, and to enrich and enlighten Social Media Moms. We were showered with fun and excitement that only Disney can bestow!! From the colorful balloons to the iconic Mickey Mouse Krispy Treats!! It was 100% Disney “MAGIC”.
But let me back up just a bit I have to give HUGE Kudos to Maria Bailey of BSA Media , Mom Select , Mom TV , Blue Suit Mom , and Mom TALK Radio . She knocked it out of the park (no pun intended!!LOL!!) as she served as our hostess for this amazing event. Maria shared with us a little bit of the history which inspired and led to the creation of Disney Social Media Moms. In 2006, here in San Francisco, Mike Hyland, Director of Disneyland Public Relations, was wanting to create meaningful connections with moms that would involve motivational speakers, networking and the “MAGIC” that only Disney can create. His idea was to create a small and intimate experience, he went to the woman who he knew had the right connections with Moms because she in essence started it all-Maria Bailey. With the combined talents of the two(and many more I am sure!!), Disney Social Media Moms was born. Throughout the years, this annual conference brings together 150 amazing Social Media Moms. Because not everyone is invited to the “MAGIC” of the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in Walt Disney World they thought to bring the “MAGIC” to us!! Disney On The Road brought great speakers and uplifting content to support the “MAGIC” of mom owned businesses.
As the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is being planned for Disneyland next year, we heard updates about the park from Michele Himmelberg, @mhimmelberg, who is the Public Relations Director at the Disneyland Resort. Michele brings with her an amazing background in journalism which is taking her experience in a new direction by working with media and bloggers at Disneyland. Michele told us how the “The Happiest Place on Earth” continues to get happier. From Mickey and the Magical Map, to the new Princess Faire, Michele was able to tell us about the new entertainment happening around the park. By expanding the Disney outreach program and latest happenings with traditional journalists and bloggers, word is spreading. Mom bloggers are fantastic at storytelling. The world is listening to every word they have to share.
We then were privileged to hear from the adorable Mindee Doney from @JuiceBoxIdea. Mindee is the creator of the infamous Boogie Wipes. I sat captivated as I listened to her story and at times there were tears in my eyes. Mindee had huge success with Boogie Wipes, only to watch not only her business crumble around her feet but also her marriage. How do you pull your self up from the depths of this type of devastation? I am not sure I could do it but this little mighty mouse did!! She found the ability to balance work and life. Learning from the past, she has moved on to do amazing things, she has created yet another successful business Juice Box Idea Consulting. One of my favorite “Mindeeisms” is “Motherhood does not get easier, you get better”. We as mothers never really see it this way I didn’t until Mindee spoke it out loud for me and everyone else to hear!!
Finally, and let me tell you how amazing the timing of having this last speaker share her message with us was!! We were privileged to hear from Disney Parks Global Content Developer and Director, Michelle Stepney. Michelle is the author of Disney Style Snapshots on the Disney Parks Blog. Michelle’s message was how to prepare and present your message, your brand to the media!! She talked about how important it is to deliver your message professionally and concisely when approached with media attention. She emphasized we need to be confident in all our areas of expertise and to just be ourselves. Most importantly, never,never say anything you don’t want to be broadcast by the media!! If you have a microphone on it means the camera is still taping!!! Always put your best face forward. Stay positive and remember YOU are your BRAND!
I had a fantastic time with some of my favorite Arizona Bloggers, Karen from Desert Chica Ramblings and Julie from A Little Bite of Life. Karen was the perfect “roomie”!!
I will close with my most favorite “Mindeeism”
“When we choose daily to EMBRACE life and EMPOWER potential we can easily EXPECT our journey to be happily ever after.”
Now isn’t that “MAGIC”?
HUGE thanks go out to Maria and BSM Media, Disney, Disneyland, and the featured speakers. I left feeling empowered, enlightened and uplifted.
I attended this event at no cost and did not receive monetary compensation to write about it. I just wanted to share the great information I learned with readers that might find it useful. All opinions are my own.
