Veggie Mama

Where friendly veg recipes and the 90s combine.

I went to PBEvent and now I need to sleep for a hundred years

by 56 Comments

It’s taken me several days to feel semi human after rolling out of the Gold Coast after my fourth (out of 7) ProBlogger Training Event weekends, my third as part of the team. Hundreds of bloggers converge to hear inspiring speakers, go to practical workshops, fit in some socialising where they can… wait, I think I’ve got that round the wrong way.

I’ve had every intention of eating well and nurturing myself back to fighting weight since I landed but to be honest I’ve survived solely on breakfast foods today and I’m not likely to make any socially acceptable life decisions until at least Thursday. At least.

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Thumbs up here, good start.

As usual, I had a blast. I never fail to learn things, meet awesome people, get caught up in the enthusiasm, and walk away feeling proud to be even a little bit part of it all. This year I was the fastest fingers in the north capturing all the learning and excitement on the twitter machine for the ProBlogger Event profile, check it out:

My finest work:

It all started Thursday afternoon with the niche networking and I wandered around grabbing every niche sticker from the stations for my lanyard because I don’t know know who I am or why I blog. Emilie Wapnick came in on the last day and told us that was GOOD because that meant I was a MULTIPOTENTIALITE and I could DO WHATEVER I WANTED. Lucky, cos I was doing that anyway.

After that I totally gatecrashed the Olympus VIP launch dinner in the penthouse, where I saw sneak peeks of incredible new stuff coming up, ate amazing food, talked to people who are cooler than I’ll ever be, and ate six desserts.

It was awesome.

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All of that butter are belong to me 

The next morning involved 7am meetings, more registration desk shenanigans, my blog BFF Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim and Rebel hand-delivering me breakfast, and 500 bloggers pouring through the doors to fill their heads with knowledge and their hearts with motivation.

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Must be why we get along so well 

As usual Darren had a few home truths for me, aka something his Mama Rowse once said to him:

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shit. 

He had been asking us to think about what we needed to work on with our blogs, and that the things we are avoiding are probably the things we need to attend to the most.  He’s right, of course.

He said that once he got over the procrastination and ticked his to-do list off today not someday, he saw real benefits for his effort.

I thought about what I had been avoiding – tons of fiddly admin work and a couple of those things that start with an “e” and end in “book” that I started years ago and never got around to, and nodded, and then freaked out and put it back on the someday pile.

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IT’S TRUE, IT’S TRUE IT REALLY IS. 

“Change Evangelist” (I’m not sure what that is but if I can have “All-Round Badass” on my LinkedIn, he’s welcome to it) Brian Fanzo had a few things to say, mostly in Bitmoji form. He said perfection is a fairytale, and I’m inclined to agree. Perfection is not a standard, make it go away.

Reminds me of a post I wrote for ProBlogger a while back, where I talked about perfection holding us back from progress. There is a poster in Facebook HQ that urges employees to focus on getting stuff done (and then refining it) rather than slowing down or being hamstrung because they’re waiting to launch only when something is perfect.

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Why I always feel I’ve got nothing done 

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I also caught a bit of Nicole Avery aka Planning Queen‘s session, who was the speaker before me. She’s a gun when it comes to productivity and organisation, and I always enjoy her presentations. Full of truths and ways to stop wasting time and get shit done.

img_1314The one where I said “I’m going to shit behind this door” *confused emoji*

Oh hai.

Then there was me. I spoke on the topic of creating kickass content – how to get ideas, organise them, create content from it, and share it where you need to without losing your mind.  I also did try to say “sit behind this door” and because I’m me I of course accidentally said “shit behind this door” and well there’s no coming back from that. I guess shitting behind a door is one way to create content, right?!

I had a blast up there, and I hope I was helpful. I got a ton of lovely feedback (that dress is Bohemian Traders, by the way – just about the number-one asked question haha) and it was all was a bit fist-bump-y all round. Almost broke into kumbaya at one point.

img_1318slaying. 

Back on the Twittersphere job I headed into the working with brands panel moderated by Laney With The Good Hair.

Young Nikki Parkinson was there, alongside the awesome Kristie Galea from Olympus and the walking Bitmoji, Brian Fanzo. I always try to catch Nikki’s sessions because I used to live next door to her and I would get her wisdom and support on tap. Nowadays I only ever see her at things like this and she’s smart af so I need to get it where I can.

She’s just super lovely too, she even came to my session though she could have gone anywhere (including to the bar for a refreshing lunchtime tipple). She sat right up the front proud as punch and took a million photos. She even Snapchatted as me, which I found later and thought was hilarious. She’s every bit as incredible and amazing as you think she is, and then some. Never met a more supportive blogger, and I love her to bits.

Meanwhile, check out Chards‘s perfect silky hair up the front there. I touched it later that evening (too many refreshing lunchtime tipples) and can attest to its flawlessness.

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She looks younger than I do 

Look! We’re twins!

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I like conference coffee, can we still be mates 

After lunch it was time to drink ALL OF THE THINGS and as many of them as I could. Ha if I thought I was tired that day it was NOTHING compared to what was coming the next. NOTHING.

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Daniel Flynn tells us to always have a reminder of our “why”. *checks under the couch for her why*

Daniel Flynn from Thank You seemed to be a standout for everyone – he talked about how to forge through setbacks and never give up. He said it was important not only to know your why, why you get up every day and try and live your dream, but to have reminders about so you can never lose sight of them.
Now if I could just figure out why I blog and what you want I could make a lovely picture and put it on the wall. Any ideas?!

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Half the reason those ebooks have never been written.

The first day done and dusted we all trotted off to get ready for the Reach for the Stars party*

*I went directly to bed. Fully clothed.

I have a little mentor group of bloggers that bow down to me where we kick around ideas and support and troubleshooting and whatnot and a couple of them stopped by my room on the way to the party, which was fun. Calm to Conniption Karin and I (after watching me change my clothes three times I couldn’t figure out if I’d be cold or not) made our way down directly into a glittery feast full of everything from the Paging Fun Mums in full NASA gear to delicately painted face stars all having just about the best time I’ve seen 500 bloggers have at once.

There were fairy lights, tipis, more food than anyone could eat, and the happiest of chums hanging out. I tried to meet as many new faces as I could, while simultaneously forcing myself on the familiar ones. It’s always such a fun night.

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#deep 

These words were helpful to me from Writally – I hope they mean something to one of you.

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“how did she get all the talent?” 

I sort of a little bit kind of stalked Amy from Handbag Mafia and made her be my friend, which was evidenced by her and Tash from Gift Grapevine trapped on the dance floor well past midnight while I chatted blithely away.

Speaking of stalking, I was hot on the heels of Miss Chardy and finally cornered her in a bathroom, of all places. I should really get a blogger bingo card. I tried to get around to everyone who’s blog I read (or lurk) and say hi.

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I do love her, really. I think. 
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#bloggersgonewild

The biggest thing I take away every year, above and beyond the SEO tips and the sales funnel timelines, are the friendships.

People I meet who are faces on a screen that become real-life, actual friends. The internet introduced us and pbevent brings us together! This is Karin and Jo, another of my mentorees who blogs at You Had us at Hello. She is every bit a laugh as she seems. I had an absolute blast with everyone and I think I may/may not have talked at length into every ear I found.

It’s been amazing meeting people over the years, from the folk who were with me in the Jurassic Era of Mummyblogging to the fresh-eyed newbies of today. I can find a friend among them all.

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Go home, Stacey. You’re drunk.

Then I did the usual post-midnight “mum away from home” nostalgic scroll through my Instagram before bed, although this time I went one step further and woke up to several screenshots of my own photos.

PBEvent Day 2

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Do I look tired? I’m tired. Laney looks fabulous, as usual. Her hair was extraordinary the entire weekend #onpoint

I fired up the internet machine again for another day after our 8am meeting, ready to get #pbevent trending (I was thwarted by bloody NASA). I was heartily put out of a job by young Emily Hawker, who Tweeted as if she would burst into flames if she didn’t, and who was chased up quite decently by Melanie Surplice, who had a fantastic constant stream of tweets.

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Bloody Chantelle. Always being utterly incredible.

I sat in on Chantelle’s session on Engagement Through Visual Storytelling because she is a gun and while I can do words, it’s pictures I fall down on. It has never been something I studied extensively and only a little bit of it comes naturally to me. The rest I’m winging and I should probably learn. Chantelle also brought these amazing cookies, which I was almost (almost) too concerned to eat.

I spent the rest of the day roaming from session to session, tweeting out snippets of speakers and getting a feel for the whole vibe. It was so relaxed and people seemed like they were really enjoying themselves (and the donuts). I could see notes being furiously scribbled, photos being taken of the slides, friends excitedly chattin,g and inspiration being struck. It’s hard not to feel as though you’re part of something bigger than yourself when you’re here.

Having said that I do know the feeling of overwhelm and “everyone’s so far ahead of me and better than me and what am I EVEN DOING WITH MY LIFE” that can come of an event like this, and I know we can deal with that two ways. We can let it beat us down so we stop trying, or we use that uncertainty and fear to fuel us to do better. It’s a very personal decision.

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Hair of the dog. #hairypotter

I caught up with new friends later in the afternoon for a restorative cold brew (check out those Twitter fingers up there) and to make fun of the way Jess from Peachy Keen Mumma pronounces “Harry”. She’s Canadian. He’s apparently hairy.

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um yeah, EVERYTHING

Darren closed out the day urging us to put all this newfound knowledge into action. Do something with what we’ve learned, even it it’s just one thing and the action we take is imperfect (anyone want an imperfect ebook?! Coming to a Veggie Mama blog near you).  Even wobbly courage is courage, he said. Nothing will get done unless we do it, even if we’re scared.

 

So here I am, trying to put the little pieces of advice I picked up across the whole weekend into order. Where am I going to start? What do I want to do? Where do I want to take this blog? What is my podcast doing? Is this it? Do I have bigger ideas even than those? Now is the time, I guess. Well maybe not now now (you know, small children and obligations elsewhere), but now-ish. That’s just imperfect enough for me.

previous pbevent shenanigans

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. says

    September 14, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    Gosh I loved reading this because it was like you were telling me about PB in person. This year, from all I have read before yours and now this, confirms for me it was a more ‘cruise’ event in terms of the messages, the speakers and the ways in which everyone got to join in (or not). Well-done YOU and of course Team ProBlogger. Thanks for making me feel special too, by linking up on my first link-up. You are a special friend my dear S…and all because of blogging!! Love D xx

    Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 4:30 pm

      I know! Imagine what the last few years would have been like if we didn’t have blogging and all the friends that we made through it?! I’m so grateful for what the internet has brought.

      So excited for your linkup! I think it’s a great idea and im really looking forward to contributing and maybe making even MOAR FRIENDS!

      You’re right it was such a laid-back, friendly experience this year, minimal freakouts, maximum good times x

      Reply

  3. says

    September 14, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    Oh wow you make me laugh. This was hands down the best PB wrap up yet! What fun it looked! I love the Thank You Water story, very inspiring. Hope you are on the road to recovery, sounds like a few more days in pjs are needed though…sometimes you need a holiday after these type of things. They are so full on!! x

    Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      I’m willing to bet that these school holidays I’m never getting dressed. All concerns and enquiries (and food) can be directed to the lady in the bed xx

      Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      Did I tell you there’s photographic evidence? However it was actually one of the funnest bits and I totally vote a Jackrabbit family kumbaya reunion regularly <3

      Reply

  9. says

    September 14, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    Well even though I didn’t make it this year (as I was working a kilometre or two down the road) that was the best wrap up I could imagine. Bloody Amy from Handbag Mafia! Now that’s someone I’d love to meet. I remember a session you ran a couple of years ago on blogging and the law. I got so much out of that. I’m sure you were as brilliant this year.

    Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      argh I can’t believe you were so close yet so far! I missed the pink bits at pbevent. I bet you missed me saying I like to shit behind doors but hey, there’s always next year <3

      Reply

  11. says

    September 14, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    This year sounds like it was amazing…I am actually considering getting a virtual ticket…but then I also have a feeling like I have stop learning and just start doing. Action over perfection I guess. But I like learning. The struggle is real.

    Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      Dude, of all the years, this would be my pick for a virtual ticket! Absolutely heaving with amazing advice and real hands-on approaches. doooo ittttttt

      Reply

  12. says

    September 14, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    I was still a drink or two away from getting up on the dance floor but you’re a hard gal to say no to! My first PB was a blast thanks to a great crew of kickass bloggers. So much info to take in and now so much admin I realise I need to do! I’ll take a cup of tea and lie down for two weeks now thanks (PS – conference coffee? I’ll allow it if you agree to put up with my incessant nattering on about 90s music) xx

    Reply

    • says

      September 14, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      Yo surely that was not my idea to get on the dance floor? I don’t remember the music being that great (hence my motormouth haha) and I was at least three days off getting up there for its intended use haha. Let’s dance instead of admin though yeah?

      Reply

  16. says

    September 15, 2016 at 2:11 am

    For those newbies (like me) this post was fab to read. And, to be honest, you had me at six desserts. And those beers. OK maybe if I ever showed up to one of these things it’d just be for the foods.

    Reply

  20. says

    September 15, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    Why, why am I always pregnant/breast feeding for these things? Maybe next year… So much FOMO! I keep seeing such awesome photos with all of my favourite bloggers – maybe I shouldn’t go, I feel I’d be way too creeper/stalkerish?

    Reply

  21. says

    September 15, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I’m so entertained by this recap. Like living it over. But sober!
    I had no idea you were stalking me- you must be SUPER good at it!!! Also, I got a sticker from each niche thingy- same reason! Soul sista! (Because soul multipotentialite sounds weird!)

    Reply

  22. Shauna 'Round the Corner says

    September 16, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Great wrap-up Veggie. It would be an interesting exercise to somehow quantify how far-reaching the influence of this conference has been beyond those who were there. Don’t you think? Because I feel SO inspired. Man if I’d have been there I would have imploded I reckon. So much good stuff has found it’s way out of there and I’ve been drinking it up like a milkshake. Might have made a bit of of mess had I been there. BOOM.

    Just kidding. I am actually stable.

    Learning aside, it looks like so much fun. Definitely going to have to get my A into G next year and come along. If for no other reason then to meet you! I want to know where you lived in the outback, for starters 😉

    Reply

    • says

      September 16, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      I am not stable! We can be awkward and clumsy together! I was soooo afraid wearing that white dress haha. And I lived in Longreach! 4730 represent, y’all

      Reply

  25. says

    September 16, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    I really enjoyed your session Stacey and loved this wrap up. There were so many gorgeous new bloggers there, I loved having the chance to meet so many of them. Hope you have recovered!

    Reply

  26. says

    September 16, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    I love your wrap up Stacey and you made me laugh – hard on a day when I’m having techie issues! Sadly I didn’t get to your session, but will look forward to getting the audio version soon.

    Reply

  28. says

    September 25, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    EPPPPPPPPPPICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC wrap up Stace! But yes I think you nailed it. So much to take it, especially as I was a little too distracted before my preso to get about catching up with lots of people. But I’m sure it’ll get easier each time I do it! x

    Reply

  29. says

    September 30, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Hi there Veggie…. was so much fun catching up with you – at least there was one stayer at the party, ha ha ha. Great post, god it was fun wasn’t it, I just god so much out of this years event. I am bummed I missed your talk (I always seemed to be in the room up the left hand end, will have to listen to you on the recordings, If I can figure out how to do that). Oh and that silky hair is actually a bit freaky…. I did use velcro rollers in it that morning ha ha ha ha #highmaintenancebob ha ha ha. xxx

    Reply

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