Every year after BlogHer there is a lot of buzz about swag, both good and bad. And my conclusion is this: it's not about the bag. buy viagra canada
It’s Not About the Bag
ww.blogher.com/conferences" target="_blank">BlogHer and all the events that happen during the BlogHer weekend are about building relationships, meeting people, interacting with brands, having fun, learning, growing. Sure, swag is fun. I like it as much as the next person. But all too often swag takes center stage. Which it shouldn't. It doesn't deserve center stage. There's too much else good out there to focus on.
In 2009, swag was a major post-conference topic, partly because there had been some bad behavior related to it. We experienced some of that at the 2009 Swiffer SocialLuxe Lounge. A few folks figured out how to steal swag bags. That was so surprising to us. And, when we ran out of bags as a result of the stealing, a few people who should have gotten bags didn't...and a few of those people got very upset. I had a heavy heart for weeks. We threw a really beautiful party for a group of really beautiful women, complete with free food, drinks, giveaways, massages, nails, henna, hair and makeup. The party would have been just as amazing and worth people's time with or without swag bags. It just plain stunk that swag added a negative vibe to what was otherwise a really positive and wonderful event.
Fast forward to 2010. Based on last year's experience, Allison, Marie and I thought long and hard about how to curtail the security issues we experienced in 2009. In the end, we decided the only way to avoid the mess we'd experienced in the past was to: 1) cap the party at 350 instead of opening it to all conference attendees like we did last year, and 2) pass the bags out at the beginning of the party when guests were checking in with their IDs, assuring everyone who should receive a swag bag did.
As some attendees learned, registration took far too long at the start of the party. As quickly as we possibly could, we figured out the best way to speed things up but still maintain security. We felt terrible that people had to wait. There was a really rockin' party inside that we wanted them to experience. For heaven's sake, that's why we were throwing the party.
The swag bags this year were amazing. We worked really hard to make the 2010 Avery SocialLuxe Lounge a truly top notch experience for bloggers, so we only accepted items for the swag bag that we believed people would actually want/use/love/need. And, since we love our guests so much, the bags ended up being a little full (okay, a LOT full). Which we were excited about! We couldn't wait for people to get their bags! Until...
...well, until people started complaining about having to carry their bag around during the party. Suddenly, my heart was heavy once again.
Swag is the main reason we had to cap the party guest list. Swag is the reason we had to create a strict registration process. Swag itself is the reason we had to pass bags out at the beginning of the party. The swag, once again, is taking center stage.
I've heard several people say that they waited forever to get into the party, then, when they finally got in, their bag was so heavy they decided to just leave. UGH. That kills me. SocialLuxe is NOT about the bag. It's about the PARTY. A beautiful, pamper-licious, full-of-drinks-and-food party that celebrates bloggers. To think that someone missed out on the party because of the swag makes me sick to my stomach.
It's not about the swag. It just isn't.
I don't regret giving out swag bags. We love giving the best that a swag bag has to offer. We love showering women bloggers with gifts from companies that value their voice. I do believe there is a place for swag, a place where it doesn't dictate how things are done, a place where it is not the focus but simply a nice benefit. We're slowing finding that place. We'll get there.
For as many people who were bummed out during or after the party, there were way more people who were excited, grateful and just downright positive. And that is what SocialLuxe (and really the entire BlogHer weekend) is all about - the joy of all coming together for a great time!
Allison, Marie and I love doing SocialLuxe. It's empowering, challenging and fun. We love throwing a free party for amazing women bloggers, from the newest blogger to the most established and well-known out there. We love bringing all those people together for the greatest Girls' Night Out you can imagine. Whether or not someone wants the bag of goodies, we just want everyone to have a great time. We hope that's what happened. We know we had a blast.
Thanks to everyone who came this year, for sharing your time with us, for letting us hang with you and have a little fun.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved the party! I was bit disappointed to not get to stay as long as I would have liked because of standing in line, but was happy to have gotten to spend time with some of my favorite women and fellow bloggers! And once the line started moving, it went quickly. And I did love the HUGE swag bag as well, but also adore the pictures taken being silly with my girlz which I will keep long after I will remember what was in the big bag
I will admit I was one of the complainers – too long outside, hated carrying around the bag inside b/c I couldn’t maneuver the crowd with it and missed out on anything farther than 10 feet inside the door.
However, it was a fabulous party. Unfortunately, it is so easy to get sucked into it being “about the bag.” I made fun of the “swag whores” last year (mostly jealousy I admit since I was at home while they were gathering loot) and shameless became one once I got to NY.
I think you all did a great job given the parameters. As we all know, you can’t please everyone all of the time – but we all (should) know that you all did your very best and that is all we (should) ask.
I did special events for a TV station and by default had to do the office parties. I learned that no matter how organized you are and how awesome the event is (and ladies your event was awesome!) there is always going to be a group of complainers who are going to complain no matter what. Yes your bag was very generous and heavy but given last year’s drama your true friends among the party goers understood because really, what else could you have done? Having that bag over my shoulder proved to be a blessing because then I had a place to put my Avery survival kit (useful and genius marketing Avery!) and the Gheridelli people stuffed a few more samples in there when I wasn’t looking because I only took one
There were long lines and waits at the other invite only parties I attended that night too. Please don’t be upset. You ladies outdid yourselves! If someone is complaining about your bag being too heavy or too generous because you worked your butts off to make sure it was the best party ever and that someone like me can connect with brands I normally wouldn’t be able to, then they are probably the people who’s glass isn’t half empty – it’s just a completely and totally wrong type of glass!
What kind of person complains about someone being too generous?
awwww, thanks for your great comments, ladies. I appreciate everything you all have to say!!!
we LOVED the party. we had a BLAST. the swag thing is, well, I said it in the post…despite any of that, SocialLuxe is like magic for me. and you are all a part of that magic. so THANK YOU!
I have had this post bouncing around my head for ages….it’s sort of theme of conferences in general, something I’ve thought about in relation to other events besides just ours, trying to think about it from all angles.
anyway…thank you all!
The fact that you care so much before, during and after the party is why your party is so fantastic. SocialLuxe is where I had several of my best “nice to meet you + more” conversations out of the whole conference weekend and that happens when the vibe is fun and relaxed.
Unfortunately negative commenters command the most attention, so while it’s awesome that you are addressing those issues, just remember that for every negative comment there are probably 20 people who shrug and say, “I had a great time. What the hubbub about?”
Thanks for throwing a great party! If you pass out hugs next year I’ll be just as happy (ok that sounded squishy but I mean it for reals
We totally complained to each other about waiting on line and about the heavy bags…but we were just venting to each other because we were hot and tired and cranky from running around all day getting ready for the madness that is BlogHer. (Also because we’re loud obnoxious New Yorkers.) But we would never REALLY complain or criticize, because 1) We truly love SocialLuxe and appreciate getting a great party and an awesome swag bag every year and 2) We understand that there were issues with the swag last year that you wanted to address in the fairest way possible, and that a lot of work goes into pulling off an event like this. We know that the organizers worked really hard to throw a party that everyone would love. Anyone who seriously complained about waiting or carrying a heavy bag should probably take a minute to put themselves in the shoes of someone who wanted to attend the party and couldn’t get in.
Thanks again for a great party!
love it!
I have to tell you…I was SO GLAD we had CRAZY COLD air conditioning inside that party to help all you poor ladies cool down after the wait!
anyway…seriously, you are all wonderful.
Sigh. It is most certainly not. My latest post at popdiscourse.com actually calls out your trifecta of awesomeness; I was so impressed by what you pulled together for the party.
I myself did not pick up a single thing from a swag suite or the Expo floor; the only things I picked up were from events such as SocialLuxe, where something was earmarked for me. I actually was running late and since I was presenting, bypassed the registration/swag pick up line and picked up my bag on the way out. Later on when I looked inside, I was overwhelmed by the generosity in it (some of which I will use, some of which I will share with my wonderful contributing writers).
It’s true, you can’t please everyone and the squeakiest wheels make themselves heard, but rest assured you guys did a fantastic job. -Christine
I, for one, thought the waiting outside was fun because I got to talk to people I wouldn’t have been able to inside. I ran into people I hadn’t seen in a year and made new friends as well. It wasn’t that hot, it wasn’t that long, and the party was fabulous, and was well worth the wait!
The three of you did an amazing job and are amazing women as well. You should be very proud of the quality of event you pulled off
I would gladly suffer through the carrying around of the heavy swag bags because you’re right, you only put the best stuff in there. And also because you throw a kick ass party. I think of your awesome party every time I use my swiffer wet jet. Here’s hoping you all can continue to throw them.
Having looked forward to attending SocialLuxe last year, arriving late and not even being able to have a nice time because of the dark cloud of swag drama that hung over the event, I applaud your efforts to thwart a repeat this year. I know how hard it is to be a host with your name on the event and you feel so darned responsible for everything! I loved the swag bag, especially the bag itself, the coffee mug with a picture of me with 3 of my best blogging buddies, and some really fun memories. Don’t let the handful of 350 bum ya out!
This was my first BlogHer/Social Luxe experience and I am in SHOCK. Shock at how much is given to the attendees of the Social Luxe Party and shocked that it’s a free party. As in Fuh-REE! Everything was over the top! I just don’t see how you could complain about a free party with all your favorite blogging peeps
+ free big heavy bag full of swag
+ free food and drink
+ free chocolate
+ free henna tattoos
+ free photos with your friends
+ free nails, hair & make-up
The list goes on…
You can never know what will go right or wrong each year, so we all learn as we go. I agree with Condo Blues above…it must be glass half empty type of people.
Social Luxe was a big success and the attendees should count themselves as lucky. I know I do.
It’s sooo NOT about the bag! I couldn’t agree more. Here’s where I am coming from; this year was my first year at BlogHer and attending SocialLuxe. I heard amazing things about SocialLuxe and was excited to be able to attend. At no time before, during or after did my focus of SocialLuxe revolve around what was in my bag or how heavy it was. What I was there for and what I still remember is the excitement and energy, meeting amazing women, appreciating a beautifully hosted event, and mingling with familiar brands. For the same reasons, I am looking forward to next year and wondering what else you lovely ladies have up your sleeves
. PS had I uttered any of the complaints you mentioned above my mother would have slapped me into next week and reminded me that “I was raised better than that.”
When I focus on negative things, because let’s face it sometimes they eat us alive, my husband always tells me that I have so much positive in my life it’s not worth focusing on the negative. He’s right, we all know that, but it’s still hard. 300 of the guests probably had the best time of their lives and you heard nothing negative from them, and then the few people that didn’t like they way you did this or that gave you a heavy heart for weeks. Sometimes getting it off your chest helps.
I have an idea for next year. Why not hand out the swag bags the next day at the blogHer hotel. Set up an area where you have the women drop in the next day for the swag. That way 1. you don’t have to pack the swag up and drag it across the city 2. you can eliminate stealing, 3. you can eliminate complaining about lines and holding their bags, 4. you can have more fun because you don’t have to worry about the bags.
Yes, you’ll have to man the swag ‘counter’ or whatever you want to call it the next day but I bet you could get women to volunteer for that, what a great way to meet people and build relationships for some bloggers. Just an idea.
I did not attend but from everything you’ve told me and what I’ve read the party was a blast.
I just wanted to say that this was the BEST party at BlogHer10 that I attended. I loved everything about it from the swag bag to the pampering. The Avery chair massages were wonderful and the champagne bar from Lays was fantastic. The Avery binders turned out wonderful and I was able to add a giveaway to my review post (http://www.freeismylife.com/2010/08/blogging-and-city-blogher-2010_22.html) for the party because Avery generously gave out promotional codes for more FREE custom Avery binders. I connected with some great companies that have agreed to do future giveaways on my blog. I cannot wait for next year’s party. You all did a wonderful job.
I can’t find my free Avery binder coupon, that’s my complaint. Kidding
It was a wonderful party and I admit I had a twinge of worry after hearing about last years party someone was going to snag my swag. I’m still working on my posts, since you all and the sponsors were so generous and kind and the bag itself was by far the prettiest 
To echo what someone else is saying, the fact that y’all are so concerned just shows how much you care and I hope you don’t let you get you down – party was wonderful and, please, how cool did it feel waiting outside in New York while others looked on?
The Invisible Bag.
It’s not about the bag, you are right. It’s about the *invisible bag*. Here’s what mine was filled with from SocialLuxe this year:
* Seeing friends working. There’s just something about your friends working hard. You know them as women, as bloggers, as moms. But to see extraordinary women working as a team is just magic. I want to put that work ethic in my bag.
* The Yummie Tummy chick — Heather. Oh my, have you ever met smart and beautiful and looks-you-in-the-eye 1:1 customer relationship before? Wow, she just wowed me. I’ll put her cheery karma in my bag.
* The chicks who designed the invitation. Now I sound silly, but one is a few months pregnant and was looking at @bostonmamas all night long talking about how rad she was working the room with a baby in her tummy. Talk about a Yummie Tummy. I’ll put motherhood in action in my bag.
* The henna lady whose name I’ll never remember who told me to charge my phone and chill out and drew Henna art so beautiful on my and that everyone I met for the next two days asked me what was so special. I’ll put feeling special in my bag.
Jane, you are so right, it’s not about the bag. But you missed on thing: Social Luxe IS what you put in the bag. What I carried away in my bag was my friends, fun, work ethic, cheery karma, motherhood in-actin and feeling special in my bag of goodies I’m not soon to forget.
Social Luxe was the best party, both this year and last. You ladies do such an amazing job, and are all so personable. It doesn’t feel like you’re just up there on stage, or worse, invisible hostesses. I loved that you mingled in the line outside, assuring people that things were just taking a little longer.
And you had great swag, even if it was a little heavy and awkward. I love the actual bags too, which I’ve kept from both years, unlike some swag bags I’ve gotten. But honestly, I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the henna tattoos, and just seeing such a great group of people. Don’t let the complaints get you down. You gals were really organized and threw an amazing party.
You ladies did a great job again. It was so nice to see you all greeting the throngs in line who were sweaty and cranky. It would be great if the swag could be picked up upon leaving again, though, just so it would be easier to hug people!
In the end, my only complaint was that I had to leave to get to other events…
I was not at BlogHer10. (kicking myself) but have been reading post after post about all of the wonderful events and sessions. Thought I would just drop my two cents in that I have heard nothing but kudos and love about the Socail Luxe Lounge party!
As an organizer of many events I know…there will always be a sqeaky wheel. You just have to know in your heart you did a great job and be all kinds of proud about it:)
all of your comments are WONDERFUL. THANK YOU. this is why we do socialluxe! xoxo!!!!