5 Reasons you Should (ABSOLUTELY) attend a #DisneySMMC On the Road Event

If you’ve been around here long, you may have heard my story of traveling to Chicago last summer for a “Disney Social Media Moms On-the-Road” event.

You may also have seen my recent post announcing my thrilling invitation to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Walt Disney World this May. I’m still reeling from that.

So has your interest been piqued? If so – or if you are one of literally hundreds of millions of people who have started (or more who have thought about starting) a blog, youTube channel, etc – you need to check out today’s announcement from Disney Moms:

Specific dates (beyond “June 2015”), speakers, etc have not yet been announced, but now is the time to sign up for more information and apply to attend an event near you. Or not so near you, because traveling to these events is more than worthwhile. Click here to sign up, or read below if you still aren’t convinced.

5 REASONS YOU SHOULD ATTEND A #DISNEYSMMC ON-THE-ROAD EVENT

1. The speakers. Last year I got to soak in information from experts from the Disney Parks social media team and Disney Parks Blog, Ramon DeLeon, and other inspiring, brilliant people. The speakers aren’t yet announced for this year, but they’re sure to pack a punch. You will not see this caliber of learning opportunities for free at any other conferences.
2. The sponsors. In addition to hearing from great teachers, we were given insider information on Disney Parks, HP products, Huggies “Mothers of Invention” and more. We may have also gotten some swag from these companies, if that’s of interest to you ;)
3. The friends. I connected with other bloggers and influencers from across the country, and some very local to me that I didn’t meet until 400 miles away. Everyone there (and this has even been true as the coveted Celebration invites have gone out again this year) is genuinely supportive, encouraging, and kind. We were not competitors, we were colleagues. And now many of us are friends.
4. The magic. I mean, nobody does magical experiences like Disney, right? The on-the-road event, despite being hundreds of miles from a Disney Destination, brings so much of that magic, well, on the road! There were fun #DisneySide activities, delicious “Festival of Fantasy” cookies, Mickey Rice Crispy treats, charming souvenirs, and videos that made us laugh and cry.
5. The connections. Now, it’s far from understood how one earns a spot to events like the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, red carpet screenings, and the like. But I can assure you from my experience this past year, you will network and make connections at these events that will provide you with fun opportunities and amazing information throughout the year. Connecting with Maria Bailey and MomSelect gets you “in the loop” for Disney Side parties, Mom Panels, Twitter Parties, and more – on all kinds of topics. And Maria is just one of the wonderful people you may meet at your event!

FAQs

1. How much does it cost? The event, in years past, has been free. You provide your own travel and accommodations.
2. Do I just sign up and go? Signing up lets the team in charge know you are interested in attending. Unfortunately, there is not space enough for everyone – but what have you got to lose in trying?
3. If I have to “apply”, I probably have no chance, right? I’m just a {new, small, local, mom} blogger. Absolutely not true! I had just begun my blog and had barely started establishing a social media presence when I attended last year. Each year when invitations go out for the big celebration, there are people who have been stalking their inboxes, sure. But there are also people who tweet, “I just got invited to this thing. What is it?” You do NOT have to be big time, or run in the right circles. Just. Apply.
4. What if I don’t blog about Disney? No worries! Many, many of the bloggers invited to events every year have little to absolutely no focus on the Mouse. We aren’t 100% sure what they’re looking for, but people all around the country have “that special something” they are seeking, and it seems to have absolutely nothing to do with how many times you have been to the parks or how well you know your Disney Trivia.
5. Where do I get more information? Click here to express interest and/or read more about the event. You will also find contact information there for specific questions. Follow @DisneyMoms and #DisneySMMC on twitter.

So tell me…. are you signing up?! I hope so!