#IABFLYIN: Small Publisher Conference & Fly-In Recap
Hey Cuties,
Last week I spent two days with the fine folks of the Interactive Advertising Bureau {IAB}. They hosted a F-R-E-E two-day Small Publisher Conference & Fly-In, in Washington, DC. This was the first time I’d heard of them, but I plan to be a regular going forward. I immediately signed up not knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone else that had been. IAB brings small publishers to DC to discuss hot topics and then to meet members of Congress and their staff. The event was hosted by Google and AOL so I knew it couldn’t be bad.
DAY 1: Kicked off with a networking lunch, because they know how to woo me. VP of Marketing, Chris Glushko kicked things off with a greeting.
We also discussed earning more with content syndication and native marketing with Susan Getgood of She Knows Media. She is so freaking dope. The major topic for me was the issue of adblocking. OMG! I’ve been to conference after conference and nobody is having this conversation. Stay woke people! As bloggers, we work with brands to support our digital space, pay bills, and live. Ads are a part of that formula, they can appear in a variety of ways. Nobody wants to be annoyed, myself included but they are a necessary evil. Instead of just blocking them one should educate them-self a bit. Look more big picture.
NOTE: They fed us like Kings and Queens. I’m talking great lunch, bomb snacks, and quality beverages. These are my people.
Following great discussion, we headed over to the Google offices for a little reception. MORE FOOD!
They kept the cocktails flowing as we introduced ourselves and continued some of the conversations from earlier.
This chair was cool and you know I love some branding.
I told you that IAB knows how to make a gal feel good. Dinner was yummy, I was in great company, my wine glass never got a chance to go empty. We finished off day one with a raspberry tart and lots of chatter.
DAY 2: Started like a champion… with food! Food with parents. Then we headed to Capitol Hill.
The gang is all here and we are ready to talk about the importance of small business owners and how we factor into the legislature. We split into teams and divided and conquered.
Shout out to Rob Hartwell, {Below pic, bottom right.} he was our chaperon and navigated us around The Hill. He lucked up with the best group ever.
As we moved around we introduced ourselves and our businesses. We informed them of the impact their decision has on our small business. Example: They may make a ruling to crack down on a major digital brand not realizing that it also hits the small business owners. A major brand will be annoyed but they have teams of folks and plenty of money and they aren’t hurting for anything. Meanwhile, that same ruling could shut a small business all the way down. Translation: Mortgage is unpaid, childcare has to be cut out, already strained budgets are squeezed to capacity.
This was one of my favorite visits especially because it is my home state. I look forward to connecting and working with Representative Steny Hoyer’s office in the future.
Oh, we were busy honey…
So busy we needed snacks. This is a store in the Capitol. There is no attendant but lots of security cameras. You can see them on the left of the picture. IAB took care of our tab and we got some goodies to hold us over until lunch.
They had an AT&T store, Verizon, a cleaner, a graphics place, and other shops. You don’t have to leave this building for any reason.
Do you know the significance of this clock? I didn’t until my visit. So the clocks light up and buzz, this tells the members of the House and the Senate when actions are taking place on the floor. When it is solid red like in the picture above that means the Senate is in Session. When it is a solid orange color that means the House is in session. Depending on the length of the buzz this might tell you sessions are about to start, it is time to vote, the session is going on break, and more.
The day was all kinds of cool and then it was lunchtime. The cool turned all the way up. If you follow me on Snap Chat (MimiCuteLips) then you got to see a lot of the action in real-time.
When I say they had everything, they had everything. Peep the different banners in the picture, if you wanted it they had it. There was a station for it all I’m talking about sushi, dessert, soul food, sandwiches, salads, EVERYTHING PEOPLE. I went for the mac & cheese because somebody’s grandma was in the back baking it up. All mac & cheese is NOT created equal but it was bomb. Again the fine folks at the IAB picked up the tab.
It was nice to be heard, it was nice to see representatives and staffers so engaged in our discussion. It was fun to see each office decorated to represent their respective states. FUN FACT: M&M’s are made in Tennessee.
My Boo Moms ‘N Charge and I had a blast all day. Peep her recap HERE.
I look forward to doing it again next year.
Today was a good freaking day. Please understand the importance of having your voice heard. We need to have a seat at the table.
Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
Sounds like it was a fun and successful trip for you! I need to go to something like this myself! I know that you can learn so much at these conferences.
Yes, it was worth every minute of my time.
This sounds like it was a great conference. These are the kind of conferences that can really help you take yourself to the next level.
Yes Stacie, and that is what I’m looking to do with mimicutelips.com
What an awesome experience. I am sure you learned so much from this conference. I would love to attend an event like this one day.
I did, it was so refreshing.
That sounds like it was a great experience. I’ve never been to a conference like that, but it sounds like you gained a ton of useful knowledge…and great food 🙂
I liked that it was so different from the norm.
I’ve never been to a conference like this before but I want to after seeing your photos. It looks like something that would hold my attention from start to finish (and that’s not an easy task to do).
Ha, love that Terri.
This was a greatly detailed coverage. It almost felt like I was there. That atmosphere seems like it was swimming with inspiration! Happy you loved it!
Thanks Chardline that is always my goal.
What an amazing conference! I bet you learned so much!! I never knew so much about the senate! I love the real meaning behind the clock! Very cool!!
Jenn it was way cool, I need to ask them more questions.
Sounds like a great event for publishers. I haven’t heard about IAB before but I’d like to check them out.
Miles they are the champions that we don’t hear about. Check them out for sure.
Looks like it was a great conference! I’m jealous I missed out on this one!
Get in on it next time Kelly. People come from all over.
That looks like a fun conference. I’ve never been to any kind of conference before. I’m glad to hear you had fun. I would love to be able to go to the capital someday.
Kathy, I’ve done several but they weren’t free like this one. Going on the Hill was big.
I love to go to conferences. This looks like it was fun.
Ann it was a lot of fun, I will go every year.
This sounds like such a fantastic trip! And everything you learned about the clock is really cool. I’d love to do something like this some day!
It is worth checking out Ashley.
I love attending conferences and events like this. The content (and food) are generally amazing.
Jamie they fed our spirit and our guts.
I would love to go to a conference like this. Looks like so much fun and so many amazing people to meet!
The connections were awesome.
That look so fab! Even better because it was FREE! I love DC. Great recap!
Yes, free is always nice.
I always leave a conference feeling inspired, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. There is no better place to reset and to form connections.
Yes, the I am woman hear me roar is so intense right now.
Looks like you had a wonderful time. What a great event. I have always wanted to go to Washington DC. Now that I have better health and wellness I am up for more traveling this year.
You totally should Chrystal, it is a great place. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Awesome, I didn’t know that Google and AOL had a free conference! My husband and I went to the capitol on our trip to DC in November. I’m glad you got a better view than we did, the construction they were doing had it completely covered up.
The construction has changed things up a bit. The view isn’t the same at all.
Look at you on Capitol Hill and all! Sounds like a really informative conference.
Yes girl, I had to send that picture to my Mama.
I hadn’t heard of IAB. It looks like they treated all of their guest in style. Such a fun time in D.C. Free is always nice.
It is worth a look.
Wow, I have never heard of this; it is such a great opportunity! This is something I need to look into for next year!
Please put it on your radar for next year Taylor.
Wow! Looks like it was a really educational event… and for FREE 99? Can’t beat that!
Girl FREE 99!
This is something all bloggers need to do. We have such a huge impact and can do such amazing things when given the opportunity to do so. It looks so fun and informative.
I am right there with you Michelle. We have this platform, we have to decide what we will use it for.
Looks and sounds like a great conference! I have been invited to a couple of conferences and hope to someday be able to get to one!
You would enjoy them, its cool to meet other folks that live and relate to our lives.
I love Washington DC there is so much there to see there. Looks like a fun conference to attend.
Jenny, you are right about that. So much to see, do and eat.
This sounded like an awesome event. It’s really cool that small business owners have a chance to communicate with representatives in DC.
I thought so too, it is nice to heard.
This looks like an excellent conference. I love how today anyone can publish anything. And who knows who will get lucky and make it big, anything is possible these days, we all have a shot!
Yes Mitch, times have changed so much.
Looks like that conference was full of fun and opportunities, those are the best kids.
They totally are Heather is was a break from the norm and I loved that.
Looks like an awesome trip, what a fun way to learn more about things! I haven’t attended a conference in ages, was a fun experience. This one looks worth the trip!
Brandy, I said I was taking a break from them until I saw FREE.
I am glad you were able to attend this conference – looks like it was an awesome time!
It was so worth it.
What an wonderful experience and an honor to be included in this conference. Just looking at the pictures, it seems like it was a wonderful trip.
It was Michele, in a way I didn’t even see coming.
Great recap! I’ve always wondered what IAB was like. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome Dude Mom.
You’re giving me conference envy. I can’t believe that was $free.99! Thanks for sharing your experience and I’m glad to hear it was a valuable experience.
I’m happy to do so Shari; sharing is caring.
This sounds like an awesome conference. It definitely gets major bonus points for being FREE!
Right Angelic, at a time when we are charged hundred of dollars to attend FREE is outside of the norm.
I had not heard of this event before. Thanks for taking along with you. I did not know the significance of the clock. How cool.
You’re welcome Jay. I had no idea about the clock either.
Looks like a great time! I love DC, its always a fun time. And who doesn’t love FREE? Hahaha. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Noel, exactly. Free is for me.
I am not familiar with IAB, but it looks like it was a great event. 🙂
It was a worthy two days.
This sounds like a fabulous event. I will have to add it to my list of must attend events next year.
Totally, I will make sure you have your face in the place next year.
Oh I definitely need to check out IAB. Love that there is a company behind the scenes looking out for us small publishers.
Yes Kita, I was like how do we as small publishers NOT know about the IAB.
Wow! I love going to conferences like this. Looks like it was really fun. Bloggers like us really need this kind of event.
Ana we totally do, we need to have a seat at the table of those making decisions for and about us.
Sounds like this was a very productive conference. And good mac + cheese is always a nice touch!
Girl, I appreciate people who present quality food to my face.
It sounds like a great event with great food and people…oh and the drinks.
Can’t forget the drinks, but it totally was Kim.
Looks like a very cool event for publishers. You always learn so much at conferences. Especially a free conference.
Yes Chrishelle, especially a free conference.
What an amazing conference!! I was in DC last summer and loved it!! I can’t wait to go back!
Ricci, you totally should.
This looks like a great conference to attend, I would love to attend something like one of these in the near future.
Put it on your radar for next year.
I haven’t heard of this one, but I enjoy going to conferences. It looks like it was very productive for you.
It was very productive and structured much differently then most.
Love it!!! You and Christine are everywhere I swear!!!
Hahaha we are trying to be. 😉
This is my first time hearing about the IAB. Heading over to their site to check them out.
Nicole, it is totally worth a look.
Darn – I’m right here in DC and wish I could have gone. Looked like a jam-packed day of info! Lovely recap!
Oh Valerie, next year you have to be there.
Wow this sounds like a great opportunity and a wonderful conference! I would love to visit DC
You totally should Brittany.
Great post but I will be honest I wish there were more colorful faces in the room. Le sigh but happy to see you and Christine there representing! Looks like you learned a lot and they treated you all so well!
Kiwi, I always wish for that. In the group total I think it was only about 4 or so. I’m trying girl, I’m trying.