BlogWorld, Las Vegas Blog Convention

I started the conversation about BlogWorld after having the opportunity to interview its originator, Rick Calvert, and PR guy Doug Freeman. Now, others are picking up the story (here, and here).

When I spoke with Calvert, his intention was to bring together all aspects of the blogosphere, from business to political and so on. One thing I mentioned to him (and learned later that B L Ochman had told Calvert the same thing) was that he needed to consider incorporating social media, for by that time, blogging would be old hat. I see that he's taken our advice and added that theme as well, even though he's using the term "new media," as opposed to "social media." (semantics)

This desire to see all corners of the blogosphere represented is one departure from the numerous other blog conferences over the past few years, most of which tended to target a niche or segment. Another thing that sets this event apart is that it is not a conference at all, but an expo -- Blogworld & New Media Expo. While there have been many other fine blog conferences, such as Blogher and Blog Business Summit, to my knowledge none have really focused on blogging from an industry perspective with the inclusion of a tradeshow or expo.

According to Frank Barnako's MarketWatch post, "There will be exhibits and seminars. As many as 40,000 square feet, at a minimum of $25 a foot, are being shopped to Web hosting companies, blog software publishers, online advertising networks, and others. Attendees are expected to be bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and Net radio broadcasters. Attendee registration fees range from $50 to $500."

BlogWord is "The first and only tradeshow, conference, and media event dedicated to promoting the dynamic industry of blogging and new media." That may be over-reaching and sounds a bit PR-ish, but it is the first event to bring together bloggers from every corner of the blogosphere, which I think is a good thing.

One thing is for sure...with bloggers involved, what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas!