The MilBlog Conference Moves Back to Washington

As you know, we experimented with moving our annual conference to Vegas in 2008. We had a great time in Vegas - how could you not have a great time in Vegas - but, Washington is a better venue for our official conference, so the 2009 MilBlog Conference will be held in Washington, DC. Milbloggers will continue to have a presence in Vegas at the annual Blog World Expo, which recently made some news, but the big conference will move back to Washington.

Going back to the successful model of 2007, all events will take place at The Westin Arlington Gateway on April 24-25. We've secured a block of rooms for attendees. You can reserve your room by clicking here. We know some of you like to combine your trip to the conference with a vacation, so you can reserve rooms under our block from April 22-29 (subject to availability).

The registration interface is currently being revamped and updated. Once the changes have been completed, I'll post a link which will allow you to register for the conference. I doubt the link will be ready before February 1, so please sit tight while the changes are made.

The registration fee is $50 per person and includes dinner, breakfast and entry to the conference. Pretty good deal...

As with everything, milblogging has grown and changed over the years. To reflect that growth, we're adding some unconventional, interesting elements to this year's program. We'll begin announcing the schedule of speakers and topics within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.   

Tentative program as follows:

Friday, April 24:

7:00 - 7:45P: Milblogger Meeting* (optional, and open to all milbloggers)

8:00P - Midnight: Party (dinner included)

Saturday, April 25:

7:45 - 8:45A: Breakfast

9:00A - 5:00P: 2009 MilBlog Conference

*The milblogger meeting will be an informal, voluntary meeting to discuss items of interest to milbloggers. Among the items we'll be discussing are how we can help raise money for troop charities, help veterans and families in need and better work together on various issues now that the community has become so large.

Comments

[AFSister]

YAY!
Andi, I think this is a good move. As we were talking about it at dinner last year, Vegas was cool, but it just wasn't the same. I'm thrilled you're moving it back to DC! I don't think I can afford to go this year due to the wedding only 2 months later, which makes me sad, but I'll be with you all in spirit!

[CJ Grisham]

Woohoo! I might actually be able to make this one too!

[Sgt. B.]

*dirty word-dirty word-dirty word*

I'm not going to may it again THIS fraggin' year!!!

I'll tell ya what, I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the direction that our efforts over here are headed, but missing two MilBlog conferences in a row because of I'm deployed (or training to deploy) is getting to be a derned good reason to start protesting things!!! (I won't even be able to show off Phoenix!!! I really wanted you guys to meet her!!!)

Okay, rant off... Good luck to the folks who are putting it together, and I wish everyone a great time! You've already helped the military community come to grips with the blogosphere, and they're making progress - reference The Gun Line, live from In Country!)

[Sgt. B.]

*dirty word-dirty word-dirty word*

I'm not going to may it again THIS fraggin' year!!!

I'll tell ya what, I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the direction that our efforts over here are headed, but missing two MilBlog conferences in a row because of I'm deployed (or training to deploy) is getting to be a derned good reason to start protesting things!!! (I won't even be able to show off Phoenix!!! I really wanted you guys to meet her!!!)

Okay, rant off... Good luck to the folks who are putting it together, and I wish everyone a great time! You've already helped the military community come to grips with the blogosphere, and they're making progress - reference The Gun Line, live from In Country!)

[Miss Ladybug]

I'm going to see if I can actually swing it this year. Airfare - even a direct flight from Austin to DC - is surprisingly affordable right now. I'll just have to see what my taxes look like. I anticipate a refund this year...

[Chap]

Chap here. TypePad is acting squirrelly. I'll be in town for the conference. You all want me around?

[Chap]

I'll be in town for the conference. You all need a boring guy on active duty?

[Ann Davidson]

I will be attending, I am coming from California.

[Caroline]

Jamie and I just bought our plane tickets and can't wait!

[Andi]

Chap - Of course we want you around!

Ann and Caroline (and Jamie) - look forward to seeing you.

[DANIEL OSEI AMPADU]

I wish to be there with you;but i am far away from you.
Wishing you all the best of luck.