I’ll admit… I attended the first Blogathon in 2009 with some trepidation. Although I’d already been blogging for years, up until that point most of my blogging friends were people that I’d met and knew online. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was supposed to get out of attending and I only knew one or two people that were going to be there. I’m notoriously anti-social, so the idea of spending a day with a bunch of strangers didn’t thrill me. But @Ileenieweenie (who I followed on Twitter and who I liked immensely) lured me there with promises of food, good times and candy.

I moved here in 1999, and I can honestly say that driving home from the first Blogathon ten year later was the very first time I knew I was in love with Austin. I left the co-working space that evening feeling energized, excited and a part of a community of really cool, professional people who actually liked me for my geekiness—not in spite of it. I’d found my tribe.

Check out the video I made way back when at BlogathonATX I:

At Blogathon you get to learn new technologies, develop creative ideas, discover local businesses and enjoy some amazing food. But the most valuable thing that happens there is meeting people in Austin who have the same enthusiasm and passion that you do about blogging and social media. Whether you’re just starting out or you are a professional blogger, you’ll come away with real relationships that will benefit you in your quest for online greatness. Seriously!

This is the third Blogathon where I’ll be in charge of social media for the event. My team of volunteers and I will be manning the official @blogathonATX twitter account, the www.Facebook.com/BlogathonATX page, and updating the BlogathonATX blog live throughout the day. I’m also planning to create another video to feature the attendees, so if you’re coming be sure you look camera-ready!

Still feeling shy? Not sure you want to risk feeling awkward at an event attended by mostly awkward people? Then follow me on Twitter (@ImTheQ) and let me know you’re coming. I’ll keep an eye out for you and show you the Blogathon ropes, introduce you to some awesome people, and make sure you get a taco before they are demolished by the blogging hoards.

See you in April!

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