Blog Paws 2016

 by Christine Michaels, President of Riverfront Cats

Christine arrives in Arizona and sees her orange crush from last year--Russell!
(Please don't tell Waffles)

BlogPaws 2016 kicked up furballs, desert dust, and a dandy good time.

If you're a first time visitor to our blog, Blog Paws is the leading social media conference for online pet bloggers. Whether you write about your pet in his/her voice, your voice, or about pets in general or as a vet or vet technician or for an animal welfare group, any pet blogger of any genre is welcome to participate to learn how to improve blogging efforts and build valuable connections.

There's so much to cover, that I'll share some of my favorite highlights.  [Read more on our main blog Pawsitively Humane--To Be Posted Soon].  Also we included links at the end of this blog post to view ALL the photos from the conference taken by conference photographer.

Held in Chandler, Arizona (south of Phoenix), this year Blog Paws  was mostly a time for reflection for me. Built on an Indian reservation twelve years ago, the serenity and the amenities of the Sheraton Wild Horse Resort  provided the ultimate escape from the daily rigors of caring for community cats and guiding residents in their efforts to help homeless cats. While I went from humid heat of Miami to desert heat of outer Phoenix, it was still a welcoming break. I enjoyed every minute of the weather and the conference.

Hotel exterior
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark )

Even the hotel lobby with ethereal/spiritual images on circular drop ceiling, boded a sense of tranquility and peace.

Hotel lobby
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark )

Deb Barnes and I ready for our spa treatments

Organizers think of everything from the type of seminars, to a dog park and indoor dog sitting room, to the guest speakers, to author book signings, fun activities like Yappy Hour, Meow Hour, and Arts & Crafts DIY pawties. There is never a dull moment.

Pet Daycare (Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark )

 Once the conference begins, it's nonstop action! BlogPaws recognizes the dedication and effort of pet bloggers and ensures every one feels welcome and special

Christine Michaels, step-and-repeat at the BlogPaws 2016 kickoff

As a seasoned attendee, the main benefit of BlogPaws was the networking and seeing online friends in person and of course all the pets- dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, ferret, rat, pigs...

These furry attendees are obviously used to posing. Too cute!

And every year there is that one pet, dog and cat, that steals the spotlight and captures your heart.  This BlogPaws it was Samson, the long-haired, 12 week old orange kitten.  I so love orange cats. My first cat is orange, Jean Pierre, he's now 15.

Everyone wanted to hold Samson, and his owner and Samson kindly let me.

Christine Michaels holds Samson

Orange kitties are the sweetest and smartest.
Samson gets cozy.

Jenny Lewis from Pixel Blue Eyes blog

Pets are welcome anywhere from the seminars to the dining room. All the pets are well behaved and well traveled and accustomed to new scenes and interacting with humans and other pets.

This dog belonging to person next to me,  jumped and nestled on my lap. Love it!

The next highlight is connecting with online friends and fellow pet bloggers. Deb Barnes lives in South Florida, yet we see each other more at yearly conferences. Cat ladies never rest at home.

Cat bloggers in cat ears, Christine Michaels and Deb Barnes

THE AWARDS
Hard work pays off. After consistent efforts in blogging, following the tips, techniques and trade of the best bloggers, a great feeling is the recognition by industry experts in both the social media and your knowledge of the content.  At BlogPaws 2016 I had the opportunity to attend two award ceremonies.  Friday night was the Cat Writer's Association. If you enjoy writing about cats, offline or online, then you must consider joining CWA!  I never realized how many categories and genres there were for cat writers. Visit their website for more information!

Cat Writers Association Awards Banquet
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark)

So honored to keep Summer company while her mom, Janiss Garza,
has a chance to get dinner and relax.

Congratulations to Janiss for her CWA Award and to Deb Barnes for recognition for her enlightening article on feral cats!!

Deb Barnes accepting her medallion at CWA banquet
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark)

THE RED CARPET FOR NOSE TO NOSE BLOGPAWS AWARDS NIGHT

 The final night is the culmination of excitement and hard work, the Nose to Nose BlogPaws awards dinner and ceremony. This is a celebration of the best of the best. All attendees are invited to walk the red carpet with their pet on their way to the happy hour, dinner and ceremony.

Kitten and two chihuahuas walk the red carpet with owner
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark)

Carol Bryant and her dog on the red carpet
(Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark)

Then the finalists of the awards are asked to walk at the end. I was honored to be nominated for Best Cause blog for Riverfront Cats.

Award finalists walk down red carpet

(I could get used to this)

My fellow nominee (Christina) and  Bernard (BlogPaws staff), me

 Of course none of this would be possible without the Founders, the incredible BlogPaws staff and the sponsors. Special shout out to Purina, Natural Balance and Nature's Recipe for their support. It was truly a fabulous event!

Founder Yvonne Divita, Michael Massey (President of Pet Smart), Chloe Divita and founder Tom Collins

Summer hiding from Paparrazi
 (Photo courtesy of Blog Paws; photographer Anabelle Denmark )

This post does not even begin to cover the magnitude and energy of the conference, from the check in, the  social events for mingling, cocktailing and networking, the seminars, meal time, guest speakers, and pet events. I encourage you to click on the links below to view photos from the official BlogPaws Facebook page. 

To view photos of the conference on Facebook:
Day One of the Conference
Day Two of the Conference
Day Three of the Conference

Next year's conference will take place in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Visit BlogPaws page for more information!

*Note: No nonprofit funds were used for this conference.
Most Photos: Courtesy of BlogPaws; Photographer  http://www.annabelledenmark.com/

Review of BlogPaws 2015

Howdy fans. Geisha here to kick off the intro of our founder's latest trip to Nashville, TN for the annual BlogPaws conference.  Hence the pink cowgirl hat. 

Going through the photos, (she took a lot) there's a story behind each one.  So I selected my favorites for your benefit otherwise this could turn into a novel!  But Christine was wise to break up the entire BlogPaws experience into three blogposts: here for cat-centric theme, a more well-rounded summary at our umbrella website Pawsitively Humane; and her personal blog for the sightseeing adventures.

Christine was greeted by dogs upon entering BlogPaws. You can check out her video with all the dogs throughout the conference.  But this is a cat website-so let's get back on track. Turning over to our founder, Christine Michaels...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hello Riverfront Cats Fans and new Followers!

This was another great conference at BlogPaws so we'll jump right into it.

As a member of the BlogPaws community, one is an insider of all things pet related.  We are pioneering the industry as a direct result of blogging and leveraging social media.  We connect with writers, authors, bloggers, social media experts, pet brands, veterinarians and other experts.  

As a proud Cat Lady, I was excited to wear my new cat t-shirt "My Cat Walks All Over Me". Although it should say "My Cats..." (Plural cats).Cats are simply amazing creatures.  I am continually amazed at their range of personalities, intelligence, resilience, and other abilities.

This year I fell in love with another orange cat. Last year I met Waffles (from Glogirly) but this year Russell stole my heart. Accustomed to being chauffeured in his stroller and to people and crowds, we ran into each other several times. It was fate. I hope my husband (an orange marmalade) Jean Pierre doesn't get too jealous when he smells Russell on my clothes?

Russell and Christine connect

Christine has a soft spot for orange cats.

But then I met Sophie from Kitty Cat Chronicles.  What a dreamy cat. This fearless kitty ambled around and walked up to any person or animal--dog, cat, pigs, ferrets...Sophie walks a little funny because she has a mild- to-moderate case of cerebellar hypoplasia. This proves that "special needs" kitty, are not always a burden.  Sophie just needs someone to make sure she can stand and move along if she stumbles. She is extra special because not only does she walk on a leash or sling, she has no fear!

Then it was time to see other famous cats from long-time established blogs.

First we have Summer, a designer cat. She has to be the most beautiful cat at the conference. She's in training to be a therapy cat.  Just looking at her (she is real, not a stuffed toy!), one immediately relaxes and is mesmerized by her beauty and tranquility. Here she is in DIY fashion contest.

Then there is the impeccably and versatile fashion icon, Coco, the couture cat. And she's a talker! We knew when she needed a break during the sessions.

Teri and Deb Barnes with Coco the cat

Coco in French beret

Coco the punk rocker

Coco in Red Parisian evening couture-FABULOUS!

On Friday morning, Deb Barnes (from Zee and Zoey) and I coordinated outfits and wore our matching cat t-shirts.  Local TV stations were on the way. 

Deb Barnes & Christine Michaels wearing One Cool Cat tshirts by RCTees
Our favorite cat shirt vendor! Check our their site.

 If drinking makes one act silly, well so does lack of sleep.  Deb and I are having fun while patiently waiting for TV crews to arrive.  They may think we're "crazy" not silly.  I look like a stork!

Look at our matching shirts--as if you couldn't tell. Exhaustion from excitement.
Cat Ladies know how to have fun!

Once I wake up from this funny dream of TV crews filming a blue/green stork, I suddenly find myself in cat heaven. And it only gets better as I step into the Cat Style Lounge!  Cats, cocktails and catification accessories--this is a dangerous place! 

Featuring a range of home products from climbers, to scratchers, to toys, in stylish shapes to complement your home decor, the lounge features the latest and greatest items. I am moving this year and I have plans to "catify" my new condo. Modern but stylish. I am the modern cat woman! To view these products visit www.hauspanther.com

A hammock by Cattino--I MUST HAVE!!

I won the modern purple feeder!

SATURDAY NIGHT- PARTY TIME AT BLOGPAWS 2015 in NASHVILLE

BlogPaws knows how to throw a cocktail event!

Thank you to all the Sponsors!

Love cupcakes

Is that a cattle bell I hear? No it's a Cat Bell!  Which means time to corral the people and pets and begin the much anticipated Award Ceremony.

Christine Michaels & Deb Barnes before dinner & award ceremony

Herman on red carpet

Shawn Simmons and Kissy the cat strike a pose.  Supermodels indeed!

AWARD CEREMONY

This year Riverfront Cats was nominated for a Nose-to-Nose award. To our great surprise we won--our first award! We are so grateful for this award which will raise awareness for black cats, part of our mission. For more photos and stories regarding the visit Riverfront Cats posting on the award, and Pawsitively Humane.
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For a list of all winners and to view the video recording, please click here.

With Dr. Patrick Mahoney, vet and writer for Pet360

Fellow bloggers are supportive of one another. I love this community!
Here with the mother of Cathy Keisha, a ghetto and stunning cat.

There are many winners here. Not just the bloggers. We are the medium for connecting pet owners, future pet owners, to the pet world. Dogs, cats, ferrets, rats...all pets are the winners.  Also, BlogPaws generously gives back to the pet welfare community throughout the entire conference. For each award winner, we chose a nonprofit to benefit from a $500 donation. Many nonprofit organizations benefit from our attendance and our sponsors.  So thank you!!!

BlogPaws presents check to Happy Tales Humane Society

We also attended seminars and had a chance to explore the city to appreciate its culture. To read about it, if you haven't already read our review at our umbrella nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, click here for more stories and photos highlighting BlogPaws 2015 in Nashville, TN.

Johnny Walker here. That's a wrap folks.
See you next year in Phoenix!