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/

Cat Lady Attempts to Persuade her Husband to Attend Pet Conference #BlogPawsorBust

Scenario: Cat Lady & Pet Blogger Christine Michaels is on a mission named #BlogPawsorBust. She and her husband Jean Pierre, are sitting on the balcony on a picture perfect evening, watching the sunset. Stroking the back of his neck, Christine attempts to persuade him to go to the BlogPaws conference this June in Phoenix, Arizona.

Oh by the way, her husband is A CAT!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Christine: Jean Pierre honey wouldn't you like to go to Phoenix for a romantic getaway?

Jean Pierre (with a suspicious and quizzical look): Pourquoi Phoenix?

Christine: Well for starters we will stay at the luxurious Sheraton Wild Pass Hotel Resort & Spa and Phoenix has beautiful cactus trees, horseback riding, serene rivers, cumulus clouds, stunning sunsets...

Arizona sunset

Jean Pierre: But we have palm trees in Miami, sparkling water bays, rivers and oceans-the beach! And gorgeous sunsets here too. Why do we need to go to Phoenix? What are you not telling me ma cherie? What's in Phoenix? Who's in Phoenix?

Miami Sunset

Christine: Well mon cherie, you know I attend the BlogPaws conference every year and this year fortunately it's in hot Phoenix.  (Battling her eyelashes) It's bathing suit weather. 

Jean Pierre: I knew it! You just want to see your lovers, those other orange flames. That Waffles from Glogirly, or Russell or...

Waffles-Orange Cat with Orange Tie--so dapper!

Christine (smiling sweetly and blowing kisses): But honey, I'm asking you to join me this time. All the more reason to show off my handsome husband, my one true love. It's Blog Paws or bust baby?

Makes me melt.

Jean Pierre: So Blog Paws or Bust? I choose your bust! Hahaha!

Christine: Very funny my love, very funny.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pet bloggers or aspiring pet bloggers, you don't want to miss the best pet blogging and social media conference in the world!

Whether you are considering starting a blog and are unsure which approach to take; or have started a blog and need guidance and tips on social media to improve traffic; or are a long-time blogger and stumped with how to take your blog to the next level, the answers await you at Blog Paws! And yes you can bring your pet! Your furry child or in my case--my furry husband.

CAT WRITER'S ASSOCIATION

While my specialty is education about stray, feral, community and black cats, the above script was a nice break, a fun post from regular serious, educational postings. The above script is my feeble attempt at using humor to promote the conference. Comic relief may not be my strength. Well thankfully other experienced humor bloggers will be in attendance I can ask for advice. Also this year, the Cat Writer's Association (CWA) is joining BlogPaws.  Writers from all cat genres and publishing mediums will be attending. Even better, CWA encourages mentoring writers! So you can bet I will be seeking input from long-time CWA members. Maybe I have potential for writing screen plays? One never knows where blogging will lead you next!

ALWAYS A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY

The best part of the conference is that you never know what surprising lesson or golden nugget you'll discover at a seminar, or story idea that will illuminate or new friendships that will blossom from networking.  Even love affairs. Trust me! You will fall in love...

Christine blowing kisses to Russell the orange cat
at 2015 BlogPaws conference in Nashville

... with cats, dogs, pigs, ferrets, rats...

Speaking of other pets and new discoveries, ten years ago I knew nothing about stray and feral cats. Then in 2009 I started rescuing kittens and trapping cats, then I turned to blogging to raise awareness. Then I created a 501c3 nonprofit organization Pawsitively Humane and Riverfront Cats. Networking, making new connections and attending seminars through BlogPaws have expanded my horizons and ability to elevate little known animal issues. And early tomorrow morning I will be assisting in the rescue of an injured duck that I came across today. My first duck rescue! Again you never know where BlogPaws may lead you.

Maximize Time, Money, Education & Pleasure

If you're on a budget like me, I combine the trip with a mini vacation and arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. I believe it's important to learn and appreciate the various US cities and their unique culture while I have the chance. It also offers a prime opportunity to take original photos for future blog posts.

 I love to travel and used to travel more often.  But circumstances have changed since I left corporate America, and started a small business and a nonprofit for homeless pets, so I simply combine vacation with conferences.  I call it smart planning and budgeting. It works!

Feeling Anxious or Scared to Walk into a Conference?

As a stage performer and public speaker since I was a child, presenting to large crowds came easily. Believe it or not, I was more shy walking into a frat party in college. No one wants to feel out of place.  So when I learned about first-time attendees feeling anxious or scared, the great news is BlogPaws takes the fear out of this new adventure. We can connect on BlogPaws community forum prior to the conference and make arrangements to meet at the conference.  I'll be sure you feel at ease within minutes. You're always welcome to join me at my table in the dining room or any sessions. In making introductions, you'll soon discover that meeting new people at BlogPaws is like reuniting with a close relative. You have a common bond--the love for pets and blogging!

Bernard and I met at BlogPaws and instantly clicked.
It's easy to make friends at BlogPaws!

So join us for the BlogPaws 2016 Conference at the gorgeous Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort from June 23 - 25, 2016.

Photos belong to Riverfront Cats or were published with permission from owner.

Review of #BlogPaws 2014

Zeke is a therapy cat

I have just returned from BlogPaws 2014 conference in Lake Vegas, Nevada*. As always I'm buzzing with excitement and ideas.  The conference is a welcoming break and getaway to learn new social media trends, reconnect with online friends and cat bloggers, forge new friendships, and simply enjoy a change of scenery. It also recharges my batteries and motivation to fulfill big ideas.

BlogPaws is exactly what it says--a pet blogging conference. This was my third year in attendance but my first year as an award nominee for not one but two awards--Best Cause and Best Video. Many attendees recognized the name and follow my efforts as evidenced in their applause at the ceremony.  It is comforting and a motivational boost that my hard work, sweat and tears is paying off.  The support of fellow pet bloggers can only mean that each year more cats will be saved from abandonment in the streets, at the pound and from euthanasia.  The POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA!

Herman at age 15 is a seasoned traveler

A highlight was the pets in attendance along with their human owners.  Since this is a cat blog, this review will focus more on the cat stuff, fluff, and furr.


We love our cats so much we blog about them, dote on them, worship them...what better way than with a portrait. Artist BzTat is a huge supporter of animal welfare and specializes in pet portraits both digital and painted that she raffled off 40 digital portraits at the conference! Visit her website to admire her work and contact Bz (aka Vicki) for a personalized contemporary art piece of your beloved furry family member.

Christine Michaels and BzTat at BlogPaws reception

Digital portrait of my eldest cat Jean Pierre by BzTat

Networking with key individuals in the industry is important in reaching my goal of  raising awareness for homeless, feral and black cats.  Pictured below is a dear person who truly loves her job and cares about animals--Olivia Melikhov, the social media manager for the ASPCA.

Olivia Melikhov (ASPCA) and Christine Michaels

The conference would not be possible without the sponsorship of major brands like Only Natural Pet, Hill's, Pet360, PetSafe, Natural Balance, and AAHA. I thank them all for their support to subsidize the majority of costs, which allows bloggers, many of whom do not make money from blogging, to attend, network, learn and advance animal welfare!

Petsmart Charities wearing red capes--very snazzy ladies!
(I wonder if they have superpowers like me? Where's my black cat suit?)

(No superpowers here but those cute photos would have me sign up!)

I was impressed that this year Hill's sponsored a number of events including a private luncheon to brainstorm ideas of how to increase adoptions of shelter cats which far outweigh that of dogs. I offered my "proven formula" for getting cats adopted within six months. Paws crossed Hill's can turn it  into blueprint for all shelters across the country!

Attendee proudly shows her frosted nose from devouring
 the yummy cupcakes sponsored by Hill's

Last year a small BLIND kitten named Odilia stole our hearts.   Coincidentally the kind woman who adopted her, was in attendance. When asked how was Odilia her reply "Oh she's a fearless beast!". We love happy ending stories and feed off it to keep moving forward.

Odilia at BlogPaws 2013

(Courtesy of Bernadette Kazmarski of TheCreativeCat.net)

Odilia today (Courtesy of Amy Hanna)

I came across many pets including dogs and cats, ferrets, birds...but word circulated that the famous Waffles (from Glogirly's Katie & Waffles) was in the hotel!  You see I harbor a secret crush on this orange fluff ball.  Please don't tell Jean Pierre my original orange love,  aka "my husband". No one will replace my beloved Jean Pierre.  But something about a younger fireball...Could I be a cougar?

Calls, text messages ensued and I kept missing the elusive Waffles. Then as I set sail, or should a I say start "rowing" in a paddle boat I received a message that Waffles was making an appearance at the conference--of course now that I was in a bathing suit outdoors in middle of the lake. I hustled back to the beach, (got my workout--thanks Waffles!) and hastily donned my coverup and raced to the conference lobby.  And there he was--tucked away in his sporty orange stroller.

"I see people"

Marketing and Image is everything when you're a celebrity cat like Waffles

Waffles loves to poke his head out to catch the A/C breeze while strolling

"Oh no more Catarazzi. Better duck"

With all the paparazzi and attention, sadly I was not able to get a private interview and hug from Waffles.  But there will be a next time! I'm sure Waffles looks handsome in a cowboy hat (next year's conference is in Nashville, TN).

FAMOUS CAT BLOGGERS
His Human slave, owner, Glogirly (Debbie Glovatsky) won two awards for Best Cat Blog and Best Design Blog. So well deserved! We love her blog and the sibling rivalry antics between Katie and Waffles.
Congrats!!!!

Debbie Glovatsky (Glogirly) and Christine Michaels (Miami Cat Lady)

Another highlight is reconnecting in person with online/blogging friends. We connect year round online through blogosphere and social media-sphere--Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest...Below are leading cat bloggers in the country. JaneA Kelley (left) from Paws and Effect and Angie Bailey (right) from CatLadyland. These are pros who know how to write, engage and make a difference in educating about cats!You want to follow their blogs, learn and have a good laugh too!!!

JaneA Kelley, Christine Michaels and Angie Bailey

And finally I met the Queen of cat bloggers--Ms. Layla Morgan Wilde from Cat Wisdom 101! Layla is a holistic cat behaviorist and and has won numerous awards and accolades.  I'm so honored to meet and pose with her!  Following in these cat steps is no easy feat! And that's why I attend #BlogPaws--to learn from the best.

 New friendships were made and unfortunately I could not capture everyone's photo.

Pleasure to meet and follow:
Meg Hart         www.housecatconfidential.com
Linda Rodgers  www.SavannahsPawTracks.com
Kimberley Koz   www.wonderpurr.com
Robin Mudge  www.Playfulkitty.net

And great to see Ann Boyajian from the artistic and humorous www.cattywumpuscats.blogspot.com

I'm looking forward to what the year will bring up leading up to next year's conference in Nashville, TN. Elvis and Dolly--look out! Here comes the Sexy Cat Lady from Miami--I'll need to get high heel cowgirl boots and a matching hat. What I do for these cats in the name of publicity...



*Note: While legal to do so, Christine elected to pay for all expenses out of her pocket and refused to use any nonprofit funds. The cats need it more for vet care.