When I attended BlogHer for the first time in 2009, I was completely overwhelmed. There I stood, among hundreds, ok thousands, of my favorite bloggers and it took me a long time to get up the courage to introduce myself and finally say hello.

The best introduction I made at my first BlogHer conference involves my desperate request for a tampon when I suddenly, and unexpectedly got my period on my first day in Chicago.

There I was, in a room full of women. Women who were in big groups, talking, laughing, taking pictures and having a great time. I took my time, looked around the room and finally found the perfect target. There she was, standing with her back to me, standing by herself with an extra large purse over her shoulder. Surely, this woman had to have a tampon in there, somewhere.

Slowly, I worked my way over to her and before I even got a chance to see her face, I asked her if she had a tampon I could borrow. She gave me an odd look (pretty sure she was trying not to laugh) and proceeded to dig several tampons out of her bag. “How heavy is your flow?” she asked as she held up choices like I was standing in the feminine product aisle at the frickin’ pharmacy.

This is when I realize that I’m standing in front of Shauna Glenn. Yes, the Shauna Glenn. At this point, it’s much too late to start my introduction over, so I simply grab a tampon out of her hand and excuse myself while I hurried off to the ladies’ room to put myself back together.

As soon as I returned to the ballroom, I found Shauna again and made a proper introduction. After that, I found it pretty easy to walk up to people and say hello. And this is how the idea for my Scavenger Hunt got planted in my head.

I’ve been reading a lot about people who are nervous and anxious at the idea of being in the same room with thousands of their favorite bloggers and I know there are many who might feel uncomfortable making the first move as far as introductions go.

With the #SDBlogHunt, participants will be required to find several partnering bloggers and take a picture with them and/or their sponsor’s product. There will also be several San Diego location based photo clues and item clues that will encourage attendees to go up to random people and ask for tampons. Just kidding. Tampons are not on the list of clues, but you get the idea.

What I will tell you is that there are a great deal of sponsors already signed up to either donate prizes for the SDBlogHunt winners or participants and many bloggers who will be included among the Photo Clues along with their conference sponsor.

There’s still time to be included, whether you want to participate as a player in the Hunt or if you and your sponsor want to sign up to sponsor a Clue.

Sponsors and partnering bloggers include:

@SurferWife and @Eyedews
@BabyBumpBeyond
@SemperFiMomma and Jockey Person to Person
@SDbargainmama and @DearFoams
@PumpEase
UCSD Social Media Professor, Becky Carroll (@Bcarroll7) and her new book, The Hidden Power of Your Customers
@cherishpaperieD and @CherishPaperie
#KissOurSass creators @Melysa_S & @SnglMomSurvives along with their party sponsor, @Match
Designs by Janessa (@DesignsbyJaness)
The Sexucator @sexucator
@SilverDolphin books
Local.com
Don’t Speak Whinese online store (@dontspkwhinese)

Some sponsors are participating within the Hunt itself, while others have generously donated items for the winners of the #SDBlogHunt. Make sure to follow them online and thank them for their involvement in this fun event!

First place winner of the #SDBlogHunt will receive:
Large pack of children’s books from Silver Dolphin books
$75 to spend with Cherish Paperie
A g-twist vibrator and the g-spot creme ($80 value) from The Sexucator
Signed copy of Becky Carroll’s book, The Hidden Power of Your Customers
Hands-free nursing bra (Snowy Leopard print) from Pump Ease
Slippers from Dearfoams
A Copco To Go Hot Beverage Cup and a Starbucks card from @SDBlogConference
A full Every Drop Beauty Spatula Kit from @TryEveryDrop

Second place winner of the #SDBlogHunt will receive:
$75 to spend with Cherish Paperie
Large pack of children’s books from Silver Dolphin Books
Slippers from Dearfoams
“You are Perfect” t-shirt from the Y.O.U. Institute
A Copco To Go Hot Beverage Cup from @SDBlogConference

Every participant in the #SDBlogHunt has the opportunity to receive many more great items through the clues so be sure to follow the hashtag to find out more about individual bloggers and their sponsors!

The hunt takes place August 3 – 8th. Please RSVP if you want to play along.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Related Posts via Categories

• BlogHer 2011: Day One
• BlogHer 2011: The Unofficial Parties
• San Diego BlogHunt
• Tiny Prints, Big Smiles
• The Best of 2011
• 2011 Sponsors
• Half off annual family membership to San Diego’s Children’s Museum through iDeal4aCause
• Family Photos
• Juice in the City launches in North County Inland
• Back-to-School Traditions