I spend a huge chunk of my time networking online.  The three social and business networking platforms I use on a daily basis?  Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

I've met countless amazing people who enrich my life both personally and professionally.  Working virtually as the Chief Mom Officer for Wishpot and the handful of other projects I am involved in, it is safe to say that my MacBook and/or Blackberry are never too far away.  But what's even better than connecting with my social and professional network online?  Meeting them in person!



At Blog World Expo 2008, I got to do just that!  Not only did I get to meet a lot of people I admire but I also made new connections as well.  Social networking is awesome, but there is something to be said about a handshake, a hug, and a smile.

For example, I met the peeps, Brett & Karen from one of my favorite blogs, Mashable.com.


I also met (and attended her amazing panel) Elisa Camahort Page of Blogher.com.


Social Media Expert Chris Brogan and Walmart's Sr. Marketing Manager, Emerging Media John Andrews were two others that got the opportunity to meet in person as well.


And of course, meeting fellow Walmart Eleven Moms like Jenn@FrugalUpstate and Colleen Padilla, pictured here, was pretty darn sweet too!


As was meeting my fellow Sparkpluggers!


This is just a handful of the people I met in person. Others included TechnoSailor.com's Aaron Brazell, Strands.com's Drew Olanoff, and I even met Jennifre from Sodahead.com in the airport security line heading home!  I also met Scott Monty from Ford and we had lunch together, but more about that later...