Sportsman's Blog

Perhaps a few of you have seen my tweets promoting the Midwest Fishing & Hunting Blogger Summit this summer.   No doubt if you have you’ve asked yourself…what the heck is this all about.   Darn good question!

Let me give you a little background information on what is being planned.   But first, a disclaimer of sorts because many of the details are still being finalized and are subject to some slight changes prior to July.

First, a little background information.

Last year I attended a handful of corporate sponsored blogger events and found them to be extremely valuable.   Of course, the sponsor of the event was hoping we would all walk away from the various events and talk endlessly about their products or the company.   To some extent most of us bloggers did that…but to be very honest the biggest value I took from each event was found in networking and getting to know other bloggers on a personal level.   The new friendships and professional connections have proven to be simply priceless to me.

After attending a few of these I was talking to Michelle Scheuermann, Director of Communications for the Sportsman Channel, and I explained to her we need to organize something like this available to all bloggers—not just those invited to attend special events.   It’s about time bloggers get together to finally put a face to a name, try to improve our craft with some education and networking, but above all enjoy a long weekend of fun.

Well, the idea has now percolated in both Michelle’s and my mind for several months until we finally decided to act.   What you will see us promoting over the next few weeks is meant to be a first-step towards something that we hope will expand and blossom over the years to come.

So, exactly what are we attempting to do?   We’re working out the details for a fun weekend (July 22–24, 2011) at one of Minnesota’s top family-oriented resorts.   Obviously, our goal is to get interested fishing & hunting bloggers to attend to accomplish several goals.   A few of these goals would be:

• Establish new friendships for networking
• Attend craft improvement sessions specifically geared towards blogging
• Learn about new hunting/fishing related topics (from which bloggers can produce future blog content)
• Attempting to get celebrity speakers for interviewing sessions
• Company officials will be on hand for product testing/demonstrations/training
• A take home “SWAG Bag” of goodies will be provided to each blogger for at-home product testing/reviews
• Not to mention, there will be opportunities (with or without local guides) for fishing on one of Minnesota’s top walleye lakes
• Between sessions an opportunity to share quality, relaxing time with the family (if the blogger chooses to bring them)

Okay, here’s perhaps the best part of this.   We’re attempting to set up this entire blogger summit at little or no expense to the blogger, except for typical group lodging costs (which will be explained later in the registration materials).   Oh, there might be some commitment costs to ensure people who register are serious about showing up, but with early registration (and enough corporate sponsorship) we plan to rebate back all money collected from the blogger for summit registration.

The bottom line is we hope all fishing and hunting bloggers will seriously give thought to being part of this exciting event as you contemplate your summer plans.

Okay, I know we are calling this the “MIDWEST” Fishing and Hunting Bloggers Summit…but the fact is ANY blogger with an interest in the hook and bullet sports is welcome no matter where you happen to live.   This first go-around we didn’t want people making major financial commitments to fly in from distant places just to attend.   Still, that decision is entirely yours as everyone is welcome.

Finally, watch the website www.MidwestBloggers.org over the coming weeks as much more information will be announced pertaining to the event.   In fact, there will be a new logo, much more information on the schedule, as well as a registration form to reserve your spot on the attendance roster.   The main purpose for promoting and posting this early is to ensure people have adequate time to plan their attendance this summer.

I also want to emphasize that although this event is geared toward the blogger we know that many will only be able to attend if the trip can be simultaneously used for a family vacation.   We understand that.   Rest assured, this resort has so much going on with the lake, indoor/outdoor pools, restaurants, and activities that there will be plenty to occupy your family’s time while you are engaged in blogger summit activities.

So, have I peaked an interest yet?   I hope so.   For additional information on how this summit will benefit you as a blogger or possibly as a corporate sponsor, please feel free to contact either: Michelle Scheuermann or Jim Braaten for more details.   We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.   Plus, we are also looking for any volunteers with a desire to help out.

©2011 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Filed under: Fishing, Hunting, Outdoor Education, Weblogs