This past weekend, I attended a “thank you” dinner in Chicago hosted by Brand About Town for all of the Nintendo Brand Enthusiasts that had made it to BlogHer’09 (or in my case, just showed up for the free dinner and chance to see some of my fave bloggers).
The dinner was nothing short of amazing. Brandon actually wrote a great recap post of it on his personal blog, so I’ll direct you over there for some notes on the marketing perspective and on being the only male surrounded by crazy ladybloggers.
On the wild and awesome and classy scale of things (and yes, it’s possible to be all three), it was completely off the charts. We were all dolled up and fancy (my dress twirled and I made sure you knew it!). Our hosts rented the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Tower. We met at the Sheraton Towers where horse-drawn carriages (!!!) brought us from the lobby there directly to the Hancock. We waited in line to go up the super fast elevators all 95 floors before we were greeted with a private room, open bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the most amazing view of the city.
Dinner was incredible. This isn’t a food review, so I’m not going to go into analysis mode on the delectable-ness of the shrimp or veggies, but trust me – AMAZING. I will however admit that the flour-less chocolate cake had me uttering innuendos and obscenities that floored even Rachel. I’m sorry, but YES, it was that good.
I Grew to Love Her
The company was fantastic. I had the privilege of sitting at a table with other BE’s and their dates. Most of these girls I’d met once or twice before: Katelin, Jessica, Maggie, Jamie, Rachel, and Jenn. I met Rebekah (roomie!) and Jenn for the first time and INSTANT connections were formed. (Funny how that works with bloggers, no? This is something I continue to discover… we’re pretty nice people.) I also got to spend some time with Erini, who is always colorful and fantastic.
@BrandonZeman
Brandon was my date and deserves all kinds of mad props (do people still say that? No?) for surviving a table of giggly, drunk women fawning over each other, their new DSis, and inappropriate dinner conversation that left us all in stitches. Seriously, the man is a saint. And smart and handsome and all that – Chicago peeps? He’s also this guy (@ChicagoTweetups). Follow him.
In case you missed the part where I said “and their new DSis,” let me reiterate: We all got new DSis. Now, as you’ll recall, I already have one. So do all of my girlfriends. What does this mean, dear Readers?
I think YOU need one.
You, too, could be this happy!
I’m going to be hosting a giveaway sooner or later here - my first ever! hot, I know… – so stay tuned for your chance to win your very own DSi and even a game – Rhythm Nation. I can’t decide if I’m going to do it for a milestone post (200 is just 30 posts away!) or if I should shake it up and do something more interesting.
I mean, what would YOU do for a DSi?
Friday night in Chicago was amazing: great company, amazing food, open bar, free stuff, and a view that had me captivated beyond words.
And the best part? This was just the tip of the iceberg; the weekend just kept getting better.
~
{ 106 comments… read them below or add one }
i'm SO glad nora is going. also? like 25 hours from right now? we will be togetherrrrrrrr.
love your face.
I will confess that I have *also* never been to a Wild game. (Oops!!)
I think of Steve Urkel… " I LOVE CHEEEEEEEESE!"
Oh, and I eat Ricotta Cheese right out of the container with a spoon. Am I OK? Or do I need help?
Love Cheesie Lover II
Just so you know I use "muff dive" now whenever I am talking about something I like;
"Oh man Grandma, that dinner was so good I could have muff dived it!"
The shot! I was talking about the shot of Bailey's you take off a plate!
I stand by that defense.
Very, very jealous! You looked gorgeous!
It is great in the signature room, isn't it? I've been there for drinks. What a fantastic experience. And a giveaway in the not-so-distant future? Oooh, color me impressed!
Thank you! I felt like I belonged in the Ice capades in that dress!
Fair enough. Perfect is overrated.
It was great to see you too! Until next time
I have yet to write up my recap of the night, but I think you and Brandon have done wonderful jobs. What else could I add?! It was awesome seeing you again (even if it was only for one night/brunch.)
I'm no saint, but probably everything else you describe me as is accurate
I can not WAIT to get back to that room! So romantic. So gorgeous.
Not accepted. You do that anyway.
I still say mad props all the time.
I vote for some kind of creative writing type contest for the DSi.(Great pic of you and Jenn.)
Hrm. I love a good story.(and thanks!)
I think only cool people say mad props. So you must be cool.
And sexytime! Yes! Great pic of you btw! Gorgeous!Let's get together sometime soon. We'll make it happen!
Thank you! See? I knew I had the right lingo. If we both use phrases like'sexytime' and 'mad props,' then the haters just must not be as cool as weare.Settled.
I'm so glad you guys had so much fun!PS-Guess who will be in pictures with you in two short weeks?THIS GIRL! And I don't even like pictures, so that should say a lot.
My friend and I call each other "Muff" as a nickname. True story
Whatever. You're hot.
I'm no saint, but probably everything else you describe me as is accurate
One of the THOUSANDS of reasons I absolutely love you.Don't get shit twisted, Matt.
As someone raised by video games, hearing women talk so passionately about Nintendo kind of makes me misty.
Awesome, Nico.
You should talk about how hot your date was.
Nico! It worked! You're my hero!
Very, very jealous! You looked gorgeous!
What would I do for a DSi? Record a video of me dancing and post it on YouTube. Extremely public humiliation, but if I get a DSi, it’ll be worth it.
Not accepted. You do that anyway.
Hrm. I love a good story.(and thanks!)
It is great in the signature room, isn't it? I've been there for drinks. What a fantastic experience. And a giveaway in the not-so-distant future? Oooh, color me impressed!
Thank you! I felt like I belonged in the Ice capades in that dress!
Fair enough. Perfect is overrated.
That night was all sorts of amazing for me.I'm hoping to get out a massive THANK YOU to Brand About Town for including me in all the awesomeness! I don't know if words can express my gratitude though! (Maybe I should use my soon-to-be-relaunched comic blog, Fledgling Adult…) Beyond getting the DSi — which, yeah, AWESOME — being able to not have to navigate other after parties by myself and getting to spend a lovely* evening with you and everyone else, getting to meet more amazing women, simply made that evening so memorable for me.*massive understatement!
I can not WAIT to get back to that room! So romantic. So gorgeous.
The shot! I was talking about the shot of Bailey's you take off a plate!
I stand by that defense.
Not accepted. You do that anyway.
One of the THOUSANDS of reasons I absolutely love you.
Don't get shit twisted, Matt.
I think only cool people say mad props. So you must be cool.
And sexytime! Yes! Great pic of you btw! Gorgeous!Let's get together sometime soon. We'll make it happen!
Thank you! See? I knew I had the right lingo. If we both use phrases like'sexytime' and 'mad props,' then the haters just must not be as cool as weare.Settled.
I'm so glad you guys had so much fun!PS-Guess who will be in pictures with you in two short weeks?THIS GIRL! And I don't even like pictures, so that should say a lot.
Whatever. You're hot.
Heya, so you followed me on Twitter and I don't know why because I'm nowhere near as cool as you, but whatevs! I finally made it over here, and I love your blog. I also love that you're from Minneapolis because I am too, and we DEFINITELY could benefit from better public transportation like Chicago has. So anyway, this is my long winded way of saying, "Hi!" from a new follower and reader!~Jaxie
I already have a DSi and I bought Rhythm Nation and it's a freakin awesome game!!! That's so cool that you got another one. Nintendo/Brand About Town folks know how to throw a party. And that's one cute date you ladies got to enjoy. If I didn't have a DSi I'd… dedicate a whole of blog posts to how awesome you are, go streaking (through the quad!) and do a keg stand. Would that be enough? Love your new hair style by the way. Looks HOT.
I'm so sad I keep missing out on all of these awesome things.
But we're coming to YOU!!!!!!!!
As someone raised by video games, hearing women talk so passionately about Nintendo kind of makes me misty.
Awesome, Nico.
Nico! It worked! You're my hero!
–
Doniree Walker
http://doniree.com | @doniree
via iPhone
That night was all sorts of amazing for me.
I'm hoping to get out a massive THANK YOU to Brand About Town for including me in all the awesomeness! I don't know if words can express my gratitude though! (Maybe I should use my soon-to-be-relaunched comic blog, Fledgling Adult…) Beyond getting the DSi — which, yeah, AWESOME — being able to not have to navigate other after parties by myself and getting to spend a lovely* evening with you and everyone else, getting to meet more amazing women, simply made that evening so memorable for me.
*massive understatement!
I still say mad props all the time.
I stand by my initial offer. Period. And nothing I've seen here beats it in indulgence.Oh and if there IS a creative writing contest, watch out!
My friend and I call each other “Muff” as a nickname. True story
Heya, so you followed me on Twitter and I don't know why because I'm nowhere near as cool as you, but whatevs! I finally made it over here, and I love your blog. I also love that you're from Minneapolis because I am too, and we DEFINITELY could benefit from better public transportation like Chicago has. So anyway, this is my long winded way of saying, “Hi!” from a new follower and reader!
~Jaxie
I DID follow you on Twitter because I found you on Brandy's blog and you
said something about Joe Mauer, so I stalked you, found out you were from
MPLS also, and decided we obviously should be friends. Hello to you as
well, and thanks for coming by!
I already have a DSi and I bought Rhythm Nation and it's a freakin awesome game!!! That's so cool that you got another one. Nintendo/Brand About Town folks know how to throw a party. And that's one cute date you ladies got to enjoy. If I didn't have a DSi I'd… dedicate a whole of blog posts to how awesome you are, go streaking (through the quad!) and do a keg stand. Would that be enough?
Love your new hair style by the way. Looks HOT.
I'm so sad I keep missing out on all of these awesome things.
But we're coming to YOU!!!!!!!!
The shot! I was talking about the shot of Bailey's you take off a plate!
I stand by that defense.
I like the idea of a creative writing contest for the DSI, something like, in 236 words exactly, how do you beat the heat? How do you feel about global warming? How would you go about changing a tire on a semi truck? Where's Waldo? Describe that first you… or something along those lines. All your blogger friends are hot.
You should talk about how hot your date was.
I love you Sean. To the moon and back. And yes. Creative writing. You pick the topic. Can't wait to see you in September!–Doniree Walkerhttp://doniree.com | @donireevia iPhone
you look so cute in the pic! love the hair! and I think the DS is that thing I've wanted- the one where you can play those brain games? cuz you know apparently I need to get smart if I'm not even sure of what I'm talking about here
I have yet to write up my recap of the night, but I think you and Brandon have done wonderful jobs. What else could I add?!
It was awesome seeing you again (even if it was only for one night/brunch.)
I vote for some kind of creative writing type contest for the DSi.
(Great pic of you and Jenn.)
seriously love that you came out to the party that night. it was so much fun and our table was pretty much amazing to no end. heart it. heart you. the end.
I stand by my initial offer. Period. And nothing I've seen here beats it in indulgence.
Oh and if there IS a creative writing contest, watch out!
I like the idea of a creative writing contest for the DSI, something like, in 236 words exactly, how do you beat the heat? How do you feel about global warming? How would you go about changing a tire on a semi truck? Where's Waldo? Describe that first you… or something along those lines. All your blogger friends are hot.
I love you Sean. To the moon and back. And yes. Creative writing. You
pick the topic. Can't wait to see you in September!
–
Doniree Walker
http://doniree.com | @doniree
via iPhone
I love you Sean. To the moon and back. And yes. Creative writing. You
pick the topic. Can't wait to see you in September!
–
Doniree Walker
http://doniree.com | @doniree
via iPhone
I DID follow you on Twitter because I found you on Brandy's blog and you
said something about Joe Mauer, so I stalked you, found out you were from
MPLS also, and decided we obviously should be friends. Hello to you as
well, and thanks for coming by!
you look so cute in the pic! love the hair!
and I think the DS is that thing I've wanted- the one where you can play those brain games? cuz you know apparently I need to get smart if I'm not even sure of what I'm talking about here
seriously love that you came out to the party that night. it was so much fun and our table was pretty much amazing to no end. heart it. heart you. the end.
I love you Sean. To the moon and back. And yes. Creative writing. You
pick the topic. Can't wait to see you in September!
–
Doniree Walker
http://doniree.com | @doniree
via iPhone
Way too much fun! I'm so glad you were there
Thanks! And yes the DSi has the brain games
I LOVE your initial offer. And am considering it.
Way too much fun! I'm so glad you were there
Thanks! And yes the DSi has the brain games
I LOVE your initial offer. And am considering it.
I'd say you'd have won with the streaking. I love it.
i would totally do you for a dsi. i don't even know what i could use a dsi for, but people say they are fun, so i want in.
i'm so glad you had the best time and i've loved checking out the pics. you looked AMAZING.
i would totally do you for a dsi. i don't even know what i could use a dsi for, but people say they are fun, so i want in.
i'm so glad you had the best time and i've loved checking out the pics. you looked AMAZING.
Woohoo! A giveaway, eh? Sounds awesome. You know what else sounds awesome? Chicago and your time there. I'm still so jealous you were able to go, and I hope we get to travel together sometime soon!
Woohoo! A giveaway, eh? Sounds awesome.
You know what else sounds awesome? Chicago and your time there. I'm still so jealous you were able to go, and I hope we get to travel together sometime soon!
I would LOVE to travel somewhere together. On my list in your corner of the
world: New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis (ok, re-explore), and maybe even the
beach side of Georgia and SC. Thoughts?
I would LOVE to travel somewhere together. On my list in your corner of theworld: New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis (ok, re-explore), and maybe even thebeach side of Georgia and SC. Thoughts?
I would LOVE to travel somewhere together. On my list in your corner of the
world: New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis (ok, re-explore), and maybe even the
beach side of Georgia and SC. Thoughts?
I would LOVE to travel somewhere together. On my list in your corner of the
world: New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis (ok, re-explore), and maybe even the
beach side of Georgia and SC. Thoughts?
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.BfiEsdDY_9/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/4a222335c0f1/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.fmRs4pWD3I/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/21a8d627ed74/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.fmRs4pWD3I/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/21a8d627ed74/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.s73sB2dX1l/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/5f1b80198833/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.IMEsGj3XUv/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/3b7521a6f9b8/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.BZSDiPWZ4z/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/950b1017aa7f/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20._D-YAIbGxf/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/a43e36458b4c/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.-krvRZfvZj/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/6403406375ea/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.HQcFdw_U2Y/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/f7610bfd79e2/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.dVKhaKEt5h/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/75bf0a33ffdf/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.oB5mysyfZA/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/01a8830cfe3f/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.vYE1cL0oSg/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/3974cad6591b/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.HWylDO1PIz/Nj….. to get started.- The Dropbox Team____________________________________________________ To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/656ae39ac34d/notif…..
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!
Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.
Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.fmRs4pWD3I/Nj… to get started.
- The Dropbox Team
____________________________________________________
To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/21a8d627ed74/notif…
We're excited to let you know that Doni Walker has invited you to Dropbox!
Doni Walker has been using Dropbox to sync and share files online and across computers, and thought you might want it too.
Visit http://www.getdropbox.com/link/20.lFkpLbUERR/Nj… to get started.
- The Dropbox Team
____________________________________________________
To stop receiving invites from Dropbox, please go to http://www.getdropbox.com/bl/8cd71fc98dab/notif…
{ 2 trackbacks }