This year, I will attend my fourth Blissdom Conference. Why do I keep going back? The friendships. The business relationships. The photo walks. The opportunities. The people.

Every single one of those people in the pictures above I would not have met if I stayed in my comfort zone. I introduced myself to people before the conference, then met them in person. I kept in touch and friendships grew from there. These relationships changed my life. I have people who pray for me and are closer to me than friends I have where I live. They care about me and my children. They celebrate my blessings and encourage me during my setbacks. All of this because of one conference where people simply care.

This conference is not about a bunch of mom bloggers getting together for a vacation. Two years ago, the conference took a huge shift. The women showing up were businesswomen. They came to learn, share and connect. I realized I was in the midst of people who had found a way to start and grow thriving businesses. The speakers were top notch, approachable and knowledgeable. I keep in touch with many of them and support them and their passions. The sponsors where doing their research and finding out about the attendees and what was important to us. They connected and mingled with us. Asking what they could do to share their brand with our readers.

While this conference has grown in attendance, it continues to be an intimate affair. If you want to meet people, they are there. If you are willing to open yourself up, even just a little, you can make friendships that will change your life. It did for me.