So one of the biggest social media events of the year is coming up, and I’ve got a ticket. I’m excited. It’s BlogHer 2011 – 3,000 women who love blogging and are extremely influential when it comes to being brand ambassadors and spreading the word about a product, service or company. Wait, what? What did I say? “Brand ambassadors.” No, before that! “3,000 women.” The conference is 3,000 women?! But I’m a dude!

Now, this is my first time attending BlogHer (note the female-centric name), and I’m not even going to try to pretend that being one of just a few guys in a building full of women isn’t intimidating. So naturally, I Googled “BlogHer men,” expecting to find some peace of mind in a forum, group or Twitter hashtag for guys attending the conference. Nope.

In fact, many of the search results were articles written about whether or not men should even be allowed at the conference. Great. I’m controversial. I’m going to be tarred, feathered and forced to leave. Or even worse! What if I cry? This is some scary stuff!

Then there are the email updates and articles I started receiving since booking my ticket. A Mother’s Sexuality: Taking Back MILF. My Kid Found My Sex Toys and Is Asking Questions! Close-up on the Cervix. Now, I’m not married, and I’m assuming these topics are much more commonplace for the husband crowd – especially those with kids – but I have neither wife nor offspring. I’m actually pretty young, single and children are assumedly a few years away.

So why is it that I’m going to this conference? Technically, it’s for work. Realistically, because it’s one of the best parts of my job. One of the major trends that I never learned about in college, but was quickly introduced to when starting out is the power of mom bloggers. Although BlogHer will consist of all different types of bloggers from foodies to fashionistas, one of the largest contingencies will be moms who write about family life and tips for maintaining sanity.

For multiple clients here at M/C/C, mom bloggers serve not only as customers, but also as the major influencers for key demographics both locally and nationally. If these women say a product is crap, their readers believe them. If they brag about a service, their readers believe it’s the better choice. That’s some major pull, especially in the midst of economic rough patches.

Apart from being an extremely important group to be connected with, mom bloggers happen to be some of the most enjoyable to work with. Don’t get me wrong – I still love my news editors and reporters – but I totally dig the laid-back, personable nature of mom bloggers, as opposed to the quasi-professional, I’m-super-nice-but-you-probably-feel-like-I’m-only-doing-it-to-get-my-client-published nature of traditional PR. For many of these ladies, the office is at home; and they may be cleaning up a spill or nursing a boo-boo while replying to my messages. That’s a pretty great workplace if you ask me, and it completely shows in the way they communicate and work.

So, I’m off to San Diego on Aug. 4, business cards in hand, ready to take on a league of moms. The times are trying, but I’ve already received some very helpful tips from the ladies who will be there, and these are the things I’ve learned:

  1. I need to relax.
  2. I’m not there to sell my client to them. It turns out they already love them and want to know more!
  3. Take advantage of the parties and sessions.
  4. Tweet often.
  5. Bring sensible heels and an extra purse.

Stay tuned for an post-BlogHer update!