In December, I posted a quick blurb about wanting to attend Chicks Who Click, a conference created by Gwen Bell and Denise Smith and brought to the web by Danielle Jackson. I hadn’t heard from anyone about it, so I just figured I’d make like any savvy social media junkie and do a Twitter search on it and call it a relaxing weekend. But by the time the weekend rolled around and a bunch of chicks had gone on the Eldora portion of the weekend, I had heard word about a tweetup of sorts at The b.side Lounge where Chicks Who Click were to converge. Naturally, I skipped on over and began to socialize.

I was very surprised and genuinely grateful to receive an invitation — a scholarship — from Doyle Albee at Metzger Associates to attend Chicks Who Click. I accepted, and suddenly my boring weekend turned into one about networking, social media, clicking, chicking, and loads more.

The day began with two very different speakers: Jenny Slade and Carole Billingham. While Carole taught us a method of meditation and gave her perspective on connecting with the world, Jenny gave a humorous and informative speech about women’s role in technology and social media.

We had the opportunity to hear from and interact with two different panels. The first panel included Wayne Sutton (who I had followed on Twitter for a while and was very anxious to meet), Lucretia Pruitt (who is a fantastic storyteller and all-around lively lady), and Tara Anderson (who rocks some stand-up comedy), all of whom I could’ve listened to for a lot longer — they just had so much information and insight into social media, technology, and how we — as motivated and interested women — can use these social tools and skills to the best of our advantage. The second panel included Zena Weist, Kit Seeborg and Barbara Jones, and basically consisted of wrapping up the day’s issues with our questions and with their stories and expertise. All three had been able to share stories involving projects or creations they had started, experiences which proved as excellent examples in business, networking, and strategy.

For a little bit of hands-on work, we competed to build the best social media plan for a particular situation. My group had a situation similar to the infamous Motrin problem, only that our inferred goal was to avoid this situation and market a product that was “non-sexy.” We won some medals for “Kicking Social Media Ass.”

Kicking Social Media Ass

We also heard from Trina Hoefling, whose advice about communication struck a chord with everyone in the room, regardless of situation. As a student, I felt particularly drawn to her speech because I felt that my journalism studies had lacked a comprehensive perspective of communications in general.

CWC did not go out without a bang. We raided the upstairs at The Rio and mingled over quesadillas, margaritas, and our phones and cameras! Some people also headed to karaoke, but I spent the rest of my evening having some heart-to-heart conversations and learning more about some of the wonderful chicks with whom I’d spent my day.

I must say that my weekend at Chicks Who Click was not entirely unexpected — I knew going into it that the conference would be absolutely amazing and that I would learn quite a lot. However, it was the magnitude of the learning and networking that really amazed me; I didn’t realize just how well all the ladies (and some of the ‘gents!) at CWC could meet on common grounds with so many different backgrounds and experiences. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to attend Chicks Who Click and all the connections and friendships I made that weekend. I also can’t wait to do it again — here’s to Chicks Who Click ’10!

Read some other words about CWC09:

• by Gwen Bell [@gwenbell]
• by George Smith [@georgegsmithjr]
• by Aimee [@greeblemonkey]

Check out some pictures from CWC09:

• from the conference, taken by Aimee [@greeblemonkey]
• from the afterparty, taken by Aimee [@greeblemonkey]

The list is still a work-in-progress, but you can tell me about your posts/pictures either in the comments and I’ll be sure to add them to the list!

But an event coming up in January promises to be one for the ladies: Chicks Who Click.

I’m hoping I’ll nab a chance to go — partially in telling you all about it — but I’m also hoping that this isn’t the only opportunity for web-savvy, social media-interested women to get together through some fun activities, great talks and novel concepts under the Flatirons. I know it hasn’t even happened yet, but the success I’m sure it will be will be enough reason to do it again!

If I get a chance to participate, of course I’ll be blogging about it. If not, I’ll be eagerly awaiting what the attendees have to say about it!

Happy Clicking!