Gleek Retreat, in the most simplest of definitions, is a conference. A conference for bloggers. Created, organized, and executed by two fellow bloggers.  Satisfied? {I didn’t think so}

The truth is, Gleek Retreat is much more than a conference. We like to refer to it as an experience. After all, what our attendees take away from their weekend at Gleek Retreat is much more than a few business cards and a page of notes.

It all starts with the location. We have taken our “conference” outside of the typical, stuffy conference centers and nestled it inside a B&B/Retreat Center. From the minute our attendees arrive, they feel like they have been swept away but still with the comforts of home {minus the laundry, kids, or need to do the dirty dishes}. Networking, conversations, learning, and teaching all happen while sitting in the coziness of a living room, sharing a glass of wine, or enjoying a scenic view of the river.

Next, we add in the attendees themselves. They are a diverse group of elite bloggers from around the country. Each with their own area of expertise, all with something amazing to offer the other attendees.

During the weekend, attendees will chat with leading speakers in social media and business during our Group & Breakout Sessions and will share their own knowledge during our Workshops.

And, to top it all off, we give our attendees unique experiences. In the past we have mixed in body paint, photo booths, a dinner cruise, facials, and massages. This year, well, we are excited about the events we have in store for our 2012 attendees!

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

If you’re reading this as a possible attendee, I hope you will consider joining us in 2012! But don’t delay in purchasing your ticket! We are fully expecting Gleek Retreat 2012 to sell out.

If you are reading this as a possible sponsor, I would urge you to check out our Sponsorship Opportunities. This is an amazing and unique opportunity for you and your company to interact with some of the nation’s leading bloggers and add to the experience of Gleek Retreat!

It started on Thursday when Jenny, aka The Bloggess, wrote a post about a pitch she (and other bloggers) had received from a PR firm. In short, it was one of those typical “you don’t know me, my blog, or my audience, otherwise you would not be sending this to me” type of a pitch. Most of us just hit the delete-button when we receive those pitches but not Jenny. She likes to help “educate” those PR firms, in a way that only Jenny can.

So, the drama unfolded. In short, the VP of Brandlink Communications mistakenly hit “reply all” and sent an unintended and extremely inappropriate and unprofessional email response about Jenny to Jenny herself. Opps. You can read story over at TheBloggess.com and more commentary on MomCrunch {here and here}.

So, my question to you, do you think that this PR company can recover? 

Let’s face it, we’ve all made mistakes, especially when it comes to email/blogging/social media, in either our personal or professional lives. We’ve sent an email to the wrong person. Sent a public tweet when we really meant it to be a DM. At one time or another, we’ve shoved our virtual foot into our virtual mouth.

And we’ve survived.

Bigger companies have made mistakes. Offended bloggers. Pissed us off. How did they bounce back?

Or did they?

Also, how do you think this will affect the continually changing relationship between bloggers and brands/PR firms?

With the growth of ideas, DIY tutorials and things like Pinterest I’m wondering if we’re seeing a social shift from an Expert to an Innovator. I no longer dial my electrician, mechanic or plumber before I head online to see if this is something I could easily, painlessly and cheaply do on my own.

You even have DIY builders. We’ve all seen the sites, been enamored with the things you can accomplish when someone else is giving you the information for free.

This begs the question – what are you? And how does this affect your online identity? As a writer/blogger? Social media company?

Bloggers used to brag about being experts on all things (pick your niche) and now – we’re a dime a dozen. What sets us apart and how are we keeping the lines between “Them” and “Us” bold enough to differentiate?

It’s not enough, anymore, to add your voice to the loudest conversation in the world. You have to figure out a way to be the one holding the mic. How do you do it?

Gleek Retreat is currently looking for a couple contributors to write (or recycle) some posts for the blog.

If that sounds like something you’d like to do, great! We’ll still be posting and publishing articles and items of interest pertaining to the conference throughout the coming months but know that you have something wonderful to say, too.

What will writing for Gleek Retreat do for me? (oh we know you’re wondering!)

Are you in?

We’ve found that a some key fundamentals need to be in place in order to work well with others and being able to share and dole out constructive criticism is among the most important. Here’s how it works for us: Stacey and Jodi of MediaTreats, LLP which brings you all Gleek Retreat among other fantastic opportunities.

First, you have to like each other. This seems simple enough but there are collaboration opportunities all over the place, if you don’t play well in their sandbox you’re not doing anyone else a favor by sitting on the side haphazardly pushing the sand around with your broken shovel. It’s ok to move on.

Learn how to say no. When collaborating it’s usually a good idea to have someone who’s great with ideas and big thinking and someone who’s amazing at harnessing that into actual work, lists and ways to pull it together. If you’re both (or all) big idea-hunters you’re going to run short of execution every single time. You also do not have to say yes to every collaboration project that comes your way. Be aware of your own limits and where your Brand needs to stop bleeding into someone else’s.

Be identifiable. Keep your own identity apart from collaboration. You bring something unique to the table, don’t give it all away to the project/contract/client. They wanted YOU for a reason.

Share and play nice. Once you’ve found a good fit or even while you’re hunting for one – do not be the hoarder. We all know who the hoarder is and no one wants to work with them. That doesn’t mean you have to work for free or give out all your resources or contacts but the Golden Rule applies to creating relationships within the vast and ever-changing boundaries of blogging and collaborating.

And lastly; Be a resource. This goes along with playing nice and sharing, but bring something to the table. You have to offer up your percentage of the collaboration to make it work and to make it a lasting relationship. Are there two of you collaborating: then 50% of it is on you. Someone has the idea, you have the contact? If it’s a good fit and the opportunity won’t dilute your identity or brand then I think you’ve got a great start.

What tips can you share with us on Collaborating – from a past collaboration or present: we want to know!

Tickets are limited to the first 50 attendees so don’t hesitate in purchasing your ticket! We have to different tickets available: The All Inclusive Pass and The Day Pass.  Check out the details below…

All Inclusive Pass – $159

This pass includes everything that you can imagine from check-in Saturday morning to check-out Sunday afternoon!  We’ll pamper you with amazing food, top-notch speakers, and lodging sure to relax and renew you!  And, of course, we’ll have a few surprises for you along the way!!!

If you are interested in coming into town Friday night and would like to stay at the Retreat Center, we also offer a “Friday Night Stay” option. Check for that when you are registering!

Day Pass – $119

Not able to spend the night with us but still want to join us for all of the amazing events happening during the day?  Then this pass is for you!  The Day Pass allows you access to all of the amazing food, top-notch speakers, and even some fun on Saturday, May 22, from 9am – 9pm and again on Sunday, May 23, from 8:30am – 1pm.  If you choose this pass but are still looking for lodging in the area, let us know and we’ll hook you up with some great places in the area!

Interested in joining us for the Cocktail Party (not included in the Day Pass)? You can select that option when you register!

We are so excited for all that we have in store for you in 2012! We hope you will join us!!!

Also, our speaker submissions are still open. If you would like to speak at Gleek Retreat 2012, check out more details on what it means to be a Speaker at Gleek Retreat!

Here’s what’s on our drawing board right now – so gander and then apply to speak if so inclined.

For Group Sessions we’ll cover:

#SEO
#Blog Design & Usability
#The Business of Blogging – working with companies
#Creative/Authentic Writing & Having a Draw (Life List, post series)

For Breakouts we’ll cover:

#Hike/Yoga
#Numbers Matter
#Building Your Brand
#Live Cooking Demo
#Power Networking & Social Networks
#Freelancing/Working for others or with companies

For Workshops we’ll cover:

#Ebooks
#Monetizing
#HTML coding
#Google Analytics

We already have returning speakers from last year who are interested in speaking again … so slots are filling up. Stacey and I will review each and every applicant with a careful eye to ensure we’re bringing you the best content for you money.

We’re going to have more than one session going on at a time giving folks the option to choose their speaker/interest.

We’re also going to bring workshops to Gleek Retreat 2012 – think of this as a break out with a leader on a topic. Wonder how the heck to code your links, photos or make a table? No worries! We’re going to Apple iCare Gleek Squad Know-it-all our way to helping you on the spot.

So don’t wait and if you have questions or other topic ideas you’d love to see covered, leave a comment and let us know.

Alumni of 2010 and 2011 we have some very exciting news for you:

Last time I wrote here I shared some similar news but after 2011 wrapped Stacey and I came on board once again as the owners of Gleek Retreat. Julie wasn’t able to continue on past 2011 and we welcomed the chance to throw another amazing conference for you guys.

So … WE’RE BACK!

Gleek Retreat 2012 is on course and back at Into The Woods Retreat Center (circa 2010 Alumni by request!!).

Gleek Retreat 2012 – We’re Back! from MediaTreats on Vimeo.

Do you have something to share about social media, design, writing or business with bloggers like yourself?

(photo courtesy Saavy Chic Savings)

Gleek Retreat 2012 is just for you then!

Speaker applications are open now and we would love to hear from anyone that speaks on the essentials of WordPress or Blogger, photography, business and blogging… and just about anything else you can dream up that you think we as bloggers should know more about. If you have someone that you think would be a great speaker – please submit their name as well! Because this conference is about YOU, your suggestions are more than welcome!