Speakers 2015
BlogPaws is pleased to announce our outstanding lineup of session speakers, table topic presenters, and the all-new one-on-one sessions with the expert of your choice.
The BlogPaws 2015 Conference takes place May 28-30, 2015, in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, at the Sheraton City Music Hotel.
Our keynote speakers can be found by visiting the BlogPaws 2015 Keynote Speakers page here.
BlogPaws Conference tickets are on sale now, with hotel reservations open. Go face-to-face and nose-to-nose with some of the most influential experts in the social media space, including:
Deb Barnes: Deborah Barnes is the author of The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary, starring her feline family as well as the award winning blog, Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection, that covers the everyday journey she shares with her cats (including newest additions – rescue kittens Kizmet and Jazmine) as well as topics from the humorous behaviors of cats to very serious subjects on pet responsibility. Her current circle of works has brought her to where she is today – a contributing writer for Catster.com and Cat Fancy Magazine as well as Secretary of the nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida. Connect with Deb through her Zee & Zoey blog.
Deb’s session: Deb is part of the Cat Writer’s Association (CWA), writing track, Bridging Journalistic Excellence and Blogging, with Layla Morgan Wilde, Janiss Garza, and Alana Grelyak.
Pamela Johnson-Bennett: Pam Johnson-Bennett is the host of Animal Planet UK’s “Psycho Kitty” and the best-selling author of eight books. She is a certified cat behavior consultant and the former vice president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Pam is the founder/former long-time chair of the IAABC Cat Division. She served on the American Humane Association’s Advisory Board on Animal Behavior and Training and The American Humane Association’s Forum on Cat Health and Welfare. She is currently a member of Tree House Humane Society’s Advisory Board. In addition to her television series, Pam makes numerous national media appearances and lectures on behavior around the country. She owns Cat Behavior Associates, a private veterinarian-referred behavior company based in Nashville, TN. Pamela’s website is Cat Behavior Associates.
Pamela’s session: Pamela is part of the Cat Writer’s Association (CWA), writing track, Publish Or Perish, with Bob Mayer, Pam Johnson-Bennett, and Lisa Erspamer.
Carol Bryant: “A dog lover of the highest order,” is how Gayle King introduced Carol Bryant when she and her Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, appeared on Oprah Radio’s Gayle King show to dish dogs. A frequent media contributor, Carol has appeared on television, radio, and in print. A repeat nominee from the Dog Writers Association of America and writer for Pet360, Carol is the PR and Marketing Manager for BlogPaws. She is also the founder of her own canine-centric magazine-style dog blog, Fidose of Reality, and Wigglebutt Warriors, crusading to save dogs’ lives as the fundraising arm of her blog. Connect with Carol through Fidose of Reality.
Carol’s session: Gaining loyal followers on Twitter and Instagram. Carol will co-present with Larry Kay during the Facebook/Twitter/Instagram session.
Jill Caren: Jill Caren is the founder of 2 Dogs Design, a New Jersey based web development and digital marketing agency that has been serving clients since 2007. Jill works alongside clients in all verticals to ensure they are getting the most visibility and reaching their target market in today’s ever-changing digital world. Over the years, Jill has successfully created, developed, marketed and sold several websites including e-commerce and blogs and has been published in a variety of publications such as BusinessWeek, CIO and Search Engine Watch. She also owns CharityPaws, a social goods website that launched mid-2014 and helps animal rescues and charities raise funds with positive inspired apparel for animal lovers. In the first 4 months of the BETA launch she was able to successfully donate over $4,500 to various rescues through CharityPaws. Connect with Jill at 2 Dogs Design and Charity Paws.
Jill’s session: Feeding The Google Animals With Advanced SEO Techniques
Donna DeClemente: Donna DeClemente is the primary blogger for Donna’s Promo Talk, which was launched in February, 2007. This blog is written for marketers to help keep them up to date on the latest promotions, trends and legal issues affecting the industry and the integration of promotional and social media marketing. After holding several key agency positions, including agency president at a top 100 promotional marketing firm, she founded her own company, DDC Marketing, back in 2005, specializing in social media, search advertising, promotions and marketing communications. Donna joined the team at American Sweepstakes and Promotions Company as their Digital/Social Media Director where she assisting clients with Social Sweeps marketing solutions that combine promotions with social media and mobile. More about Donna at Donna’s Promo Talk.
Donna’s session: Key Legal Developments Affecting Sweepstakes, Contests, Disclosure & Digital/Social Media
Bonnie Joy Dewkett: Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO®, is a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, motivational speaker, and internet radio personality. She began organizing as a child, and she has been organizing ever since. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home and office. These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie is passionate about helping her clients meet their organizational goals, and loves to see the positive impact that getting organized has on their lives. Connect with Bonnie on The Joyful Organizer on Facebook.
Bonnie’s session: Time Management and Organization
Felissa Elfenbein: Felissa is the creator of Two Little Cavaliers and has been the BlogPaws Blogger Outreach and Communications Manager since March of 2012. Felissa reaches out to bloggers to ensure they have the information, knowledge, and education necessary to carry out successful campaigns for BlogPaws clients. Felissa most recently took on the role of Director of Social Media and Technology for the newly formed Reformed Breeders and Canine Auctions where the goal is a world in which every dog bred for profit is treated humanely, shown kindness, and bred using only medically sound practices. Connect on Two Little Cavaliers.
Felissa’s session: Meet the Rescues/Rescues, Shelters and Social Media Success Workshop with Caroline Golon and Sybil Stershic
Mary Engle: Mary K. Engle directs the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Advertising Practices. The Division is responsible for regulating national advertising matters, including claims about food, OTC drugs, dietary supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and Internet services. The Division also enforces the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, a statute regulating the online collection of personal information from children. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.
Mary’s session: The FTC Wants You to Stay Out of Trouble
Lisa Erspamer: A creative force who loves to turn a great story into a visual spectacle, Lisa Erspamer is a five time Emmy-nominated producer and the president of Unleashed Media, a television, film and digital production company in Los Angeles. Prior to starting her own multi-media company, Lisa served as the Chief Creative Officer and Executive Vice President of Programming and Development for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network where she launched over 40 original series and created 7 original documentaries in less than two years. Lisa also served as Co-Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she produced hundreds of shows and oversaw such memorable episodes as the biggest Flash Mob in history, the legendary car giveaway, Oprah’s After Oscar Specials, Oprah’s Favorite Things, Whitney Houston’s final interview, and many others. Lisa is the creator of the bestselling book series A Letter To… which includes books: A Letter To My Dog, A Letter To My Cat and upcoming A Letter To My Mom.She currently lives in Los Angeles with her two precious pups, Lily and Grace and is working on her next book, A Letter To My Baby!
Lisa’s session: Lisa is part of the Cat Writer’s Association (CWA), writing track, Publish Or Perish, with Bob Mayer, Pam Johnson-Bennett, and Amy Shojai.
Kathleen Gage: Kathleen Gage is on a mission. She wants to inspire you to live fully, play full out, generate great revenue and leave a lasting legacy. Kathleen is the “no-nonsense, common sense” online marketing strategist, speaker, author, product creation specialist, and owner of Power Up For Profits. She helps entrepreneurs make money online. Her clients are driven by making a difference through their own unique voice. As an early adopter of online marketing, Kathleen is known for cutting through the fluff. She speaks and teaches about what she believes are the core elements of a successful life: accountability, integrity, honesty, and living with passion and hope. Kathleen believes the best way to become well known in your market is to let go of the need to be well known and simply serve and create an incredible experience for all you come in contact with. Kathleen’s mission includes animal rescue, respect of diversity, and contribution to community. Connect with Kathleen at PowerUp for Profits.
Kathleen’s session: Your Message, Your Mission, Your Movement; Discover How to Build a Profitable, Purpose Driven Business
Janiss Garza: Janiss Garza has alternated between writing and editing for over 25 years, first in the world of rock journalism and later on in the fields of vintage film, fitness and cats. She learned the craft of editing at Music Connection magazine, was senior editor for seven years at legendary hard rock magazine, RIP, and copy edited for bilingual style magazine Estylo. Her writing credits include the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, the Allmovie Guide, Yahoo Music, Cat Fancy, Catster.com, CatChannel.com and the award-winning blog, Sparklecat.com. Janiss is the co-author of White Line Fever with Lemmy Kilmister of the cult band Motörhead, and ghostwriter for Sparkle the Designer Cat’s two books, Dear Sparkle: Advice From One Cat to Another and Dear Sparkle: Cat-to-Cat Advice From the World’s Foremost Feline Columnist. For FitCat Publishing, her indie imprint, she had edited and overseen the anthology Rescued: The Stories of Twelve Cats, Through Their Eyes, which includes stories from a dozen hand-picked writers. Connect at Sparkle Cat.
Janiss’s session: Janiss is part of the Cat Writer’s Association (CWA), writing track, Bridging Journalistic Excellence and Blogging, with Layla Morgan Wilde, Deb Barnes, and Alana Grelyak.
Kimberly Gauthier: Kimberly Gauthier is a dog nutrition blogger, freelance writer, and public speaker who launched Keep the Tail Wagging in 2011. Kimberly turned her passion for dogs into a profitable business when she transitioned to writing about dog nutrition, raw feeding and raising littermate puppies. Kimberly contributes regularly to TPPC.tv, Pet360, and WomensForum.com. Despite all that Kimberly has learned about dogs and blogging, every day she learns something new and loves sharing with others. Connect with Kimberly at Keep the Tail Wagging.
Kimberly’s session: How To Profit from Your Blog Business with Jim Nelson and Beke Lubeach
Caroline Golon: In 2009, BlogPaws co-founder Caroline Golon launched her first pet-focused site, cat humor blog, Romeo the Cat, with a purpose: to use the proceeds from the blog to raise money and awareness for animal rescues and shelters. Since then, Golon has raised more than $85,000 through sponsorship programs and individual donations for nearly 40 shelters and rescues. Golon’s fundraising work has been featured in USA Today, Peoplepets.com, The New York Times, The Associated Press, Animal Wellness, Cat Fancy, Woman’s World, Woman’s Day, Petside.com, ABCNews.com, Marketwatch and more.In order to stay intimately connected to pet consumers’ interests and needs, Golon launched additional pet-related web sites. Along with Romeo the Cat, she manages The Happy Litter Box, dedicated to helping cat parents solve litter box issues and keeping more cats in happy homes; and Crayons & Collars, a site focused on the unique benefits and challenges of a busy life with kids and pets. Connect at Romeo the Cat.
Caroline’s session: Meet the Rescues/Rescues, Shelters and Social Media Success Workshop with Felissa Elfenbein and Sybil Stershic
Alana Grelyak: Alana has been a writer and photographer for many years, and her work has been published in Time Out Chicago, CMA Today, Lumino Magazine, Laughspin, and various other publications. She has photographed numerous moving targets including rock stars, comedians, and cats, the last of which offer the greatest challenge. She is now the Editor in Chief of CatInTheFridge.com, where she advocates for animals that some might see as less adoptable but that she sees as very, very special. She is also the primary script writer, actor, and composer for the CATastrophes web series, where funny things happen when cats appear. She lives with her husband, dog, and multiple cats in Chicago, IL. Connect on the CATastrophes web series.
Alana’s session: Alana is part of the Cat Writer’s Association (CWA), writing track, Bridging Journalistic Excellence and Blogging, with Layla Morgan Wilde, Deb Barnes, and Janiss Garza. PLUS a separate session: Video/Photography with your Smartphone
Lon Hodge (and Gander): Lon Hodge, the “Veteran Traveler”, has been involved in social media since 1979. While serving in the military he was a member of Task Force Delta a computer think tank and social platform designed for the Army War College. He has consulted on digital PR for Fox International, National Geographic, Star Alliance, Disney and others. Lon, a poet and former National Endowment for The Arts Fellow in writing, has won international awards for his blogging and writing. He holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College. He travels the country with his service dog, Gander, who was a 2014-15 AKC Award for Canine Excellence recipient to bring about more awareness for PTSD and Trauma survival and canine assistance. They have over 400,000 followers on social media platforms. Connect with Lon and Gander on Facebook.
Lon’s session: The Raccoons Ate My Peanut Butter: Authenticity and Authority in Writing for Audience Engagement.
Susan Jackson: Susan is the VP of content partnerships for Ahalogy, a technology startup company focused on delivering results from Pinterest and beyond. She heads up the Ahalogy Content Network, a partnership with the web’s top bloggers, writers, photographers and designers creating amazing content. Susan cofounded the blog Working Moms Against Guilt and is a regular contributor to iBlog Magazine. She earned a master’s degree at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Miami University. She’s worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, PR professional, copywriter and social media consultant. Connect with Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt.
Susan’s session: Pinterest Power: How Pet Publishers Can Grow Traffic with This Powerful Visual Search Engine
Paul Jorgensen, Esq.: After entertaining and enlightening audiences about copyrights at the past two BlogPaws, Paul Jorgensen returns to BlogPaws to help bloggers understand contracts better than their lawyers. Paul’s seminars are sponsored worldwide through the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the New York City Bar Association, the Nevada Bar Association, AICPA, CPELink, Georgetown University and numerous other professional groups. Connect with Paul through Jorgensen Law Firm.
Paul’s session: Understanding Contracts Better Than Your Lawyer – Key Things That All Bloggers Need to Know
Larry Kay: Larry Kay is an award-winning dog author and filmmaker with more than one million dog-loving Facebook fans. He coauthored the #1 best-selling dog training book on Amazon Kindle, Training the Best Dog Ever. His newest book, Life’s A Bark, received rave reviews on Fox & Friends, Chicago Tribune, and by many BlogPaws bloggers. He created and produced the award-winning Animal Wow dog care and safety DVD for preschoolers that was endorsed by the American Humane Association, was a columnist and contributing editor for Dog Fancy magazine, and wrote about dogs for AOL Paw Nation and the American Animal Hospital Association. With a background as Senior Product Manager for the Walt Disney Internet Group and Creative Strategist for Disney Interactive, Larry brings the spirit of world-class innovation and synergy to Positively Woof projects. He works closely on projects with a dozen BlogPaws bloggers and with select sponsors and syndication partners. Larry’s newest series of webisodes, Dog Rescue Stars, trains shelter dogs like movie dogs. Connect with Larry at Positively Woof.
Larry’s session: 8 Strategies for Pro Blogging Success – co-presenting Facebook/Twitter/Instagram with Carol Bryant
Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Esq.: Shahrina Ankhi-Krol began her legal career over a decade ago. Her passion and dedication to the field of law have earned her the opportunity to work in various legal settings. Prior to starting her own law practice, she interned for a Judge in the New York State Supreme Court, worked at the Office of the Attorney General of Michigan, and in various law firms. She has been involved in depositions, trials, and large-scale discovery for internationally recognized law firms. As a result of the extensive knowledge and experience she obtained in the past, she is comfortable in handling any legal situation. Connect with Shahrina at AnkhiKrolLaw.
Shahrina’s session: Intellectual Property Law and Blogging
Beke Lubeach: Beke started her business in October, 2011. She is an accomplished Marketing and Business Development Professional with 20+ years of experience within the Pet, Media & Sports industries. Her specific expertise is in the development and execution of strategic partnerships. Dog Bone Marketing Solutions (DBMS) focuses on the development of brand partnerships and affiliations both in and out of the pet industry. DBMS clients past and present include DOGTV, Dog is Good and Kristen Levine Pet Living, Furlocity, and PetBox. Connect with Beke at Dog Bone Marketing.
Beke’s session: How To Profit from Your Blog Business with Jim Nelson and Kimberly Gauthier
Dr. Patrick Mahaney: Dr. Patrick Mahaney is a veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist providing house call veterinary services to Los Angeles clients through California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. Additionally, he offers holistic treatment for cancer patients at the Veterinary Cancer Group. As an extension of his clinical practice, Dr. Mahaney works as a consultant and brand ambassador. Dr. Mahaney participates in public speaking engagements through BlogPaws, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, and UCLA Extension. Connect with Dr. Mahaney at his website.
Patrick’s session: The Holistic Approach to Canine Lymphoma: A Veterinarian’s Case Study
Maggie Marton: Maggie Marton is an award-winning writer based in Bloomington, Indiana. She earned her master’s degree in narrative nonfiction from the JohnsHopkinsUniversity. Selected publications include NationalGeographic.com, Pet Enthusiast Magazine, Bust Magazine, Bloom Magazine, and Victoria Stilwell’s Positively.com. She contributes monthly to Pet Age Magazine. In 2012, she wrote Clicker Dog Training, a how-to dog training e-book that utilizes positive reinforcement, for Open Air Publishing. Maggie has spoken about pets on radio and television, and has been profiled on several websites and blogs. She also writes a popular dog blog, Oh My Dog, where you can connect with Maggie.
Bob Mayer: Bob Mayer is a NY Times Bestselling author, graduate of West Point, former Green Beret (including commanding an A-Team) and the feeder of two Yellow Labs, most famously Cool Gus. He’s had over 60 books published including the #1 series Area 51, Atlantis and The Green Berets. Born in the Bronx, having traveled the world (usually not tourist spots), he now lives peacefully with his wife, and said labs, at Write on the River, Tennessee. Connect with Bob at BobMayer.com.
Joanne McGonagle:
Joanne’s session: Joanne will co-present with Paris Permenter for a Branded Content Workshop: How to Create Authentic Sponsored Posts
Jim Nelson: Together with his wife Rene, Jim Nelson has grown the Tripawds blogs and discussion forums from a simple WordPress blog started in 2006, to the leading online community for three legged pets and their people. Tripawds is a full-featured social networking community offering blogs, forums, live chat and resources for people facing amputation for their dogs and cats. The multisite network hosts more than 1,000 blogs with 7,000+ registered members. Jim has helped develop the site into a full-time business that the couple operates using a “Freemium” business model to generate various revenue streams; including but not limited to enhanced paid membership features, product sales, e-book publishing, affiliate and pay-per-click advertising, direct brand partnerships, gift sales, and more. Jim also serves as president of the Tripawds Foundation, a 501c3 public charity. Connect with Jim at Tripawds.com.
Dr. Katy Nelson: Dr. Nelson is an associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, VA. as well as the host and executive producer of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy” on Washington DC’s News Channel 8. Dr. Katy is the Animal Health Reporter for WJLA ABC 7, and she’s known as “Dr. Pawz” on Washington DC’s All News Radio Station, WTOP. She is the Medical Director of Pet Health for Live In The Now, a leading nutrition and lifestyle company Dr. Nelson still carves out time for many charitable organizations in the DC area and beyond. She is committed to helping the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary become a reality. She serves on the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws Advisory Board, the Washington DC area’s premier philanthropic fashion event. Connect with Dr. Katy at The Pet Show.
Paris Permenter: Paris Permenter is a longtime pet and travel writer. Along with her husband, John Bigley, Paris publishes DogTipper.com and CatTipper.com. The couple has also authored over 30 books on the subjects of pets and travel. Along with John, Paris shares her Texas home with dogs Irie and Tiki and cats Linus, Inca, Coco, and Lucky. Most recently, Paris brought together her favorite subjects – pet rescue, travel, and shopping – and launched PawZaar.com, a shopping site that benefits homeless pets and highlights international fair trade pet-themed products.
Steve Pelletier: Steve says, “We love dogs and being fit. Now we have combined the two with SlimDoggy. Our latest product is an iPhone app that tells dog owners exactly how much to feed their dogs based on the dog’s age and activity level. You can easily see how many calories your dog burns each day and we have a database of 2,000 foods, along with their calories and ingredients so that you can easily compare brands.
Not only do we want to help all dog’s get fit, but we also believe in giving back and our Company donates time and money to local dog rescues. There are so many wonderful dogs in need of a home! Please help when you can!”
Amy Shojai: Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of 30 best selling pet books that cover furry babies to old-fogies, first aid to natural healing, and behavior/training to Chicken Soup-icity, as well as dog-viewpoint THRILLERS WITH BITE! She has been published by major New York publishers, smaller regional presses, and has self-published Ebooks, print and audio titles and considers herself a Hybrid Author. Amy is a founder of the Cat Writers Association, Inc. She created the Puppies.about.com site as the Puppies Expert, was the cat behavior expert at cats.About.com, and hosted an award-winning Pet Peeves radio show. Connect with Amy at her website, AmyShojai.com.
Bill Schroeder: Bill is a founding owner of InTouch Practice Communications and has, for the past 18+ years, enjoyed helping nearly 8,000 practices educate their clients and share their messages. Bill is a graduate of AAHA’s Veterinary Management Institute (VMI) at Purdue and now helps teach the marketing portion of the program. Follow Bill on his InTouchVet website.
Bill’s session: SEO 101-102
Robert Semrow: Robert Semrow has been deeply involved with technology, media and the pet world for many years. Robert and his Pet World Media Group team have created a dynamic niche in the new media world with pet-centric video, photography, audio and written content. Robert has hosted a nationally syndicated pet radio and video show Pet World Insider. In addition, Robert frequently appears on and participates in a variety of other pet industry endeavors from entertainment media to pet industry events and much more. Connect with Robert at Pet World Insider.
Sybil Stershic: Sybil F. Stershic, president of Quality Service Marketing, is a pet-lover and accomplished business professional that helps service-based organizations strengthen employee-customer relationships. A respected thought leader on engaging employees and volunteers through internal marketing, she is the author of the Quality Service Marketing blog and the award winning book, Share of Mind, Share of Heart – Marketing Tools of Engagement for Nonprofits. Connect with Sybil at Quality Service Marketing.
Karon Thackston: Karon Thackston is President of Marketing Words, a full-service copywriting & consulting agency specializing in conversion and search engine copywriting. She is a graduate of the DISC Behavioral Model course and also a Certified Landing Page Specialist. Karon has authored several books/courses including “Writing With Keywords,” “Ecommerce Copywriting“, “Amazon Advantage: Product Listing Strategies to Boost Your Sales” and others. She has a love for teaching others to achieve a natural balance between visitor needs. Connect with Karon at the Marketing Words blog.
Mia Voss: Mia Voss is an Entrepreneur, Professional Online Show Host, Brand Ambassador and Video Content Strategist. She has produced and appeared in over 300 episodes/programs on YouTube using Google Hangouts, including her weekly show, The Mia Connect Power Chat. Mia’s energized interview style brings out the best in her guests, engages & entertains the audience and always provides #Infotainment. As a Brand Host, Mia’s engaging style of presentation helps to showcases businesses & experts and creates online video content for brands & companies. Subscribe at themiaconnect.com and https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMiaConnect.
Denise Wakeman: Denise Wakeman is an Online Business Strategist. She is host of the popular Hangout show and podcast, Adventures In Visibility, focused on helping small businesses and online entrepreneurs to optimize, leverage, and strategically use social marketing tools to gain visibility, build credibility and make more money selling their products and services. Denise is passionate about Adventure travel and how it can inspire you to think bigger and motivate you to go for what’s possible in your business and life. Connect with Denise at her blog,
Layla Morgan Wilde: Layla Morgan Wilde, the multihyphenate founder and managing editor of Cat Wisdom 101 is a holistic cat expert and the official cat behaviorist for Tara The Hero Cat. Layla is an award-winning writer/blogger/photographer and animal advocate/pet industry influencer/speaker. In 2014 she was elected to the CWA council and is a contributing writer for Petfinder.com, Catster.com, Victoria Stilwell at Positively.com. In 1997, Layla founded the Annex Cat Rescue in Toronto, Canada and is a passionate volunteer at the New Rochelle Humane Society where rehabs and fosters cats. She lives in an antique farmhouse in Westchester County, New York, with a filmmaker husband and a bevy of pampered cats. Connect with Layla at CatWisdom101.com.
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS: Meet face-to-face and one-on-one with experts including:
Gina Caballero: A former nurse and professional fundraiser for the past 14 years, Gina Cabellaro began blogging on the Blogger platform in 2010 as a hobby and along the way, has learned many things by trial and error. In 2012, she became the “woman behind the curtain” for the great and powerful Oz the Terrier – a blog about the adventures and antics of her own “Toto” dog. Connect with Gina on the Oz the Terrier blog.
Gina’s one-on-one session: Bigger and Better on Blogger – Tips & Tricks for Design, Template HTML, SEO and posting
Tom Collins: As the Co-Founder of BlogPaws and Director of Education, Development & Recruiting, Tom is a central point of contact supporting the BlogPaws community. He is also developing educational resources for members to tap into in order to grow their expertise, influence, and brand value. Find Tom online and in the BlogPaws Community.
Tom’s one-on-one session: HTML & CSS for Your Blog
Carleen Coulter: Carleen is an Illinois attorney and long-time blogger and website owner/flipper, focusing on websites in the pets, beauty, fashion and food niches. In the realm of pets, she blogs at SomePets.com and Corgilicious.com, and is a former contributor to Babble Pets (a Disney owned website). Other primary websites include the popular beauty blog BeautyAndFashionTech.com and All NutribulletRecipes.com. She has previously spoken on legal topics, blogging ethics, monetization, and SEO at BlogPaws, Blog World New Media Expo, Blogher, and Reviewers Retreat. Carleen lives in the Chicago area with her corgis Ty and Eve, who microblog on Facebook as Puppy on a Roomba and Corgi Eve. Connect with Carleen at SomePets.
Carleen’s one-on-one session: Ask the Lawyer: Legal Issues and Bloggers
Steve Dale: Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant) is author of twice weekly national newspaper column (syndicated by Tribune Content Agency). He’s a contributing editor, USA Weekend and host of two national radio shows (Steve Dale’s Pet World, The Pet Minute) as well as Steve Dale’s Pet World on WGN Radio, Chicago. His blog is chicagonow.com/stevedale. He’s also a contributor to Advanstar blogs/publications. At Cat Fancy magazine he’s a special correspondent. His many TV appearances range from Oprah to National Geographic Explorer. Connect with Steve at Steve Dale Pet World and on Chicago Now. Connect with Steve at Steve Dale Pet World and Chicago Now.
Steve’s one-on-one session: Creating Content for Your Blog
Chloe DiVita: Chloe is the Director of Events and Programs for BlogPaws. She works with the sales and marketing team as a key member of the product committee guiding innovation of new programs and products to help grow brand and blogger relationships. Connect with Chloe: BlogPaws.com, on Twitter, and on her blog, Snotface and Twiggy.
Chloe’s one-on-one session: Dos and Don’ts of Sponsored Posts (with Felissa Elfenbein)
Karen “Doc” Halligan: Renowned veterinarian, author, and celebrity spokesperson Karen “Doc” Halligan has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animals. She is the author of the award-winning book Doc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs (HarperCollins, 2007) and has a featured column “The Doc IS IN” in Rescue proud magazine. Connect at DocHalligan.com.
Karen’s one-on-one session: Publishing for First Timers
Robbi Hess: Robbi Hess, print journalist turned blogger, has been involved with words, writing and editing for more than 20 years. She is a written marketing specialist, crafts web content and social media marketing strategies for her clients. A battle with breast cancer helped her hone her time management and productivity talents. She speaks at conferences on blogging, time management and productivity tools. She is the BlogPaws Blog Manager and has worked with Tom and Yvonne, BlogPaws founders, since they called Rochester, NY their home. Connect with her on Twitter at @blogpawsrobbi or @thewritingdiva or on Facebook at YourWrittenMarketingExpert.
Robbi’s one-on-one session: Blogging from A – Z Tips, Hints & Tools
Jodi Stone: Jodi Stone is the voice behind the Heart Like a Dog blog. This is her second year speaking at BlogPaws. Jodi has been blogging for four years and during that time she has built a community blog that welcomes and engages her readers via thrilling and humorous stories of life with her two dogs, Sampson and Delilah. Connect at HeartLikeaDog.com.
Jodi’s one-on-one session: Engaging Your Readers
Jessica Rhae Williams: Jessica Rhae Williams is a digital media expert, pet lover, and the founder of PetTalk Media, who believes that a strong online strategy goes beyond “be social and be consistent”. She combines her education, analytic background, and creativity to help businesses align their product or service with a pet parent’s vision of who they are and inspires them to improve their relationship with their pets. Jessica’s blog YouDidWhatWithYourWiener.com – an active and travel lifestyle blog featuring her two Dachshunds and Winner of The Best Active Living Blog Award in the 2014 Petties – inspired her quit her “cushy” government job, go back to school, and earn her Master’s from the ground-breaking Communications Leadership program at the University of Washington. Connect at YouDidWhatWithYourWiener.com.
Jessica’s one-on-one session: Facebook: Connect Like Never Before & Get Growing!
TABLE TOPICS
Nickey Rautenberg: Nickey Rautenberg is the founder of Pet Industry Marketing Group. She comes with over 8 years of online marketing experience and 3 years in the pet industry. After working in a traditional agency setting followed by an in-house role for a veterinary management organization in Toronto, Canada, Nickey noticed a huge need for online marketing education & strategy within the pet space. Nickey sees Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing and Social Media Marketing as second nature. Nickey is a Google Certified Partner who has watched the growth of online marketing in the pet industry over the last few years closely. Find Nickey at the Pet Industry Marketing Group.
Shawn Simons: Shawn Simons is the founder and current Headmistress of Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, a Los Angeles based 100% feral cat rescue. Prior to starting Kitty Bungalow, Shawn was a successful entertainment writer and producer. She continues to draw upon her creative background to expand the reach of the rescue through its successful branding. Under the Headmistress’ direction, the organization produces a large scale celebrity benefit each year partnering with various pet related companies. Kitty Bungalow is currently leading a grass roots PR campaign to education Los Angeles residents about the current City TNR injunction in hopes of getting the statute over turned in 2015. Kitty Bungalow has had successful partnerships with Lil’ BUB, Nora the Piano Cat, The Feline Film Festival, and multiple pet products. Connect with Shawn by visiting Kitty Bungalow:Charm School for Wayward Cats.
Michelle Wolff: Michelle is an author, artist, Young Living essential oil nut and licensed Desire Map workshop facilitator. She offers design services to cat owners who want to enrich their home environments through “catification” indoors and the addition of catios which allow cats to be outside yet contained. She is ridiculously curious with a wide variety of activities she calls “jobs” only because she has to call them something and she lumps them all together under the heading Life Support Specialist. Connect with Michelle at Catty Shack Designs.
Christie Zizo: When Christie is not blogging about dogs, she’s writing and editing local news. Christie is a web content editor for News 13 Orlando’s website, MyNews13.com. Christie brings over a decade of experience in the professional news world, including print, broadcast and online journalism. She’s also a member of Women in the Pet Industry. Christie lives in Orlando, FL with her beagle, Lulu, her hound mix, Jasmine and her cat, Galadriel. Find Christie blogging at LifeWithBeagle.com.
BlogPaws is proud of the amazing speakers who have joined our conferences! We sold out in the past and plan for the same, so don’t delay in joining us for the hottest social media conference in the pet industry. The BlogPaws 2015 Conference is May 28-30, 2015, and tickets are on sale now. Visit the BlogPaws Registration page to get started. See you in Nashville!!!!
Got questions about BlogPaws? Tap into one of our BlogPaws 2015 Ambassadors:
Teri Thorsteinson of Curlz and Swirlz
Melissa Clinton of Barking from the Bayou
Aimee Beltran of Irresistible Pets
Kimberly Dickerson of Saving More Than Me
