Five years. Five fast, exciting, things happened I never imagined, years have passed since I had a notion to start a blog. There I was in my little corner of the world figuring out how to do it all by myself. It took months of research, trial, error, frustration, and discovery to make it happen. Then I took the big leap into the vast internet and launched Magnolia Days on August 8, 2011.

What happened? It was great. It was a struggle. What kept going through my mind was wondering if I did it right. Or what could go wrong and I wouldn’t know how to fix it. Then a pivotal moment happened. A friend told me about a WordPress conference happening in Atlanta. I decided to go for it. I figured if I learned anything it would be worth $40 for 2 days.

I walked through the door at WordCamp Atlanta and what did I find? A room full of folks eagerly waiting for the day to happen. The positive energy was flowing around like a raging river. I picked up my badge and t-shirt and headed for the big meeting room. I found my spot and sat in awe of how many were there. And it hit me. I’m not alone in this blogging thing.

Two days. Two incredible, mind blowing, learned things I never imagined, days passed in the blink of an eye. Knowledge was freely shared everywhere. And when I say everywhere I mean in sessions, at the registration desk, in the hallways, at the Happiness Bar, during the after party, in the parking lot, and more.

What was my favorite moment? It was during the after party when I had a conversation with Matt Mullenweg. He asked me why I chose WordPress, what I used it for, and he looked at my blog. I knew right then and there I made the best choice of platform for my site. It speaks volumes when the person at the top cares enough to ask those questions to someone who had only been blogging for a few months. I’ve found it to be the same with the wide-spread WordPress community.

Matt Mullenweg and Renee Dobbs. Photo courtesy John Saddington

So what’s happened in the last five years? I’ve become a part of the WordPress community in many ways. I attend meetups. I am an organizer for WordCamp Atlanta. I’ve been a speaker too. The adventures I’ve had because of my blog have been phenomenal. I am ready for what the future holds because I know I’ll have the support of both the WordPress and food blogging communities.

WordCamp is for everyone. It is THE conference to attend whether you only have a glimmer of starting a blog or you have been developing websites for years. Take the chance. Get your ticket. And see what two days can do to influence your next five years.

For more info on me (Renee Dobbs) and a team of dedicated WordPress enthusiasts go here: WordCamp Atlanta Organizers.

Hotel Rooms for WordCamp are now sold out. If you still need a place, try other local hotels or Airbnb.

If you’re booked at the Courtyard, you’ll have a cozy place to crash right in the heart of the city. The Courtyard Atlanta Downtown is located at 133 Carnegie Way, Atlanta GA 30303. It’s right around the corner from all the synergy and great restaurants along Peachtree Street, Atlanta’s main drag. The hotel phone number is 404-222-2416.

You can take any MARTA train from the Atlanta Airport to the Peachtree Center Station. You’ll be just steps away from your hotel.

If you need a ride, say, between your hotel and the event at Loudermilk Center, check out the special WordCamp discounts from Lyft. See those two locations on map the below.