Yesterday, I wrote about the incredible opportunity I have to attend the Higher Education Social Media Strategies Summit here in Boston. Today was the first day of the conference and it was jam-packed. I had the privilege of participating in workshops and listening to speakers from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I am in Boston for the Higher Education Social Media Strategies Summit. I had to include the Snapchat geofilter.

For the most part, the material was outstanding. I could write about the techniques, best practices, and strategies that were discussed but I will save all my non-social media enthusiasts the technical jargon. Rather, I will just briefly say this:

When I am at home doing my job, it seems like I have a very unique occupation. Actually, it goes much further than that because I know for a fact that I do have a unique occupation. The truth is that compared to other industries, there just aren’t that many higher education social media professionals.

However, today I was in a couple conference rooms composed entirely of higher education social media professionals. I was suddenly surrounded by people who think, perform, and act like I do. We were speaking the same language and relating to each other’s experiences. At least twice today, I looked up at the presenter and said to myself, Wow, I am totally this person.

A couple photos I took of presentations today.

It really was the first time I ever felt this way and it was very refreshing. I know in last night’s post I anticipated that I might feel this way but by the time the first day wrapped up a couple hours ago there was no more “might.” To be in the company of my counterparts was really cool.

Now, for anyone who would randomly walk into the conference, they would immediately know they were in the presence of social media professionals. Most of us were on our laptops and iphones the whole time whether it was for live Tweeting the conference, tending to our work social media accounts, or doing other nerdy online things that folks like us do. Of course it was all encouraged!!

I am excited for the second and final day of the conference. For those not with us in Boston who want to still feel like they are attending, make sure to follow the #SMMsummit hashtag. I promise you, it is almost as good as being here…almost. Don’t Blink.