I attended the social media awards last night near Salt Lake City Utah. It was a fabulous event and many of my favorite people were there. I was so excited when Nate (@BigBags) won. He was pretty blase about it though (just kidding).

Janet Thaeler - Proud Recipient of a Utah Social Media Award

Others include Jordan Kasteler (@utahSEOPro), Thom Allen (@ThomAllen) Rachael Herrscher (@todaysmama) and so many more.

I was happy to win an award for Best Social Media Content Guru

janetthaelersocialmediaawards

janetandnatehappyaboutourawards

It felt so star-studded - I’m sure it will get bigger each year. As far as I know this was the FIRST annual awards ceremony like this. Pete Codella (@codella) Roxy Cross (@RoxyCross) and others did such an amazing job planning the event.

My favorite person (who I didn’t know) was Josh Hanagarne of WorldsStrongestLibrarian.com who has Tourette’s Syndrome. He used his blog as a way to communicate when he couldn’t talk and to document his journey to become stronger. He spoke about how he was shut off from others and then the blog gave him back his ability to socialize again. Seth Godin found his blog and told him he had to write a book and put him in touch with his agent.  I want to buy a copy and have him sign it when it’s done. He told his story so beautifully it inspired and moved us all.

I finally got a photo to send Sorel boots (so much for losing 15 lbs first, but who’s complaining when I can talk easily!) I call them my social media boots because they came about because of Twitter. It’s still a bit too warm to wear them regularly.

janetinsorelboots-thankyou

Check out all of the social media award winners.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google

7 Responses to “Utah Social Media Club Awards 2009 - What a Great Time!”

  1. Pete Codella Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    Since I was first introduced to Josh Hanagarne’s blog, World’s Strongest Librarian, I have been hooked. What a story! And his remarks last night were incredibly poignant. Social media does have tremendous influence in our lives. Josh is a great example of that. And so are you! Congratulations, Janet, on your award.

  2. NewspaperGirl Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    Thanks Pete. It was remarkable - the awards ceremony itself as well as Josh’s speech. Plus the passion and enthusiasm in the room was incredible.

    Future keynote speaker ideas: Josh, Stephanie of Nie Nie fame, Heather - Dooce. I’d like to hear the behind the scenes of Utah’s most amazing bloggers.

    I vote for Josh. Even if his wife helps out.

    Again, great job.
    -Janet

  3. Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    I was totally blown away by Josh’s comments! What an inspiration! Can’t wait to read his book as well. ;-)

  4. Josh Hanagarne Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Well, you’ve all helped me realize that I haven’t become so reptilian that I can’t still blush! That’s high praise from some of my favorite people.

    I should clarify something: The blog is only seven months old. I had my voice back for good in 2002. But that IS when I fell in love with writing and realized what a healthy process it is for me. when the symptoms became more manageable, I needed the writing for different reasons.

    I would be honored to speak at anything you guys like, keynote or otherwise. I’ve done a ton of public speaking and I can really do it well when I’m prepared and focused.

    Thanks again to you all. What a great night that was.

  5. Roxy Cross Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    What an amazing night of getting to know seriously cool people in UT! Everyone was touched by Josh the World’s Strongest Librarian! And you are on your way and we will help get the word out about your work and your book! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600051545?ie=UTF8&tag=publicrelat04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600051545

  6. rob aubrey Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Wow what a good time. The keynote speaker, the fellowship, the networking, the awards. Pete, Roxy, and the gang, you guys knocked it out of the park. As for Josh, I wouldn’t want to have to follow him in an award.

    Thanks

  7. Thom Allen Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Janet, those boots rock! Glad to see you get that award. I know you have worked very hard.

    I also agree Josh is an amazing person. I too spent some time today getting to know him a little more through his blog. Definitely a winner.

Leave a Reply