So you keep seeing posts on Facebook and Twitter for BarkWorld, but you have no idea what it is and how to get involved.  BarkWorld Expo is a Pet Social Media Conference in its sophomore year of existence.   This conference was founded by Denise Quashie, an award-winning event producer and public speaker.

BarkWorld is the perfect conference for people who tweet or blog about their pet (or AS their pet) to pet related business owners and all pet people in-between.  Topics on the agenda at BarkWorld include how to brand your business, which social media platforms are best for your business and how to use them, and creative tips and tricks to grow your business.  Representatives from big names in the pet world including Petco, Dogster and Catster are usually in attendance, as well as internet moguls like Yahoo and Bing, with a handful of TV stars thrown in for good measure.

Although BarkWorld is a pet friendly event in which dogs are welcomed to take part in the workshops as much as their pet parents, the information learned can be used across a wide variety of non-pet based businesses or hobbies.  For instance, one of this year’s workshops was called “Pawtography On All Fours: How to Take Great Photos of Your Pets”, presented by Nina Parker.  We learned how to take great photos without expensive photo equipment.  We learned what some of the settings on a ‘point and shoot camera’ mean and some great tips about framing and lighting your subject.  Guess What!  I’ve taken all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the weekend and used it on my human subjects!  (Shhh! don’t tell anyone!)  Most of the BarkWorld workshops and presentations can transcend species and industries.

For those people who enjoy writing or blogging, BarkWorld is wonderful for networking.  Most attendees are happy to help a newbie get started on their newest project.  Not to mention rubbing elbows with representatives from Yahoo or Bing is pretty nice as well!

For more information or if you are ready to pack your bags and come to Atlanta for the next BarkWorld, check back with www.barkworldexpo.com frequently for updates on BarkWorld 2012.  As of now, it will take place in the fall of next year.  Follow @BarkWorldExpo on Twitter for more information throughout the year.

~ Lilly