Will Blog for Dish Soap?

A Down And Dirty Guide to Valuing Your Voice

Blogging is about more than just what you had for soup and what your kids are wearing for Halloween. All brands are seeing the potential and value of a blogger's voice, and this tidal change is waking up those folks on the other end of the keyboard to the potential that their voice has in the marketplace. But how do you value your voice, and what steps should you be taking to protect and promote that voice? We have a great lineup of panelists who will give you the down and dirty details of their experiences and tips on how to build your online value.

This event is free and open to members of St. Louis Women in Media, and your ticket includes a yummy spread of sandwiches, pasta and salad provided by Brio Tuscan Grille, and coffee and soda provided by Saint Louis Coworking. The YMCA of The Ozarks will also be giving away a free stay at Trout Lodge to one of the attendees, so be sure to bring a business card to drop in the drawing!

Meet Our Panelists

Ria Sharon a.k.a. Practical Mommy, My Mommy Manual - Ria is a divorced single co-parent and "student" to two very wise elementary-aged children. She is the co-creator of MyMommyManual.com and the online Yoga Parenting course. Her professional experience is in marketing and media, first in traditional media for consumer brands like Kellogg's Pop-Tarts and Frosted Flakes. More recently, she has devoted her expertise to social media and the building of online communities. As Practical Mommy on MyMommyManual.com, she sources and publishes daily advice from experts in the field of parenting, children's health and women's health.

Kelli Stuart, Minivans Are Hot & STLFamilyLife.com

Suzanne Tucker P.T., C.E.I.M. a.k.a Zen Mommy, My Mommy Manual - In addition to mommy-ing to two magical girls born in 2000 and 2003 and boy/girl twins born in February of 2010, Suzanne owns Brentwood Center of Health, a holistic health center with her husband in St. Louis, Missouri where she practices as a physical therapist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage and health education teacher. She is the co-creator of MyMommyManual.com and Yoga Parenting, an eight-week online course on self-discovery through parenting. A Reiki I practitioner and certified in Dr. Michael Ryce’s forgiveness work, Suzanne offers inspiration and support to women under the pen name Zen Mommy on My Mommy Manual.

Melissa Gilliam, A Small Town Girls Guide - Melissa's career has spanned several cities including New York City, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis as well as Taipei, Taiwan. Melissa has worked in botanic, visual arts and performing arts institutions. She is currently the Marketing Director for YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood in Potosi, Missouri where she manages all marketing and social media strategy and implementation for the institution.

Melissa holds a Masters degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She is active with the Young Nonprofit Professionals of St. Louis, the Social Media Club of St. Louis, the Washington County Tourism Committee, and the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) Junior Board.

Melissa’s writing has been published by Americans for the Arts, Aire Magazine, River Hills Traveler, Insider 573 Magazine and on iluvlocalplaces.com. Her first story is scheduled to publish Maryland Heights' Patch.com later this fall. Her blog, A Small Town Girls Guide, has been recognized by wordpress.com and syndicated through parklandusa.com and the River Hills Traveler Blog. Her photography has been republished by the BBC and Schmap.com. Melissa loves to bake and hike, and completed her first half-marathon in September.

A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Parking will be available in metered spots in front of the Shell Building. Additional parking is also available in the garage located across Tucker Blvd at a rate of $1/half hour.