Hispanicize 14 in Miami was FAB! #hispz14

Thanks to the Hispanicize 14’s “Brands Love Bloggers” campaign and to a partial sponsorship from Stiletto Media, I was able to attend Hispanicize 14 at the Intercontinental Hotel  in Miami.  *All opinions are my own.

Earlier this year, with the help of Mamihood Media, I moved to WordPress.  So now I have this beautiful platform where I can be everything I want to be: an advocate, parent,  working mom, cool New Yorker, believer in bilingualism and in all things multicultural.

Everyone recommended Hispanicize as the event to attend this year. After attending, I can say, they were right! If you are serious about networking, blogging and working with brands, it is the event to attend. It is also a great way to meet those bloggers, movers and shakers you may already be having conversations with on Twitter, Facebook groups and Google hangouts. It is a great way to pitch to that editor you have been dreaming of working with, and also get tips on how to improve everything from SEO to viral videos. The panels were enriching, and I learned so much.

Hispanicize is not only about meeting brands and networking—it is also about celebrating the strength and beauty of the Hispanic community. When I was sitting in a panel listening to talented professionals speak about the importance of raising the Latino voice in the media, I felt pride. When I heard the stories of the recipients of the Positive Impact Awards, I was inspired. When I watched the Mayor of Miami give Hispanicize founder and creator, Manny Ruiz, a key to the city of Miami, I was so moved, I shed a few tears. What an immense honor! And what a well-deserved honor! Felicidades Manny!

If you haven’t been to Hispanicize, make a note, and make sure to attend next year! I’m not only talking to bloggers, I’m talking to brands too! Because guess what? Nielsen reports that Hispanics have $1.2 trillion purchasing power. Yes Trillion with a T. Latinas make 85 percent of purchasing decisions in the home. So, we have power. We like to buy stuff. We like to help our community. We like brands that help us help our community!

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to attend Hispz14. I was also thrilled to meet bloggers and reconnect with some mentors and friends who have been so supportive in my writing and blogging journey. I met experts in blogging and social media who were eager to share tips and tricks of the trade.  What a fabulous week! I’m already counting down to Hispz15! See you in Miami!