Build-A-Bear CyBear Workshop Day 1

I had an amazing time at the Build-A-Bear Cybear Workshop for Bloggers the past few days.  I met amazing people including Maxine Clark (founder), Zach Bonner (12-year old philanthropist), Build-A-Bear employees and amazing mom Bloggers.  I am so extremely honored to have been asked to join this amazing group of women who visited Build-A-Bear Bearquarters in St. Louis.  We had so many different activities that I will split up my adventures into several posts so that I don’t leave any amazing event out.

I left Indy last Wednesday night after my husband returned from work and took the four hour drive to St. Louis on my own (it was remarkably easy and even I didn’t get lost, which is saying something).  I slept by myself in a very nice and comfy hotel room, a real treat for a very tired mom.  The next morning we met up with Build-A-Bear employees in the lobby and headed over to Build-A-Bear Bearquarters.  We were lead into the Bear University where we found our tables that we would be sitting at for the next couple of days.  I was fortunate to be seated with Zach and Laurie Bonner, Candy (mommypalooza) and Clair (MummyDeals).

We took a tour of the BearQuarters and learned a little about the process that goes into building a brand.  Employees at the home office are allowed to bring their dogs to work and we met a lot of furry friends along the way.  Decorating the halls of Bearquarters are all of the past and current pals that Build-A-Bear has introduced over the years.  Here is a picture of the International Wall they have on display for the World Cup!

We had amazing speeches from Maxine Clark, Adrienne Wiess, Zach Bonner and Mary Heston.  We also broke out  into small groups and had 2 wonderful round table discussions where Build-A-Bear asked us our thoughts on different aspects of the Build-A-Bear brand.

Here is Zach Bonner, an amazing kid that you will hear a lot about in the future.  Check out his foundation at http://littleredwagonfoundation.com/.

That night we were invited to Maxine Clark’s home for a wonderful dinner.  Those of us who brought kids were entertained by a magician and an amazing balloon animal artist.  It was a great time to socialize and get to know each other.  I met Sarah (ten thousand to none) from Kansas City who is expecting her first child soon.

I had an amazing time learning so much about what a fabulous company Build-A-Bear is and getting to know all the employees and mom bloggers in attendance.  I will write more about day 2 later this week (it includes some new never before seen products that you do not want to miss).

Build-A-Bear sent me to St. Louis to participate in a 2-day blogger event.  They put me up in a hotel and paid for transportation costs to allow me to attend.  I also received products from Build-A-Bear as a thank you for attending the event.  All opinions are 100% mine.