And they all blogged happily ever after.

Ok, this post isn’t a fairy tale nor is my eagerly anticipated journey to the BlogWorld & New Media Expo in Las Vegas. The official action gets underway later this week but the social networking started much earlier in blogs, on Facebook and through Twitter.  Somehow I found time to participate in lots of that as I worked with my editors to complete the manuscript for my first book – appropriately called The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Social Network (coming February 2011 from Penguin Group (USA) Inc.).

Beyond participating in these conversations, I’ve been preparing for the trip. The logistics were easy as Las Vegas is, after all, a major tourist destination. The tricky bit comes in deciding what to do with my time.

My conference philosophy is about balance. I want to learn, to connect with people and, perhaps, sow the seeds of new business and have some fun along the way.  With multiple sessions in each time slot there’re lots of opportunities to learn.  So far, I’ve made up mind that I’ll attend:

• The Brand of You: How to Build a Profitable Social Media Based Business presented by Mari Smith.
• How to Build a Successful Blog Business by Answering Reader Questions with Dave Taylor.
• From Blog to Book a panel with Brian Solis.
• Building An Irristible Private Membership Community presented by Chris Garrett.

That leaves me a few spots to go where whims take me and a chance to check out the tradeshow. That being said there’s lots to do outside of the formal conference and these are often the best places to connect with new friends and old. I plan to attend various parties and the Social Media Examiner breakfast meetup.

And then there’s the fun.  Everything’s new to me in Vegas so I’m sure I’ll have fun gawking at the strip and people watching. However, I’m a theatre lover so I must take in a show.  Fortunately,  Cirque du Soleil has generously provided complimentary tickets to see their newest show – Viva Elvis. I can’t wait.

Of course, I’ve left some time free for serendipity. What social networking question burns in your mind? Maybe I can find the answer.  (And I’m open to Las Vegas must-sees for writers like me.)