Today I am thrilled to announce the first step in planning BlogHer '09's agenda: Sessions! Sessions are just one part of the BlogHer conference experience, and we look forward to your help in each of these areas. Thanks for clicking on the links below to learn more about each part of the BlogHer agenda:

Today we are proud to announce the BlogHer '09 International Activist BlogHer scholarship program and invite you to submit yourself or your favorite international activist BlogHer for consideration for this scholarship.

Every year, we announce that our annual BlogHer event will have something for everyone.And every year, we get lots of feedback like:I don't think I'm a big or important enough to go...I won't know anyone there..I can't go, I'm a dude!I'm not techie enough for a blog conference...I'm way too techie for a blog conference...So in case you -- or someone you know -- is feeling hesitant, here's our take. Please pass it on!For new and beginning bloggers

In case you missed the first announcement (which we made right before Thanksgiving, so we suppose it's possible that you were a little busy), registration for BlogHer '09 AND BlogHer Business '09 is OPEN! Click here to register: http://blogher09.eventbrite.com Our hotel/venue is ALSO taking reservations under the BlogHer room block now, too. You can make reservations by calling (877) 242-2558 and letting them know you're with BlogHer OR (NEW!) you can use this handy-dandy URL: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/Blogher2009.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we've added a new way to celebrate... Registration is now OPEN for BlogHer '09 and BlogHer Business '09! Just follow this link: http://blogher09.eventbrite.com/We hope you'll find this year's registration process easier and more straightforward than ever before.  And remember:- EarlyBird pricing is in effect through February 28. After that, the cost to attend the annual conference goes from $99/day to $149/day.

Good news! The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, site of all things BlogHer '09 (including BlogHer Business '09, taking place on July 23) is now taking our reservations!To reserve your room via phone, just call (877) 242-2558 and let them know you're with BlogHer. As a reminder, BlogHer '09 takes place on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25. Our room rate is $199/night, and includes free in-room internet.

Today we are pleased and proud to announce the theme, dates and location for BlogHer '09, our fifth annual conference.

==UPDATE: OK, the poll has been closed. With thousands of votes between the post-conference survey and this poll, I think we're all set. Thanks you so much everyone, not only for your votes, but also for the awesome civic pride on display in these comments :) The leading contenders are: Philadelphia Portland St. Louis