Of my many experiences at BlogHer 2010 some of the best moments weren’t actually at the conference. Of the parties I attended a few stuck out. My husband Del and I were both invited to the UL Safety and Swanky party, held on the rooftop of the Empire Hotel. During my other trips to New York I saw the Empire Hotel sign but this event actually put me up close next to it.
As a mom I can’t tell you how many close calls I’ve had, how many mistakes I’ve made. While at the Safety and Swanky party both Del and I were able to meet with the incredible minds behind Underwriter Laboratories. Even wondered what that UL sign is on your Christmas lights? It’s just a way to let the consumer know that the product they are using has been tested and is safe.
I am a huge Halloween fan, growing up my Mom always did a huge Halloween party complete with hundreds of dollars worth of decorations. I of course inherited it from her but I want to be sure that what I am using is safe. So of course the Halloween and Christmas setup at the event caught my eye. I’ll be sharing more Halloween and Christmas safety tips as the seasons draw near.
My husband Del went straight to the grilling section. Last year he made a very big mistake and used the grill a little too close to the house. BIG No No! We were very lucky that day and he learned a valuable lesson. I was taught a very important lesson during this event and came away knowing that I should always know where my kids are. Especially during the summer months when we are cooking outside and playing with water. I learned that everyone makes mistakes (cough cough Del) but knowing what we can do to avoid them is what is important.
While at the event I was able to interview John he’s been with UL for over 30 years! He is the face behind UL, and is so passionate about his job. It was an honor for my husband and I to be able to spend time with him, and I was lucky enough to interview him. Check it out, he’s gives some tips for all of us moms. Especially safety tips for the summer!
Those are great tips! Good interview… That def. looks like a party I would have been interested in attending had I gone. Valuable info with great products.
Great post and interview, Kristin!
That would have been a great party to attend, I would have loved to have gone.
I was happy to hear how much John values bloggers, I agreed with him 100%.
I wish I would have attended this. Coming in on a red eye was such a bad idea on my part. I made one event that night and then crashed in bed. I was pathetic.
Your post and interview is great. I really love UL and working with them. They are so respectful of us. I appreciate that so much!
I so wish I’d been able to make it to this party – it sounds like it was a great time and very useful too!
John and I had a couple of lengthy conversation on topics such as the creation and founding of Underwriters Laboratory and its standing as a private business globally, up to the purpose of their tags, and why they had this soiree. I remember as a kid always noticing the tags and the conformity that many electrical devices were beginning to have. They increased, yet the UL logo was always there. Now-a-days with all the tags and technology, its interesting to see how far the world has come.
I found it fascinating that if you see an item with a holographic UL tag, its most likely is going to be from China, not just Asia, but China directly. It was an issue to deal with counterfeit UL tags…who would have thought, but these days anything and everything is copied. The UL certification is important when using electrical devices because of the danger of fire, shock, or possibly death due to the unit be defective and unsafe. UL test items for many reason and the list they choose from is intensive. Using items with the UL listing not approved can possibly lead to a safety problem and and is something people should know.
They had a great setup and great accommodations. The massages and drinks made learning about safety that much more fun.
Life is short, and this article saved vaulbale time on this Earth.
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