A "Bear-y" Insightful Gathering

Last week I had the opportunity to be a guest at what may, indeed, be the second happiest place on earth...the headquarters of Build-A-Bear Workshop!

The kind people there got wind of this post and invited me to join 20 some other bloggers to learn about the company, the product and branding in general.

The first thing that strikes you when you enter is the corporate culture. For being such a well-known brand, the headquarters seem intimate and familiar...


...but most importantly fun. This is, of course, helped by the thousands of plush animals all around. But in my opinion, is fueled by the real animals who accompanied their owners to work!

(most were along the lines of this size...I imagine Oggy Doggy and his stuffed-animal gutting ways would not be welcomed in the land of lovely plush toys! :)

Anyway, we were able to see lots of great product. These soccer bears were created especially for the FIFA World Cup and, unfortunately, aren't available here. Boo. Who doesn't want a bear with bright green dreads??

We were given the chance to learn from branding and internet safety experts, as well as see new product.
Being a PR person by day and MBA student by night, I was especially interested in the manner in which Build-A-Bear Workshop goes about collecting consumer insights and working to extend their brand. All efforts with which the Chief Executive Bear, Maxine Clark, is closely involved.

Maxine has a fantastic passion for this business she started in 1997 and her devotion to all they do was apparent. She was present for most of the conference, sharing her insights and asking questions. She has so many passions, including Build-A-Bear Workshop's community involvement...and she left us in tears on more than one occasion. Such an inspiration. She was even gracious enough to entertain all of us at her home!

The event wrapped up with a trip to a local shopping center....


For a Build-A-Bear Workshop Party! The store offers parties for kids and adults alike...turning this group of refined, dignified bloggers back into kids with the shake of a paw.

Here we are washing up our bears right after they were stuffed.

Mine was stuffed loosely...you know, the better for little fingers to grab and cuddle :).

This was such a great experience on a number of levels.

It was great learning from a brand-building and business perspective.

It was a heart-warming look at how companies and individuals are able to make a difference through their products.

And finally, as a mom-to-be, it was so comforting to be embraced by these women who were genuinely excited about the journey we're about to take with Baby K. They had so many kind words of encouragement and advice that I feel like I'm prepped to enter the end-all-be-all of clubs, Motherhood.

With my bear in hand, of course!

Note: I was a guest of Build-A-Bear Workshop. The company provided me with accommodations and travel costs, as well as gift cards and products while attending this event. The thoughts expressed in this post are my own.