As blogging continues to gain in both popularity and influence, a logical offshoot is conferences designed to educate and connect the blog community; other events are held that appeal to bloggers, even if they aren’t the target audience.
Blogging has the power to forge friendships. Initially we and our families may joke about the “pretend friends who live in our computers,” but many of us develop ties beyond the boundaries of posts and the comments section, extending into emails, phone calls, Twitter, and other social networking sites such as Ning communities. Blog conferences offer the perfect opportunity to meet your online friends and make new ones, too.
In the past year I’ve attended She Speaks, BlissDom, Photoshop World, GHEA, the Southeast Homeschool Expo, and two one-day Kelby Training Live seminars. Every conference has its own unique personality. Here are some tips for attending and making the most of your conference experience!
Plan Ahead
Most conferences offer early bird discounts; it’s wise to plan in advance and take advantage of those deals. This also gives you more time to find a roommate if your conference trip will require travel and a hotel stay. The host hotel will probably offer both attendee and early bird discounts, too. The BlissDom early bird discount included free wi-fi, which can run $10 or more per day at many hotels.
If you need a roommate, good strategies include posting about it on Twitter and on your blog. Email bloggers that you think might be interested in attending. I found roommates for both Photoshop World and BlissDom, one through an email conversation and one via Twitter.
Okay, so you’ve bought your conference ticket, found a roommate, and booked hotel reservations. Now what?
Business/Mommy Cards
Business cards are an inexpensive and must-have item at conferences for exchanging with the other bloggers you’ll meet. Be sure to include your name, blog URL(s), and email address. Optional information includes phone number, home address, and Twitter username (or other social networking site link).
Cards can be ordered from companies like Vista Print, or from other mom bloggers at places like Fruition Designs or Graphically Designing. I downloaded the Photoshop Template here when I made mine and then submitted it to Vista Print. I’ve also printed my own at home; I recommend buying the “clean edge” non-perforated designs, which don’t look as do-it-yourself (I’ve used Avery Template 5371 in my color laser printer; be sure to use paper appropriate for your printer).
If you order cards be sure to do so in a timely fashion or you’ll incur rush fees to get them in time!
Clothes
Most conferences have a general dress code. Check the conference website or attendee forums, if applicable, to find out what it is, and don’t be afraid to ask. Most blog and homeschool conferences are casual and jeans are appropriate. Photoshop World was very casual. She Speaks is business casual, which is a little dressier. Even if you are in a warm climate, most indoor conference facilities are cold. Take a sweater or jacket. I went shopping for socks during the lunch break at a one-day Photoshop seminar; I had a sweater, but my feet were so cold I couldn’t concentrate!
Don’t break the bank. Before BlissDom I told my husband that I wanted something new to wear. Being all practical and male, he reminded me that the other attendees don’t see me in real life and wouldn’t know if my clothes were new or not. I bought a top on clearance at TJ Maxx for $7 and a pair of casual shoes that I knew I’d wear all the time. Ultimately, you aren’t there to represent a business, you’re representing yourself. Dress in a way that reflects you and your personal style. That’s what your blog readers would expect from you, right?
What to Take
- Camera
- Laptop (if you have one)
- Cell phone
- Notebook and pen
- Power cords to charge your stuff!
- Extra batteries
- Snacks
- Take what you need, but don’t overpack! I bought books and brought home enough extra stuff from Photoshop World that my suitcase was too heavy on the return trip; I had to carry 35+ pounds of stuff through 2 airports on the way home.
Socializing and Follow-Up
Check the conference website, Twitter, and the blogosphere to find out who else is attending so you’ll know who you want to be sure to meet! If you tweet, find out if there’s a Twitter hashtag for the event so that you can follow event-related tweeting. Afterwards, check for blogs displaying Mr. Linkies for follow-up posts. It’s a great way to read what everyone else said and get your conference post(s) listed, too.
Don’t forget to relax, have fun, and soak up all the information you can.
Have you or will you attend a conference? Talk about it in comments!
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Excellent advice!
I hope to find a business card holder or organizer with additional pockets like Shannon from Rocks In My Dryer had.
Though I had a business card, it was almost impossible for me to juggle the baby, a notebook, my bag and trade cards with people at the same time.
It will be fun to see you at She Speaks. I am going to go, and will take the speaker’s track, but want to pop in on some blogging ones (and support you and Em.
Really need to find a sponsor though, so we’ll see what the Lord does. I guess that means I need to help Him out a bit, right? And approach some companies?
Great tips. I have never been to a blog one but I have been to some homeschool ones. I totally second the sweater as I get cold anytime the air conditioning is on!