The tenth anniversary of BlogHer starts on Thursday. Being that it’s my 4th blogging conference, and 2nd time attending BlogHer, I’d like to share my thoughts with you on what to bring to a blogging conference.
This time, I don’t have to fly anywhere, or drive out of town. Luckily, BlogHer’14 is in San Jose — right in my (new) home town.
I try not to get too worked up, overwhelmed or anxious over the thought of a blogging conference. I’m going this year, to meet some local bloggers to become friends with, to chat with a handful of brands I’d ideally like to work with, and enjoy the experience.
1. Comfortable shoes — so important. I think that’s pretty self explanatory as you’re going to be on your feet for most of the days at the conference, so wearing something you can easily walk in, for hours. That, or bring a back up pair of flats.
2. Business cards — No doubt you’ll be exchanging business cards with new blogging friends and of course, brands. I’m bringing my buttons, want one?
3. Battery charger — You don’t want to run out of cell phone, or camera battery!
4. Camera — I’ll be using my BlackBerry Z10 for taking pictures.
5. Dressing in layers is key — I tend to get warm and cold easily, especially in conference rooms if you’re attending sessions. Places like that tend to crank the a/c. Clearly I like to be overheated and dress warm at all times.
6. Gum — I like it when my breath smells nice at all times.
7. Cash — Never know when you want to grab a quick bite outside of the sponsored meal times.
Bonus tip: Heard this one from my friend Jessica. Bring pre-filled out personal information (name/blog/twitter or even street address) for dropping into raffle/door prize boxes.
Ideally, less is more. Most likely you’re going to be carting around your expo tote bags filled with samples and goodies all day, so make sure to do multiple trips to your hotel room to drop it off. Of course, those coming from out of town would probably want to bring your laptops/ipads etc, for blogging on after you get back to your hotel room. However, last time I went to a blogging conference and stayed at a hotel, I didn’t update my blog until I arrived home.
And that’s it. I’m stoked about McDonald’s being the sponsor for the closing party on Saturday night. HOOOO Boy. Love me some McD’s. Remember that time the marketing rep for McDonald’s Canada said I was their biggest fan? He was 100% accurate on that.
Questions for you:
Are you going to BlogHer?
What’s your favourite fast food restaurant?
Have you met another blogger in person?
31 Comments
I have always dreamed of traveling to BlogHer or any type of blogging conference. I always felt like my blog was “too small.” Do you find that bloggers regardless of blog following attend?
Christine recently posted..Product Review: Firmoo Glasses
Awesome that you’re attending! I wish I was going. But I’m actually getting certified in kettlebell training all weekend. I’ve only been to one single-day blog conference and really enjoyed it. I’d like to go to more. Have fun networking! I look forward to the pictures.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted..Friday Favorites: Workplace edition
I also like it when you have nice smelling breath. B.c you give THE best HUGS!
I wish I was able to go to BlogHer! I’ll be at the SF Marathon expo on Saturday and running the 2nd 1/2 on Sunday. Also, my big weakness is french fries… especially McDonalds french fries.
Sheena recently posted..Running a race with no goals
@Sheena: Well treat yourself to some McDonald’s french fries on Sunday after your half. I’ll be thinking of you, good luck!
Nancy recently posted..7 Things I’m Bringing to BlogHer’14
@Kyla@Mommy’s Weird: I give the best hugs. You tell the best stories. Too bad you couldn’t make it to BlogHer this year. We’ll connect again (in person) one day :)
Nancy recently posted..7 Things I’m Bringing to BlogHer’14
@Ashley @ A Lady Goes West: Certified in KB training, sweet! Have fun with that Ashley :) Since we are so close to one another, I am sure we will cross paths soon.
Nancy recently posted..7 Things I’m Bringing to BlogHer’14
ohhhhhh always loved your button biz cards you creative thang you :P
Have fun, may I be jealous, haven’t been to a bloggie conference in forever now
Wildly Morgan recently posted..Healthy Fudgesicle Recipe
Good tips – this is my 3rd (consecutive) BlogHer. Made the mistake of bringing a tote for the Expo/my notebook/etc the first year, but there’s a 99% change BlogHer or one of the other expo booths will give you one :).
Have a great time chickee!!!
Love the buttons, they are really cute! I hope to see you at the conference and thanks for the tips!
Elba Valverde recently posted..DIY: Colorful Beaded Nail Art
I have never been to blogger, but I went to BlissDom last year (which sadly has been discontinued). But this year I am going to Type-A Conference and I’m super excited. I definitely agree with this list!
mandy@ a sorta fairytale recently posted..6 Back To School Teacher Gift Ideas + A Chance To Win Your School Supply List!
I have never been to blogher, but I went to BlissDom last year (which sadly has been discontinued). But this year I am going to Type-A Conference and I’m super excited. I definitely agree with this list!
@mandy@ a sorta fairytale: If it’s any consolation to you, BlissDom Canada is still on the go. I went in October last year – and had an amazing time.
Nancy recently posted..Blasts from the past
I agree, comfortable shoes are so important. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you need to have good shoes. And the camera is a must! I would add my iPad to the list because I just can’t go anywhere without it, lol
Joanna Sormunen recently posted..The Queen With The Frozen Heart 15
How exciting. Such great tips and I wish I was going to this conference. And super cute shoes!!!
Ahh! I so wanted to go this year. Next for sure. Have a blast! The buttons are an adorable idea!!!!!!
Amby Felix recently posted..How to Boil Water for Pasta
I am getting more interested in going to a blogging conference – especially to meet other bloggers!! (i also have to say that i love your outfit! i have to dress in layers too!)
Laura Waxman recently posted..Book Review July 2014
And I’m officially jealous! Have a great time!
kendall recently posted..Datenight in a 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Gosh darn it, I had no idea BlogHer was so soon AND so close (I’m right up in Berkeley)! I’d love to be there, too. I agree that business cards are essential for making connections!
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
Cat recently posted..Weeknight Dinners: Vegetarian Tostadas
Bringing my feet! Lol.
Jessica Doll recently posted..Review / 11 Day Alaskan Cruise
I’ve never been to a blogging conference before but I’m definitely interested in going to one in the future. I hope you have fun!
Nicole recently posted..9 Things To Do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Don’t you LOVE when you don’t have to go OUT of your way for a conference? Have SO much fun! <3
Shipra recently posted..Red Apple Lipstick The Lash Project Mascara Photos, Swatches, and Review
Thanks for the blog conference tips! I am hoping I can go to one next year!
Great post! I’d definitely love to go to BlogHer someday :)
Brooke @ You’re In Brookelynn recently posted..Friday Finds!
Love the buttons! Hope you have a great time
I also love McD’s, hahhaha. I am obsessed with their fries. Mmmmmm! Enjoy!
Chelsea recently posted..12 Search Terms That Led People To My Blog
These are great tips! I can’t wait to go to a blogging conference, and to read how yours goes!
Enjoy!
Christen recently posted..Current Work at Home Job Leads 7/23/14
oooh, I love those buttons, what a fun idea!
Laura recently posted..Day Zero | MK Seminar 2014
@Wildly Morgan: I have a fond memory in my heart, of those McDonalds mugs we “made” together. Do you still use yours?
Nancy recently posted..BlogHer14 Recap: 1 sentence per picture