My Front Porch Swing

Welcome back to the Blog Conference Prep series that Shell from Things and I Can’t Say have been sharing with you! If you missed any of the posts, you can catch up here:

• How to anticipate conference costs
• How to get a conference sponsor
• How to prep your blog for a conference
• How to prep your life for a conference
• How to talk to brands
• How to get over your fear of talking to other bloggers

Today, we’re talking about what to pack. No, not clothes-wise- that’s an entirely different post coming soon! Instead, today we’re talking about what to pack for your room at Blissdom at Shell’s while I cover what to have for your day bag.

Conferences involve a lot of walking and talking.. and walking and talking.. and walking and talking.. did I mention walking and talking?? The last thing you want to do is have to run back to your room constantly for something you may need- especially at the Opryland Hotel. This hotel is HUGE and you can get lost just trying to find your room.(or so I’ve heard.. ahem.) So, it’s important to carry a few essentials in a great tote bag for the conference.

Refillable water bottle. I cannot stress the importance of this. Along with a spare bottle or two of water, this can be one of the most valuable tools at a conference. Remember all that talking we discussed? Your throat will get dry, and there are hundreds of people looking for water. Be prepared!

Business Cards. Preferably in a front or easily-accessible pocket. This is your main way of communicating with others after the conference, so make sure you hand them out! Do not feel self-conscious about giving out your cards, it’s completely acceptable- and expected- at blog conferences. So share those cards as much as possible (especially if they have your picture on them).

Pen and Paper. Yes, really. Granted, my iPad will be with me for note-taking and internet access, but sometimes, it’s a lot easier to jot things down on a piece of paper, especially in between sessions. You never know what info you might want to take down while talking to one of the amazing brands at a conference, or what notes you want to take after meeting your blogging idol. Conferences are full of inspiration and connections, so be ready to write it down.

Your cell phone AND charger. Bringing your cell phone may sound like a no-brainer, but if we’re checking things off, let’s make sure we’re including the essentials! Think of your cell phone as your life line. You can tweet, email, and text to your heart’s content, sharing conference information with your twitter followers, emailing yourself blogging inspiration or texting a friend so you don’t feel so lost. Finding a spot to recharge may not always be easy, but it can be done.

Cough drops & Tissues. Okay, this one may just be for me, but when I was at Bloggy Bootcamp, I got the worst tickle in my throat. There is nothing like a room full of amazing speakers sharing their knowledge having to stop because you’re at your table hacking away. Have things like cough drops and tissues readily available- for you and those around you. You can become someone’s instant hero with these essentials.

Bonus tip: Leave your laptop in your room. When there is such a fabulous conference going on with so many internet-ready people, you may not be able to get online with wifi. Plus? That thing gets heavy! Do your shoulders a favor and  leave it in the room.

What essentials have you found necessary at blog conferences?

Be sure to visit Shell’s site for 7-must-pack-items for your room today! 

Welcome to the latest installment of the Blog Conference Prep series that Shell from Things I Can’t Say have been sharing.

  So far we have covered:

• How to anticipate conference costs
• How to get a conference sponsor
• How to prep your blog for a conference
• How to prep your life for a conference

Today, we’re covering networking. Shell is talking about why you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to people at conferences, while I’m discussing how to communicate with brands. Remember, brand representatives are people too!

Talk about yourself- a little.

While you don’t want to monopolize an entire conversation with a brand representative, you do want to make a lasting impression. Share something memorable about your blog, such as a feature you do or a story you shared that relates to their brand. Make it clear why they should remember you.

Do not start by demanding “stuff”.

Brands attend and sponsor these events looking to promote their products, first and foremost. Many of them also attend to grow their community and network with bloggers. By the fact that they are at a blogging conference in the first place demonstrates that they at least have a basic understanding about how awesome bloggers are at spreading the word about brands.

Keep in mind, timing is everything.

Chances are, brand representatives are not going home and immediately sending out emails to bloggers. While many will do this as an initial contact, many promotions and programs are not going to start the week following a conference. For example, last year, a group of bloggers were invited to attend a brand event five months after Blissdom- and more opportunities to work with the brand continued throughout the year. Make your connections, keep in contact, and do not expect immediate results.

Maintain an open mind.

While there are many major, well-known brands at conferences, do not let the fact that a table or booth is advertising a brand you don’t recognize discourage you from engaging. Start-ups, local companies, and smaller businesses that attend these conferences can be the perfect partners for you to work with in some way. Beyond learning about something new, you may have first access to the next great thing.

What are some of your networking tips for a conference?

Don’t miss Shell’s post today Blog Conference Prep: Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Talk to People to learn how to network with other conference attendees!