Blog conference prep series

Blog Conference Prep Series: Help! What to Wear!?

February 16, 2012 4 Comments

Blissdom is next week (next week!?!?). I am so excited to be going and Shell and I have spent the past few weeks (hopefully) helping you to prepare. We have covered these topics so far, in case you missed any:

This week? We are tackling the most important detail: What to wear! Want to see what Shell is wearing? Click here to check out her post!

3 tips to be comfortable at Blissdom

- Bring a sweater. I sat there shivering through the opening keynote last year. I had on a short sleeve short and in no way stopped to consider that it could be cool in there. Or that it was a maze to find my way back to my room and would take too long to accomplish this. Think warm and comfortable.
- Wear something you’re comfortable in. While you should like what you are wearing day and night, during the day you will meet a lot of people. A LOT. If you are self-conscious about what you are wearing, it can come across when speaking with others. Focus on connections, not your brand-new, uncomfortable top.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Yes. I am adding this even though you have heard this from every turn. But people? The Opryland Hotel is HUGE. Huge. On top of that, you will stand around talking to people for eleven million hours. Since going barefoot is not encouraged, skip the heels, especially during the day. You can risk it at night if you must, but I suggest finding cute flats or sandals.

My outfit choices

I need to preface this with the detail that I can be fickle. Some of these may change. But at least I can give you a general idea. Sometimes, seeing what others are packing can help you figure out just what it is you want to bring.

Traveling in

Travel- I will be driving, but either driving or flying as I did last year, it will be in a pair of skinny jeans and comfortable flats, along with layered shirts- but at least in my car, I can control the temperature! Layers are always good. After a day of traveling, it will be similar to what I wore in. It’s a good night to meet up with some friends and prepare for the fun ahead.

Conference Sessions

Ahh conference time. Here is where we remember to be comfortable with ourselves- remember all that talking? I love a cute skirt. I have two that I’m bringing (one grey, one black), along with a pair of grey pinstriped pants. These all mix and match with some cute tops, with some sweaters and wraps to match.

Evening Events

Again, wear what you’re comfortable with- Thursday night will be more casual, with plenty of jeans, though I love an excuse to dress up (and not with my three year old). Friday night is the night to go all out if you are only planning on getting dressy one night. I may bring along heels to consider, but cute sandals will probably win. These are my evening dresses:

Saturday night is Girls Night In- it’s all about the pajamas baby. Mine will also include some slipper socks and/or slippers. Comfort is the way to go! Mine are teal/pink striped pants with a teal t-shirt to match.

Travel out

Sunday will be different for everyone. As I am driving, I am not leaving until after lunch and after I take my roommate to the airport. So, for our post-conference lunch and traveling home, it’s all about comfort. I have this tunic and leggings with, once again, my comfy flats.

So there you have it! As we have attended more and more conferences, we’ve learned what to wear and how to choose- be comfortable, be yourself, and have a little fun with it!

Missed any of our blog conference prep series? Visit them all here:

Filed Under: Blog conference prep series 4 Comments

Blog Conference Prep: Sharing all of the Blissdom Tips

February 2, 2012 1 Comment

Shell and I have been sharing all kinds of great tips and suggestions for attending a conference. This week, we thought we would mix it up a bit and share some of the fabulous conference tips from around the blogosphere! If you missed any of our other posts, you can catch up here:

Now, for a roundup of some awesome Blissdom posts for every occasion! Check these out:

-Need to get those business cards ordered? Check out this awesome post on MomComm.

-This great post from last year on Musings from a Housewife helped me plan what clothes to pack. There’s another great fashion post on Well Read Wife too!

-Planning your Blissdom travel? Check out the awesome travel tips on Blissfully Domestic

-Are you worried about who you will talk to? This post on goodnessgracious.com will help put your fears at ease.

Happy conference prepping! Don’t miss Shell’s roundup or next week’s posts, where we tackle the all-important topic: What to Wear at Conferences!

Blog Conference Prep: Must-Haves for your tote bag

January 26, 2012 25 Comments

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:

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!

Filed Under: Blog conference prep series, Blogging & Social Media 25 Comments

Networking at conferences: How to talk to brands

January 19, 2012 8 Comments

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:

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!