Hi everyone! This weekend I’ve started staining our back porch and fence, and I’ve put on the first coat of fresh paint in my boys’ bedroom. It feels good to start on some new projects, and I’m excited to show you some fresh “afters” soon! I’m so excited that in less than 2 weeks I will be seeing many of you face-to-face at the Haven Conference! Whether you’re attending Haven or not, chances are good that if you’re a blogger you’ll choose to attend a blog conference in the upcoming year. I thought I’d take the time to write a post addressing some of the questions newbie-conference goers often have!
1. What do I wear???
Clearly this is the most important question of them all *wink*! I know this is going to sound cliche, but when packing your suitcase just be yourself. The temptation is to go out and buy new outfits that make yourself feel cooler than you think you already are. Chances are good that if you buy some new items that aren’t really you, you’ll feel uncomfortable and grouchy. I’ve been to several blog conferences and I honestly don’t remember any of the outfits that I know people pain-stakingly chose to pack. What you wear, really, really doesn’t matter as much as you think it might. That being said, I admittedly love the excuse to buy a new outfit or two :)! I will probably pack some jeans, shorts, cute shoes, and flouncy tops. I won’t be dressing up for the cocktail parties beyond maybe some blingy jewelry. Maybe I’ll wear a sundress. Remember that Haven is hands-on so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting some sawdust on! If you need more summer outfit inspiration, you can click on my post 25 Summer Outfits.
2. Do I have to have business cards? What about a media kit?
You don’t have to have business cards or a media kit to enjoy yourself at a blog conference. However, it is incredibly smart to have both on hand if you want to make the most of the networking opportunities available! Haven sponsors are a dream come true! There will be PR reps from some of the most prestigious DIY companies waiting to meet you and chat with you. Be prepared! If you’re unfamiliar with what a media kit entails, there are some good examples at the end of this post.
My business cards were purchased as a klout.com perk for the price of shipping at Moo.com. I put a QR code on my cards so that those with a QR reader can scan the code and be taken instantly to my site. If you want to create your own QR code for free click on the link. My media kit is a one-page blog resume that summarizes my blog accomplishments, stats, brands I’ve worked with, and testimonials. It’s just like a resume for your blog.
Be prepared that some bloggers will have the most beautiful, creative, adorable business cards that you’ve ever seen in your life! Some people will give out a little swag item with their business card. At the Snap conference I received a luggage tag, earrings, a ring, a cake-pop, a stick of gum, a fabric flower pin, etc. along with a blogger’s business card. It’s all part of the fun, but PLEASE don’t feel pressured to stay up until 3am creating 270 gifts to accompany your cards.
3. What else should I bring?
If you have a smart phone they are invaluable at a conference for keeping track of people you want to connect with! Also bring a camera, your battery charger, your laptop/ipad, pen/paper, snacks, and a cardigan in case of over-air conditioning. One last thing, please bring your flexibility and patience. Things will go wrong. Classes you wanted to go to might fill up before you arrive to the room. Your hotel room might not have enough towels. The internet at the hotel might not be adequately fast enough. Something planned that you were looking forward to might be changed. The conference will have some unexpected glitches and we ask that you be patient with whatever pops up that is out of our control ;).
4. Will it feel like high school all over again? Will I feel left out if I don’t know a lot of people?
This is a tough one. You will definitely see a ton of screaming, giggling, squealing, hugging, and laughing at blog conferences. Good blog friends rarely are blessed to live in close proximity and the few days of a conference are the only time for months, or all year they have to see each other. Expect to see a lot of camaraderie and girlish glee going on. All that being said, the Haven Team will be going out of our way to spot any introverted wall flowers lurking on the sidelines and we will come and tackle you :). So if you want to avoid bear hugs, you better find your hidden extrovert and join a group :)! Seriously though, the Haven team members will be sitting at separate tables at meals in order to spread around and make sure you feel loved! But we’re human too, and there will be a TON of people to hug and catch up with and not enough time to do so. This is the manner of all blog conferences and it just can’t be avoided. I’ll be tweeting out my location in the hotel frequently, so if you’re feeling lost and lonely you have no excuse but to come find me! I don’t want to see ANY forlorn blog posts after Haven saying that the conference was no fun because they didn’t know anyone. Come up and tell me your name and I’ll take it from there and make sure you’re not alone. Deal?
5. Will I be able to take home all of my swag in my carry on?
Hopefully! I honestly don’t know, so either pay to have your bag checked or be prepared to part with some of your swag. I don’t have the final details on the Haven swag bags, but at other conferences I’ve had to surrender some of my beloved swag because it was too many ounces of liquid to board on the plane. Grrrrrrr. Just be prepared that you might have to part with some items that don’t adhere to airline security codes if you don’t plan on checking your luggage.
Did I forget anything? Ask away!
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Thanks for sharing, Beth! I hope to make it to a conference soon and appreciate all your tips : ]
Hi Beth – I’m a newbie to blog conferences and although I was a conference planner for years I am feeling a little nervous about this one so I LOVED reading your post!! Thanks so much for sharing these great tips! I’m totally going to be following your tweets (and your blog too) so that I can find you if I get scared or sad {ha!} 🙂 Seriously can’t wait to meet you!!! See you tomorrow!!!!!
Hi Beth! Hooray for Haven! I am so excited. I have not met any of the participating bloggers in real life so I am looking forward to that. I am going solo and I live in Atlanta. The Hotel booked up fast so I will be commuting from home. I appreciate this very helpful post. I’ll be keeping up with Twitter posts and I’ll come find ya!
I will have to pin this so I can review this if or when I get to go to a conference.
I have a great way for you to get all your goodies home. Just mail or UPS it home. Much cheaper than paying to check a bag. I hope I can get to a conference sometime soon.
Beth – this was fantastic! Exactly what I needed to read today to quell my nerves. This will be my first blog conference, and I’m not really a DIY blogger, but I’m local and have a few friends coming, so I thought it would be a good place to start! Looking forward to meeting everyone later this week. Thank you so much!
I started a blog over a year ago and only posted a couple of entries. I am ready to dive in but I am SCARED!!!!! I am attending Haven for my very first conference ever and don’t know a soul! I am rooming alone and feel so — alone!!! i am really stepping outside of my comfort zone and hope that I have a great time. I certainly am looking forward to it. I did not rent a car. Do we even need one? I was wondering what people do for dinner (I don’t want to eat alone in my room)!!!! I am going to have to glomb on to a group!!!
My daughter and I will be attending. We do not have a Blog yet. Just coming to observe and enjoy. Would it be helpful to have cards even though we do not have a Blog yet. Maybe to make connections for the future? Thanks for your post we had no idea what to expect.
Mike
Such a great post Beth – thank you! As usual I’m fashionable late and am only just now starting to think about some of these things – eek! I think it’s probably a blessing that I don’t have time to shop for new clothes before the conference – as you mentioned I always feel the most comfortable in things I already have that I’ve been wearing for years. Business cards? Gotta get on that. Media kit? Boo, no time. Laptop? Check. Worries about feeling left out? Hell to the no. I believe experiences are what you make them, and I’m super excited to make this experience a crazy fun time! See you there!
Beth this post was great! I have been blogging for a little over a year but still feel like a newbie. I am excited about Haven and meeting new blog friends there. If you don’t have advertisers on you blog yet do you still do a media kit? If so what info is important to put in one?
Look forward to meeting you and having a blast!
So excited for the conference, and even more now that I know I’m not the only one who’s nervous! One question, I was reading on someone’s blog that they would recommend putting your picture on your business card, but all the ones on this post are without one… What do you see more of? Or would you recommend?
Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict » Hi Eliesa,
It is indeed helpful to be able to remember a blog with a face, but it’s completely up to you and your preferences whether or not you place your picture on your cards. If you haven’t created your cards yet, then I’d say go for it. If you have, don’t feel bad if they don’t have your profile pic on them :). See you soon!!
Thanks for this great post. I feel a little less nervous now. Excited to meet you!
I’m a newbie blogger, newbie lone traveler & newbie blog conferencer (is that a word?). I’m super excited about meeting everyone and soaking in all the amazing information I know will be there for us all. Please find me and say Hi, I’m a Texan transplanted to NC.
great post beth! I’m about to go check out the media kit thingy… I still have a few days to get my ducks in a row.
thanks!
gail
Thanks so much! You are really sweet about not letting anyone be alone 🙂 Nice to know that it will be hands on, didn’t even think about that! Also nice to know I will be getting some cool stuff to take home, don’t have to worry about throwing anything away, because I live close by.
So exciting!!! I just snagged a last minute ticket resell and can’t wait to just experience it all. Thanks for the tips … I’ll be the one without any cute outfits or coordinating blog bag. 🙂
I purposely avoided this post because I was jealous I wasn’t going to Haven… but guess who just scored a last minute ticket!!!! I can’t wait to attend & meet you in person! (Hopefully) Good call on the Media Kit. Working on that one this week.
Thanks!
K
Whoo hoo! Leaving in 9 days and I’m so excited!! This is my first big conference and I’m a little nervous about flying by myself and transportation to the hotel, but besides that I’m ready to rock!!! Great tips and can’t wait to meet you in person!
Thanks for this post! Reading the comments, it looks like there are gonna be a lot of us newbies. Thanks for all the information, and for the invitation to seek you out! Tweeting locations is a great, great idea. Will you be using the #haven2012 hashtag? I may do the same!! (To the other commenters, I’m hoping to meet as many of you as possible!! Maybe we can all bond at Beth’s table. 🙂 )
This is great! I was just at KOP today looking for clothes and put everything back because none of it felt “like me”! I did order business cards but I think I will just leave them “as is” and not stress myself out. Hadn’t really thought about receiving swag or how I would get it home. I will say, I’ve gotten a number of emails from companies that will have reps there, wanting to set up times for me to meet with them. I wasn’t quite expecting that! Thanks so much for the food for thought and I’m looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the Haven team! I will be coming alone and know absolutely no one else there, but I’m not planning on letting that stop me from meeting all you lovely ladies!
Hi Beth! Great post! I’m so glad by reading all the comments that I’m not going to be the only one who is a newbie to Haven! I’m nervous and excited! Looking forward to meeting all of these terrific ladies!
I’m not attending but your advice truly made me feel better about attending one day. You are a special lady to help all the “newbies” feel excited about attending! The junior high syndrome really keeps some great people at home. Thank you for your great advice! Meghan
Thank you Meghan :). I’m actually quite introverted and shy in a new crowd so I completely relate to that junior-high feeling. It’s awful to feel that way and I don’t want anyone at Haven to go through it!
Beth, Can’t wait to connect with you…I felt so crazy at SNAP! I barely got a chance to say hi. So bummed!
xoxo,
Tauni
Jen so glad you did this post- this will be my 1st conference and I do tend to be the “wallflower” when Im feeling overwhelmed. I will for sure look you up when Im there!
Thank you Beth for this info! It’s my first conference and I’m so excited!! Looking forward to meeting you all!!
Hi Beth…Thanks for all the great info! One question, is it more common or not to attach something little to your business card when handing them out? 10 days and counting!!
This will be my first blog conference. (I’m so excited!). I ended up getting a last minute ticket so I will be attending (and rooming) by myself. I look forward to meeting as many bloggers as I can, though and to really enjoy myself.
Thanks for this great post, Beth! I look forward to meeting you, too!
Thanks for the tips Beth! I’m looking forward to meeting you at Haven!
Oh how I wish I had to worry about what to wear and what to pack … but the big dope that is me waited too long to purchase a ticket and, alas, discovered the conference was sold out!
But I will be coming next year. And I’ll be worrying about what to wear. And I’ll be getting my eyebrows waxed. And I’ll be making business cards and media kits and some swag too …
🙂
Linda
Hi Beth,
Thank you for the info. I have not been to a conference yet. I am new to blogging over the last year, and have not done much with my blog yet. (but plan to). I spend way too much time reading everyone else’s. I have also been busy with online classes for Facebook, Blogging, Marketing and just about everything else. The Haven conference sounds wonderful. Hopefully I can get to it from Canada next year.
I am so bummed that I am not going to be there. I was ready to buy my ticket when my husband announced that we were moving. I am so sad, but I know that I will go one day and finally get to meet you… my ROCKSTAR!!!
Yay! This was a post I’ve been looking for. Haven is my first blog conference, and I’ve been stressing out over every single item on your list. Thanks for the encouragement and the wonderful tips. I am super-excited about my cute and colorful new business cards, and I’m glad I’ll be checking my bag at the airport—I didn’t know to expect swag! Big gulp, deep breath…I can’t believe it’s almost here!
Ditto what all the others have said! I have been worrying about what to wear, bring, and how am I going to fit it all in a carry on.(we’ll see about that) This post has helped me tremendously! I still want to go shop for a new outfit though 🙂
Look forward to meeting you and the rest of the Haven crew.
Andrea @ Our Blue Front Door
I’m absolutely excited! I was ridiculously nervous at Blissdom and it was much harder to meet people because there were so many niches and tons of people I’d never heard of. I’m totally at ease about Haven because I know so many people already. Looking forward to meeting you, too, Beth! Wonderful post…I have my new business cards ready, but hadn’t thought about bringing a media kit so I’m off to look at your post on that!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
I’m a conference newbie. I’m local (from the far NW ‘burbs) ,but I’m staying at the hotel and am traveling solo to focus on networking, so I’m looking forward to meeting everyone! I’m not ready for the media kit, but my business cards just arrived yesterday! Thanks for the great tips! I’m looking forward to the conference!
Robyn @ Everyday a la Mode
Hi Robyn, I’m local and coming from the NE burbs! I’m looking forward to meeting some local Atlanta bloggers at Haven too!
Lisa, I subscribe to your blog! Glad you’re coming, hope to meet you!
Beth, thanks for the valuable advice!I’ve been to a few food blogging conferences, but this is my first DIY blog conference and to boot I’m bringing my other half. This will be his first conference all together and I’m trying to give him helpful reminders and hints of what it will be like. I also warned him that he will probably be 1 of 10 men attending the conference so be ready for a yenta fest. lol. He is looking forward to meeting everyone and learning more!
I too, had thought about printing out my media kit (I recently created one), so its good to know that this is something I should have printed and ready to hand out! I can’t wait to meet you and all the other amazing bloggers out there!
BTW… since I’m a foodie I started making a spreadsheet of restaurant recommendations per my other foodie friends. I know we are on our own for dinner, so this might help everyone find some food recs. http://tinyurl.com/76n39dh
Thanks Katie! That’s awesome!
Great idea!
Beth, this is a great post! I’m headed to my 4th conference and I still found valuable info, so thank you! I didn’t think to bring hard copies of my media kit, so I will be doing that for sure! I look forward to meeting you again in person in a few weeks.
Allison @ House of Hepworths
Thanks Beth! I hope I have time to make 270 cake pops, not really! I need to go check out the media kit, love your idea of a QR code…maybe next time as I already have cards. Im excited to meet you all!
This is my second conference and I had a buddy the first go round. This time solo – but it’s in my home town so no traveling other then in Atlanta traffic and I imagine some of you flying in might get here faster then my morning commute in on Thurs and Friday will be – LOL.
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and making new friends!
Looking forward to seeing you too Chrissy!
Such a great post…full of fun and humor and good advice. Wish I was going!
classic•casual•home » Perhaps next year?! 🙂
Beth, thanks for all the wonderful info! Haven will be my first blog conference, and I’m so excited. I’m not really nervous about the conference (I can talk to anybody), but I am nervous about flying alone and getting a taxi to the hotel. I haven’t been on a plane by myself in I don’t know how long, and I’ve never been in a taxi (although we do have them in Texas). Despite this, I know I’ll manage. I’m ready for a little adventure without Hubby!!
Sallie @ Texas Cottage » We hope to have some more detailed information on the Haven site this week regarding travel options from the airport to the hotel. The cab fare is expensive and there are some cheaper options available (public transit) for the brave! Let me know if you have any questions about flying. I know it can be nerve racking keeping up with all the latest regulations and what to expect through security.
Hi Sallie…I am wanting to take a taxi to the hotel as wells so if you would like to share that would be great. Obviously depending on when you come in, I land at 3:30ish on Wed. I am coming from Texas too. Don’t worry I have been in a taxi a million times, I’ll show you the ropes..:) Let me know.
Francine, thanks so much for the offer! I can’t wait to meet you! My flight arrives about 1:00, so unless my flight’s awfully late, I’ll miss you!
Sallie, let me know what time youre coming in! I’m picking up a few other bloggers at the airport around 1:45-2:30. If you’re around that time I’d be happy to give you a ride to the hotel!
Lisa, my flight arrives about 1:00, so if you have room, I’d love to bum a ride from you. Thanks so much!! I’ll send you an email so we can work out the details. That’s one less thing to be stressed about!
Thank you for this post! This is also my first one and even though I am coming with 5 friends, I’m the only one that blogs with any regularity (and that’s not much). Is it dumb to hand out cards if I don’t have a huge blog?
Heather W » It’s not dumb at all. Conferences are all about making connections and it’s fun to introduce yourself to new people and have a way for them to contact you once the conference concludes.
Beth, did you read my mind today, lol? Been wondering about all these things over the past few days. Although I hate to admit it, one of my biggest hesitations has been #4! I’m relatively new to blogging (18 months) and haven’t made a lot of real blogger connections yet because of my location (Canada), so I’ve been fretting a little about not knowing anybody. But I’m glad to see that there are a bunch of other bloggers feeling exactly like me. I’ll definitely be taking you up on your tweets! Getting super excited, Kerri
Kerri, A Pop of Pretty » Yay! Come find me girl :).
Thank you so much for this info- it’s my first conference and yes, I’m nervous! I live in the area, won’t be staying at the hotel, so I’m wondering if I need to bring my laptop? I hate the thought of lugging it around all day, but wasn’t sure if it’s needed for anything beyond keeping in touch. Will all meals be at the hotel? I have food allergies and wondering if I need to bring my own food. How many biz cards should we bring? Ack! Too many questions? 🙂
SheilaG » You don’t have to bring your laptop but you might want something to take notes on so pack accordingly. Breakfast & lunch is included with your conference price but dinners are not. There will be evening events with some food at them but you might want to grab a bite to eat on your own beforehand. The meals are all buffet and to keep costs down there will not be sit-down dining. You should be able to find some items that are agreeable to your restrictions, but if not please let the waitstaff know what you need. 100 business cards should be plenty but it all depends on how many you want to give out. I typically don’t give out very many at conferences but I know others who try and hand one to all in attendance. Completely up to you! Looking forward to seeing you there!
Fabulous post Beth and since Vanessa and I our driving down we would be happy to take any abandon swag off people’s hands. 😉 lol Can’t wait to meet you! Appreciate all your hard work!
Heather
Heather @At The Picket Fencd » Ha! How generous of you girl ;). Excited to meet you soon!
Great post! Thank you so much for this! Haven will be my 1st DIY/blog conference ever and I can’t wait. I tend to be pretty shy around a large group of new faces but a girlfriend of mine is coming along (she doesn’t have a blog but loves to read them!) so hopefully, together, we’ll be a little more outgoing. Thanks again for this post, it’s really helpful 🙂
So thankful for all of the details! It’ll be my first blog conference too. And while I’m staying with a fellow blogger at the hotel, I don’t know anyone else! So thank you for the encouragement and all of the helpful hints!
So looking forward to a few fun days away!!
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
I really do appreciate this posting – I have been thinking about ALL of these things and more. I wish I were traveling with a “real life” friend or even an online friend. . . but I will be on my own! That’s not an easy thing for me to do but my new motto in life is, Keep Saying Yes! So many new things keep coming my way and I won’t let my shy tendency keep me from any of these new and exciting opportunities. Hopefully, I’ll MAKE a few IRL friends at the conference and then I can look forward to doing the squealing and hugging NEXT year!!
-b.
you guys are going to have a blast, wish I could be there. so sweet of you to give everyone a heads up on what to expect.
XO
Kristin
Kristin » Aw, wish you could be there too! Thanks for the well-wishes Kristin!
Thank you so much for this post Beth, it truly has helped me feel a little less anxious and super excited! Really looking forward to my first blog conference and also meeting you and all the other great bloggers that will be there!
Looking forward to meeting you to!
Hi Beth,
I’m a newbie conference attendee and this post was very helpful. My husband and I are attending because we blog together. We were on a waiting list and got in at the last minute. Unfortunately, the hotel is full so we will be staying elsewhere. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to meet you!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads » Glad you were able to snag some last minute tickets!
Jane!!! I’m glad to read that your husband is attending too! My husband and I DIY together so he is coming along too! Hopefully they will attend a few of the same classes and become bff’s! 🙂 Can’t wait to meet you!