Sharing all of my before, during and after tips for attending your first ever blogging conference
This July I attended my first ever DIY and lifestyle blogging conference in Atlanta, GA. Haven Conference is a DIY/Blogger focused conference that allows you to expand your knowledge, grow your business, and network with like minded individuals and brands. I was a complete “newbie” with no clue what to expect from an event like this. Here I’ll share all of my blog conference tips for what to do (and not to do) to make the most of your own experience.
***Big thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this post! I have been monetarily compensated for my work, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. We only share what we love here, and as always, thank you for your support!***
Network Beforehand
- Haven Conference in particular does an amazing job of providing you with information prior to the event. Upon the purchase of a ticket you receive an invite to their Haven Mavens Facebook page. This was a great place to network with other individuals before the event, find a roommate or simply make a connections so that you have some familiar faces when you get there.
- Following hashtags on social media is another way to connect with attendees in advance. Haven Conference also put together 30-days of social media share prompts so that you could network in a fun way!
Accomodations
- If you’re a newbie like me I would highly recommend staying onsite at whichever hotel and/or conference center the event is held at. It lessens the stress of coordinating transportation and gives you a quick place to retreat if you need to take a breather in your room.
- Another option to consider is an offsite AirBNB. Many of the attendees grouped up and stayed in some really fabulous spaces!
What to Wear
- Attire
- A dressier outfit(s) for any type of formal dinner and/or welcome reception. Our first evening was a cocktail reception meet and greet on the terrace. Most dinners were on your own, but many opted to make reservations at nicer restaurants in advance. Double check any dress code requirements beforehand.
- Comfortable clothing and shoes for the daytime is a must. Relaxed business casual was the norm at Haven Conference. The days are jam packed and scheduled to the minute so you don’t want to be miserable. Many of the classrooms can get chilly so throw a light jacket in your bag just in case.
A big thank you to the iDesign company for providing me with all of my packing gear to keep me coordinated and organized in style! You can shop the products I used below (affiliate links).
Business Cards
- Not only will you be networking with other creatives, you’ll have the opportunity to meet face to face with tons of brands. Having a business card with all of your blog and social info on them is a must. I opted for a fun square shape and my picture on one side.
- Quick tip: after you swap cards with someone jot down a couple of words or notes to jog your memory when you get home. That way when you reach out for any type of follow up you’ll be able to make a more personal connection.
Bring Back Up
- A cell phone battery back up pack will really come in handy. These types of events are all day long, with little downtime to recharge anything in between.
- We received a notebook in our welcome bag to jot down notes, but if this isn’t the case for your conference a notebook and pen is a must for taking quick notes to look back on later.
- Bring an extra bag with you during the day to hold giveaway items. You’ll receive a ton of brand swag in your welcome bag and at the various vendor booths. If you fly, you may even want to consider an extra suitcase. This collapsible tote from iDesign was perfect for carrying all of my goodies home!
Talk to Strangers
- Most bloggers are naturally a bit introverted, and blogging can be a lonely space sometimes. If you’re feeling awkward or uncomfortable in a new space, chances are most others are too. (or they’ve been in your shoes). Smile, offer an open seat to someone, sit in an empty seat at an otherwise full table, pay a compliment to a stranger, etc…. I met so many people this way that I’ve made connections with after the conference as well.
Classes
- Go to your mentor meetings! If you’re a newbie and know no one at all, your mentor will be your friend!
- Don’t overthink the schedule. Before you go, be sure to look over the classes that will be offered and pick your absolute MUST DO’s while you’re there. Other than that just go with the flow.
- Many presenters were generous enough to share their content digitally afterwards or you can also get notes from a friend.
Elevator Pitch
- An elevator pitch is a clear, brief message about your brand that you can deliver in about 30 seconds to someone. At a niche conference like Haven, EVERYONE can say they’re a DIY/Home Decor blogger. You need to really dig deep and think about what makes you and your brand different. These unique qualities are what will make you stand out among the masses.
Do Follow-Up
- Once you’re back home and you’ve had a minute to digest the past few days, go back through your notes and business cards. Make contact with other bloggers and companies that you made connections with. This is when those short little notes you jotted down will come in handy.
Haven Hangover
- Once you return your head will be swimming with ideas, and you’ll feel like you’re ready to take on the world of blogging. But you’ll also be tired, really, really tired. Go back through your notes and make a list of action items that you can reasonably tackle in the next 30-days to avoid overwhelm.
I hope these blog conference tips have been helpful! I found a tribe, learned so much valuable information, and I can’t wait to go back next year! If you’re a newbie next year, please come say hi or reach out in advance! You can totally sit with us!
– Jessica
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