Bloggers of the world unite! As we send some of our team off to the International Food Bloggers Conference, we wanted to take a moment to point out the importance of these events and some ways to better your conference experiences.
Why Conferences?
Bloggers should strongly consider attending blog conferences. Conferences provide opportunities to network with fellow bloggers. Sharing information can help to improve your blog. So often we forgot that others out there are doing the same thing. They may have solved the problem you are currently facing. Additionally, developing relationships with other bloggers can lead to guest posts or link outs to your page, subsequently drumming up more readership for your blog.
The seminars at these conferences are designed to provide new insights on blogging. Topics tend to have a good range of information for beginner bloggers to more advanced bloggers. Sit in on everything that seems of interest and maybe a couple others that you might not originally think. You never know if could be helpful.
Content oozes out of conferences. Think of the potential posts: Getting ready; At the airport; Daily recaps; Shout outs to those you met and with whom you want to develop relationships; How you’re utilizing what you’ve learned.
Conference Tips
Here are a few things you may not think of immediately but are essential to make the most of your conference experience.
Wear comfortable shoes – Some boots were made for walking and others aren’t. You’ll be on your feet the whole day. Make sure you know you can survive the day. New shoes probably aren’t your best bet. Go with ones you know.
Go wireless – Bring your own wireless hub with you. Everyone will be connecting to the same wireless signal. It may be slow or crash. Have your own so you don’t have to worry about it.
Write it down – Write down what you talked about with someone on his or her business card. It will help jog your memory when you do your follow-ups. And bring a pens with you – multiple ones!
Charge it – Have a spare charger with you. Some conferences will have charging stations but not always. And they are often crowded. If you have your own, you can plug into any outlet.
Don’t forget your business cards – When you think you have enough, add two more handfuls, just in case.
Attend the parties – The majority of the mingling happens at the luncheons, the happy hours, etc. This is your chance to connect with other bloggers are on a more personal basis.
Don’t be shy – Talk, mingle, hand out business cards. You may get a new visitor or a new regular to your blog.
Follow up – Send a quick note to the new friends you made telling them how great is was to meet them and linking them to your blog or e-book, etc.
Enjoy and have fun! See you at the next conference!
Tags: Blog conferences, Conference tips, How to succeed at blog conferences
Tomi said on 8.23.12 at 9:06 pm
GREAT TIPS! Business cards are a must!
Connie Ott said on 8.24.12 at 5:32 am
I've yet to go to BlogHer or any large event like that. It's so overwhelming - great tips. I'll remember them if I ever take the plunge.
Rebekah said on 8.24.12 at 5:47 pm
I have been blogging for over two years and have yet to go to a conference. They sound like so much fun though! Thank you for the tips; those are things a first timer like me wouldn't think of!
Theresa said on 8.24.12 at 7:41 pm
I can't wait to go to a conference, thanks for the tips!
Cori said on 8.24.12 at 11:52 pm
To add to your "charge it" tip. Bringing a power strip is a great way to (a) have enough outlets and (b) make new friends because of your extra outlets.
When you order your business cards for a conference, it was recommended to me that having your photo will help people remember you when they get home. You're going to meet hundreds of people and you might not remember every blog, but you might remember the faces that you spoke with.
pendidikan said on 8.30.12 at 11:29 am
blog club is gathering bloggers
good idea
carribright said on 8.30.12 at 7:40 pm
Love the additional tip, Cori!
The power strip one is especially genius since outlets are always scarce.
All the Best,
Carri
Tips to Develop your Blog’s Audience | SocialSpark said on 3.25.13 at 6:00 pm
[...] Trade shows & conferences can be a bit of an expenditure when it comes to traveling and registration fees but they are often worth it. Not only do they provide educational sessions for bloggers, but they providing networking opportunities. Don’t be shy here. Talk to people. Ask questions. Give out your card. Bloggers are a tight-knit group – we want to see each other succeed. [...]