I remember my first blog conference. I packed every single thing I thought I'd need: phone, backup phone, camera, extra chargers - this was before portable charging sticks, SD cards, super dressy clothes, casual clothes, swimsuits, shoes, shoes, shoes, comfy shoes, blah blah blah blah-blah.
Basically, I
OVERPACKED.
Over the years, I've returned to my minimalist ways and am oh so happy to share 5 my things you MUST pack for a blogging conference.
5. Shoes, shoes, shoes. Pack a few pairs of comfy shoes. High heels, flats, sandals, mix it up. You will see a lot of fashionistas strutting along in the same high heels the entire conference swearing their feet are fine. Don't worry about them. They're walking in adrenaline and it usually wears off around the 3rd or 4th stroll around the expo floor. TIP: Pack a pair of comfy flats in your bag to keep with you at all times.
4. Portable Phone Charger. It's a social media conference and granted there will be places to charge your phone, you'd hate to be the person who gets to snap that selfie with your social media crush only to find your phone is dead. TIP: Charge your portable charger.
3. Phone. This should be obvious but many forget the power of a cell phone. Nowadays, many social media conferences embed QR codes on participant's badges so if you happen to forget your business cards you can always scan the QR codes to share your information. This came in handy last year when I left my business cards on my nightstand... at my house... some 2,000 miles away.
 |
| pic courtesy of Alex Holyoake |
1. Your Voice. You may be a bit nervous when you first arrive. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. I know the fear. My first social media conference I didn't know a single soul. I was so nervous. Then this bold, bright spirit came a sat at the table I was sitting at...alone mind you... and she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Jewel..."
She was Jewel Figueras of Jewel's Fab Life. We talked and she introduced me to her husband. She invited me to sit with her during lunch. She took me under her wing introducing me as "Tomika, I mean Tomi from Arkansas" to everyone we met as if we were old friends. Funny thing I began to warm up and engage with others and isn't engagement what a SOCIAL media conference is all about?
Jewel passed away earlier this year. I'm glad we met. I'm happy we were able to laugh about how nervous I was at that first conference. I don't think she ever knew how much I appreciated her for plopping down beside me and saying "Hi".
Blogging conferences are a great way to connect with people you'll never forget. Don't be nervous. Just be you and enjoy the conference.
What about you? What's on your list of things you MUST pack for a blogging conference?
Comments