10 Things getting ready for blog conferences :: Blogtacular 2015

Only a couple more weeks and I’ll be sitting with a bunch of creative people and chat and learn and laugh while being on the blogtacular conference.

The last conference I went to was so very last minute I couldn’t prepare at all. This time I am all in to get the most out of it. Here is my list – and yes I might take it a bit too serious but hey I did spend money to go.

1. Get excited

When I planned on going somewhere I couldn’t be more happy to have Elisa jump on the band wagon. Because getting excited together is just so much more fun. Hubby sure listens to my babble but he’s not going so obviously he doesn’t care that much. And doing a bit of planning together and pitching ideas and realizing over and over again: same idea! Yeah high five blogging friend! Is just exhilarating. Don’t know anyone yet? Go anyways! What do you think where Elisa and I met?

2. Who will be there

It’s always great to know who is attending. I started following all people I know will be there on bloglovin and Twitter. I set up a bloglovin file for blogtacular speakers, blogtacular attendees and blogtacular faves (like the blogs I really have a connection with). I also have Twitter lists for speakers and attendees. I try to primarily read blog posts of blogtacular attendees, try to comment and already build a connection. I am sometimes shy when I see someone I want to talk to. Already having a connection might help.

3. Make a list

After getting to know the people I start a tiny list of people I would really like to talk to. I don’t know if I will (dare) manage to meet all but at least I define it before. Otherwise I might be overwhelmed. My list includes name, blog name and Twitter handle (so I actually have a way to contact onsite.)

4. Elevator Speech

I have a hard time saying in two sentences what this blog is about. I started out with crafting and baking but I don’t think that covers it now. Looking at my categories it says most stuff is “Just Life” so is it a creative and delicious lifestyle blog? I need to figure it out before the conference. Help and feedback welcome!

5. Have a great picture

Load up a picture at Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/e.g. where people will recognize you. Like your face. I know, not a fan either but hey you wanna get to know people so they probably should recognize you, huh? And it should be the same on all platforms.

6. Equipment check

What will you need to bring?! I read of additional chargers (don’t have one) so I better pack a cable, camera (I need a new battery), I wanted to get a phone cover (better order soon √) and I need to figure out if a laptop is necessary. And I need to stock up of cute pens and maybe sew them a little pouch so they don’t get lost. I already have a fun notebook including notes from my first blogging conference.

7. Know your blog stats

Just in case you are meeting the most awesome company asking for a cooperation. A girl can dream, right?

8. Get your business cards

For my last conference I was really last minute and handmade a few cards. I loved them but with the blog redesign I needed new ones. I ordered them right away so I am already set. But you should definitely have some and if only to collect creativity from other bloggers by exchanging.

9. Outfit

I usually don’t plan my outfits that much in advance and just go with what I feel like but I am all set for an outfit and try to gather and make the missing pieces. I am kinda running out of time though. But as you already know I am a color-coding person so my color palette for the trip is set to blues, whites and I think pinks.

10. Enjoy

Being all set leaves only one thing to do: ENJOY. Even though I’ve got my list of people I would like to meet and sponsors to introduce myself I will not force it. If it doesn’t happen it doesn’t. I’d rather be open and go with the flow.

Now, who is going too?! And who has a few more good ideas or things to think of?! Let’s hear it!

How all this went down you’ll read here in June!

Happy planning, Tobia