OK, so it finally dawned on me that the BlogHer conference in Chicago is nearly here and I'm totally unprepared. I *am* registered, but have to call to find a room, book my flight and many, many more supporting details.
I'm going for work (did I ever tell you that I love my job?), but will also be meeting lots of online friends from blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc in "real life" and can't tell you how exciting that is.
What does this BlogHer Conference newbie need to keep in mind?
Bring along?
Dress for Chicago?
Seriously, what passes for a so-called summer here in Northern New England can't possibly what I can expect elsewhere...is it?
I've ordered more business cards from work and hope to have those in time. Should I just go the Vistaprint route to also bring blog/twitter cards? Where can I get a card holder?
Do I need a big bag for swag? {AWEsome if yes!}
What parties or side events should I plan to attend? I'm so behind in thinking about this stuff, am I too late to RSVP? I'll be on my own, so I do want to socialize.
Any blog bling I should be adding?
I don't have a PR package or my stats memorized or anything. Will that be a negative when speaking with other bloggers or vendors?
I'm going to learn more about what is out there in this big bloggy, social-media world. I'm curious to see how governments and higher education are using the technology to frame and encourage conversations. I want to meet inspiring people that I read, and see if they might make good speakers on campus or the right people to lead sessions of our student programs. I want to understand the tools out there and practice my face-to-face relationship (aka networking) skills. Hoping to find new people to connect with in my social media life. Most of all I want to have fun, and come away with new information and contacts that I can follow up with in the future -- in both my professional and personal lives. Am I crazy to think I can accomplish all of these objectives?
I don't want to be as out of place as this local in NH today:
Thanks in advance! See you in Chicago.
3 more things to say about this:
Aww BlogHer is going to be so much fun, no need to worry! I actually just wrote a blog post about what to bring, I'll share the link with you: http://bit.ly/2bqBxv
When I go to a conference I have a little tool I use to get ready and keep track of what I want to do while I'm there.
I use a Paper Assistant planner.
It has a great calendar/planner that let's me see what is coming up. It also has an extensive section for "to dos" to help you get ready and take notes at the conference. It also has an area for recording contacts you'll make.
It's a low-tech system, but it works for me. It might work for you.
Check it out.
It was so great to meet you, Danielle! We hit it off so well, I felt like I had known you for AGES! I hope we don't have to wait a full year to get together again, but if we do, I'll buy you dinner in NYC!
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