If it sounds like you already read this post, you’re right. I blogged about this last year after I attended the BlogHer conference in San Jose, California, but this is an updated version. I don’t know if you remember, but before I left, I did not know what to expect. Now that I’ve attended one conference, I’m not a pro, but I’m certainly not a novice. Well, not as big as last year at least. My hope is to attend more of these conferences. By the way, before you get to the end of this post, you should probably first read How To Prepare For A Blog Conference.
So, summer here, and so are blog conferences. I had a lot of fun last year and learned a lot, so naturally, I’m going back. This time, I’ll be even bolder. And I have ordered my custom-made juju from Nigeria to charm all the attendees – bloggers and brand reps alike. By the time the conference is over, everyone – male, female, and camel – will be on bended knee, asking me to marry them.
If you have attended a blog conference before (or any kind of conference really), then you have an idea, but if not, it’s Vera to the rescue! Even if you have attended before, maybe I can give you an idea you did not think of? So my suggestions are below [these are all culled from last year’s post, but with updates]:
1. Flats: These could be shoes, sandals, slippers, sliders, whatever. There will be a lot of walking – sometimes trekking – so you need to be as comfortable as ever, unless you’re one of those people who are more comfortable in heels. In that case, ignore this number.
2. Business cards: Loads of them. You never know who you will run into: from PR reps to producers to brands, and of course, to bloggers. How else will they work with you if they have no way to contact you?
Update: Last year, I had some very cute and colorful business cards, and I distributed them all and collected a lot. But guess what happened when I got back home? I could not remember who gave me what, and I imagine that the people I gave my cards to also ran into the same problem. Sure, the card was pretty, but who gave it to them? So this year, I will putting my picture on my card. I suggest you do the same, if you’re comfortable with it.
3. Comfortable transition clothing: Comfortable clothing because you’ll be busy, going from place to place, sometimes seating for a while in one place. Is this really the time to wear that jeans that folds your tummy in half? Transition clothing because you may be going from one event to the other with no time to change in between.
4. Phone + charger: Do I need to explain this one? Your phone can serve as many, many things … like camera, note taking tool, social media keeper-upper, saving new contacts, etc.
5. A portable charger (for your phone): Because you may not always be close to an outlet, and you probably don’t want to leave your phone plugged to an outlet that’s a mile away. A portable charger will keep you juiced up at your table. Being at a conference with a dead phone is a cruel and unusual punishment.
6. An outlet strip/extension cord (but not necessary, if you have a portable charger): For those times that you may be close to an outlet but need a little help. This will also help with your laptop, if you have one.
7. A laptop or tablet (not necessary): For note-taking or social media, and possibly blogging, if the time permits. I took my laptop (and might take it again), but I took it because I had a sponsored post to type that was coming due.
8. Writing pad and pens: If you’re the kind who likes to write. I love it. I’m the pen and paper girl, so I’ll be buying myself a fresh notebook and lots of pens. Gel pens, of course.
9. Extra almost everything: extra clothes, extra underwear … because there might be that one event you did not plan to attend, but will now be attending.
10. Media kit: This one isn’t necessary, and even if you pack it, don’t take too many. You might see people to give the kit to, but most people (including brand reps) might just not have the time to review and appreciate your media kit.
Update: I took media kits last year, but I might not be taking them this year – haven’t decided. Blog conferences are so busy and fast paced that the brand reps you’re handing your media kit to will probably not have the time to read over it, and your media kit might end up becoming akara paper.
11. Large tote/bag: You’ll need this to hold everything you collect during the day.
Update: Last year, I had a large tote, which was very helpful, but this year, I’ll be taking a backpack instead because carrying all that weight on one shoulder is frankly tedious. And painful.
12. Extra bag/luggage or space in your bag/luggage: Brands and sponsors will be there, and they will give you lots of freebies. You’re gonna need to be able to strategically haul them back home, especially if you’re flying.
Update: Last year, I only traveled with a carry on luggage because I did not want to check in a luggage because I did not want to have to wait for my baggage to appear on the carousel after the flight because I had to be at a round table taped discussion soon after I landed. When it was time to go home, I regretted it because my luggage was too small to hold all my new stuff, so I had to create a whole new luggage. Not fun.
13. Lotion and hand sanitizer: Because hand shakes and germs happen. Not always simultaneously.
14. Sweater/Blazer/Cardigan: It might be hot outside, but hotels and conference rooms tend to be cold, so take something to keep you warm. If you don’t need it, you can just take it off, but if you need it and don’t have it, it’ll be a distraction from the awesomeness that’s happening in the room.
If there’s anything I left out, please let me know! I’m not done learning. Otherwise, enjoy your conference.
