Preparing for your first blogging conference? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned veteran but need a few refreshers before the big event this year? Making the most of every blogging conference is more than just attending every session – it’s about making great connections, putting faces to names, learning more about how to be a successful blogger, and in the midst of shaking hands and taking notes, having a great time with your peers.
A successful blogging conference requires planning and preparation, diligent attention, and following up with new connections and applying new skills afterwards. If all of that seems overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to accomplish before attending your first blogging conference, what to do while you’re there, and – perhaps most importantly – what to do when you get back home:
Before you go:
Who’s speaking?
Many conferences offer multiple options for sessions during the same time period. When the agenda is announced, read about the speakers and the theme of their session so you can prioritize the sessions you’d like to attend. I recommend picking a first and second choice in the event that your preferred session is cancelled, full, or rescheduled.
Make sure you take some time to think about your goals for the conference – are you looking for technical tips? to improve your photography skills? running out of content ideas? Make sure you prioritize the sessions that will help you achieve your learning goals for your time at the conference.
Who else is attending?
Before you arrive, start putting some names to faces by connecting with other conference attendees. You can usually find (or start!) a Twitter list or Facebook group of conference attendees that can get you started.
Are any bloggers that you currently follow or interact with on a regular basis that are also planning on attend the conference? Now would be a great time to reach out to schedule coffee, a meal, or an evening drink so you can make a personal connection with an online relation.
If you really want to put yourself out there, consider spearheading an activity for all conference attendees. Are you a runner? Organize a daily running group to get your blood pumping before the morning’s first session. Avid reader? If there’s enough time before the conference, consider organizing a book club to discuss your reading over coffee. By organizing an event for all interested conference attendees you will have an opportunity to spend time with bloggers you might not have otherwise gotten to meet.
Be memorable.
If you want to make a lasting impression, consider what your “calling card” will be. It can be simple – after all, don’t we all think of Michael Jackson when we see a single, white or sequinned glove?
Perhaps you wear a certain color for the entire conference. Or do you craft? Consider wearing some handmade earrings or a unique brooch.
Make sure to bring business cards or craft samples that you can hand out as you make new connections. Include your name, blog name, blog address, and Twitter handle as a baseline.
Once you arrive:
Make yourself available
A blogging conference offers more than just the sessions. Be sure to arrive early to network over coffee and snacks and stay late to discuss the day’s sessions. Most importantly – put away your cell phone! You’re there to make new connections and discuss what you’ve learning, and that’s done face-to-face, not on your phone.
Make the most of each session
You can be on Facebook or Twitter anywhere. But right now, you’re at a conference and likely learning from an expert or industry thought leader. Your email can wait; you’re only going to hear this presentation once. Plus, everyone sitting behind you can see your laptop screen. If they can see that you spent the entire presentation on Facebook or buried in your email, you likely won’t have a lot to talk about when you network between sessions.
Take Notes
Attending a conference is kind of like being back in school. Taking diligent notes during each presentation will help you make heads and tails of what the speakers covered once you get back home. On that note, review your notes when you get home each evening. Distill everything you learned into a handful of key points so the day’s learnings don’t get muddled and lost between everything else going on. Now’s a good time to finally whip out your phone and connect with all your new blogging friends on Twitter and Facebook.
Take it all in
Take advantage of all that is available to you while attending the conference. Are there vendors that you’ve been considering? Take a chance to ask any questions that have kept you from signing up. Are there after parties or bonus sessions? Round tables? Every interaction is another opportunity to learn from and connect with other bloggers.
When you get back home:
Review your notes
The past few days have been densely packed with new tips and tricks for improving your blogging. Before everything goes out the other ear and life gets in the way, review your notes and organize them into key themes. How will you apply what you learned? Make an action plan to turn the new ideas and tips into reality for your blog.
Thank yous & follow ups
Did one speaker really change your perspective? Didn’t get a chance to meet someone face to face? Sending simple thank yous or brief introductions can be a great way to form a connection once you’ve returned home. These don’t have to be drawn out – a simple note through the blogger’s contact form, a tweet, or a private Facebook message are all great ways to make the connection. Make sure to do the same for the new connections you made while at the conference.
Share what you learned
Oftentimes, conferences are pricey or sell out early, leaving many bloggers at home wishing they could join the fun. Don’t hog all your new knowledge! What were the top 1-5 things you learned at the conference? Your readers and fellow bloggers would likely love to get some free tips and an insider scoop on the conference. And now you have a handful of posts for the next couple weeks – thank was easy!
Apply yourself:
There are blogging conferences of all shapes and sizes and for every interest. Here are just a few that are coming up:
Did we miss a tip for getting the most out of attending a blogging conference? What blogging conference are you attending next? Let us know in the comments below.
