Five Must-Haves at a Blog Conference

The time has come! Tomorrow, I finally set foot in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina! I can check that off my bucket list. I cannot wait to attend my first blog conference this year (it’s been a minute!) with amazing, talented, and beautiful inspiring bloggers! For new bloggers, these conferences can be a bit overwhelming. You try to get the most out of it, while at the same time trying to do some networking, meeting new faces, and taking in all the knowledge you get from attending one of these but…it’s all worth it…Trust me. 

First thing…Before I get to the whole chi-bang of must-haves to a blog conference, make sure the conference you are planning on attending has the all necessary tools to achieve your expectations. The goal is to find a real community that not only provides tools and resources for blogging success but real people who are willing to get to know each other both online and off.

If it’s your first time, it’s OK to be nervous, it’s normal! Just make sure you go with an open mindset and ready to learn! Take all the knowledge you can get because trust me, it will be helpful at the end.  Plus, remember that you are not the only one attending a conference for the first time.  Chances are that bloggers are more afraid of you than you are of them (Ha!). However, there are a few items that will make your life a lot easier during your stay.  With that being said, make sure you bring these five must-haves for a successful blog conference. 

BUSINESS CARDS 

Don’t be that person.  Please don’t be that blogger who is a total delight but when it comes to exchanging information, you don’t have a business card to share. You. need. a. business card. period.  How do I know this you ask?  Um, I am guilty as charge for not bringing business cards to events and believe when I say this; DON’T BE THAT PERSON! People you meet will probably want to get together or follow you so, my suggestion is to add your picture (preferably the same as your blog) on your business card; that way, they remember who you are! Oh, the crazy Puerto Rican girl that talks with her hands? Oh, I remember her! 😉 

MEDIA KIT

When I first started, I had no clue what a media kit was or what was its purpose. It’s pretty much the guide to your blog.  It lets brands/sponsors know what you are all about and what you have to offer. It’s a one page document that contains your “stats” such as unique visitors, demographics, popular posts, etc.  This should always be kept up-to-date. Don’t know how to create one? Etsy is the way to go!

CAMERA
This one is obvious! How would you caption the event or memorable moments without a camera…not too mention…outfit photos! If you are a fashion blogger, no need to worry. There will be plenty of bloggers who willingly will take your outfit photos in exchange of you returning the favor. Plus, you get to have fun while doing so.  Another thing you can bring (totally optional) is a smart tablet.  For some reason, bloggers love tablets.

FLATS 
I can’t stress this enough..your feet will be hurting. Just throw some Tieks or flat sandals in your purse.  If they don’t fit, make them fit.  You will thank me later.  

EXTERNAL CHARGER
Talking from experience, this is a must! Your readers are going to want to know every little detail of the eventful day and especially, what you’re wearing! With that being said, keep that phone or smart tablet of yours fully charged! Plus, you are going to want to check out websites and fact check other bloggers attending the event (Ha!).

Last but not least, make sure you set some goals for yourself. Try to meet as many people as possible, hand your business cards out, ask questions! (there is never a dumb question) and last but not least, be yourself! Have fun, stay in touch, and enjoy yourself!