I am thinking of what I am always thinking of this time of year, BlogHer. (in between thinking of my jet-setting daughter, of course. But, truly I feel at peace. She is in good hands.) In any case, in just a couple of weeks I will be boarding a SF-bound plane to meet up with my girl, califmom and we will fly to New York freakin' City.
I have had trouble finding new shoes that wow, and you know I am alll about that. (Shallow? not hardly, I just like shoes). I will keep looking. It isn't about impressing others, it's about trying to quell my social anxiety by looking my best...for me.
With that said, I have a few ideas about how to make your BlogHer experience the best it can be.. and I have been to three of these things now, so I think I am qualified to give advice. You don't want it, no hard feelings, but maybe it can prove helpful for some.
1. Pack light. I know you are tempted to bring every cute outfit that you own, but trust me, you don't want to overdo it. Make sure to bring a sweater for chilly conference rooms. Pack easy care clothing that will look good after riding in your suitcase all day. Avoid fussy ensembles that require ironing. I once saw a video of a guy ironing a grilled cheese sandwich in a hotel. I no longer use hotel-provided irons.
2. Pace Yourself There is a lot to do at BlogHer, and you don't want to (and can't) do it all. Don't be afraid to leave parties, or forgo them completely. Remain flexible, sometimes the best experiences happen at the spur of the moment. Don't be afraid to leave a session that doesn't click for you. You paid for it, it's your conference.
3. Go With an Open Mind Remember, all the people there have one thing in common: they blog. But just because you read their blog, don't assume you know who they are. Some big name bloggers are very approachable, some are less so. Don't take it personally. Everyone wants to play with the big dogs, but you might find your "tribe" elsewhere. Just be open, because some of the best encounters are the ones you didn't expect. You might find your bury-the-body friend at BlogHer. Some make connections that are forever. But to do so, you have to get up and get involved. Do NOT sit in your room and feel sorry for yourself.
Remember, you get out of BlogHer what you put into it. There are many people there who cannot wait to meet you! Don't be afraid to talk to people. Most are really very welcoming. In fact, come find me and we'll have a drink. Hope to see you there!
posted using BlogPress from my iPad
8 sent chocolate:
Oh now I wish I was going.. A LOT
That sounds awesome. Have a blast, and I too would need the perfect shoes.
I wish I was going too! So we could have that drink! Maybe next year. Have an awesome time Tina!
♥Spot
This is the best obligatory post I've read. Your last paragraph is the clincher, go with an open mind, don't take things too personally...and move on. Make new friends. Excellent advice. I'm still to intimidated to go...
Cannot. Wait. I'm going to look for you so I can say hi! (And maybe make good on that drink offer!)
Ok, if looking for the perfect new shoes to wear to BlogHer is shallow, then I am shallow too! I want comfortable but stylish shoes. Apparently those two things are difficult to find in the same shoe.
I so wish I was going. The best I'm getting is Saturday's pre-BlogHer Bay Area meetup chez Shannon.
And The Empress? When I went to the first one I hadn't met ANYBODY in real life. It was amazingly fun...
I'm hoping BlogHer 2011 will be on the west coast & my travel funds won't be so restricted.
I am late to the party (behind, behind, behind in reading). How cool is this! I'm at the beach and I will toast in your owner. I've learned A LOT from your blog. Have fun!
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