Part one, if you missed it or would like to see it again is HERE.
Last time we covered business cards, the fact that Issa can’t remember names, the utter lack of dress code, food, swag, drama and leaving the hotel. You know, the basics. This time I’d like to touch on things that hopefully will make you feel more comfortable and confident at the conference. Or at least that’s the goal.
The reason so many of us do these types of posts is because we remember how skerred we were the first time. Then you get there and realize, okay, this is doable. I may survive the next four days. Hell, it’s even fun. Which is why so many of us go back. So now, moving forward….
Please take this all with a grain of salt. It’s all really just my non-expert opinions…from one conference experience.
Know who else is going: Ahead of time get cell numbers of peeps you want too meet. Last year I sent out an email to my friends. I knew when people were getting in, who was rooming with who and I had a cell phone full of phone numbers. It helps to feel secure, when you can text people when you land; when you show up at the hotel; or when you are scared/sad/anxious/hiding in a bathroom.
Have buddies: Discuss the sessions at breakfast. Talk about where you want to meet up after for lunch. Don’t leave it to chance if you are nervous. There is no need to eat alone at a conference with 1,200 people. Last year for one lunch, I ended up at a table where I only knew one person. By the time lunch was over, I knew six new people.
Groups are awesome: Invite random people to dinner with you. No joke. Last year on the last night, a bunch of us decided to venture out to an Italian restaurant about 8 blocks away. I am pretty sure I invited every person we saw in the lobby and standing around outside. We started out with a group of say 12 and got to the restaurant with about 22 people. It was one of my two favorite moments. Invite people to Starbucks with you too. You’ll meet some cool people that way.
Utilize Twitter: Use twitter to find people. It’s easy to tweet in the morning, I’m going to Starbucks in ten minutes. If you want to come meet me in the lobby. It’s the best way to find your friends. Yo @blahblahblah where are you? But try to enjoy the event and not spend the entire time on twitter. People who aren’t going equally want to know whats going on and don’t want to know everything that’s going on. Also, my personal opinion is that if you spend the entire time at a conference on your computer, you will miss out on the fun of the conference.
WiFi: Know that the wifi will likely suck. Save yourself the trouble of getting your panties in a bunch. Hai, 1200 bloggers wanting to use it. Just know it now and you won’t expect as much at the hotel. Yes, the hotel has wifi. They are generally prepared for bunches of users. However, bunches of users and 1200 bloggers is big difference.
Do something for you: Something small for you, before the conference. Remember when school was just starting each year, how if you had a new backpack and lunch box and fresh new crayons, it seemed like it could be a good year? How wearing a new outfit that first day make you stand a bit taller?
It’s sort of the same for BlogHer. It can be scary. Mostly the thought of it. When you are there, it’s way less scary. I promise.
To make myself feel more secure and stand a bit taller as I walked into the hotel, I did a few small things for myself the week prior. I bought new flip-flops, my shoes of choice. I bought two new shirts. I got my hair trimmed the week before. The night before, I got a pedicure. All I can tell you is what I did. You have to find whatever it is for you. Just try and do something. It really does help.
Remember Issa’s number one rule: friends don’t let friends drink room coffee.
