Next week 500 of my closest friends will descend upon Opryland to eat, sleep and dream all things blawg. For a blogger, it's Utopia…Shangri-La…Disney World…bliss; to our family, friends and everyone else, it's a freak show Star Trek convention.
While I've seen several posts about preparing for Blissdom, I thought I'd offer a few tips I haven't read anywhere else; you know…the stuff you don't find out until you get there but wish you knew before. Feel free to add your own Blissdom/Blog Conference Secret Tips in comments…I bet there's a few things I haven't thought of!
[1] Comfort shoes will become your BFF
Roughly the size of Rhode Island, Opryland could house about a dozen football fields. I'm not kidding, I did the math. If you must, bring your pretty, slick stilettos or funky, stacked peeps, but I'm tellin' ya save those for when you get to your destination!
To walk from your room to the meeting venue, bring comfortable athletic shoes or sensible walking shoes (I swear I'm not a hundred years old yet). You're going to be walking miles every day, so style needs to take a back seat to comfort! Roll your eyes at me now, but your not-so-sore dawgs will thank me later.
[2] Be a boyscout
In other words, be prepared, expect the unexpected. Here's a list of items I've happened to bring (or, ahem, lacked) and someone need 'em.
- Pain meds (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve)
- Sleep aids (you're going to be SO tired your body is gonna be JACKED!)
- Band-aids
- Safety pins
- Feminine hygiene products…& a few extras
- A fan to block out your roommates' snores (no comment)
- Contact solution
- Socks or flip flops
- CHARGERS–phone, laptop and camera. GO…PACK THOSE NOW!
- Power strip (you'll be everyone's BFF when their electronics are about to die)
- Hair products (I always forget something I need–gel, conditioner, spray, hot rollers, dryer, etc.)
- Cold meds; there's a good chance you or someone you know will need OTC cold remedies. Be a hero…have 'em ready. Remind me to tell you the story about tweeting a request for Valtrex…s i g h….
[3] Bring a backpack
Remember the miles you're going to be walking? Depending on the location of your hotel room, by the end of the conference you could have walked a marathon. I'm not kidding; I did the math again. If you're lugging around a laptop and/or heavy purse, your back is going to feel every step your feet take. This year I'm leaving my cute laptop bag behind (tears) and I'm using my backpack lappy bag; it's about as cute as sensible shoes, but then again I'm no slave to fashion.
[4] If you remembered to bring business cards…
Keep a stack stuffed behind your name badge in the plastic pocket; that way regardless of what you're wearing (sans pockets especially), you'll have 'em handy.
[5] If you forgot or didn't know to have calling cards…
Embrace your Inner Creative and make some! EVERYONE will love 'em! Use stamps and stickers or glitter and glue, and you'll be remembered easier than someone who spent $100. Isn't that the point?
[6] Bring along mints & gum.
You're gonna be talking. A lot. You're gonna be snacking. A lot. Session venues might be faaaar from your room, so you'll be glad to be able to freshen your breath when you can't brush your teeth. If someone offers you either, take it; it may or may not be a hint, so err on the safe side ;).
[7] Label like a mad man!
You're gonna be in a sea of people who have identical laptops, phones, cameras…and cords. Use a permanent marker, address labels or something so your stuff can be easily identified.
[8] Invite yourself
Are you comin' solo? Don't know anyone? Are you new to blogging? BARGE IN! It's gonna look and feel like "groups" are closed, but you'll be surprised to find most people are dying for "you" to make the first move. Present company included :). Whether joining a group for a meal, or sitting at a table during a session, or hitting the dance floor during party time, just smile and introduce yourself. It's the universal blogging sign for "welcome."
[9] Clothing optional
I don't mean come nekkid, I'm just encouraging you to be bold! Last year after bringing my Princess dress to three previous blogging conferences, I finally got the nerve to wear it (with much encouragement from Amber and Arianne). It was one of the funnest things I've ever done…and I can't wait to play dress-up of some sort again.
Stay tune.
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Was this helpful? Did I help you think of something you hadn't thought of yet? Do you have Secret Tips to add to my list? Do share!
The backpack idea is great—my computer bag is a backpack and it’s not beautiful but so comfy!
And YES to making the first move. Everyone wants to talk–don’t be shy!
Can’t wait to see you Robin!
You are just so cool! Every single thing is true and is definitely not things people tell you! I have never been to Blissdom, this is my first time but have been two Type-A and Relevant and learned real quick some things not to do or bring again. I would just say for those like me (and I know there are some) that remember to bring a notepad and pens… you WILL get tired of lugging your laptop around!
Explain to me (Blissdom newbie) the difference between a business card (check) and a calling card. {insert complete panic & embarrassment that I don’t know}
Stephanie,
Practically speaking, they're the same thing! BUT, since a lot of bloggers don't consider their site a business….or they're at-home moms who write a blog, I called 'em different things. In practice, they're the same thing (and THANKS for asking!!) xo
Thanks for the reminder about stashin’ the business cards in my name badge holder! And guess I should bring my running shoes huh? Wonder how many times around the resort is a 10K…. hmmmm… ;P Hoping to meet you next week! Squee!
Snoring?? Ahem… 😉
I completely agree with #8 (well, with everything you said, but 8 in particular)! It’s easier said than done sometimes, but you won’t regret it. Many times others don’t know that you’re not included (or they’d ask you to join). Jump in there! I’ve found the groups at Blissdom to be *very* welcoming of new friends.
Great advice, Robin!
O.K., your first paragraph? About the freak show/Star Trek Convention? I am SO there. My family just rolls their eyes when I talk about next week. And my friends don’t even know I’m going!
Awesome tips! So helpful. I’ll have to keep them all in mind…
…next time around, when I’m actually there! 🙂 Have a great time!
Robin, this is so exciting and encouraging! I am looking forward to my first Blissdom! Like your princess dress, I’ve been watching and finally going! 🙂 Look forward to tracking you down! 🙂
Robin, this is actually very helpful. I’ve never been to a blogging conference, so I can use all the advice you can give! And I’ve been to the Opryland Hotel, many times actually, but it’s been 20 years since I was there last. It was big back then, so I’m thinking that now it must be enormous!
Here’s a little tip for those who have iPhones: there’s a great app that will take the place of a fan for the roommate who snores. It’s called “Sleep Machine Lite,” made by SleepSoft LLC. It’s an EXCELLENT white noise maker with adjustable volume. (My husband has an artificial heart valve, so we never sleep without a white noise machine, whether at home or away from home, so this is one thing on which I can safely say that I know what I’m talking about!)
Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas! I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Thank you, thank you for this post. I hung on every word. Hope to see you and your princess dress in a few days!
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Love this post!! You are always so spot on! Looking forward to seeing you again:)
This is a wonderful list! I’m so excited about blissdom and meeting all of you!
I loved EVERY minute of Blissdom last year and so sad I won’t be going this year (seeing as my blog has been abandoned for months).
Great advice for all…..and, yes, BARGE IN……you’ll be so glad you did!
Rock It Pensieve Princess!