Now what? I bought my conference pass, booked my flights, and have hotel reservations with an amazing roomie, friend, and blogger (if you’re not following Sunshine & Sippy Cups, you should be!), and now I have no idea what to expect. I know my mentor and conference buddy will be an awesome guide so I’m super stoked about that, but regardless, this is my first “real” conference and I’m excited, nervous, and confused…yes all at the same time, which makes me a hoot to be around for my family right now.
I’ve been to a really great workshop, but that lasted a few hours in a conference room, not several days in an expo hall so as you can imagine, as it’s getting closer to time to leave (holy crap I fly out tomorrow morning! Eeekk!!!), the bigger the basket case I’m becoming. Also, it’s the first time I’ve traveled anywhere without my husband and / or my kiddos since, well, since I birthed my eldest child I think! (Crazy right?!)
Hopefully I won’t forget anything super important or be a ball of nerves and end up looking like a flake. I think it will be an amazing experience, I think I will meet some awesome bloggers, and hopefully learn tons, but there are always all of those “what ifs” in the back of your head. You know, what if I get all shy and become socially awkward? What if I really have no fashion sense whatsoever and look like a dork? What if I….well, you get the picture.
I’m sure everything will be fine, and I’m sure my veteran BlogHer buddy won’t let me end up looking too foolish. Mostly, I know this is going to be an awesome experience and tons of fun (SQUEE!!! Can you tell I’m beyond excited!).
Have you been to a big time conference before? Any last minute advice on what to take, what to leave behind, questions to ask, questions not to ask?? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
Stephanie Louise Telford says
July 23, 2014 at 8:23 amAAHH so jealous! I hope to attend BlogHer but my beelline each year is IMATS! Hopefully I’ll be in CA around the same time next year!
Heather @ Life of a Traveling Navy Wife says
July 23, 2014 at 9:34 amI’m a corporate event manager, so I attend expos, trade shows, conferences, etc. all of the time. Just be yourself. Everyone will love you. Have a great time and look forward to reading about it when you get back!
Alison says
July 23, 2014 at 2:49 pmThanks Heather!! I know I’ll relax a bit once I get there and get a feel for how everything works (and maybe a couple glasses of wine…that helps too lol)
Michelle F. says
July 23, 2014 at 10:09 amHope you have a great time. Can’t wait to hear all about it. I hope to attend some conferences next year.
Alison says
July 23, 2014 at 2:48 pmOh I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it lol I actually have a post draft for next week, but obviously it’s blank since I haven’t gone yet so I don’t know what I’ll be writing!
Meagan Paullin says
July 23, 2014 at 12:51 pmYou’ll have a blast, and you’ll be just fine! It’s a bummer, because the majority of my bloggy friends are more East Coast-ish, and won’t be at BlogHer this year…. There are some super fun gals I would love for you to meet!! But, conferences are always a blast. Even when I went to SNAP in April, and didn’t know ANYONE at all, I still had fun 🙂
But then again, I dont’ get out much. Anything is funner than my weekly outing to the Walmart. Lol.
I still need to freakin’ PACK!!!
Alison says
July 23, 2014 at 2:47 pmlol – I know it’ll be a blast. I think I’m almost done packing – except the stuff I have to use in the morning although I may just bag that since I’ll be “getting ready” at 3:30 am lol.
Justina says
July 23, 2014 at 10:30 pmI’m so excited for you, and jealous!
Amber at Adventures of a Rainbow Mama says
July 24, 2014 at 4:58 amHi Alison,
I’ll be going to my first blogging conference here in Australia at the end of August – I can’t wait!!! Too exciting. Wishing you a great time at BlogHer 🙂
Amber at Adventures of a Rainbow Mama x
Lucero De La Tierra says
July 25, 2014 at 7:05 amI’m so jealous! You’ll have fun I’m sure. Looks like you’ve already had a day there. How was it?