what to bring to a blogging conference

next
pattern mixing like a boss

Blissdom is rapidly approaching and I’ve started to really think through what I’m going to bring this year. 

Besides your a-game, there are a few other things you’ll want with you at a blog conference. I’ve rounded up a few of what I think are essentials, some things that you may want to consider adding, what’s not necessary to bring, and –of course– beauty essentials! 

1. An extension cord. I think hotels hate wall outlets since there are only about 4 in one room, and usually they are hidden behind the bed. And how are you supposed to curl your hair when you can’t plug your curling iron in? I mean, c’mon!

2. A power strip — to make outlets accessible.

3. A laptop or ipad — for “taking notes” or tweeting, blogging, emailing, searching, pinteresting, instagraming, etc. 

4. A notepad. sometimes it’s easier to write things down.

5. A pen or two.

6. Business cards! (aren’t these beautiful!?)you’ll hand these out to just about everyone you meet. I ordered mine through Minted and absolutely love them. 

7. A bag for carrying your laptop/notepad, biz cards, swag you will acquire throughout the day, and other “purse-type” essentials you want with you. *BetterLifeBags will BE at Blissdom!
1. Last year I brought my DSLR and didn’t even touch it. So, if you are debating between bringing it, or just using your phone, I’d suggest sticking with your phone. It’s easier to manage.

2. Unedited blog posts that you think you are going to finish while you are there. It was difficult to find time to work on my blog, but if you need to, the evening is probably the most likely time you’ll have to blog.

3. Leave your books at home. Roommate chats can run late into the night. 

1. Find a small pouch to stash all the business cards you will gather during the conference.

2. Hand cream will keep your hands in tip top shape during all the meeting and greeting.

3. A few snacks are good to throw in your bag. Typically the food is just fine, but it’s good to have something to grab.

4. I prefer to start fueling up with coffee while I’m getting ready for the day, so bring something you can start in your room. 

5. Consider a small roommate gift, like a candle.

6. Cute notecards are great to have on hand for writing little notes to friends you meet.

7. The more bags to organize your things, the better.
1. While I felt like I got enough sleep at Blissom last year, the nights still ran late. So grab some good under eye concealer for the trip!

2. A flattering shade of lipstick is never a bad idea.

3. Stash some bobby pins in your bag in case of a hair emergency (or just come find me. I’ll help a sister out)

4. A scarf for the chilly conference rooms. (sold out)

5. A variety of hair accessories can save a not so great hair day from potential disaster.

6. I love these hair bands for “crease-less” ponytails. 

Did I miss anything? What are your *essentials* for a blog conference? 

comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nana T says · 03.15.13

Must say if anyone follows this they would be well prepared. You seem to have blogging down just right as you are very good at it! (you even keep this Nana looking for more) Great job Kate!
God Bless,

Reply
Kate says · 03.15.13

thanks Nana! 🙂

Reply
Andrea says · 03.18.13

That’s awesome.

Reply
Alicia Curley says · 03.15.13

This is a great list. I’d be a complete newbie at a blogging conference, and I think I would totally underestimate the importance of some of these things and over pack some of the things you suggested not to bring! Thanks for the tips.

Reply
Grass Skirt says · 03.15.13

This is such a helpful post! The only thing that I’d add is an umbrella, especially if you plan to do some sightseeing with a group. 🙂
http://thegrassskirtblog.com

Reply
Kate says · 03.15.13

good call!

Reply
pretty little things says · 03.15.13

great tips — thanks for sharing this! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

Reply
lori says · 03.15.13

Thanks for posting this!! Unfortunately, I won’t beat blissdom, but I will be attending BBC in North Carolina in may, so this list will definitely come in handy for my 1st conference! 🙂

Reply
Melissa {www.grinandbarrettblog.com} says · 03.15.13

These are almost my daily essentials in blogging anyway, haha :). I love the cute little notebooks (I have too many to count) and an iPad is helpful too! My dream is to attend a blogging conference. I hope one day I can!

Reply
Kate from MrsMonologues.com says · 03.15.13

I think the power strip is a great idea! When I went to bloggy bootcamp last year everyone was sharing two outlets during the sessions. Great list. Saving for the future if I am ever brave enough to go to another blogging conference.

Reply
Smanley says · 03.15.13

Kate this is just an amazing list!

Quick question: How do you make these jpg collages? I think you may have mentioned it before, but I’m just curious. <3

Reply
Kate says · 03.15.13

I make them in photoshop elements 🙂

Reply
Smanley says · 03.18.13

Thanks so much, Kate! 😀

Reply
dustyroadblog.com says · 03.15.13

Great lists!! The power cord is genius even for any trip where you will be staying in a hotel as there is never enough outlets, I can’t believe I never though of it before!
Maybe someday I will get to go to a blogging conference, they sound like a blast.
~ Kimberley

Reply
Jamece Vincent says · 03.15.13

Great idea with the extension cord!!

I attended a conference in 2010-ish and one of the roommates snored SO BAD, it was horrible, I got hardly any sleep that night!

Now I always bring earphones and my shuffle/iPod!!

Happy Friday!

Reply
~*Jess*~ says · 03.15.13

Thanks! This is a great list!

Reply
Unknown says · 03.15.13

The “just come find me. I’ll help a sister out” made me laugh. Great tips as always Kate!

Reply
Samantha Claire says · 03.15.13

This was so helpful! I’ve really been considering trying to go to a blog conference sometime within the next year or so, and, well, I’m notorious for planning a little too far ahead. Haha.

I’m loving BetterLifeBags! Thanks for linking them!

shineandlight.blogspot.com

Reply
Andrea says · 03.15.13

good list! i always have a notebook. and i agree with you, even though I’m a photographer bringing your DSLR is so hard and iphones are much quicker and instagram is more fun!

Reply
Mags Pomichowski says · 03.15.13

Great tips, thank you and I can’t wait to go to my first conference now.

xoxo
Mags
http://magsmind22.blogspot.com

Reply
spanishkitchenette says · 03.15.13

I totally agree on the lip balm and bobby pins. I always havem them with me even when I’m at home!

Reply
Dina says · 03.15.13

You are like a blogger of all bloggers! Glad I stumbled upon your blog and now am a new follower 🙂 Never been to a blog conference since I am a new blogger in this blogging world, but can’t wait until I do go to one 🙂

Beauty to Sparkle

Reply
Whitney says · 03.16.13

Just warning you: if I see you at Blissdom, I’m totally going to run up and get a picture with you! This will be my first time going so this was a great post. Thanks so much!

Reply
allisa jacobs says · 03.16.13

Kate! Thank you so much for including my bags in your post. Looks like you’re planning is off to a great start… enjoy Blissdom!
xoxo, allisa

Reply
Maren says · 03.17.13

Kate, thanks for sharing this all. I’ll use you ideas for my next vacation. I love your blog and enjoy your posts.

Hugs
Maren

Reply
Hellonheelshon says · 03.18.13

Thanks so much for this post! It was so extremely helpful! I am planning to go to my first blogger conference in July, I will make sure to revisit this post again. Totally took your advice about the Minted cards and ordered some of my own! They have a great selection.

Reply
Lady of Style says · 03.18.13

Great post, I love how you thought about everything and share it with us.

Annette
Lady of Style

Reply
SH says · 03.19.13

I definitely wish I was going to a blogging conference! Sadly there are none in my area. If there ever is, though, I’ll definitely check this list!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Sheree
The Hartungs Blog
thehartungs.com

Reply
Jamee says · 04.22.13

I am going to be heading to my first multi-day conference in September (Type A Conference) and this list is great and definitely mentioned some things that I would not have considered! Awesome post!

Reply
Strange Party says · 07.10.13

Good post. I am a normal visitor of your site and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the excellent site. I’ll be a frequent visitor for a really long time.
new york wedding venue

Reply
Carrie says · 08.06.13

It’s not easy to find such perfectly written information on this topic. Great Work! Bloggercompany

Reply
finestglasses says · 04.20.14

Surfing around the net, there is a best practice to obtain discount glasses is by online retailers.

Reply