There were tons of bloggers writing about preparing for BlogHer, what to wear, what to bring, what to expect, blah blah blah. While there were pearls of wisdom to find everywhere, you just can’t know for yourself until you’ve seen the madness for yourself. And madness it was.
1. There will be parties and free alcohol and women who haven’t let loose in a LONG TIME. You don’t have to keep up with them. TRUST ME!
2. If you’re flying in the morning the conference starts, get to the hotel at least an hour in advance. You want to be able to get your stuff to your room, get your tablets or writing materials, tweet your arrival and get to where you’re going in time to chat up friends.
3. There will always be a friend, old or new, to chat up. Sometimes in the most unexpected places.
4. Believe me, WEAR comfortable shoes. And pack bandaids, just in case.
5. Know why you’re going. Have a plan. Be flexible. Sadly, I didn’t have a tight plan. I was going with the flow and followed along for the ride most of the weekend. The sessions I attended were all disappointing. Did I choose the wrong ones? Perhaps.
6. Expect the worst but hide it with a smile.
7. Just because the description of the event says “focused on relaxing and conversation” don’t assume the DJ got the same message. Cough Aiming Low cough.
8. The Expo Hall will be overwhelming. Its best taken in small doses.
9. Start your prep work early, keep you eyes open for invites to private parties. Those sometimes have the best SWAG.
10. If you can stand waiting in line, get another badge made. I left mine back at my lovely hostess’ home and had to get another. Yes, it meant double the drink tickets but it also ended up saving the ass of a lovely friend who may have forgotten hers. Ahem.
11. You will want to stay in the hotel that is hosting the event. Sure, its harder to get a burrito at 3 am but its also easier to make it to that first session the next day.
12. Your bloggy idols are women too. They were newbies once and know what its like to be in your shoes. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or ask a question, offer a card or ask for one. Its all about meeting new people, networking and putting a face to a name or avatar.
13. And sometimes, what happens at BlogHer, stays at BlogHer.
Does anyone know where is the nearest detox center?
To my roomie that almost was … pleasure meeting you. Glad we had some moments to chat. Next time we head to N.Ca, you are at the top of my list!
YES! I need more you!
This is a fabulous re-cap! Spot on!
Thanks and sorry we didn’t get to meet. So many great women, so little time.
So, so true. And the lactation lounge is the most relaxing room on site.
Great seeing you!
Wasn’t it. I wish I had found it sooner. JUST what I needed.
And I can’t get your smile out of my head. You are so adorable and sweet!
I love the recaps!
They are my guilty pleasure.
You always say it as it is, that’s why I love ya.
Thank you. I try….without hurting too many people!
I really want to go to Blogher one of these years.
New York next year. You can do it!
These are great! Love #9. And #6 – so true. I’m heading over to read your Summer Lovin Post in a few minutes!
I’m really kicking myself over some of the parties. I have the impression they may have been less crazy than #Sparklecorn. Though, I’m glad I missed the Smurfs.
We all knew #13
I’m still very, very, very jealous of all y’all. Though, I think you’d be surprised how many people don’t see you as the “newbie” blogger you think you are.
There were times I felt like I was walking among giants.
And thank you John. Maybe you can come next time? Yes, there were men there. And you would be a HUGE hit!
Ahem, I was the friend who used the second badge, ahem. I totally gave you shit while we stood in line for your reprint too! I was wrong, you were right. The end.
I think all your tips are so good, and most of them I didn’t read anywhere else. Hang onto this link, you’ll want to retweet it righ tbefore Blogher’12 so people can get actually useful info!
I did that just so you would publicly acknowledge my rightness.
My life is complete.
So wonderful meeting you dear friend. You are the real deal. Perfect. XO
YOU! You are a doll. I just want to put you in my pocket and take you home with me. LOVED meeting you!
Your re-cap is excellent and I agree with many of your points.
Don’t feel bad, I don’t have a job or the Dude and I STILL haven’t written my re-cap post. Warning- it might include the photo where you are biting my ass.
Oh pretty please publish the ass bite. Thank you!
I love anyone that says, “Bite me.” It’s so satisfying, don’t you think?
I didn’t make it this year but I’m jealous about the AimingLow party. I bet quite a few ladies are still de-toxing.
The Aiming Low party was a bust for me. So not what I needed and way too many people crammed in to a tiny space.
And yes, a well used “bite me.” does a body good.
I haven’t posted my recap either. I need at least 72 hours of editing. And also detox.
hands sown, best recap I’ve seen!!!! LOL and since next year will be my first official BlogHer experience I’ll be keeping all this in mind.
Aiming Low party was nowhere near quiet and relaxed. It was so much easier staying at the conference, didn’t have to worry about driving at all. Having a plan is helpful with this type of huge event.
So sad I missed it! By next year, I’ll have to pay you to follow you around because you’ll be such the expert! xoxo
It sounds so awesome and intimidating all at once! If I ever get a chance to go to a BlogHer I need to make a mental note to shadow someone who’s been there before! Sounds so AMAZING!
There was some great advice here. I hope I’ll get to follow it one day…sniff…yes, I’m still feeling sorry for myself.