Conferences can be scary. Raise your hand if you’re planning on attending Haven this year. {Or if you’ve ever attended a conference before.}
Now, pretend I’m in the room staring at you so this sentence seems relevant.
These amazing shindigs, with lots of stylish, talented, incredible people in the mix (you!) can be a little bit intimidating on the surface. Like, high school reunion on roids, intimidating. I want to break out the spanks and teeth whitener because I’m an insecure dork and I stumble over my words and give TMI on a first time encounter. I remember my first conference, and if I’m being one hundred percent honest here (cue cringe) I was a little bit over the top excited. I was all, “HIYA, NICE TO MEET YA!” to the point where my accent probably morphed from gently southern, to hillbilly-red in 2.5 seconds flat with a bit of an awkward voice fluctuation likened to that of a high school boy at the beginning of his pubescent journey. Nice. At least I talked to people??? {Going for the positive spin, here.}
So today, I thought I’d cover a few little things that would be useful to know if it were my first time again. Things I wish I could travel back into time, and tell myself. Ready?
1. It’s really okay if you don’t have a media kit or business cards.
I’m showing you a photo of what I have. This is it. Maybe like forty-ish at best (old school Handmade Home) business cards. I’m going to be frank. I was too busy to design and print new ones, and I feel like a total nerd handing them out. People will probably look at me sideways like a confused parrot and ask me who I am, and what the name of my blog is and why I’m there. That’s okay.
As far as it pertains to media kits: Jamin and I have worked with some brilliant, amazing brands and sponsors. We have regular contact with new ones. We love them all and are truly blessed. My point? It will probably make our lives easier if I eventually cook a media kit up. But I’ve never had one, and I’m not in a rush about it. That’s okay and it’s just not essential. So if you have these things, wow. You are awesome. If not, that’s awesome, too. ;} I’m in your corner either way!
2. Lots of information
Conferences are built for this. It’s what makes a good one like Haven successful. There’s a lot to learn, and it can be a bit of information overload. I learn something new every time I mingle with a blogger. That’s what makes events like this so amazing and magical with unicorns and rainbows.
Two things : A. Don’t let it stress you out, and B. Not all of the information is for you.
Take it in, soak it up, jot it down… Then filter it. Not all information is relevant to you and your brand, and this is just part of owning a business. So from SEO to blogger do’s and dont’s and ad networks… one thing at a time… if you decide to implement some changes, you’ll get to it eventually. You’ll be a better person, writer and creative for it.
3. We’re all in the same boat
Don’t let the awesomeness of that many people in one space intimidate you. People are super nice, and they love it if you talk to them. It’s kind of like elementary school and the next person is probably shyer than you. I promise.
The last time I checked, no one’s story is over yet. This is always my motto. What does that mean? You never know when the person right next to you is going to be your new blogger bestie, or who will wow you with their talent. Last year, I sat across the table from Kristin (The Hunted Interior) at dinner. I went home and looked her up (because sometimes, we live under a rock) and fell in love with her amazing style. She may say otherwise, but I like to think we hit it off because I became a stalker-reader, and I adore her! My point: You never know who you’ll meet, and what can happen. So have fun, don’t worry so much about what you’ll wear {I’m a paint-splattered yoga pants girl, mahself} and if worse comes to worse, come talk to me. First I’ll be all…
And then I’ll be all…
#namethatmovie #thatshowIroll
While I’m at it, you also must attend this awesomefuntotallynotbiasedclass I’m excited to be co-leading with Lindsay of Makely School for Girls+ Mandi of Vintage Revivals at Haven. Be sure to stop by, we’d love to meet you!
Yes, I did make a floating graphic heads title thingy. Floating heads make everything better. What of it?
So what other tips do you find useful for conferences?
And… are you coming to Haven? Should we meet from across the room in slow motion and hug and twirl? It would be amazing.
Leave a comment below because I’d love to visit your blog and come meet you!
Spill it! We’d love to hear!
Heather @ Southern State of Mind says
Found your post through Instagram. Very cute! I am looking forward to Haven and talking with so many amazing peeps. I can see how your head will start spinning pretty quickly though- some days as I read through blogs I am in complete amazement at the creativity, motherhood skills and flat out wittiness. Hope to meet you there!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Can not wait to meet you! ;} My head spins on a regular basis ;}
Kerri, A Pop of Pretty says
Great post. I attended Haven last year and you are right, it can be a little overwhelming with so much fab talent in one room. We actually met briefly at the first cocktail party and I remember forgetting your blog name and calling it the ‘homemade home’ or something when I totally knew the difference. Duh. That was just the first of many awkward conference moments like walking off the elevator with a bunch of baseball players with my skirt tucked in my spanks, only to have a maid try and tell me by yelling something in spanish that I could not understand. No joke. I’m just hoping I can get through Haven without a repeat of that! Hope this makes any conference newbies feel a little better, lol. Anyway, hoping to meet you again this year, and this time I’ll aim be more articulate ;).
ashley @ the handmade home says
TOTALLY remember meeting you, sweet lady. I’m sure I mumbled something awkward about how many people were there and if these shoes made my feet look weird. Nice to see ya on the internets! ;}
Nikki says
“I’m an insecure dork and I stumble over my words and give TMI on a first time encounter.” <======= I'm pretty sure we're the same person. Did we just become best friends? Yup! #nameTHATmovie
Btw, I'll be at Haven. I'll be the one in the corner trying my best to use my invisible powers.
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHAHA! Great quote! love it. ANd yes, yes we did.
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
So, so, so true! I agree with it all! Great post Ashley. Can’t wait to see you again in a few weeks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Can’t wait to hang out again, Kim. You are so much fun! YAY!
Jenn @ HomeStyleReport says
Thank you so much for this post! This is my first time to Haven/any blog conference and I’m a newish blogger. I’m nervous as can be but excited at the same time!
Love the clueless reference! I will probably be the awkward…yikes!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, can’t wait to meet ya, Jenn!
Megan says
Clueless! I love that movie!!
I’m not going to Haven, although I’m sure it’s a blast. No one would know me and that’s ok. But I will live through everyone’s posts and dream about going.
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Thanks so much for writing this! There have been so many encouraging posts about what to expect from Haven. I’m a first timer and am so excited to meet people and posts like this give me more courage. I’ve decided to just be that person who just introduces herself to everyone.. Can’t wait to meet you!
Anna @ A Good Home says
Media kit? SEO? I know not of what you speak. Me and my little 14-follower blog are ready and super excited for Haven, but clearly completely and totally clueless. (Get it?! the movie!!) Anyway, I’ll definitely be saying hi, probably in fully awkward style! 🙂
Anna @ A Good Home says
p.s. I realized this comment links to my Etsy shop, but my blog is http://agoodhomeblog.blogspot.com
Christine at First Home Love Life says
:o( I had to sell my ticket yesterday. So I’ll be throwing a pity party for myself that weekend while I live vicariously through everyone’s Instagram. ::sigh:: Have a great time my faucet installing friend! Sad I won’t get to hear you speak, I’m sure it will be great!
Heidi Rew says
Excited about your session, Ashley! Looking forward to Haven and meeting all the wonderful bloggers! <3 Heidi
DesignedByBH says
Super cute post. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your insights!
I’ll see you at Haven!
ps – I also saw it on Instagram.
Holly @ hcb interiors says
Thank you so much for posting this! This is my first conference as I’ve only been blogging a few months & I’m super nervous. Loved your clueless reference – I tend to randomly fall in public (never at home!), so I could totally relate to the pic of Tai going down the stairs.
Can’t wait to meet you – y’all are one of the first blogs I ever read.
Have a great week!
Shauna Fisher says
Sounds fun! and great! I’m super shy at first, so I love your ideas. I haven’t attended any conferences yet…but they sound really fun!
Richella at Imparting Grace says
I AM coming to Haven, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this post!!
I was talking with a friend recently and told her that I’m kind of a selective extrovert. So in certain situations I’m all outgoing and friendly, and in others I turn into an 8th grader. (I was a fairly confident 7th grader, but 8th? Sheesh.) I feel as though not only do I not have anyone to sit with in the cafeteria, but the menu is also Salisbury steak and I might get sick. Does that make sense?
I’ve only ever been to one blogging conference before, and that was 2 1/2 years ago. I did meet some wonderful people then (Blissdom ’11), but 2 1/2 years is lightyears in blogging! So it’s almost as if I’ve never been to a blogging conference at all.
So. I will be the red-headed woman who is thinking that it’s not fair to have both wrinkles and pimples (because I just know my face will break out before I go). Could I please, please get a hug from you? And would it be okay if the tone of my voice went up an octave or two when I say hey?
Holly @ hcb interiors says
Richella, I love that – selective extrovert. That is exactly what I am, but never had a term for it! 🙂
Marian says
Thanks for the “Don’t stress about what you wear” comment. I see all these comments about people buying new stuff and planning their wardrobes. It’s kinda freaking me out. I’ll be the one in a bright v-necked t-shirt and shorts. It’s just what I’m like. Maybe people will assume we’re just really good at what we do, and admire our confidemce. If not, at least we’ll be comfortable.
Marian
Gwen, The Makerista says
Oh, I so love this! I just started blogging a few weeks ago. Haven is a far off dream, but I am attending a new conference, Go Blog Social, in Kansas City that same weekend and am kind of scared. My fear is that it will be a bunch of 20 year old style bloggers that I won’t have much in common with. What to wear is certainly a concern, seeing I tend to rock stretchy pants and 4 day old hair most of the time. Maybe they’ll appreciate my motherly topknot? 🙂 Love the clueless references!
Diane@inMyOwnStyle says
Great post Ashley. I don’t have a media kit and my cards are 2 years old 🙂 Can’ t wait to see you. Thanks for the pantry feature on Sat XO
Jeni@RestoringPiece says
When I was little I told my mom “When I grow up, I’m buying a TV so I can let all the people out.” Maybe she was all “My bay-buh is gaw-na change the world!!!” And yes, I thought it was an incredible injustice to keep “those” people in that small box, all cramped up and such, but really and truly I just wanted to meet them. That’s how I feel about conferences. It’s so wow (and could be ultra creepy) to reach out and pet someone and say “Ohhhh…wow…you’re really real, for real.” 😀 So, let’s come on out from behind those screens, y’all!
And also, Ashley, I lost 3.5 pounds while laughing through your post today. 🙂
Jamie says
This is awesome! So glad I found your blog!! I can’t wait to meet you at Haven. My first blog conference so this is amazing 😉
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Wendy says
Thank you
Awesome advice for someone whose completely new, nervous and nerdy.
My blog is 1 day old. For real. It’s rough and I’m freaking out, no media kits, no dressing my brand (wha?) no anything. Just going to go and soak it all in like you suggested. Very out of my box. Ill be the lil Canadian stalker in the corner eyeballing you, love your log so much. Won’t it be embarrassing if I truly did run across the room and try to hug n twirl you? Lol.
(Now you are worried right?)
Hope to see you ther. Ad I will say hi.
Looking forward to your session
Wendy
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, congratulations on starting your blog! I am thrilled for you! I will have to check it out. If you don’t come say hi, I will be mad. ;} PS. I am totally wearing handmade EVERYTHING. Even my shoes. We will see if it all unravels by the end of the day. ;} Don’t you think that will work???
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
I’m so happy to have found your blog and this post had me cracking up! This will be my first conference and you already have me feeling a bit better about the whole experience. I’m so excited to meet so many awesome bloggers, but being a baby blogger I am also super intimidated. I won’t have any cool business cards {not that I won’t attempt to whip some up on my printer tonight, lol} but I look forward to your session and soaking up as much info as possible!
~Katie @ Upcycled Treasures