Haven Conference - What you need to know about a blog conference?

Blogging is one of the most confusing business models to navigate. There’s just so much information floating around out there, it’s hard to know what to trust or better yet who to trust. Although blogging seems like it’s been around forever it really hasn’t. The first blog platform was created in 1998 which means that blogging has only been around about 20 years. In comparison to newspapers, magazines, and other mediums, blogging is still fairly new. Besides being a new medium and being a difficult to navigate, blogging can be lonely too, if you aren’t careful. So, why am I bringing all this up? Because there are tons of blogging conferences out there that can help you navigate this territory and connect with others. I know you have been wondering, “Should I go to a blog conference?”

How long have you been blogging?

One of the first things I would ask you if you are considering going to a blog conference is, “how long have you been blogging?” I would suggest that if you are 1st-year blogger it may be a bit overwhelming to go to a blog conference. I would at least get a year under my belt before I’d invest in a conference. I’ve been blogging over 5 years now and my very first conference was my second year of blogging. I went to the Haven Blogging Conference which is a DIY blog conference. It was a ton of fun and I learned a lot!

What do you learn at a blogging conference?

Depending on the type of conference you go to will determine the type of things you will learn. At Haven, they offer a variety of classes. From interactive DIY workshops that teach you new skills and provide you with make and take projects to blogging and business related seminars. Every conference is different and some hyper focus on certain subjects. For instance, I’m planning on going to another conference that focuses on membership sites, while my friend Tasha is planning to go to a conference focused on email marketing. Each conference is unique and what you learn will depend on the type of conference you attend.

What to Watch out For at A Blog Conference

I’m going to get real here. I never thought at my age I would feel like I’m in high school all over again but let me tell you it’s possible. The reason I mention this is because I feel like if I knew this ahead of time I would have been a little more prepared. There are definitely quite a few “cliques”, for lack of a better word, at conferences. If you’re not careful you may start feeling like the odd man out. Now, here’s the thing to remember most of these small groups, formed well before the conference. These groups typically have known each other either virtually or in real life before meeting up at the conference. Just remember that before you start feeling left out.

Another thing to watch out for at blogging conferences is the feeling of overwhelm. Not only can the social part of a blogging conference feel overwhelming but the amount of information to soak in can feel almost disabling. Blog conferences provide so many opportunities to learn from other attendees, sponsors, and speakers.

No matter if you are a first-time blog attendee or a veteran it’s always important to mentally prepare before you go to a blog conference.

Here are a few things you can do to make things easier at a blog conference

First, start connecting with other bloggers online who are going to the same conference as you. Make a plan to meet up and connect in person. It really helps solidify those relationships and makes your time at a conference more fun and less awkward.

Second, plan the classes, workshops, and keynote speakers you want to attend. Going in with a plan of what you want to attend and learn about can help prevent overwhelm.

Go to conferences that offer solutions that make the conference more comfortable. For example, The Haven Conference arranges for mentors to meet with small groups of bloggers to help them create deeper connections and feel more at ease at the conference.

This year I will be one of the mentors at the Haven Conference and so are many other experienced bloggers which you can find featured in the photo below. I’m so excited to meet my group and answer any questions they may have! I’ve listed a few of the mentors directly below, for you to visit to get to know better below.

If you’re planning on going to a blog conference, what are your fears? Let me know!

Day 1

Southern Hospitality * Finding Silver Pennies * Jennifer Rizzo * Chaotically Creative (You are Here)

Life on Virginia Street

Day 2

Life on Virginia Street * Just a Girl * French Country Cottage * Maison de Pax

Day 3

Thistlewood Farms * Handmade Home * Beneath My Heart

That’s My Letter * Sweet Tea LLC

Day 4

Centsational Girl * Mom4Real * Cedar Hill Farmhouse * The Lettered Cottage * Shades of Blue Interiors

Day 5