Blogging conference: should I go?

In short, yes.  If you are serious about your blog, you should invest the time, and the dollars into exploring the blogging world.

Easy answer. YES!

Super, easy answer.

Harder answer is WHICH one should I go to?

To help you decide, I have a few thoughts on our REASONS for attending a conference!

1. Education

Obvious first choice, I know.  If you are a newer blogger, or have not yet taken the leap into researching and educating yourself on line, your ROI from a blogging conference will be huge.  If you choose right, you will find some one way increase your knowledge, and hopefully reduce your business expenses when you go home, and up your revenue.

If you are an experienced blogger, this is a little harder to do.  Because of the influx of “fresh blood” into the blogging industry, the sessions are kept introductory.  You may start to need to expand into digital and social media conferences to fulfill your education goals.

2. Camaraderie

Bloggers say that building their tribe is one of the best things they can do to increase their influence and strength of their blog.  Building networks around the world and finding “your people” will only speed up the process.  Conferences are filled with like minded people, and because of that it is easier to create connections and increase your network.  They are also an amazing place to “meet up” and cement relationships with digital connections.

3. Having a laugh, (aka getting your dance on)

Blogging conferences are a relatively safe place for a mom (or woman) to have a bit o’ fun.  It doesn’t have to be a full on “moms  gone wild” type of thing (and for your professional brands sake, it shouldn’t be) but it can still be an amazingly great time.

Blogging events are full of private parties, shopping opportunities, and give you a chance to see different parts of the country (world) with women cut from the same cloth.  Official events are also amazing, full of creative women getting their dance on, and connecting with friends.

4. Business networking & Marketing 

Some of the most financially stable bloggers are those who cross promote another business line. If YOUR business market is bloggers, than hanging around a blogging conference is a darn good way to promote what you do to your ideal client.  Create relationships, promote your skills and services and follow up after the event.

As well, if you have established yourself as an expert in your field, having the chance to speak or present at a conference is a huge feather in your cap!  Share your skills and create an opportunity to market your business at the same time.

5.  Brand exposure

Being able to be in the vicinity of brands you want to work with is an amazing benefit to bloggers.   Brands are there to meet bloggers, so take this time to choose wisely and spend the extra moments creating a relationship and making an impact on the brands you love.  Ensure you walk away with THEIR card, and follow up! Thank them for connecting and build the relationship that will be a win-win for both of you.

One thing is certain, by attending Blogging & Social Media conferences, you will show to Brands and networks that you are SERIOUS about investing into your blog and business.  Be passionate, and committed, and the ROI will be obvious.

I have never had a bad conference experience.  I always ensure I know my primary reasons for attending before I book in, and make the most of my time there.  I fully participate and work the events and expo’s with my whole heart.  And while the conference has a certain “get-away” or escape element to it, I am committed to making the most of my time away from my family and ensuring that the days and dollars spent will benefit my business and brand.

If you missed the most recent Blogger conference (Blogher13) don’t worry!  Conferences are running in the US and Canada all year!  Find the one that most suits your goal, and leap into attending!

And fingers crossed we meet up soon… I know I have a few good ones on my list for Fall 2013~