Advice on attending blog conferences

As many of you know, I attended a blog conference this past weekend in Salt Lake.  Coming away from it, there are a few things I would advise.

The Business Cards

During the conference, they had a table set up for business cards.  There was a hole punch (the reason why these have a hole in them), and a key ring, so the attendees could easily carry them around.  I picked up a TON of business cards, but these are the ones that really stuck out to me.  The common theme?  They are all really simple and really tidy.  Not too many words, easy to read font, and just nice to look at.  I also admired the one with the headshot on it.  Super bold and definitely made me pick it up.  On the back of these cards were all the social media links/emails...stuff like that.  Oh, and mine (top left)..have to admit that I'm in love with what Colleen did.  She's SO great, and you need to work with her immediately if you haven't already.   

The Outfit

Ok, super creepy selfie of me in the hotel.  I waited until 1030pm the night before I left to pack.  Big mistake.  I ended up just throwing a ton of stuff in my bag, and this outfit picture was sent out to my sisters and to Kayla about 20 minutes before the whole thing started.  They approved.  (And I wore it with my elephant necklace, neutral TB flats, and carried my big coral bag.)  My sister said that it didn't matter what I wore.  False.  It does matter.  Like it or not, it does.  My advice about the outfit you wear....don't be too trendy.  Think about the biggest trends going on now; mint, polka dots, top knots, bubble necklaces.  I'm a fan of ALL of these, and wear them on a daily basis, but I suggest not wearing these to a blogger conference, because guess what?  Everyone will wear the same thing.  I saw tons of adorable outfits..but most consisted of all the trendy pieces.  I was glad I wore this outfit...a funky skirt, classic blazer, and a bright colored bag was the perfect way to go.

The Prep

(I've been loving my notebook that Kayla sent me!)

Prep for the classes you want to take at the conference.  Most conferences have the schedule posted in advance, so sit down, decide what topics you need to learn about the most, and research the teachers.  I wish that I had done this.  I knew that I wanted to take a class on Pinterest, so I got a lot out of that class...but I kind of floated for the next ones.  By the way...a tip for your Pinterest boards...clean them up, and rearrange them every now and then.  I think I could have taken a lot more away from the classes if I had prepared specific questions for the teachers. 

I think attending conferences is a great thing.  I met a lot of people and have some fresh ideas floating around now.  I'm going to try to go to one every year.

Have you attended a blog conference?  Do you recommend a specific one or have any advice about them?