The weekend of Blogher is upon us! The biggest women’s blogging conference world wide.
The packing. It’s done! I didn’t end up packing 8 pairs of shoes! Huzzah!
The train! It’s here! Why does it smell so moldy?
The Journey. It’s long! For me, at least.
Ok. So technically it is only 4 plus hours but when you factor in the hazmat spill that occured before your train even arrives, the automatic delays from train congestion and the people who insist on eating an intensely oinion-filled sandwich for what feels like the entire train trip it feels a whole lot longer. But, it is worth it, right?
I mean it is Blogher! It’s what many have been waiting all year-long to attend. Like some distant dream on the horizon the crown jewel of blogging conferences for women has arrived. Judging from the insanity of some of the Facebook groups and the major concerns about what can be “packed” you might think that NYC is already in post-apocalyptic mode, but fear not! It is just another city. It is hot, congested and full of busy people. Get your wits about you, be smart and you will be fine.
Then go into the hotel and check-in. Remember these simple rules.
1. At check-in don’t complain about the line. There are 4500 women attending this event plus sponsors and vendors. There will be lines all weekend. You will wait for food. You will feel a bit crazy in the expo hall and drink lines but relax, chill out and enjoy the experience. It’s quite unique. The giant Jimmy Dean sun might make another appearance this year.
2. DO NOT run to swag. DO NOT bitch about swag. DO NOT even speak about it. Ok, that’s extreme, I know but after five years of going to this conference I am over it. I know to some it is incredibly exciting. I will admit that I will be touring the expo hall myself (I write product reviews after all) and picking up some odds and ends and participating in booth games (sometimes) it is for the fun of it and not the greedy I MUST GET MORE STUFF mentality that can overcome us at times.
3. Hydrate. It’s real easy to pick up a cup of coffee or can of soda at this event. It’s free and readily available. However, so is water. It is still summer, you are talking up a storm and probably drinking some cocktails. Take care of you and chug that water.
4. Don’t worry about who you know. Everyone feels that way, even the old gals like me. You’ll meet people you have read, admired and gushed over, it’s true. They will taller or shorter than you imagined. They night even have a mouthful of food. You’ll find friends if you just move out of that corner and smile. Chat up your elevator mate or line companion. Be as brave as you are on your blog.
5. Take time to unplug. Get a nap in, skip a party or panel and go back to your room and stay off the social media. It will do you good for a bit to just process all that you have going on in this very moment. It ends real quick. In a few hours you’ll be back to shuffling around your kitchen in yoga pants reminiscing over that yummy cocktail you imbibed just yesterday.
6. Tip. Tip that housekeeper, people. Mom101 tweets it out each Sunday morning post-Blogher and I love it. Those ladies are cleaning up all our forgotten coupons, schotkes, food debris and dirty linens. The least you can do is leave a bit of cash on the desk or dresser. Your forgotten swag isn’t a tip for them. It is just another thing to haul to the wastebin. I like to fold up my tip in a bit of hotel stationery with a note of thanks.
Most of all just be happy you got to make the journey. You are in an amazing city that you should step out of the conference to see. Even if it is just for a minute. You are surrounded by incredible women who run this world and a million tiny ones daily. It’s heady, it’s strong, it’s hilarious and a force to be recognized and reckoned with and if that doesn’t do it for you then I don’t know what will.
Have a blast. See you there!
