As many of you already know, the SXSW blog conference came to a close this past weekend. Twitter was buzzing last week with excited attendee tweets that made me wish I’d made plans to go.
I’ve never attended any of the many blog conventions that take place annually, but I have heard the experience is indescribable and unforgettable. If you blog for a living, you may want to add attending one of these events to your goal list. You’ll be completely in your element.
You know how your spouse’s eyes glaze over whenever you talk about blogging? Well, from my understanding, everyone attending these events is just as gung-ho about blogging as you are; and it’s all anyone wants to talk about. You’re completely in your element! Can you imagine?
These conventions are just like any other industry business convention. They provides bloggers with a rare networking opportunity. Some of the biggest benefits of attending conventions are:
- Getting to meet and spend time face-to-face with bloggers you communicate with every day.
- Gain invaluable education and information you get attending various classes and sessions.
- Access to great exhibits and swag.
- A unique off-line networking opportunity.
- A chance to connect with and build relationships and partnerships with others in the blogging community.
What’s great is that these conferences can be tax deductable as a business expense as well. Will you be attending any blog conferences this year?
There are many conferences I would like to attend. This year I'll be going to NAMS 4 in Atlanta, GA and most likely Affiliate Summit in New York the weekend before and although not exactly blogging conferences but rather affiliate marketing, you still can take away tips for blogging for business. I'm excited!
This is so interesting! I was aware of Blogher when that happened last year, but I guess I wasn't aware of what a huge phenomenon it is! Wow!! Thanks for the info!
I facetiously play that I want to attend a conference, but honestly I really don't have a desire to attend one right now. Would I if the opportunity presented itself…maybe down the line. Meeting the people I talk to online would certainly rock.
Some day, someone will hold a blog conference next to a kid friendly place like Disney and moms or dads who were never able to attend will be there in droves because their spouses and kids can come, too, and will be happily entertained next door.
Actually Disney just held a conference in February – right in Disney. It was for social media moms. They gave an amazing price for hotel, food, and the parks. I personally couldn't go because of paying airfare.
One other point I might add – Meet and connect with PR people and companies. It's kind of covered in your points, but that's exactly why some bloggers go. The companies at the exhibits are trying to learn what you already know.
I've been to Blissdom twice – in '09 and 10. I loved it! This year I'm trying to get to BlogHer, and I'll be attending a small conference close to me.
My first time at Blissdom I learned a lot, but was left with a lot of questions. It was so amazing to meet the other bloggers in real life! Second time was after going through Kelly's internship and joining Mom Masterminds so it was not about learning, but networking and meeting friends. Awesome!
I would love to attend a conference, but I don't think it will be happening any time soon as it's hard for me to get away from work. I think they are great for meeting those in the blogging community face to face.