Kristy,

I anticipated all this after last year's conference. So I wrote up notes for BlogHer 08 so I wouldn't forget.

For me, probably the most important (and least successfully answered) is figuring out a way to block out the background noise so I could hear the people I'm talking to more easily. I find the level of background noise exhausting!

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Deb's Daily Distractions

As a newbie...  I'd love to know the attire.  Both for the conference itself, and the various parties and shindigs.   

Michele

Sparks and Butterflies Butterviews

1. Wear comfortable shoes. Wear them all day at least one full busy day before you come to Blogher. Cute is not so cute on day two when you are limping with blisters.
2. Do not carry everything you own. Pare down your laptop bag down to bare necessities.
3. Do keep your pain reliever and/or migraine meds on you even if you are not usually prone to aches/pains/etc. Band-aids too...especially if you ignore #1.
4. Talk to people.

   Do not shy away from approaching even what seems to be a tightly knit group of Bloghers. Introduce yourself. Say hello. Even if they are "famous" or even if you haven't read their blogs, Bloghers do not bite unless you ask. ;-) That said...some of the best conversations I have had at Blogher have been with wallflowers. Take a moment to say hello to the lonely woman in the hall.

   A recent poll of Bloghers says that 9 out of 10 of Bloghers are just as shy, worried, nervous, awkward, etc as you. (Ok, so I made that up. I don't think there was a poll of Blogher Social Anxiety levels. However, bet I am close with my guess.)

5. Corrolary to Talk to People. STOP talking to people when you need quiet time.
   It is perfectly ok to duck out and find a quiet spot or look really busy on the computer, building a little quiet wall around yourself if you need it.

   Take the time to recharge...the days are tiring even for socially outgoing people. For the rest of us, ducking out of a session for 10 minutes to hide in the bathroom or outside getting fresh air is better than the overstimulation meltdown.

6. Unless fashion is YOUR thing...yes, your jeans and a tshirt are fine.

   Do not run out to buy a suit or dress for Blogher unless it makes YOU more comfortable and you happy. Be YOU.

7. Come up with one line description about your blog.

   It is your blog. Know it well enough to describe it...even if the description is..."My blog is about me and anything that catches my interest" or "I currently don't blog, but plan to start a blog after Blogher about something that inspires my interests at the conference"

8. Love yourself. Love your blog.

   Or at least pretend to love yourself and blog. Don't say "I don't think you will have ever read my blog."or "Oh, I am no one you have ever heard of...nothing special at all" Expect that once people get to know you, hear your one line description, they will come see your blog.

   You ARE a Blogher. Your blog...even if you get 3 readers a day is important...and is what makes Blogher special.

~TW

Retro-Food

TW is right on.

1. Don't be afraid to talk to people. As an introvert, I can attest that it's hard to get out of your comfort zone, but you'll be oh-so-glad you did! 

2. Everyone brings business cards to exchange. Have some made--they don't have to be elaborate, they just need to have basic info on them (your blog URL, e-mail, name, etc.)

3. Know what you want to get out of the conference. Are you there to network? Party? Learn something? Everything? Take the time to think about this seriously so you don't waste your time on stuff that won't matter to you later.

4. Clothing spans the spectrum. Most of the cocktail parties are directly after the conference, and most people (from what I remember; am I wrong here?) don't bother to go to the room to change b/f the party. They just wear what they've worn all day. No need to overpack for the cocktail parties.

Melanie
Blogging Basics 101
Bloggy Giveaways
Don't Try This at Home

- Have your personal "pitch" ready. What do you do? What's your blog about? When someone asks you why you're there, what will you say?  And remember: Your personal blog is not "just" a personal blog. I heard that too many times last year. Your personal blog is your stage, baby, and there's no "just" about it!

- Almost everyone is just as nervous as you about meeting new people. Embrace it and start conversations with anyone.

- If you have a great conversation with someone, get their card and *make notes on the card to remind you about the key points of your conversation*. Yes, it might seem a bit rude but trust me - when you collect hundreds of cards over the weekend, you will need to take notes to keep everything straight.

- There will be parties in the hotels. Just wander til you find them. Bring beer. 

- Leave room in your suitcase for swag. You will need it.

- Take lots of pictures and blog/flickr/tweet all the highlights for those of us who won't be there!

Visit my blogs at ThreeSeven (all that's irrelevant and amusing) and
ecochick (all that's green, cool and Canadian).

1. The 'what to wear' question comes up every year (this is my third).  I think part of it is that the excitement we feel gets manifested, as it has since every prom, in 'what should I wear?'  My experience has been that just as we all range from "soup to nuts", so too does our attire.  There are those for whom fashion is paramount (isn't there some bling that says "I'm wearing new shoes to BlogHer'08?) and others for whom wearing clean jeans and a Tshirt are dressed up as they'll go.  Where do you fall on that spectrum?  Let that guide you, and know that whatever you wear, there will be other women wearing the same sort of outfit.  I like getting "dressed up" for the evening stuff, so that's what I do, but lots of people didn't bother to go back to the room last year to change.  Was that, I wonder, because the hotel was quite some distance from the conference site?  And is that true this year as well?

2. Yes, yes, yes to the cards.  And yes again.

3. The laptop/no laptop issue.  I've toted mine for the past two years and last year, again because of the distances, it was a drag.  This year I'll bring mine, but I may just use my iPhone...and my Treo with the keyboard ('cause I am really, really wired!)

4.  As has been said above, it can be loud and chaotic and, yes, intimidating.  My way of dealing with the latter is to TRY not to expect too much of myself or the conference.  Remember that we're all just a bunch of schlubby geeks.  We're the ones that didn't fit in at school and there are few Prom Queens or Mean Girls among us.

Kristy, I'm wondering if this year there could be some sort of bulletin board where we could leave each other messages.  Last year I missed seeing some people that I'm friends with on-line--because I didn't know what they looked like!  A messages-type board would allow us to hook upmore easily...

And that reminds me--what, if anything, are you doing about Twitter?  Will the BlogHer Twitter account be going strong?  Will there be a Twitter feed somewhere?

Jane

By Jane

http://byjane.blogspot.com

http://midlifebloggers.com 

Just to echo what folks said above, bring A LOT of cards. More than you think you'll need. If you order a box just for BlogHer, bring the whole box. In the past I've gotten mine from iPrint and Moo.

I just wanted to say a great big AMEN to those who said: 

• Lighten your laptop bag... shlepping that thing around all day gets old FAST, especially on Day 1 when you have your swag bag too.
• Dress comfy, don't feel you need a new wardrobe.  But if new sandles give you a "boost", then go for it!  I've found jeans, shorts, t-shirts work great during the day.  Maybe a skirt or sundress for the parties? 
• DEFINITELY get business cards or something to hand out.  I loved going through my pile of cards last year and visiting all the blogs of the women I'd met. 
• Don't be afraid to say "Hi".  And don't let the "hype" get to you.  My first year, I'd built it up so much that I nearly melted down when I first walked into the welcome breakfast! 
• You don't need to be "big time" to be at BlogHer.  It's for EVERYONE.  

Most of all, have fun. :)  We're all on vacation and there to have a good time.  

Marilyn Porter
slackermama . com

...you'll have lots of company.  Not everyone has them; not everyone who does brings them.  

By Jane

http://byjane.blogspot.com

http://midlifebloggers.com 

I forgot...designate a place to keep YOUR cards  (back of your badge works well--do NOT put your drink tickets here however unless you don't mind losing them) and a place to PUT the cards you receive that is separate from your cards. 

~TW
Retro-Food

I'm a local and what Mak Twain said can be true, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Even though July is the middle of summer, it can get very cold, and foggy in SF this time of year so check the weather reports and bring at least a sweater. If not, you could end up buying one of those "I heart SF" sweatshirts. No kidding!

Parking & gas prices (we're almost at $5/gallon) is outrageous downtown, so if you can come by carpool, train, ride etc. Parking could cost around $30 for over 8 hours in lots near the Westin.

The Westin is smack in the midle of the best fashion shopping in SF. It's where the Sex & the City gals would shop if they were here, so leave room in your suitcase for shopping.

Brings LOTS of business cards.

Everyone is incredibly friendly at the BlogHer conferences so all of you who are shy have no worries what so ever. I just get so excited that I can be around a group of people where I don't have to explain, "What's that blog stuff?"...lol... 

Stephanie Quilao
http://www.backinskinnyjeans.com

Definitely have an answer for "so what's your blog about?" Even if you're not there to network, just to have a good time, you'll get asked a million times. And DEFINITELY don't say "just" a personal blog. You are the expert on the topic of your life! Go with it.

I get my cards from VistaPrint, I've never had an issue with them.

A message board would be fabulous!

As a three-time BlogHerCon veteran, here are some of my learnings:

• Consider leaving your laptop at home or at least in your room. I know! I know! But it makes traveling much easier and takes away a big excuse not to talk to people.
• Bring your cards EVERYWHERE. I left mine in my suitcase at the first pre-conference event last year and I was really mad at myself about it.
• Don't get overwhelmed. If you need a break, go lie down. If your head is spinning from the number of people you've met, skip tonight's party.
• On the other hand, don't pass up opportunities to socialize. You can find fellow attendees (believe me, they're easy to spot) at the airport, in the hotel lobby and everywhere within blocks of the conference. If someone looks like a blogger, say hi.
• Wear whatever you want. If you want to be you, be you. If you want to spend the weekend being someone else, this is your chance.

You're going to have a great time!

First year i wondered what in the world I had stepped into. The back of the room was not far enough. Deep breaths. We all sit on the porcelain throne of humility.

In other words, imagine 1,000 women naked and still talking about everything under the sun. Some will try to cover themselves with their laptops and technology. Some will be grumpy. Some will be yapping non-stop and most of us will have a dang good time. Now slap some clothes on those women and you got BlogHer.

I'm not a morning person but if you want to talk cameras,
photography, videoblogging, or any other subject under the sun (except
sports cuz I know next to nothing) I'm game. It helps if I am in the
proximity of food.

And if you scowl back as I try to make eye
contact I won't take it personal. I know you are someplace else or
having an on-line conversation and don't mean any offense.

The opposite is true too; There were a few blogstalkers who had a little trouble with the concept of meeting other people. Really ladies talk to more than one person. Ten would be good.

2nd year I didn't have store bought cards and made my own out of shopping tags. Bring something. I met people I didn't know and caught up with folks I did. Oh, and my hotel bed was like a plank of concrete which is not good for a body that has curves. I bring up the bed because it is ok to take a nap.

You don't have to go to every session if you spirit is getting overwhelmed. If you are having an Anxiety inspired moment scope out the nearest bathroom or head to your room. It is ok.

For the love of Gaia, Eat! Leave the freaking diet home. There will be food and SF is a great food town. Get off the tourist track and you can find cheap eats. And hook up or ask a food blogger. Those women know food, good food.

Oh, one more thing. Last time I had too much stuff. There was no way to pack it my carry on. Allocate money to ship your goodies home but don't pack the cell phone or the power cord to your camcorder.

Gena - Out On The Stoop

I made it through my first conference just fine last year, but I was exhausted upon my return home. If possible, keep your schedule light a day or two post-BlogHer.

 Kim blogs at Hormone-colored Days, and MOMformation and Chicago Moms Blog

Everyone else has said what needs to be said and I just want to add that it can be overwhelming to meet so many new people. Gather all your cards, take notes on them if you can and keep them all in one place. It will make it much easier to keep track of everyone in the post blogher haze.

Enjoy yourself while you're there. It's so fleeting, do what makes YOU happy.

And afreakingmen to the comfy shoes. Good hell. Amen. 

This is probably the most informative post I've read thus far! Thanks!

- Maria

immoralmatriarch.com

I second the person who advised that you bring warm clothes. San Francisco in July can be very chilly, especially after the sun goes down.

Shopping break? Union Square is central for Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

And I know breakfast is provided, but 3 short blocks from the Westin is the best breakfast in the city. Dottie's True Blue Cafe. There is always a line but it's worth it.

http://wexfordgirl.typepad.com

http://3fishstudios.com

I truly appreciate all the info!  I mean really!  Thanks Sisters.  This was so beyond helpful! 

Love,

Babz

  Let's see if I remember everything...

If I buy a lap top before BlogHer then I must remember to bring a lap top.

If I bring a lap top then I will have a roller bag to carry it and all the swag available. Or I will leave the lap top in my room.

If I don't have a lap top, that's OK. There will be other lamesters there with me.

I need to bring an extra suitcase for all the SWAG. And it is good stuff.

I will talk to anyone who has legs and if they look like a blogger, they probably are.

I will talk to more than 1 person. I will talk to at least 10. I will, at some point, stop talking.

I will wear comfortable shoes. This is life or death. Bring bandaids just in case I don't listen to this sage advice and need to provide for myself or others. Wardrobe is up to me, but definitely bring a sweater or light jacket. I can probably leave the fishnets at home.

A message board would be great!

Cards, cards and more cards. Bring your cards. Be sure and have a pocket for them and a separate pocket for everyone else's cards that you will collect.

Great shopping in the area. Within walking distance. Best to get credit limits extended on your credit cards.

Parties and conference in the same hotel. Yeah!

Have a one line description of my blog. Yeah...right. This will be my hardest challenge...Chatty Cathy here.

Never, but NEVER say you have JUST a personal blog or never, but NEVER say the word "JUST." Unless you have to go to your room for a breather, in which case you can say "You'll have to excuse me, JUST for a minute. I'll be right back." Then you can go back to your room and collapse - hopefully on a soft bed that cradles your curves.

Eat!! By GOD, eating is important. And you will be with WOMEN. And women LIKE TO EAT.

 Ear plugs might be a good thing.

Don't take vacant or scowling looks personally, the person is probably not directing it at you.

Everyone is NICE at BlogHer. That is what it's about!

Parking is crazy expensive. So is gas. Carpool if you can.

And...try to plan a light schedule for the day or two after BlogHer because you will be tired. Probably not as tired as my husband will be watching our 3 and 4 year old by himself for 3 days...

Thank you for all of the great tips, everyone!! I am a BlogHer newbie, and I am SO excited about the conference and the opportunity to meet so many wonderful writers and community builders! And I think I just wrote a blog post...

JCK of Motherscribe

Thanks for the recap JCK, that's really helpful! :)

Elisa Camahort
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com

What is the "check in" process for/to the conference?  Will we be sent some sort of e ticket or do we bring our receipt or what? :) thanks

Hi hrwench:

You don't need to bring your receipt. You could bring the confirmation number from your confirmation email if you want, but mostly we're going to be having all the badges already printed and ready and look you up by name.

So, most helpful: remembering how you registered...by real name or blogger pseudonym :)

Elisa Camahort
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.org

To try a little harder with the social stuff this year.

 I am so glad to see the newbie conference, as I think this would have made a big difference for me.  My advice to newbies is, if the first person you approach seems unfriendly, move on and don't take it personally. There are lots of wonderful women at BlogHer

The comments thus far are really, really helpful and I would add that it's great to go with a really open mind. I had the best time with folks whose interests would seem on the surface to be really different from mine!

And if you meet someone with 'cancer' in their blog name, don't assume that she only wants to talk about heavy stuff or doesn't know how to have fun! ;-)

Laurie

www.notjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com

You said it!  I'm TOTALLY looking forward to meeting my MothersWithCancer blogbuddies ... but not because they have cancer ... because I've been so impressed with their FIERCE spirit!

 See you all there!

 (P.S. A newbie question for anyone still monitoring the thread ... how many bloggers are you expecting this year?)

 Susan

http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com

http://motherswithcancer.com

http://womeninplanetaryscience.com

Echoing Laurie's excellent sentiment:

While some of us are moms, we're also foodies and crafters and pundits and girlie girls and feminists and voters and artists even some damn good writers.

Say hi. I swear we won't make you look at photos of our kids. Unless you ask. (Then, just try to stop us.)

Mom-101
Cool Mom Picks.com