In recapping my experience of TravelCon, I wanted to share a few things I learned as a first time attendee of a blog conference. Attending a conference, especially one of this size, seemed incredibly daunting to me at first. But as the days went on, the more I learned and the more comfortable I felt with the experience. With that said, here are a few things I learned over the three days of the conference. (And what I would advise to a first time conference goer.)
WHAT TO WEAR
In her keynote, Oneika Raymond said something that stood out to me: “Dress how you want to be addressed.” Right before the conference, I spent a few hours at the mall picking up pieces to wear. By the time I got home, I hated everything I bought as they did not feel like me, and I ended up pulling looks from what I already owned. I stayed true to my style and comfort level and little did I know, people noticed. A fellow attendee told me on the last day that she loved seeing what I put on everyday and how classy my style was. Whatever you wear should be what you feel as your best, most comfortable self, all while still being presentable for the professional setting.
OUTFIT DETAILS: White striped top: LOFT (it’s a few years old) | Blue striped top: LOFT Outlet (Yes, I really like LOFT and stripes. And bell sleeves apparently.) | Black denim: Celebrity Pink from Macy’s (the best plus size jeans, especially if you are tall!) | Shoes: Merona
CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Because when is it not? One thing I am absolutely not comfortable doing is talking about myself. Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you that I am the queen of deflection. But at a conference, being able to speak about yourself and confidently is essential. (You are there after all to sell yourself and your brand.) To get over this, I would give myself little pep talks in the morning and sort of practice what I would say, just so I would feel comfortable when in conversation with others. I know it sounds crazy, but it really helped put me at ease and made conversations flow much easier for me. No one has to know you are flubbing, you just fake it till you make it, honey!
KNOW THY ELEVATOR PITCH
“So what is your blog about?”
Answering travel at a travel conference easily would have been the most unacceptable response known to mankind. In the past, if anyone asked what my blog was about, I would say “Oh, it’s called Currently out of the Office and it’s a travel and lifestyle blog about life away from the 9-to5.” Again, at a travel conference, where so many others have quit their jobs to travel, this response would also be a dime a dozen. TravelCon really forced me to not just expand on the what and why of my blog, but how to convey that to someone in a concise and quick manner. It took some trial and error (and a whole lotta confidence) but by day three, I had it down.
SELF-CARE IS ESSENTIAL
The days at the conference are long and jam packed. I wasn’t kidding when I said day one felt like day three from everything we had learned. From the workshops to the keynotes to the many activities happening during and after the conference, it’s a lot! Add to the fact that your brain is going a mile a minute trying to apply everything you are learning to what you are hoping to achieve, feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. On day two (yes, two), instead of pushing myself beyond my limits, I opted to sleep in a bit late. What my body needed was sleep and what can I say, hotel beds are also my weakness. I knew whatever I missed I could either get cliff notes from my friends or catch later via the virtual pass. For me, that late morning start allowed for me to take care of myself and approach the day as my best possible self. If you need a break, take it!
COME PREPARED
Research the speakers you may not be familiar with. Read their latest article, browse through their Instagram, watch a video or two of theirs on YouTube. You don’t have to know their entire life bio, but it helps to know something about them. Why? Because you never know where the conversation could lead from “Hi! I just read your piece on blah blah blah and I just have to say…” while waiting in line with that person for breakfast tacos. Trust me on this one.
NETWORK WITH EVERYONE
Speakers, fellow attendees, event organizers, say hello and introduce yourself. Never feel like people are too “out of reach”. Once they are not running to another panel or a meeting, everyone is so willing to chat and connect for a few minutes. Use that opportunity to ask questions and make a meaningful connection. Who knows, it could end up leading to a collaboration or even a friendship. While the digital business card that is Instagram is a great way to connect, with the way the algorithm is set up, it may not be the most reliable. Have physical business cards with your blog and contact information as a sure bet people can reach you after the conference and keep in touch.
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE / GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
As an introvert, this can be so hard for me to do. When I arrived in Austin Wednesday afternoon, I thought about laying in bed with room service instead of going out. “I’ll meet people tomorrow.” I had to remind myself that TravelCon was not just a chance for me to learn more about blogging, but a chance to connect with other bloggers. So instead of staying in, I checked the TravelCon app and saw that a group of attendees were on a food crawl. When one of the attendees, Moni, posted that they were going to get tacos, I messaged her that I was on my way and would be there shortly. Getting out of my comfort zone allowed me to not just meet Moni (who I adore) but quite a few other conference goers. (And of course, tacos.)
IT’S OK TO FANGIRL A LITTLE (OR A LOT)
I had three major fan girl moments:
Before the conference, Glo posted a message on InstaStories telling people not be shy and come say hi to her. I responded “let me get my fan girl out now.” Well guess what? That very night as I’m heading out, I run into her in the elevator. I kept it cool with a low-key “Oh my God, it’s you!” to which she replied so humbly “You know who I am?!” I’ve been following Glo for a few years now and she is such an inspiration to me. (She was in Forbes recently and I seriously started tearing up, I was so proud.) To meet her in person and have her be just as she presents herself on social media (humble, kind, gracious, funny) was SO refreshing.
2. Alex Ayling of Vagabrothers
I first started watching the Vagabrothers last year when I was looking through YouTube for videos about Ireland. With every suggested video YouTube had, I watched, and their channel became one of my favorites. (Have you seen their production quality? Insane!) Alex and I were walking into the same session and even though our chat was short, it was incredibly entertaining. I even got to thank him for the genius that is the almond milk song. In his words, that “earned me some brownie points.” Score!
I saw brother Marko at one of the parties, but it was so loud. Maybe next time I’ll get to pick his brain about Steinbeck and what he’s currently reading.
3. Chantel of the Voyaging Vagabond
I just recently started following Chantel on Instagram after she introduced herself on the TravelCon Facebook page. Her introduction was so fun and when I went over to her Instagram, I just loved how fun and colorful her photos were. Chantel’s blog is all about the adventure, with a healthy dose of self-love and body positivity mixed in. Meeting her in person? An absolute dream and pleasure. Her presence makes you feel so good about life and yourself, it’s truly infectious.
STAY TRUE TO YOU
The great thing about this conference was being around like-minded people. I didn’t have to worry about hiding myself or feeling ashamed or embarrassed about being a blogger. (Which, I know, I shouldn’t be doing anyway, but it’s just easier when people get you and what you do. I promise, I’m working on it.) It’s OK to let your guard down a bit and get comfortable with your fellow attendees/ new friends. Just be your beautiful self and it will all fall into place.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
HAVE FUN! Don’t let the worry of backlinks and sponsors deter you from having the time of your life. Honestly at this conference, it’s not hard to do.
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