The first rule of BlogCamp is that – well, we don’t do rules at BlogCamp.
Anyway… we’re now less than a week away from our first BlogCamp of 2012, and we wanted to give you an idea of what you expect if you’re on the guest list.
We can certainly tell you what NOT to expect from BlogCamp. There won’t be goodie bags. There won’t be lots of brands and sponsors, clamouring for your attention. There won’t be a big, complicated agenda. This is not THAT sort of blogging conference.
BlogCamp is an informal, not-for-profit workshop where bloggers can get together, learn some new things about blogging, and meet friends. There are speakers – but we’re just as interested in what you guys have to say. This is about sharing your experiences and picking up new tips and techniques. For those of you who aren’t quite sure what to expect, we asked BlogCamp Veteran Annie, from Mammasaurus, to tell us what she thinks you guys should expect from BlogCamp. And here’s what she told us:
Woo Hoo BlogCamp is nearly upon us! I say ‘Woo Hoo!’ because having attended BlogCamp at Brighton last year I know what to expect, so I’ll take you through what I worried about before I went and what the reality turned out to be…
I won’t know anyone!
If you are worried about meeting new people I can assure you that there is no need. Because of the relaxed atmosphere you are instantly put at ease. Last year I was pleasantly surprised to find the speakers mooching about drinking coffee with us in the breaks. I found myself having a relaxed chat with the Picture Editor of The Times over a cupcake, where he shared loads of photo and video tips with me that I found invaluable.
This year is no different – we are all a friendly bunch (even the Overlord). Between you and me there’s not a chance that you’ll be stood on your own feeling a bit lost. It’s part of my job as BlogCamp helper to make sure that you have a smile on your face and yes, there are free hugs for all too. Don’t think of BlogCamp as a conference held in rooms that you get herded in and out of strictly, think of it as a chance to learn handy stuff that you will be able to take away and use whilst in the company of friends and cake.
Oh my goodness what will I wear?!
BlogCamp is super informal and relaxed – I don’t know about you but its jeans and t-shirt for me! We’ll all be too busy looking at each other’s faces thinking ‘ooo is that so-and-so?’ and scoffing cake to even notice whether you’re wearing holey leggings or Bodens finest!
How do I know who’s who?
Sally has that covered, there’ll be something rather cool to greet you when you arrive and before you know it you’ll be able to put faces to Blog names and Twitter avatars! And if you have someone you want to meet, we’ll have a message board where you can leave a note for another blogger asking them to come find you! We’ll also probably go and find somewhere to have a drink and something to eat after the workshops, so that’s a great chance to hang out with your blogging chums.
I don’t want to walk in to the Conference alone – it’s scary!
There’s a small posse of us arriving at Birmingham New Street station who can hang around and meet you if you’d feel happier walking in in a gang than alone. I’m happy to DM my mobile number to any of you on Twitter if you want to keep in touch and find out where the mini-posse will be beforehand – just comment below to let me know.
Do you have questions? Anything else you’d like to know or are worried about (no matter how small or daft it may seem to you) please comment and let me know, if you don’t say – we can’t help!
About Sally Whittle
Sally is founder of the Tots100, and hopes one day to become an Evil Overlord and take over the world. In the meantime her blog, Who's the Mummy, is all about life as a single Mum to seven-year-old Flea.
Oh this is perfect, just what I needed to know! Intrigued to find out what the meet and great thing is
SO jealous I’ll not be there. I mean, I know I’ll be in Disney in Paris an’all, but even so… *pouts*
Are we supposed to feel sympathy for you Laura? Because I must confess I’m not! =P
*wounded face* Would you believe me if I said I’d rather be at BlogCamp than at Disney with four children?
Sorry, no not at all!
Glad to know I’ll be able to find and recognise people. I’ll be leaving a note for Penny at Alexander Residence and Hello it’s Gemma so I can meet them somehow! I also like the way this conference revolves around cake.
Peggy
I’m arriving into Birmingham New Street at 9:30 – if anyone else is around – or there is a designated meeting place in the station? it would be great to walk to the venue with others (who are feeling a tiny bit nervous and probably a tiny bit lost like me!). Thanks.
Hmmm, odd avatar above – that’s to do with one of my work accounts, not me. I am a grown up person, not a winsome child, really I promise.
The train I’m on gets in at 9.28am and there’s already 7 of us meeting so we shouldn’t be hard to spot! We’ll hang by the exit we need to leave to get to the venue.
Find me on Twitter and I’ll give you my mobile no. just incase you can’t find us
EXCITED!!!
My train get’s into New St at just after 9:30, & even though I live local I don’t venture into the city much so i’ll be easily spotted as the nervous (tanned) person!
So will look out for others milling around. x
Cool Ness, we’ll wait for you at the right exit for the venue (she says not knowing it yet ! Must go and check!!!)
Lol I’ve not got a clue, even hubby’s been no help & he’s lived in Brum all his life! I’ve been here for nearly 12 but live on the outskirts so i’m as much in the dark as everyone else!.
See you by the exit!!! xx
Coolness Ness! …see what I did there?
Look for the group of over excited ‘ladies of a certain age’ – there can’t be many of them about!
Truth be told I did want to come to BlogCamp in my PJs, seeing as that’s what I wear when I blog, but thought maybe that may be taking things too far!!!
I’m getting the train up from London – it arrives into New St. at 9:08, so a bit before the others mentioned above. If anyone else is arriving a bit early please give me a shout as I’d love to meet up and walk to the venue together.
- Andrea x
Hellooo I’m so glad I read this I feel much more at ease. I’m a BlogCamp & general blog-anything newbie so would be great if I could join the posse on arrival at BNS – I get in around the same time I reckon
See you all soon!