Those living in the Midwest are used to hearing phrases like “it’s so flat” and “it’s just corn and cows.” But with new blog and social media conferences popping up all over America’s heartland, those stereotypes are being challenged.
Insert I_Blog Conference! A play on words? Yep. A great place to learn about blogging, social media, and what the Midwest has to offer on these fronts? Absolutely! I_Blog Conference takes place in Iowa on November 5-7th, 2010 at The Hotel Pattee. Topics include monetizing your blog, how to protect your computer, blogging basics, making the most of your photography, and much more. Geared for bloggers of all levels and backgrounds, I_Blog is one you should be considering this fall.
Jodi Halsted, the conference coordinator and founder, shared these insights with my readers about I_Blog:
What makes this conference unique?
I_Blog is a conference specifically designed for the Midwest. Our speakers are mostly Midwestern and are some of the most highly sought speakers in their areas of expertise. I_Blog’s focus is usable information; we want everyone to take home knowledge they can utilize immediately!
What are some of the highlights or features of this conference?
Our passion lies in the Midwest - it’s where we work and play. To help promote the fun in “flyover country” a “Destination Midwest” evening is planned. It’s an opportunity for great destinations and great bloggers to meet and hopefully develop relationships that will provide mutual benefit.
Does this conference have different learning tracks or focuses?
While I wouldn’t define our sessions as being “tracks,” we do have a wide variety of information for every level of blogger. One of our most anticipated sessions is about utilizing LinkedIn, and it’s being taught by Joseph Lundberg of LinkedIn Corporate Solutions.
If you could share your top 3 tips for conference newbies, what would they be?
I remember my first conference and how nervous I was! What I found was that the little things don’t matter…
- Don’t worry about what to wear – most likely no one at the conference has seen your wardrobe!
- Be ready for late nights. Whether you attend any after-parties or not, you’ll probably sit up late into the night talking with your new IRL Twitter friends who “really get you.”
- Take the time to really meet the sponsors. The companies are there to engage you, not just for you to take their stuff. I’ve developed amazing relationships with companies I met at conferences because I took the time to talk with them and learn a little about the people, not just the product.
How can people find out more information about your conference or contact you for questions?
We are so accessible it’s not even funny! There is email (of course) jody(at)iblogconference.com. Then there’s the website www.iblogconference.com, Twitter @I_BlogConf, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/IBlogConference or, personally via LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyhalsted.
Thank you so much for sharing I_Blog Conference with your readers!
Blog Conference Newbie Guide’s thoughts…
Are you planning on attending I_Blog? Let us know! And if you still don’t have your ticket, now is a great time to get it. Now through 8/31, you can save $50 by using the “BACK2SCHOOL” code when you register here*. (Full price is $199).
*Affiliate link
