Desperate to attend the Small Business Success Summit, but not sure how you’re going to swing it?  Well, thanks to Piggies & Paw’s founder Jennifer Thomas now you have the opportunity to win a ticket and get the opportunity to move your business forward! Right from the comfort of home! 

Piggies & Paws Inspire

When Jennifer Thomas’s son Dryden was born she found herself stamping his little fingers and toes on everything she could find! She saw his little prints as clouds moving through the sky. His rapid growth and the uniqueness of his hand and footprints, inspired her to create whimsical artwork she could display on every wall of her home. Her new artwork quickly grew in popularity and became what we know (and love) today as Piggies & Paws. She now employs over 200 artists nationwide.

Want your own artwork?

Piggies & Paws offers you an “at home” gallery experience with framed displays or nearly 200 of their 500 copyrighted designs.

There are so many choices!

Few images are displayed online for copyright reasons, so hosting or attending a gallery is the best way to see the beauty of their full collection! Their galleries are convenient, worry-free and available throughout the United States via independent licensed P&P artists. The licensed artist arrives at the host’s home with all materials needed to begin the exclusive & heartfelt artwork process for you, your friends and their children. Because each design is custom created to enhance your child’s prints, the final product is returned in 6-8 weeks, ready to be framed and displayed in any area of your home, amongst the most exquisite decor.

…but it doesn’t stop there

Jennifer is also actively learning, implementing and teaching the importance of social media for small business. The huge success of the Piggies & Paws Facebook Page is a result of their genuine commitment to connect and engage with their clients and fans.

Small Business Success Summit and Giveaway

Recently SocialMediaExaminer.com took notice and they were chosen out of 1400 nominees, as one of the “Top 10 Small Business Facebook Pages” in September 2011. From that recognition, Jennifer Thomas was asked to speak about their experiences in Social Media at SocialMediaExaminer.com‘s upcoming Small Business Success Summit. Follow the chatter on Twitter: #SBSS12.

To share their strong beliefs in the power of Social Media for anyone in any business, Piggies and Paws is giving away 1 free ticket to the upcoming online summit to one of you!

 That’s a $597 value!

Entry Requirements:

 All you have to do is comment on what you love about Piggies & Paws Facebook page.

For extra entries (comment here for each extra entry):

• Follow Piggies & Paws on Twitter
• Follow AngEngland on Twitter
•  Tweet: “Win a ticket to the Small Business Success Summit from @piggiesandpaws and @AngEngland http://bit.ly/AeZOng
  #SBSS12″

You can find Blog Conference Newbie and Piggies & Paws on Facebook as well, but that won’t count as an extra entry for you. Winner must be 18 or over, void where prohibited by law. Giveaway ends February 1st at 4pm Central time so the winner can attend the first session!

Small Business Success Summit Giveaway #SBSS12 is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

BlissDom is just around the corner! This will be my third year attending, but my first time with a baby. I’ve been to lots of conferences and have always enjoyed the process of picking cute clothes to wear while I’m there. This time around I’ll be bringing my seven month old who is still breastfeeding. The cute little sweater dresses in my closet are no longer good options…

Where do you find fashionable nursingwear?

And so, I set out to find some fashionable options for breastfeeding moms. A friend introduced me to Milk Nursingwear who has offered to give one reader a chance to win a $40 credit to their store! (Giveaway details below) I had so much fun looking around their site and it took me way too long to pick a dress to review. In the end I chose this gorgeous ruffled nursing dress. I picked it because I can wear it in the summer with sandals or flats, or I can pair it with boots and a cute wrap sweater for the winter! This dress is sooo so soft. It’s a really thin knit fabric that hangs loose (not too clingy) and it looks adorable with a wide black belt, or without! If I weren’t trying to keep it nice for BlissDom, I’d be wearing it around the house… it’s that comfortable!

My favorite fashion picks for nursing moms

While shopping for dresses and trying to find more things for myself I decided to make some Polyvore sets with ideas. I own most of these dresses. Some of them are marketed for nursing moms and some are just options that work really well for breastfeeding. All of these would be fabulous and comfortable ensembles for a conference! If you’re not into dresses, there are plenty of cute nursing tops that you can pair with your favorite jeans or dressy slacks!

Ready to win some nursing fashion of your own?

Required Entry:

Visit MilkNursingWear.com and pick your favorite item. Come back to this blog post and leave a link to the item you love most, letting us know what you like best about it!

Optional Entries:

• Follow @MilkNursingWear on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway. You can use this button Tweet
  or copy the text below if you’d like!
  

  Conference Fashion for Nursing Moms from @EricaMueller. #Giveaway! http://bit.ly/yeaOIO #blissdom via @blogconfnewbie

• Blog about this giveaway

For each option, be sure to come back and leave a comment. (If you tweet or post, please leave a link!) This will give you up to 4 entries in this giveaway!

The Details
This giveaway will run till February 6th at 12 o’clock noon CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and once contacted will have 24 hours to respond.

Keep Sharing!
Be sure to visit Milk Nursing Wear on Facebook and ‘like’ the page so you’ll know when they announce a sale! Then, share this giveaway with your breastfeeding mom-friends on Facebook! (NOTE: FB Shares and Likes do not earn you extra entries. They are simply a way for you to share this awesome giveaway with your friends!)

I received a dress to try out and Milk Nursing Wear is providing the $40 Gift Certificate for the winner. All style boards and opinions are my own!

Erica Mueller is a web developer and blogger with a passion for WordPress Manipulation. You’ll find her at EricaSays.com where she offers advice and tutorials for bloggers. Erica and her husband, Ryan, are raising their 2 adorable little boys in the state of Texas. If you’re heading to BlissDom, be sure to tweet @EricaMueller and let her know! She’ll be a Tech Community Leader and she can’t wait to meet you.

Conference Fashion for Nursing Moms is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

Missing out on BlogHer ’11? Don’t worry – you won’t miss out on ALL the fun – we have a treat for you today because Blog Conference Newbie is coordinating with some amazing bloggers, vloggers, writers and women knowledable in social media to bring you some fabulous conference sessions. Right from home!

We’re calling it the Blog Hop Conference and I think you’re gonna love the line-up we have for you. Half of the sessions will post on Friday, August 5th and half of the sessions will post on Saturday, August 6th so be sure to check out EVERYTHING to maximize your learning potential.

Now I have to say – none of these writers are getting paid or compensated in any way for presenting you the skills and knowledge they are giving you today.

Do them a favor and show some love by stumbling, tweeting (#bloghopcon), sharing on Facebook, clicking that 1+ button and leaving a comment whenever you feel led.  If you aren’t following the author yet, do so!

It will be best way to show your support of the Blog Hop Conference.

Blogging Voice and Authenticity Sessions

Transparent Blogging: Why it’s Important, and When to Draw the Line - Selena Cochran of Blissfully Domestic

Your Voice and Being True to it: Despite Implications, Becase of the Rewards - Ilina Ewens of Dirt and Noise

Blogging Through Life Changing Events - Connie Roberts of Brain Foggles

Why Lifestyle Blogging Isn’t Dead - Andrea Updyke of Lil’ Kid Things

Blogging as a Lifestyle Choice - Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle

No Niche?  No Problem! Tips to Take Your Blog to the Top - by Megan Crume of SweetSadieMarie

What Happens to the Mommy Blogger When the Kids Grow Up - Nichole Smith of The Guilty Parent

SEO, Analytics and Blog Technology Sessions

The Basics of SEO and Why You Should Care - Tara of Feels Like Home

Link Building Tactics for Natural SEO Traffic - Angela England of The Renaissance Woman

Getting to Know Your Audience Through Your Analytics - Elizabeth Norton of The Life of the Party

Social Media and Networking Sessions

Running a Facebook Giveaway: Success By the Rules - Melanie Nelson of Blogging Basics 101

How to Become “a Social Media Expert” in Your Field - Lorie Huston of Social-Savvy Pets

Blogging a Series for Reader Engagement - Jill Anderson of Diaper Diaries

Pay it Forward – Artful Networking - Rajean Blomquist of RajeanBlomquist.com

Local and Online Community Building Sessions

Benefits of Blogging With a Community - Arianne Segerman of To Think is To Create

5 Benefits of Joining a Hyperlocal Blogger Network - Tina Seitzinger of LifeWithoutPink

Travel Blogging: More Than Just Travel - Jody Halsted of Family Rambling

Real Life Connections: Creating a Hyper Local Network - Jennifer Gerlock of Hip as I Wannabe

A Hyper-Local Focus put the Social in Social Media Marketing - Shannon Ott of Chester County Moms

Monetization and Professionalism Sessions

Ten Tips for Monetizing Your Blogging Through Affiliate Sales - Angela England of The Renaissance Woman

Choosing the Right Opportunities For Your Blog - Shannan Powell of From Cribs to Car Keys

YOU Are a Brand Too! - Erin Lane of Tales From a Marketing Mama

Blogging Your Passion While Paying The Bills - Nichole Smith of The Guilty Parent

Working With Brands: Pitching, Being Pitches and Beyond - Stephanie Precourt of Adventures in Babywearing

Syndicating Blog Content: Guest Posts, Driving Traffic, Social Media & Making Money Blogging - Jennifer of Savor the Thyme

Professionalism in Blogging - Jodi Fur of Jodifur.com

Event Partnerships: Goals, Expectations and Values - Andrea of Savings Lifestyle at Savvy Blogging

Media, Graphics and Design for Your Blog Sessions

10 Tips for Taking the Perfect Profile Picture - Lolli Franklin of Better in Bulk

Creating an About Page for Bloggers - Tara Ziegmont of Feels Like Home

So You’re a Vlogger, Now What? - Valerie Rowekamp of Charmed Valerie

Reader Friendly Blog Design Tips -  Sharon Mayes of SharonBlog

BlogHop Blog Conference At Home is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

I’m late sharing this here with Blog Conference Newbie readers, but I wanted to make you aware of a fabulous resource that is going away forever at the end of the month (yes, the 31st) that is, in my opinion, worth picking up.

If you are sometimes at a loss for what to write about, or need help developing an editorial calendar for your blog, check out this amazing resource from Blog Energizer.

For less than $40 bucks you’ll be receiving:

• 2 year’s worth of blogging ideas and suggestions in a day-by-day format in easy-to-print PDF’s. I usually print them out and keep them on my computer desk when I need inspiration. (Note you get three different niche areas provided to you so you actually get 3 months worth of ideas each month!)

BONUS – Something that isn’t mentioned, but is totally awesome, is that many of the daily ideas have monetization or affiliate suggestions to help you monetize your blogging efforts.

• Blogging Ideas Plugin for WordPress – The Full version of the plugin is what you’ll be getting for yourself and your websites.
• Blogging Ideas Plugin Lite Version – With giveaway and resell rights – fabulous gift.
• 20 Bonus WordPress Themes – unrestricted use on you or your client websites.

I’ve been a member of Blog Energizer for awhile now and while I am sorry to see them go, and I am thrilled to have access to the archives. You can pick up the full 2 year’s worth of archived ideas this weekend only!

Blog Ideas to Keep You Motivated is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

Blog Conference Newbie Guide would first like to thank the generous (and awesome) series  sponsors and conference coordinators who are showing support of this series by providing fabulous items for the winners. Secondly, an important note about this series: despite the name, it’s not just for newbie attendees.

With that said, let’s get this series started!

Type-A Parent Conference Newbie Welcome Pack includes:

• (1) Ticket to Type-A Parent Blog Conference
• (1) Set of 100 Tiny Print business cards
• (1) Words To Sweat By Combo Pack (snack bag & key chain/zipper pull)

About The Package Sponsors and Prizes:

Type-A Parent Conference*, Type-A Parent Conference, in its third year, is designed to help social media/blogging parents and the companies who want to connect with them take it to the next level. The conference will feature some of the most influential, admired and insightful bloggers and social media thought leaders talking about topics like power networking, branding, blogging, finding your voice, and turning your passion for blogging into a real paycheck. June 23-25th in Asheville, NC. (Ticket is for Conference + Business)

Tiny Prints, already well-known for their creative and customizable cards, now offers business cards. Whether you’re looking for a basic design, a creative look, or a foldable business card, Tiny Prints has tons to choose from and a style for everyone! Know with Tiny Prints, you can design your card with confidence that it’ll look great and that you’ll receive your order in a timely fashion. The winner will receive (1) set of 100 business cards from one of the existing Tiny Prints templates to bring along with them to Bloggy Bootcamp. Business cards are essential when heading to a social networking event, so you wouldn’t want to be caught without them!

Words To Sweat By is a company that strives to motivate. Their various products feature inspirational quotes aimed at helping you reach your goals. Featured in April’s Oxygen Magazine and showcasing their recently launched World-Class Words products, gym towels with personal mantras of  world-class athletes, it’s no surprise that Words To Sweat By items are becoming well-known! The winner will receive (1) reusable snack bag w/ “Exert. Refuel. Repeat” mantra and (1) motivational key-chain/zipper pull w/ “Exert. Hydrate. Repeat” mantra. The snack bag is a great thing to have at blog conferences because it allows you to bring your own healthy snacks, all while being friendly to the environment! The key chain can remind you to aim for your goals every time you’re out and about or you can use it as a zipper pull, accessorizing your laptop bag or suitcase as you travel to the conference.

The Details on How To Enter:

Each option below is (1) entry and you MUST leave a separate comment for EACH entry

• Leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win this pack
• Follow Blog Conference Newbie Guide via RSS, email subscription, or Google Friend Connect (email subscription must be activated to count)
• Follow @AngEngland  on Twitter (b/c that’s where I tweet blog conference info from!)
• Follow series sponsors and @TypeAMom on Twitter: Tiny Prints, Words To Sweat By, TypeAMom
• Tweet about how you entered to win – (1 tweet daily counts if you leave a separate comment each day for your tweet)
  I entered the Conference Newbie Welcome Pack contest by @AngEngland @tinyprints @wordstosweatby & so can you! http://bit.ly/k7zgRr

Here’s the necessary “fine print”….

To enter, you must be 18 or older and reside in the US or Canada. The contest runs from Friday, May 27th through 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, June 1st.  Make sure at least one of your entries includes a contact method (i.e. Twitter, email, blog). (1) winner will be chosen shortly after the contest ends using Random.org. The winner has 48 hours to reply, otherwise another winner will be selected. Blog Conference Newbie Guide did not receive any compensation for this contest. Should there be an issue with the ticket, the winner should directly contact the Type A Parent Conference Coordinators or the sponsor companies if there is an issue with the products. Ticket prize package does not include cost of hotel, extra meals, travel arrangements or amenities.

Good Luck!

*Affiliate link

Type-A Parent Conference Ticket and Welcome Pack Giveaway is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

Tiffany - Founder of Bloggy Boot Camp

1. What is one of the biggest benefits you’ve seen attendees get from coming to a one-day conference event like Bloggy Boot Camp?

Besides the obvious benefits of lower costs, and less time away from family, we’ve found that the shorter time frames results in us using our time wisely and packing in the best information. Our speakers are limited to 40 minutes with guidelines to offer at least 3 solid things attendees can take home and implement immediately. So instead of 3 people on a panel for 2 hours chatting, you’ve got one speaker giving the nuts in bolts in 40 minutes.

2. Do you think that participants get their money’s worth out of an event if it’s only one day?

Absolutely. Some on my favorite tweets are: “It’s only 10:30 am and I’ve already gotten my money’s worth.” or “This $100 ticket is worth $1,000 in information.” Our education covers what people want to know: how to write a pitch, SEO, working with brands, writing, social media and more. Besides the education, the opportunity to network is priceless. We assign seating for the first four hours of the day, so by the time lunch is over, you’ve met 40 other bloggers.

3. What, if anything, should someone do before they come to get the most out of a one-day conference event like Bloggy Boot Camp?

Get on twitter and follow the #bloggybootcamp conversation. Jump in and start making connections with other attendees. You definitely want to bring business cards- and lots of them. Come ready to take notes and jot down ideas- attendees often report numerous moments of inspiration during the presentations.

Angela’s Note - I appreciate Tiffany taking the time to tell us more about Bloggy Boot Camps. Upcoming Events include Seattle on June 4th, Denver on September 17th, and Atlanta on October 22nd.

Interview with Bloggy Boot Camp Founder Tiffany is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

Blog Conference Newbie Guide would first like to thank the generous (and awesome) series  sponsors and conference coordinators who are showing support of this series by providing fabulous items for the winners. Secondly, an important note about this series: despite the name, it’s not just for newbie attendees.

With that said, let’s get this series started!

Bloggy Bootcamp Conference Newbie Welcome Pack includes:

• (1) Ticket to Bloggy Bootcamp Seatle
• (1) Set of 100 Tiny Print business cards
• (1) Words To Sweat By Combo Pack (snack bag & key chain/zipper pull)

About The Package Sponsors and Prizes:

Bloggy Bootcamp*, which hosts various stops throughout each year, will be in Seattle, June 2nd 2011. A one-day event that includes education, networking, and of course fun, this conference is for newbies and experienced bloggers alike. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet professional, welcoming, yet encourages you to break out of your comfort zone to make connections and reach your goals. The winner’s ticket includes lunch and education.

Tiny Prints, already well-known for their creative and customizable cards, now offers business cards. Whether you’re looking for a basic design, a creative look, or a foldable business card, Tiny Prints has tons to choose from and a style for everyone! Know with Tiny Prints, you can design your card with confidence that it’ll look great and that you’ll receive your order in a timely fashion. The winner will receive (1) set of 100 business cards from one of the existing Tiny Prints templates to bring along with them to Bloggy Bootcamp. Business cards are essential when heading to a social networking event, so you wouldn’t want to be caught without them!

Words To Sweat By is a company that strives to motivate. Their various products feature inspirational quotes aimed at helping you reach your goals. Featured in April’s Oxygen Magazine and showcasing their recently launched World-Class Words products, gym towels with personal mantras of  world-class athletes, it’s no surprise that Words To Sweat By items are becoming well-known! The winner will receive (1) reusable snack bag w/ “Exert. Refuel. Repeat” mantra and (1) motivational key-chain/zipper pull w/ “Exert. Hydrate. Repeat” mantra. The snack bag is a great thing to have at blog conferences because it allows you to bring your own healthy snacks, all while being friendly to the environment! The key chain can remind you to aim for your goals every time you’re out and about or you can use it as a zipper pull, accessorizing your laptop bag or suitcase as you travel to the conference.

The Details on How To Enter:

Each option below is (1) entry and you MUST leave a separate comment for EACH entry

• Leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win this pack
• Follow Blog Conference Newbie Guide via RSS, email subscription, or Google Friend Connect (email subscription must be activated to count)
• Follow @AngEngland  on Twitter (b/c that’s where I tweet blog conference info from!)
• Follow series sponsors and Bloggy Bootcamp on Twitter: Tiny Prints, Words To Sweat By, Bloggy Bootcamp
• Tweet about how you entered to win – (1 tweet daily counts if you leave a separate comment each day for your tweet)
  I entered the Conference Newbie Welcome Pack contest by @AngEngland @tinyprints @wordstosweatby & so can you! http://bit.ly/hHNzX5

Here’s the necessary “fine print”….

To enter, you must be 18 or older and reside in the US or Canada. The contest runs from Wednesday, May 18th through 11:59pm EST on Monday, May 23rd.  Make sure at least one of your entries includes a contact method (i.e. Twitter, email, blog). (1) winner will be chosen shortly after the contest ends using Random.org. The winner has 48 hours to reply, otherwise another winner will be selected. Blog Conference Newbie Guide did not receive any compensation for this contest. Should there be an issue with the ticket, the winner should directly contact the Bloggy Bootcamp Conference Coordinators or the sponsor companies if there is an issue with the products.

Good Luck!

*Affiliate link

Bloggy Bootcamp Seattle Conference Welcome Pack Giveaway! is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

By Tamara

When it comes to blogging, you have to know a lot about yourself. You have to know your purpose, your voice, your goals, and your audience. But you also have to know when it’s time for change. Sometimes change comes in the form of a new design or format, or in this case, sometimes change comes in the form of new ownership.

Like having a baby, creating a blog is giving birth to a new idea. Since I began this site in February 2010, I’ve given it my all through love and dedication….all to make it easier for the blogging and social media community to find information on various events and conferences in one go-to spot. It became a purpose for me. An identity. And I’ve received so much gratitude and feelings of accomplishment by running this site.

But just like giving birth to a child, there comes a time when you need to let it go and thrive in a new way. It was a struggle to come to this decision, but ultimately it made the most sense. My time is not my own anymore as my offline life has gotten busier by the moment. I felt spread too thin in too many areas and had to reassess my goals and commitments to find a better balance again. As much as it brings a tear to my eye and physically hurts to let this site go, it’s for the best….what’s best for the site and for all of you. Unable to dedicate the intensive time needed to keep the site updated and provide new and valuable information, I realized I wasn’t doing the site justice anymore.

Rather than close the site down, I sought out someone who would be able to breathe new life into it and continue to make this THE blog and social media conference resource site just as it’s been since it was conceived in February 2010.  That new owner is my mentor of Blog Conference Newbie Guide, Angela England. Angela is an incredible blogger, writer, social media expert, and woman. With many sites of her own and important roles in the blogging community, I have the utmost confidence that she will help this site through its next stages of development.

While I may not be blogging as much anymore and won’t be running this site, please feel free to still reach out to me for information. I can point you in the right direction if you’re feeling lost!

As I pass the torch and hand this site over, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and help in making this site a well-known resource. Every “thank you” and “your site is so helpful” still has a place in my heart and it fills me with warmth that I have been able to help so many people gain confidence and information.

So this is not a “good-bye” but a “see you around”……

Knowing When It’s Time To Walk Away is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

By Heather (originally published on Feb. 24, 2010)

When you enter the world of blogging conferences, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Let’s begin at the beginning—which conference is right for you? Only you can answer that question, since the “right” conference will be different for each person, niche and blog. There are, however, a few things to consider as you narrow down your options.

Purpose: The first thing you need to consider is your purpose for attending a conference. Each conference has its own flair and target audience. If you aren’t interested in making money from your blog, you probably won’t want to attend Internet Marketing Conference. Do you want more technical knowledge to impact your blog? Take a look at the geekier-oriented technology conferences. Are you struggling with mastering WordPress? Try one of the Word Camps.

Location: Location, location, location! It can be a really big factor in choosing your first (or next) blogging conference. There is a local conference that I will probably always attend. Avoiding travel expenses and (possibly) a hotel stay can make a conference incredibly affordable. I also look at location in respect to places I want to travel or other experiences in the area. A Las Vegas visit was on my 40×40 list so when I was offered the opportunity to speak at Affiliate Summit in Vegas, it was an easy decision.

Expense: Conference tickets range in price from $30 (Meet me at Word Camp Chicago?) to over $1000. The conference rate at the hotel can be negotiated as low as $99 per night. You will need to consider what meals are included, how much it will cost to get there and if internet access is included or an additional expense. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest picking the most inexpensive conference, but it can be a factor in your decision. Which conference will provide the most bang for your buck?

Timing: Timing really is everything! It isn’t just about which conference fits into your calendar. You also need to consider its impact on the rest of your month. When you return home after a conference, you’ll be full of ideas and have lots of contacts to followup. If you’ve scheduled a conference right before a busy personal week or another trip, you won’t be able to make the most of your time at the event. Timing is also a factor if there are other events in the area. Check concert dates for your favorite artists in the cities you’re eying for travel! (If you are considering a personal extension of the travel, I recommend before, not after, to allow you to jump right into followup mode.)

Keynote/Speakers: If you can wait until the session topics are announced to make your plans, this will tell you a lot about what you’ll get out of the conference. If you have your own, personal blogging celebrities, check their sidebar to see where they are speaking. Consider your personal weaknesses, seek out the experts and find out where they speak too. Chris Brogan is one of my geeky crushes and often speaks on topics I desperately need to hear. Any conference with him as a keynote speaker, goes straight to the top of my list!

Attendees & Sponsors: Check out which conferences are heavily attended by others in your niche or blogging friends you’ve developed. It will give you a chance to network in person with those you contact on a regular basis already. Conference days are long—you want to be surrounded with people you ‘know’ and enjoy spending time with. As for the conference sponsors, in addition to meeting brand ambassadors, PR reps and company contacts, you want to be sure the sponsors are in line with your goals. If you blog about breastfeeding, you may not want to attend an event sponsored by a formula company. It won’t send the right message to your community.

As you consider your options, talk to other bloggers. Find out who has attended different conferences in previous years. If they aren’t returning, be sure to ask why—it just could be a deciding factor. There are literally hundreds of conferences in a variety of niches, but don’t let it scare you! Several you’ll be able to eliminate right away—you won’t see me at a web design conference. That’s his job. I’ve already picked my travel schedule for this year, but I’ll be using this master list of web conferences and the full list of women blogging events going forward.

Choosing the Right Blogging Conference is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced

*This contest has ended. Stay tuned for future contests!

Announcing the 2nd Blog Conference Newbie Welcome Pack! If you missed this key note last time, here it is again: despite the name, this is not just for newbie attendees!

Blog Conference Newbie Guide would again like to thank the generous (and awesome) series  sponsors and conference coordinators who are showing support of this series by providing fabulous items for the winners.

Conference Newbie Welcome Pack #2 includes:

• (1) Ticket to Gleek Retreat
  
• (1) Set of 100 Tiny Print business cards
• (1) Words To Sweat By Combo Pack (snack bag & key chain/zipper pull)

About The Package Sponsors and Prizes:

Gleek Retreat is a blogging conference created by bloggers for bloggers! Happening in Holland, MI on May 21st, Gleek Retreat is in its second year. The focus is not only on learning valuable information, but also cultivating new relationships and connections while furthering the connections that you already have. So who should attend this awesome event? Anyone who has or wants to blog, PR reps who are looking to connect with bloggers, or those who want to meet other bloggers, especially from their neck of the woods. In short: YOU!

Tiny Prints, already well-known for their creative and customizable cards, now offers business cards. Whether you’re looking for a basic design, a creative look, or a foldable business card, Tiny Prints has tons to choose from and a style for everyone! Know with Tiny Prints, you can design your card with confidence that it’ll look great and that you’ll receive your order in a timely fashion. The winner will receive (1) set of 100 business cards from one of the existing Tiny Prints templates to bring along with them to Bloggy Bootcamp. Business cards are essential when heading to a social networking event, so you wouldn’t want to be caught without them!

Words To Sweat By is a company that strives to motivate. Their various products feature inspirational quotes aimed at helping you reach your goals. Featured in April’s Oxygen Magazine and showcasing their recently launched World-Class Words products, gym towels with personal mantras of  world-class athletes, it’s no surprise that Words To Sweat By items are becoming well-known! The winner will receive (1) reusable snack bag w/ “Exert. Refuel. Repeat” mantra and (1) motivational key-chain/zipper pull w/ “Exert. Hydrate. Repeat” mantra. The snack bag is a great thing to have at blog conferences because it allows you to bring your own healthy snacks, all while being friendly to the environment! The key chain can remind you to aim for your goals every time you’re out and about or you can use it as a zipper pull, accessorizing your laptop bag or suitcase as you travel to the conference.

The Details on How To Enter:

Each option below is (1) entry and you MUST leave a separate comment for EACH entry

• Leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win this pack
• Follow Blog Conference Newbie Guide via RSS, email subscription, or Google Friend Connect (email subscription must be activated to count)
• Follow @UnXperiencedMom on Twitter (b/c that’s where I tweet blog conference info from!)
• Follow series sponsors and Gleek Retreat on Twitter: Tiny Prints, Words To Sweat By, Gleek Retreat
• Tweet about how you entered to win – (1 tweet daily counts if you leave a separate comment each day for your tweet)
  I entered the Conference Newbie Welcome Pack contest by @unxperiencedmom @tinyprints @wordstosweatby & so can you! http://bit.ly/e656ER

Here’s the necessary “fine print”….

To enter, you must be 18 or older and reside in the US or Canada. The contest runs from Wednesday, April 13th through 11:59pm EST on Monday, April 18th.  Make sure at least one of your entries includes a contact method (i.e. Twitter, email, blog). (1) winner will be chosen shortly after the contest ends using Random.org. The winner has 48 hours to reply, otherwise another winner will be selected. Blog Conference Newbie Guide did not receive any compensation for this contest. Should there be an issue with the ticket, the winner should directly contact the Gleek Retreat Conference Coordinators or the sponsor companies if there is an issue with the products.

Good Luck!

Blog Conference Newbie Welcome Pack #2 is a post from: Blog Conference Guide for the (Un)Experienced