Myth vs. Reality at Conferences

Since starting Blog Conference Newbie, I’ve been talking to many newer bloggers and new blog conference attendees about their fears, concerns, and expectations about conferences. Just like with anything in life, when we are doing something new, our nerves take over and our imaginations become a roadblock.  Attending a conference on your own, with people you’ve only talked to online, can be a daunting experience. In the months and weeks before the event, our insecurities rear their ugly heads and feed into our nervousness.

In an effort to dispel some conference myths and calm some of the pre-conference jitters, I’m addressing some of the most common concerns that I have heard from many of you.

*Note: I personally hate labeling bloggers as “big/small” or “popular,” but for the purpose of this post, I’ve included some of those terms to execute a point.

MYTH: Blog conferences are only for “big” bloggers
REALITY: Blog conferences are for ALL bloggers
Lots of people categorize bloggers into various groups. Terms such as “big” or “popular” are commonly used to describe those bloggers who have been blogging for awhile, have high stats, tons of readers, and whose names are recognizable by almost everyone. The rest of the bloggers often feel that they are nowhere near that level of blogging.

Unfortunately, those labels make people, especially newer bloggers, feel like there is a pecking order in the blogopshere or that some bloggers are up on a pedestal and can’t be touched. The reality is that many of those who are labeled by others as “popular” are down to Earth and very approachable. We’ve all been ‘the new kid on the block’ – remember, even the well-known bloggers were newbies once. These bloggers are just as excited as you are to be going to a conference to have fun, learn, and network. They want to be approached and chatted with. They want to learn more about you and your blog. At conferences, we are all equal; all women who enjoy blogging and connecting with other bloggers.

MYTH: Only “bigger” bloggers can be panelists and speakers
REALITY: Anyone can be a speaker
It’s a common misconception that the speakers at blogging conferences are those who have been blogging for years and have thousands of readers. I’ve heard people say things such as “Conferences are about bigger bloggers teaching the newer bloggers” or “The bigger bloggers aren’t there to learn since they know everything about blogging already.”

The reality is that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been blogging, everyone can learn something new at a conference. Whether it’s learning about a new blog, gathering tips on how to improve your writing, or getting exposed to the business side of blogging, there is something for EVERYONE at conferences.

While conference coordinators are preparing for their event, they often post a “call for speakers” notice, encouraging everyone to submit their speaking topics. Even if you’ve never spoken at a conference before or if you’ve only been blogging for months instead of years, you should feel confident enough to submit your topic. (Of course, you have to like public speaking for this role!). Just because you are newer to the scene doesn’t mean you don’t have something worthwhile to share with others at a conference. Your topic may just be something coordinators are excited to include in their session line up. And yes, even the so-called “bigger” bloggers may be able to learn a thing or two from the new kids on the scene. (If you’re interested in speaking at conferences, check out the “speaking at conferences” section where call for speakers are listed).

MYTH: You should only go to conferences if you are looking to make a business out of your blog.
REALITY: Any kind of blogger can benefit from conferences
Even if the only thing you write about on your blog is the daily happenings in your life, attending a conference can be beneficial to you. Many conferences have various learning tracks that you can pick and choose from. Like one session from the business track, but want to attend most of the writing sessions? No problem. You can go back and forth between the tracks usually to tailor the experience so it works best for you.

Besides learning, attending a conference to create new relationships and network with others who blog is worth the price of admission itself. When I was at Blissdom, I remember thinking to myself: “I belong here. These people understand what I do. This feels so validating to be here with all of these bloggers.” And you will have those thoughts, too, no matter what your purpose for blogging is.

MYTH: People won’t know me or my blog
REALITY: That’s not always the case
If you tell people your first name, you might get a blank stare, but that is why many conferences include your blog or Twitter name on your conference badge. You’ll be surprised how many people will recognize who you are once you tell them your Twitter or blog name.

After chatting with so many on Twitter before Blissdom, I had so many people say, “Oh you’re the (Un)Experienced Mom!” after reading my name tag. Likewise, after reading many other name tags, I knew exactly who they were, either from chatting on Twitter, reading their blog, or even just from seeing their name mentioned in the blogosphere somewhere.

If you find many people don’t know you, what a fabulous opportunity to tell them what you and your blog are about! Don’t think of it as “No one knows me and that’s bad.” Instead, reframe it to be “Some may not know me, but I am ready to tell them all about my blog and encourage them to stop by!”

And I just had to add this last fear, which I heard from a few people at the Twitter launch party…..

MYTH:  I will get so excited about the conference that I will talk someone’s ear off and lose their interest.
REALITY: We will ALL be talking up a storm!
Have you ever been in a room filled with 100-500 women before? It’s well-known that women love to talk. This is especially true at conferences. Many of us are enjoying a couple of days away from home and off of “mommy duty” and therefore are very excited. All of that translates to tons of chatting, hugs, and overall happiness. So if you think you will talk too much, I am here to reassure you that you’ll meet your match at these conferences!

I hope that this post has eased some fears about attending blog conferences, especially if it is your first time. As many have mentioned in other posts, connect with people beforehand on Twitter and through their blogs. Even chatting with people a few times before meeting them in person can boost your confidence!

If you have other concerns about attending conferences, or even general questions, I’d love to hear them so I can address them in a follow-up post.