Some bloggers are interested in learning more about this industry, but are not necessarily interested in making blogging a career. Others are interested in attending a blogging conference, but feel some of the others aren’t quite the right fit for them. The Casual Blogger Conference is one that suits both of these bloggers…and everyone else! If you are looking for a brief, but jam-packed conference that focuses on blogging for passion, this is a conference you need to consider. This conference aims at making your blog work for you!
I was able to interview the Casual Blogger Conference coordinator Elisa via email to gather more insight into the conference to share with you. Here is what she had to say:
1. What makes this conference unique?
There are a lot of things that make this conference unique, most specifically that this conference is geared for the casual blogger– the blogger who does this just for fun. The blogger who is afraid or intimidated to go to the other conferences; whether it be because of the price, the distance or the “I’m just a mommy (daddy) blogger that does this for fun, what do I have to offer?” This conference is the perfect conference to jump start your conference attendance. We wanted to give these casual bloggers the chance to get the same type of information on a smaller, less intimidating scale.
The Casual Blogger Conference is focused on getting as much information in the attendees hands in the shortest amount of time possible. We are mothers first, and understand the stress that comes along when wanting to attend conferences for our hobbies, but also being concerned with who will care for our children while our spouses are working. Attending conferences that take place over several days is difficult for Mommy Bloggers– that is another major benefit/difference of the Casual Blogger Conference. Our conference takes place on a Friday night and all day Saturday so that the moms attending can truly enjoy themselves while perfecting their craft, rather than worrying about their children.
Another thing that makes our conference unique is the price. Our conference is a casual conference with a casual price. We have well over $3,000 worth of classes for the Night Owl price of $155 for a full conference pass (or regular price of $175).
Think of it this way: Nordstroms, Marshall Fields and Macy’s are all excellent stores. And so is Target. We are the Target of blogging conferences. Everyone loves Target and everyone will love us!
2. What are some of the highlights or features of this conference?
- How To Classes - If you are a person who has been wanting to learn how to blog, but just didn’t know how, then this conference is for you. You will walk away from this conference at the end understanding the various platforms available to you. You will have the knowledge of how to write entertaining posts; the ins and outs of blog design and the top tips and tricks of Photoshop from some of the best photographers in the area. The Casual Blogger Conference will help the novice blogger realize that any hobby will be enhanced through blogging. Our conference will help you learn how to enhance, record and inspire others through the medium of blogging.
- Learning Tracks – Our learning tracks are cutting edge. We understand that there are a lot of different niche blogs out there and we have tried to bring the best of each group together. From learning how to grow your blog to monetizing your blog, we have some of the industry’s smartest people lending their talents to teach you all that they know on the subjects. If you want to use your blog for reviews/giveaways, writing about depression without being depressing or even promoting spirituality, the speakers and panelists that are participating at the Casual Blogging Conference will guide you on how to make your chosen voice better.
- Follow-Up Services – The location of our conference is a huge benefit for those attending. We have partnered with the leading Small Business Resource Center in Utah to help promote you– the conference attendee. If you have an idea, or know someone who has a business idea and they just don’t know how to move it forward, we have found the resources to help you move your ideas into realities. Not only are we offering you fantastic classes, but also cutting edge follow-up services for that incredible business idea you got during the “How to make money blogging” class. By the Casual Blogging Conference partnering with the Miller Resource Business Center we have created a conference that will inspire you, and then provide you with the resources to make those dreams become realities. Our conference is less about being a retreat and more about sustenance.
3. Does this conference have different learning tracks or focuses?
YES! We have SIX different learning tracks:
Design, Photography, Casual Blogging, Authentic Blogging, Geek Lab, and a Writing Lab. There are a total of 25 different classes available for you to attend. No matter what area your blog focuses on, we will have a class for you.
4. If you could share your top 3 tips for conference newbies, what would they be?
- Business cards. Yes. Business Cards for your blog. You don’t want to be trying to find a piece of paper to write your blog info down on to exchange with people. It’s easier to have a card you can hand out that has your blog URL, email and Twitter handle on it. Trying to remember everyone is difficult, so make it easier for people to find you after the conference. Get yourself some business cards and make sure they stand out. You don’t want to be remembered as the blogger who wrote their info on their Target receipt but as the blogger who had those way cool business, or mini cards. Make your card stands out and use both sides of the cards. Don’t be a typical mommy blogger by putting photos of your kids on the cards. Unless you are trying to get play dates. You are marketing yourself and your blog, so make sure your card will help people remember both.
- Talk To Everyone – Be willing to go out of your comfort zone. If you are by nature a shy person, then come up with five things that you can ask people about themselves or their blogs. Practice those questions. People love to talk about themselves, so get them talking! Never assume that someone is better than you or that you are somehow not good enough. Don’t hide behind your iPhone, laptop or camera. Come out from behind the screen and be confident in yourself. They may not know you yet, but you have a lot to offer! If you see someone standing alone, then go ask them one of the five things you practiced before you came to the conference. Make sure you introduce yourself by your blog name or twitter handle. We may not know that your real name is Sally if you go by BigHotMama in the blogosphere.
- Bring your Technology - You will need your camera and laptop and all the various charging equipment that go along with it. Make sure your camera batteries are charged and your card is clean so you can maximize your photo opps, and upload them to Flickr or Tweetpic. You are going to want to get your photo with your favorite blogger and you will kick yourself for the next year if you miss it all because you forgot to charge the batteries or empty your card. You will also want to bring a notebook and pen to the event so you can take notes and then blog it later. You can also tweet the event using the conference hashtag (#CBC10) and let those who didn’t attend read all the fantastic things you are learning.
5. How can people find out more information about your conference or contact you for questions?
To find out more about The Casual Blogger Conference you can visit us on the web, fan us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. If you have questions you can always email us at admin@casualbloggerconference.com. We also have a weekly newsletter that we send out every Wednesday with information about the conference and conference tips.
Sounds like this conference is going to be not only a good time, but a place to learn a lot about blogging, especially if you are a new blogger.
Not sure you can afford it? You’re in luck! There is currently a ticket giveaway happening through the Casual Blogger Conference newsletter on the conference website right now. At the end of March, one lucky subscriber will win 2 FULL CONFERENCE passes! Make sure to sign up for the newsletter to be eligible.
If you attend the Casual Blogger Conference, be sure to tell us about your experiences!
