Goal For BlogHer13-
Last year I attended my very first Blogger Conference, BlogHer12, in NYC.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I am a total Type-A planner and thought I had pretty well planned for everything- the parties, the sessions, what to do if I got a blister (I brought 4 different products to prevent and treat blisters), and much more.  I even brought a luggage scale with me to make sure that my suitcases full of swag weren’t too heavy for the airline limits.  Speaking of swag, I had packed all my clothes, toiletries, etc. in my carry-on bag and checked one big empty suitcase inside another empty suitcase so I would have plenty of room to bring back swag.  I had a great time at BlogHer12, passed out my business cards to tons of PR reps, other bloggers, etc., but I don’t think I really made that many meaningful connections.  That was the main thing that I didn’t plan for.  I rushed from party to party but was too nervous to really talk to many people.  I didn’t know what to say.  I was a newbie and it was all so overwhelming.  I made the mistake of clinging onto whatever friend I happened to have with me at each party.  I will not make the same mistake this year.  I am still shy and nervous, but I do have some questions in mind to ask PR reps, I have my “elevator pitch” ready.  I am going to do my best to start conversations and get out of my comfort zone to make connections.  That is my goal for BlogHer13.  So if you see me, come talk to me!

SWAG-
I will admit that I had SWAG on the brain last year.  There was just so much of it.  It was just so easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting things for free.  Heck, there were even free “personal massagers” from Trojan!  I filled both empty suitcases with swag and had to leave a ton of stuff in the Swag Trade Room and in the hotel room for housekeeping.  This year I plan to be much more selective and only take what my family or I will really use.  Free stuff is great, but that is not the point of my trip this year.

Attire-
Last year I bought a bunch of new skirts and dresses (totally not me) and that is what I wore to the evening parties.  I was sweaty and uncomfortable.  Skirts and dresses are not me.  I am a jeans and t-shirts type of girl.  This year I am bringing jeans, pants, t-shirts (for during the day), and nice dressier shirts for at night.  I am going to be comfortable.  (Note~ You will see everything from cocktail dresses to jeans and t-shirts at the same party so be comfortable, be yourself!)
Here are some possible looks that I will be rockin’ at BlogHer.  I won’t be deciding until I start packing but it will be from these outfits:

Comfort-
In addition to bringing comfortable clothes and shoes, I am going to try to not over do it.  I have fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and plantar fasciitis.  I am exhausted and achy most of the time and I have to remember that I can’t do it all.  Nothing is worth how bad I will feel if I push my body too far.  So I plan on doing what I can and listening to my body.  If my body tells me enough is enough, then goodnight Gracie, it will be time to call it a night.

Tips For Newbies-

• Check the expiration dates on all the coupons and offers you receive at Expo and the private parties.  Some expired soon after BlogHer last year.
• Bring a portable charger for your cellphone.  This is the one I bought last year and it was only $29.  I’m bringing TWO this year.  They were a lifesaver last year.
• Bring a travel surge protector.  If you are sharing a room with roommates, you’ll probably need the extra outlet space and a travel surge protector will protect your important electronics such as your laptop, iPad, etc.
• Bring a travel scale to weight your suitcases BEFORE you leave the hotel so you will be able to make sure that they are not overweight for your airline.
• Make sure to bring comfortable shoes that you have already broken in and bring blister block to prevent blisters and moleskin in case you do get blisters.
• If you plan on bringing home a lot of swag, pack an empty suitcase inside of a suitcase to have extra room.  Just make sure you know how much your airline charges per bag or make arrangements to ship your swag back.
• Have a holder for your business cards and a separate place to keep business cards you get from others.  Keep a pen with you to take notes on the cards of others to remember who they are, what you talked about, etc.  Try to do that as soon as possible to jog your memory later.

I’ll be adding more tips as I think of them so check back!
Above all, have a great time!