Honest Mum: Why I Love BritMums Live!

BritMums Live is fast-approaching and I’m excited at the thought of it because as my blog post title states, I love BritMums Live, I really do!

A two-day whirlwind of a blogging conference (the biggest in the UK no less) BritMums Live inspires, informs, stimulates and most importantly connects you to your peers: fellow bloggers, friends and of course brands in one place, making it ideal for both new and experienced bloggers to meet and learn from experts and one another. Because we’re all learning, whatever our experience or blog, every one of us has something to gain from BritMums Live, areas to improve on and new and old friends to meet.

I personally can’t wait to connect with some of my oldest blogging buddies and hook up with new writers I’ve recently discovered, even within the last month, people I feel I already know and look forward to seeing face to face!

It must be said, I’m a little bit useless at recognising people from their blogs and often bloggers can look different in person to their pictures (not a bad thing but something to bear in mind)-wear your name badge or if you baulk at the idea, make sure you introduce yourself to others with your name and blog name too-with so many bloggers, it can become a little overwhelming so don’t be offended if you need to remind people of who you are.

A friendly, welcoming event for all, BritMums Live’s kind and nurturing ethos stems from its founders, the hugely talented and very humble Susanna and Jen who value blogging and all that it entails, whatever stage you’re at, offering something for everyone (no easy feat in 48 hours).

First timer or not, here are some tips on what I’ll be doing this year, my third year that I hope might help you too:

WHAT TO TAKE:

I can’t go anywhere without a big bag holding my purse, notebook and pen-I prefer pen to paper for scribbling down tips from sessions or inspiration on the gp. Many bring a laptop or iPad with, but I like to travel light when it comes to technology.

Don’t forget your camera though or camera phone at the very least because you’ll find you want to share pics on the day in real time (!) and of course in blog posts after the event. I’ve shared some from last year with you here and you can read my full post.

My business cards are ready-clear, easy to read in black and white with both my blogs’ names, twitter and email details. I prefer not to include my phone number as feel that’s private.

This year, I won’t be taking as many cards as previous years-yes it’s a big conference but you HONESTLY won’t give out as many cards as you think you will. I’m just back from the biggest film festival in the world, Cannes and I must have given out 10 cards in total-so I would say take 25-50 max.

The majority of people you meet are ones you know or have connected with online already and although you will meet with PR’s from brands for possible reviews and paid work along with several people you’ve never met before, you’ll have enough with just a small bundle that won’t weigh you down!

When you meet someone new, why not follow and tweet them instantly to save on swapping cards or drop them an email soon after. Unless there’s a photo of a face on the front, I always seem to struggle to connect the card with the blogger on my return home and you will too.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Clothes wise, be yourself, wear what you feel comfortable in and realise you’ll be on your feet most of the time. A heel-lover, I tend to slip some flats in my bag for when my feet get tired, a make up bag to freshen up with through the day (you’ve got to be instagram-ready right)! and even a change of clothes on the Friday so I can dress up for drinks and the awards.

There is a bag check-in at reception to keep cases and bags safe if you would like to use it and of course not everyone wants to change clothes and there’s no pressure to either. Just be you and have fun!

THE SESSIONS:

Check out the agenda and work out which sessions you want to attend. There is a huge selection of sessions which cover everything from design and photography to SEO, professional blogging and more, it’s important to get ruthless with your time and work out which direction you want to take your blog in or what areas you want to improve in specifically and pick accordingly.

I would then structure your days and social meet up’s around those times but be relaxed and fluid about it as things can change on the day and go with the flow-don’t miss the ones you desperately want to attend but be open and maybe attend one you didn’t plan to-it could open up a whole new world for you (I know the food session last year inspired my recipe linky).

Do seek out the bloggers you want to meet, tweeting them on the day and being a bit proactive about it all. So many impromptu meetings I’ve had with other bloggers in past years led to join ventures, businesses, agreements to swap guest posts on each other’s blogs and even long term friendships.

It’s important not to pack too much in leaving little time to network; do meet with blogger friends to share hugs, knowledge, drinks and laughs (we can all learn a lot from each other too don’t forget) and make sure you introduce yourself to brands on site. Don’t be shy, go work that room!

BRANDS:

When you do meet PR’s from brands, try and be confident, never undersell yourself and realise that new or experienced, companies will want to connect with you-new blogs grow quickly and brands are there to start meaningful relationships with bloggers just like you.

More than anything, I promise you, you’ll have fun, expand your mind and return back to your blog, utterly inspired and ready to apply all you’ve learnt to grow your blog.

If you see me, please come say hi, I’d love to meet you!

I produced and directed a film on BritMums Live 2012 which was a joy to make. You can watch it here to get a taste of just how great BritMums is!

About Vicki Psarias

Vicki Psarias Vicki Psarias is founder and author of one of the most popular parenting blogs in the UK, Honest Mum and sister style blog Mummy's Got Style Vicki is also a multi-award winning TV Director and Filmmaker. Her website is www.vpsarias.co.uk. Twitter: @HonestMummy.

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