I just had to devote an entire post to the fact that I’m planning to attend my first ever blog conference in March of 2015, Texas Style Council.
Going to a blog conference is something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile. I really want to meet some people and learn some things! However, having little kids and budgeting constraints have prevented me from going until now.
I actually know the founder of Texas Style Council! We met in Austin through a mutual friend many years ago and I’ve been following her online ever since. The conference took a hiatus last year and this year has been totally revamped. It’s not going to be one of those flashy things at a hotel (although that might be fun, too). The theme is CAMP: create a meaningful presence. And it’s at a camp, literally.
I pretty much love everything about the new theme. The camping, the focus on presence and story and community, the smaller number of attendees (275), the speakers, the fact that it’s within driving distance from me and that all meals are included (SUCH a great deal). I even signed up to volunteer to set up and tear down, because an introvert like me will appreciate that extra level of involvement, plus a chance to make some connections before plunging in.
Liam will be 14 months old when I leave him for the first time, and I’ll be gone for 4 nights. I’ll be able to pump and store milk at the conference. I’m sure I will be incredibly sad (at first), but I think it’ll be easier with the second kid; I didn’t leave Meredith overnight until she was 28 months old.
Anyway! I’m super excited and I just wanted to throw this out there to see if any of you might be able to go as well, and in hopes of connecting with some of the other attendees. And if you’ve ever been to a blog conference, how did it go? Give me your wisdom!
From Nora:
how fun! I’ve never been to a blog conference. The closest I came was two of the Nintendo things I went to, one in Denver, one in Seattle. Both were fun but I won’t lie, it was overwhelming (for me) with all the twitter/blogs/instagrams to keep up with and ok, feeling intimidated by some of the more famous/bigger online presence bloggers, not feeling like I had enough style. At the end of the day it was fun, I made some new friendships and it was worth every second. I hope you have a great time! It being at a camp sounds really awesome and more low-key/down to earth, which is something I would surely enjoy!
From Jennifer M:
I’m planning on going! I’m excited!!! Hopefully I’ll see you there!!
From Sarah:
I’ve never been to one and doubt I will anytime soon, but I’m excited to hear about your experience!
From Mallory:
I was at the last TxSC, and it was pretty amazing. I learned a lot, met some seriously rad girls, and danced my butt off at Prom. That said, I might be even more excited about this one. I’ve never been camping and I can’t wait to check that off the bucket list, along with all of the other awesome blogger girl bonding!
From Kathleen:
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi! I am really excited about the conference and maybe we’ll get to meet. :) This is perfect for me because I’m a very casual person and getting fancy isn’t my thing, so I think I’ll feel a lot more comfortable here for my first blog gathering!