Getting nervous before the Summit? You’re not alone.

Lacey, one of 20sb’s Social Media team members shares her reflections on and suggestions for meeting bloggers, just in time for the 20sb Summit!

With the 1^st 20SB Summit fast approaching, I’m brought back to the same feelings I get each time I’m about to meet a while new group of bloggers.  Trepidation.  Nervousness.  Excitement.  Self doubt.  You’d think after four years of blogging that I’d be a pro at these sort of things.  But even after having a BlogHer, a Bloggers in Sin City and various other events under my belt, I will still have a stomach filled with butterflies leading up to the day.  Regardless of these feelings, I’ve never had anything less than a fantastic time at any event, and have met so many fantastic bloggers over the years.  So to gear everyone up for the Summit(!!) in case this is your first blogger meet up, or you just aren’t sure what to expect, here are some thoughts and ideas from someone who’s been there before:

1. Everyone is nice! There are no cliques. Really, don’t be afraid to approach people you’ve never talked to before.  Blogging is the common outlet we all have to put ourselves out there, no one will look at you crazy if you walk up to them and say “Hi! I’m Lacey, I blog at Perks of Being a JAP”.  (Well, they might look at your crazy if you use my name/blog instead of your own. Make sure to use your own info.)  We’re all there to meet each other, and have a great time.
2. A great way to remember names/blog information and to give people yours are blogging business cards.  Trust me, you think you’ll remember so-and-so’s blog URL, or Twitter handle, but unless you’re entering it in your phone right then and there, it’ll be gone. Keep them simple.  Maybe your blog header/badge on the front, URL, twitter and other social media info on the back. They don’t have to be crazy fancy!  And if you really don’t want blog cards, bring a notebook.
3. Bring your phone charger with you to the sessions! You’re going to be on your phone like crazy, tweeting and updating and playing angry birds hashtagging.  During breaks, or if you’re seated by an outlet, there will be at least one point throughout the day when you’re going to need a boost to your phone.
4. Stalking is OK, and encouraged – to SOME extent.  It’s often hard to find that blog friend you’ve been looking for, and then all of a sudden you’ll see their twitter update that they’re in the same session as you.  Definitely let them know! It may be your only opportunity to meet up, take advantage while you can.  An example:
5. Leave some room in your suitcase (or bring a reusable bag with you if you’re local).  You’re probably going to get some swag.  Swag takes up room.  You don’t want to have to leave that awesome whatchamacallit that you’ve always wanted from [Awesome Company] at the summit, or give it to someone else because you don’t have room to carry it home.
6. Most important of all:  Make friends.  Make memories.  Learn.  Explore.  Make connections.  Ask questions.  Be yourself.   And plan on having an amazing time.  Because you will.

Visit www.20sbsummit.com for more event details, and tickets are still available at http://20sbsummit.eventbrite.com/.

Bio
Lacey (or Lacey Bean) is a sarcastic, funny & slightly spastic 20-something born and raised in NYC. Event planner by day, 20SB Social Media Manager by night. Easily amused, and obsessed with: travel, meal planning, baking, crossing items off my life list, my android phone, chasing down food trucks, GLEE!, collecting every Hard Rock Cafe shot class out there, & rubber duckies.
Find Lacey: Twitter | Blog | 20sb

Tagged as: 20sbsummit, chicago, Meetups, summit