In just 28 days, I’ll be headed to Philadelphia to attended the Healthy Living Summit. I went last year, had an awesome time and am really looking forward to going again. A lot has changed since last August: I’m feeling more confident about Relishments and myself as a blogger. So, if you’re going to HLS for the first time (or the second, or the third), or some other blogging conference, take a moment to learn from my experience.
7 Things I Won’t Do at This Year’s HLS
1. Not be able to clearly describe my blog
Last year, when someone asked me what my blog was about, my answer was something like this: “It’s a blog about…food…and it’s mostly vegetarian, but sometimes not, and I write about places I’ve been and recipes and stuff…”. It doesn’t matter if I was talking to a sponsor or a new friend, that answer just doesn’t make people want to read my site. I don’t know why I wasn’t prepared; it’s the most obvious question to expect. This year, I’m feeling a lot more confident about Relishments and am attending prepared to talk about it.
2. Dress like a slob
I mention in last year’s recap that “yoga pants and tank tops are the ultimate outfits”, but I’ve rethought that position since then. Was I comfortable? Yes, sort of. But yoga pants and tank tops are what I wear when I’m not planning to leave the house, or I’m at the gym. I think I would’ve felt more comfortable surrounded by 200 other people if I’d worn something else. So, I’m rethinking my wardrobe to reflect me, not what I think I’m “supposed” to wear.
3. Only spend time with people I know
When I headed to Chicago last year, I didn’t know anyone else attending—at least, not in real life. Now, I’ve got all the incredible women from CDNY Eat Drink Blog as my friends and a lot of them are attending. But I can hang out with them any time, they’re only an hour away. For me, HLS 2011 is going to be about meeting new people.
4. Walk
I was super stressed about the 5k fun run/walk at last year’s Summit. Luckily, a lot of us ended up walking. This year, however, I know I can run and I might do just that. Or I might walk. But I’m confident enough to know that whichever route I choose to go, no one is judging me.
5. Be shy about networking
Once upon a time, I thought Relishments wasn’t good enough. I was terrified of meeting “big bloggers” and I didn’t think anyone would know my name. Now, I realize that there are people who know my name, that I have just as much potential as anyone else and that I love writing this blog. As a result, I’m going to put myself out there as much as possible and try to make connections.
6. Drink coffee
It was at least year’s Summit, after a coffee run with some new friends, when I realized that every time I drank coffee, I felt like junk for hours afterwards. Shortly after arriving home, I cut coffee from my life completely. Since then, my stomach’s been a lot happier. I’ll go out to coffee shops with people, but I’ll be ordering tea.
7. Miss out on catching up with friends from last year or skimp on photos.
I met a lot of really fabulous bloggers last year, including Krista, Freya and Shannon. I’m so excited to see them again, catch up and hang out. That said, there aren’t very many photos of me with the other awesome attendees. This year, I’m going to try to be less camera shy.
Also worth reading:
Speaking of healthy living bloggers,
In late June, Susan from The Great Balancing Act was diagnosed with cancer. Not only is she dealing with the shock of the diagnosis and enduring the harsh cancer treatments, but she’s facing around $5000 a month in medical bills. The healthy living community has done an amazing job of supporting her as best we can via the internet. Janetha, the amazing blogger behind Meals and Miles, has put together an online auction to help Susan out. There is a ton of great stuff up for auction. You do not need to be a healthy living blogger to participate. Check out the details about how Monday’s auction will work.
I love your list, Emily!
I’ve been thinking about HLS and how to get ready for it, and these are great trips. I often find that I get shy around new people, and want to make sure to just get out there and meet people, companies, and sponsors. Yay!
I am attending HLS as a first timer this year! This post was so helpful. I know I would have done the same thing with #1 as you, so now I have a chance to prepare. I am really looking forward to meet you there!
Glad I could help! I hadn’t really thought about it and then I kept feeling like an idiot because I didn’t really have a good handle on what my blog was about. What a difference a year makes. Looking forward to meeting!
Oh how I wish I was going! I’ve never been. Alas, funds are low this year so I’m not able to attend. Looking forward to hearing about it, though, after it is done.
I am in the same boat as you w the blog description deal last year. I feel much more confident giving my info sales pitch” style now.
I totally agree with the clothes aspect too. I wore a tank top with what I thought was a cute/funny thing printed on front. I go the total opposite of what I had expected, not a single comment. I wore it because I wanted to but the plan this year is to dress exactly how I want to dress and put getting a response from someone as secondary.
I stumbled upon your blog via the HLS blog list, so it’s funny that this is the first post I read. I am SO SO excited for HLS and meeting you and everyone else. Thanks for these tips…I found them really helpful. I also really like your banner at the top of your blog. ;)
Thanks, Hilary! I spent a long time trying to figure out what I wanted for a header when I did my redesign last spring. It’s amazing the things you can create in Picassa and Picnik!
Great great tips! :)
Hi Emily! I saw your post linked to the HLS page, and as a first time attendee, this was so helpful. I didn’t think about my blog’s “message” until your post – but now I really want to make sure I have a meaningful way to describe my blog to people. And tips about being social are so true! I’m excited to meet you and others at HLS! :)
Glad I could help! It’s so much easier to be confident about your blog if you can explain it to someone else. See you soon!
This year will be my first time attending HLS and I love your list! I think it’s so important to branch out and meet new people and I loved reading your tips. Great post!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post–see you in just a few weeks!!!!
loveeee this post !
can’t wait to see you soon :)))))
HLS.. here we come!
Please, please track me down if I don’t track you down first!
What great tips! This will be my first HLS and I am both excited and a little unsure of what to expect. Your list is super helpful! I’ll look out for you in Philly!
Glad I could help! Can’t wait to meet you!