26 May 2017

My First Experience of BlogOn - A Conference for Bloggers


Back in January tickets became available for the much anticipated BlogOn Conference which took place last weekend in Manchester at the Museum of Science and Industry. There was lots of chat in the blogging community of who would be attending and it really caught my attention. I had never been to a blogging conference before and was a bit worried and felt slightly intimated that I wouldn’t know anyone and just basically be milling around by myself. Luckily after a really nice talk with Susan from Susan K Mann she convinced me it was a very friendly conference and one that is well worth attending. So I booked my ticket and eagerly awaited the 21st May.


As time drew closer travel had to be arranged and I managed to find a travel buddy in the form of Jo from MummysKnee. I always think travelling to new places and events is always easier with a friend so if you can chum someone along then totally do it. We decided to book flights from Edinburgh to Manchester as Jo had traveled by train and car before but found it a little tiring. I was happy to fly as it sounded like the quickest and less stressful option.


BlogOn normally have a launch party the night before the actual conference so I traveled down the day before, booked a cheap hotel and snatched a ticket for the launch party. After a quick freshen up at the hotel a few of us had a bite to eat then headed to the party which was sponsored by Paladone. The party was a nice easy way to get to know some new and familiar bloggers and thanks to Paladone there was plenty of games and activities to try out. There was of course plenty of booze and food as well.


After quite a restful night Jo and I met the lovely Jax Blunt (aka @liveotherwise) in our hotel reception for a lift into Manchester. Lots of bloggers were meeting at a nearby McDonalds to sort out lifts and taxis so when Jax offered us a lift in her car we couldn't have been more thankful.

Arriving at the conference there was a total buzz in the air. Lots of stalls had brands and PRs showing us what they do best and there were plenty of familiar blogger faces getting ready for the kick off and sessions ahead. At each brand/PR stall there were lots of freebies and competitions to enter. One of my favourites had to be the Razor Jr. Lil’ Crazy cart which you could win there on the day. My daughter would have so loved this as her brother has the big version. Hexbug where there and I didn't realise they did Nano Junior and Cuddle Bots for Toddlers. They're so much bigger and means they won't choke on them.


So after the Introduction and Keynote it was onto the first session of the day. I chose Advertising & Promoting by Tim from Slouching Towards Thatcham as I feel I don't put my blog out there enough. It was a really great session with plenty of good sensible info. Tim also had hand outs, well done Tim, so this saved me lots of note taking.


Next was lunch time (already) where there was lots of lunch bags with crisps, sandwiches, biscuits etc and of course plenty of drinks. After this was the second session of which I chose 6 Steps to Going Pro. There was then a break with cake and wine before continuing onto the next session. I chose Instagram this time which was fab before finally choosing Accounting for Bloggers. I should mention there was a massive raffle in between all of this to with some amazing prizes but silly me forgot to buy tickets!

When all the sessions were over everyone moved back into the main hall for the closing keynote and of course to receive our goody bags! The rumours were true and I'm so glad I brought a massive suitcase. The goody bags were huge. Two big canvas bags full of lovely stuff and a third plastic bag full of sweeties. The next BlogOn Conference is going to be held in September where they celebrate Christmas. Tickets are currently sold out but I'd get on the waiting list if I was you.




17 comments on "My First Experience of BlogOn - A Conference for Bloggers"

Susan Mann on 26 May 2017 at 22:10 said...

I'm so pleased you came & had a good time. It was great to see you too X

Jaycee on 27 May 2017 at 10:21 said...

It was lovely to meet you face to face. Thank you so much for getting me a drink before we watched Tims' workshop.
I realised when I got home I've been reading your blog for ages & get your emails too!
Glad you enjoyed yourself- are you going in September too?

xx Jane Family Clan

The Breastest News on 27 May 2017 at 18:38 said...

Thanks Susan. I'm so glad I went too, thanks for encouraging me x

The Breastest News on 27 May 2017 at 18:42 said...

It was lovely to meet you too Jane. Ah you're most welcome :) I know it's not until you meet people face to face that you realise who they are.
I had a great time thanks. No plans to go in September although I might be persuaded ;) xx

Anonymous said...

Was lovely to meet you, Laura. It's always great to be able to put faces to names - even if I am terrible at remembering both! Thanks for your kind words about my session - hope it was useful.

The Breastest News on 6 June 2017 at 21:42 said...

Lovely to meet you too Tim. I know, I'm rubbish at putting faces to names and even worse putting them then to blogs!! I need a list. You're welcome, was a fab session.

Tattooed Tealady on 20 July 2017 at 11:05 said...

I really want to go this next year! xo

Mummy Cat on 20 July 2017 at 11:06 said...

id love to go to a blogging conference! i just need to get over that fear first of meeting new people and public transport haha!

Gee Gardner on 20 July 2017 at 14:04 said...

This looks so much fun! I wanna go! Haha.

Unknown on 20 July 2017 at 16:08 said...

Wow sounds brilliant! Definitely getting myself on the waiting list x

The Breastest News on 20 July 2017 at 20:24 said...

There's one in September this year Sophia. There's a waiting list now for tickets but you could always put your name down?

The Breastest News on 20 July 2017 at 20:25 said...

You should totally go Sarah, you can always meet up with people you talk to online like me :)

The Breastest News on 20 July 2017 at 20:25 said...

It's great Gee, they have a Christmas one in September!

The Breastest News on 20 July 2017 at 20:25 said...

It's fab Laura, well worth going :D

Amelia on 20 July 2017 at 20:36 said...

Found this really interesting, I've alway wanted to go to a blogger conference.
Amelia

Unknown on 20 July 2017 at 20:51 said...

Eeek looks like you had a brilliant time!! I so wanted to get a ticket for September but never plucked up the courage. One day maybe ox

Unknown on 22 July 2017 at 10:28 said...

Wow this looks pretty amazing and a great way to meet fellow bloggers who live far away!!

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