Conference 101: How to survive your first Major Conference

Going to a Conference is like being in a movie. There are great stories to tell. Stuffs that are best deleted and those juicy "behind the scenes" episodes that no one else knows about but only by those who were there...

My First.

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference is my first major conference. It was attended by more than 150 women consisting of Moms and Non-moms all over the country who shares a common denominator: a love for blogging and Social Media. Luckily, it was the official launching of a first of many which makes every attendee, pioneers of a great beginning. Disney is really wise for tapping into this rich source of marketing. Kudos to them!

Now observing all these influential women through a neophyte's perspective readily gives you a sense of pride to be a part of a larger than life community that thrive in the realms of social media. A broad spectrum that is now steadily being dominated by mom bloggers. And why not? Mom bloggers are the ones molding social media to a whole new level and setting a new tone to it. One that is so effective, everyone clamors for it. Like what Scott Stratten say " You (mom blogger) have NO competition"

This is evident during the conference. Where male/dad bloggers were uniquely in attendance and where ironically, two of them won Maxine Clark's Bear giveaways during the Friday session! No one minded. It's all in the name of fun!

But fun is not all. Being around other women with different personality and temperament is another story. Here's what you might, if lucky, might NOT, encounter and how to work around it:

a) The Snob - Yes, there were some. Not a lot but some. Treats you like you're invisible. Passes by you in the hallway, conference room or sits with you in the same room, You smile, say hi. Nada. She's just so caught up with her own popularity perhaps?

Tip: They usually hang out with the same peeps exclusively. Connect at your own risk.

b) The Whiner - For the love of me. They whine and complain about everything. They don't care who's listening. They let out their steam every chance they get. Toxic to be next to. They're aggravated when they don't get their way. Beware!  

Tip: They don't smile a lot. Steer clear!

c) The Shy Gal -(nothing wrong being shy, believe it or not, I am too) They sit so quietly. Rarely socializes and keep to themselves like they're in a lonely planet.

Tip: They're glued to the first person they connect with. Take the first step in breaking the ice. Once they open up, they're highly interactive and fun to be with.

d) The Social Butterfly - You just got to love this gal. Great connector and oozing with confidence. They talk to anyone who moves and breathe!

Tip: They're the life of the party. Totally connect with them! And learn the trick of the"trade" in the process.

I enjoyed the conference no doubt about that! The highlight was meeting everyone face to face and making lasting connections. This is the best perk of going to a conference: creating friendships beyond the realm of the virtual world.