Hey bloggy friends! Yes, I am talking to you! Are you heading to a conference anytime soon? Is it your first time at a conference? Are you somewhat freaked out at the thought of meeting so many fabulous people who do what you do that you are kind of twitching a bit? If any of these phrases apply to you I have a super fun and simple way to break the ice at such an event and easily meet people at conferences!
Last year was my first time at SNAP conference. I am not even an introvert and I was a *bit* overwhelmed about meeting some of my favorite bloggers (and blog crushes) in real life. I can be cool as a cat on my blog but did I really want them realizing what a huge dork I am in real life??? I decided to make this bag and it was the PERFECT way to break the ice and get conversations started and introductions made!
Most conferences these days utilize social media pre-conference. Facebook Groups are formed and twitter lists are created and I used this to my advantage! I posted a photo of my finished bag (pictured above) on our Facebook group and I told everyone in the group I was looking to get ALL THEIR signatures on my bag! I also upped the ante and said that the first 10 people to find me each conference day and ask to sign my bag, would get an added surprise!
It was a total hit! Not only did it help me at the conference, but now I have a practical memento of the fabulous weekend signed by some of the most sweetest, talented people on the planet!
I am doing the same thing this year! I made a new bag and new surprises!! So same rules apply! The first 10 people to find me and ask to sign my bag each day will get an extra little gift from me! I won’t be hard to miss…I am that blonde girl with the big baby belly! ;-)
So tell me…do you get freaked out at all when heading to a conference or big gathering of people you have never met or are you cool like a cat?
Comments & Reviews
Taralyn says
What a fun and fabulous idea! So smart. I’ll look for you!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Yes, please do Taralyn! I can’t wait to meet in person!
Pam @ Over the Big Moon says
Such a fun idea! Can’t wait to come and find you!
Pam from http://www.overthebigmoon.com
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Yay! Sounds great Pam! It’s always so nice to meet in person!
Raquel says
Oh I absolutely LOVE this idea Cheryl! I wish I were going to SNAP!this year. My goal is to get there next year. Have a great time!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Well then you can sign it next year Raquel! :)
Raquel says
LOVE that idea!! Now I really want to make it happen! :)
LuAnn Braley says
What a fabulous ice-breaker AND keepsake, Cheryl! The SNAP conference sounds like a blast! I grew up in SLC and my brother still lives there. If it doesn’t change cities, maybe I can sign your bag in 2015! :O)
Cheryl Spangenberg says
That would be awesome LuAnn! :)
Virginia Fynes says
What a fabulous idea! When I was in high school leadership we had fuzzies (a pom pom on a necklace) and you had to pull a stand from your ball and tie one on the persons necklace. Your bag is a genius way to meet folks. I’m going to hunt you down… in a super nice way!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Ha Virginia hunt away! I am sure anywhere near food or the bathrooms will narrow your hunting grounds :)
Melanie says
What a great idea! I need to do something like this at my next conference. What a fun memento, too.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Thanks Melanie!
Tawna says
That’s a great idea! It is my first year going to SNAP or anything like this and I am TOTALLY freaked out! I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one. I will definitely look for you so that I know I will be able to start one conversation with minimal stress! ;)
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Definitely find me Tawna! No need to be freaked out, SNAP is so much fun and everyone is so nice! See you next week!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Cheryl…you are the girl!!! What an absolutely extraordinary idea!! I’m pinning this…though it’s so good it might need its own board!! ;) Glad you had a great time at SNAP! My fingers are crossed to get to a blog conference something in the near future. Thanks!
Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says
I’m totally going to be looking for you at the conference! This is such a fun idea!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Great! Can’t wait to meet you Alli!
Thistle says
Cheryl,
What a great idea! I wish I would have read this before I went! So awesome to meet you at SNAP!
Happy day to you friend!
karianne
Cheryl Spangenberg says
It was so great to meet you too Karianne! I look forward to chatting more this year! xo