We are one month away from FLBlogCon 2013 and it’s time to prepare!! If you are unaware, FLBlogCon is a one-day event focused on all aspects of blogging.  There are a lot seminars to choose from on a variety of important blog topics that appeal to all levels of bloggers.  From the newbie to the expert, there is something for everyone.  And since technology keeps changing so quickly, it almost seems like once-a-year is not enough!

I was a rookie at last year’s event, and I feel I learned so much and will be much better prepared this year.  So whether it’s your first year or you’ve been before, I thought I’d share some of my tips as I start preparing.

1.  Order Blog Business Cards!

Someone mentioned this to me last year right before the conference and I was able to get them in time.  But this is a MUST!  I got some great original cards from VistaPrint.com and love them.   I already reordered for this conference.  The thing about the conference is you are always meeting new people and taking in so much great information, it’s hard to remember who you meet.  It was great to sit down when it was all over and go through the stack of cards and start following everyone on social media sites and follow their blogs.  Be sure to include your blog URL, your twitter name and facebook account information on the card.  Even if you don’t have a blog yet, order a card you can hand out with social media information.  You will make some great connections.

2.  Go At It Alone

I went alone last year but quickly ran into some people I knew.  I ended up spending most of the day with them and didn’t get to meet as many new people as I had hoped.  There were certain people I wanted to meet, but never got a chance.  This year, I vow to do a better job mingling and get out of my comfort zone!

3.  Charge Your Devices!

You’ll want to bring your smartphone to tweet and take pictures.  Make sure it’s charged and pack a charging cord! There are supposed to be more charging stations this year so you have no excuse if your phone dies!  Also bring a laptop.  And your charger!  I had to take non-stop notes last year.  There is almost an overload of information and if I didn’t have my notes, there is no way I would have remembered anything.

You will get a lot of use out of your laptop at FlBlogCon 2013!

4.  Study The Schedule

The schedule for the day is pretty intense.  Every hour or so there are four different sessions to choose from.  Then you switch to having to pick from four new ones.  It’s hard to choose.  REALLY HARD.  I found I made a schedule and stuck to it well.  If I had a conflict, I tried to find someone going to the other session and offered to trade notes with them.  But you will want to study up on the topics and speakers way ahead of time to plan your attack.  Also study the attendees list and make a point to find bloggers you want to meet.  There’s also a great app that will help you track your schedule on the go.

A look at the schedule for FlBlogCon 2013.

5.  HAVE FUN!

The day is about learning and connection.  But it’s also about having fun.  Wear comfortable shoes and clothes because it’s a long day and you’ll be on the move a lot.  There’s so much knowledge that it’s easy to start taking things way too seriously and focus on learning only.  That was a little bit of me last year.  But there are a lot of fun sessions with fun speakers.  There is also a yoga session and an after-party.  It’s all about the fun you have.  I believe the root of every blog really should be:  If it’s not fun, why do it?  Therefore, that’s the theme of the day!