That time is upon us. Haven Conference is days away! You’re either getting excited or nervous. Or perhaps both. Instead of telling you what you should be doing or what you should have prepared, I’m writing this to hopefully put your mind at ease. I’ll preface this by telling you I’m a pretty laid back person. Sometimes you need a laid back opinion to put things into perspective, so here are some things that (hopefully) won’t happen at this conference.
1. Perhaps most important on the list? People won’t remember what you wore. Truth be told, I don’t even remember what I wore last year! Don’t worry about “dressing for your brand” or “accessorizing just right”. I’m certainly not a fashion expert, but I know that worrying about what you wear is unnecessary stress. Dress comfortably. Dress so you feel good about yourself. That’s all that matters.
2. I don’t get star struck. EVER. Ok, wait. If Gwyneth Paltrow sat at my table, I’d wet my pants and then pass out (or vice versa). But we’re talking about other bloggers here. They’re doing what you’re doing. They’re paying bills, doing dishes, and folding laundry. Just. Like. You. Sure, it’ll be exciting to meet my “virtual friends” in person, but I’m comfortable enough with myself that I don’t ever feel like some other blogger is better than me because their blog is bigger than mine. That being said, I know that not everyone can approach it that way. We’re all different. I’m just trying to say that you should go in knowing that we’re all human. And we’re all there just to have fun and learn from one another. People are not there thinking they’re better than you. If they are, you don’t want to meet them anyway.
3. You will not miss out on major brand opportunities if you don’t have a media kit. Well this is just silly. I’ve worked with numerous brands, and I’ve never even thought about a media kit. Again–this doesn’t mean media kits are frivolous or unnecessary, but it’s just not something to worry about. With all the other worries that you’re feeling (traveling, meeting new people, packing, leaving kids behind), the last thing you should fret about is perfecting something that doesn’t necessarily make a difference when it comes to working with a company. Is it a bonus? Sure! Are they pretty? Of course! But it will not make or break your chances with a company.
4. You will not be ignored. This part might sting a little bit. If you’re in a hotel with 300+ women who all enjoy the same things, and you’re feeling ignored…it might be a moment for self-reflection. Did I say that politically correct enough? 🙂 If there’s one thing women can do, it’s talk. We love to socialize, and most of us are breaking away from family to enjoy “me” time. So believe me–we’ll be talking! I firmly believe that something is only as fun as you make it. If you have a miserable time, I apologize ahead of time. But it won’t be for lack of effort on other women’s part. It is seriously a social shark frenzy. Take it all in and enjoy it!
5. You will not leave feeling uneducated. If you do, you are a blogging/DIY genius and I commend you. Kudos to your brilliance! But if you’re like the rest of us, you won’t be disappointed with all the information you’re going to walk away with. After all these years of blogging and doing things myself, I am confident that Haven’s classes will offer a plethora of knowledge for me (and you). I wish I could open another compartment of my brain just to store it all, and I’m beyond excited!
One final note–I am partnering with one of my organizing idols at Haven this year. We are teaching a class together (yup–together) on how to get a handle on things in your life. I hope you can join us! See you there!
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LOVE! Can’t wait to get there! I have been waiting for this since, well, Haven 2012 🙂
I took “dressing your brand” to mean whatever was clean and actually fit over my 7 month pregnant belly. Bonus if it was a cute brand like Anthropologie. Still TBD what the “Ciburbanity” brand is other than haggard and dangerously cheap. 🙂 Great post!
xx Charlotte
Well said love! See you soon!!
Nicely said! We all put out pants on one leg at a time…..as they say:)
This was a really refreshing perspective and affirmed a lot of my suspicions…that the little details (attire, media kit, etc.) don’t really matter, and that we all can just take a chill pill and enjoy the awesome ride that Haven is going to be! Thanks for sharing these wise and humorous words to set a newbie here at ease.
Can’t wait to meet you and your laid back English teacher self, Chris!
Warmly,
Lauren
The Thinking Closet
What a great post, excited to meet so many blogging friends!
Blerg! haha I love your candor! love it so much – looking forward to my first blogging conference – hope to get to meet ya~~
Great post! 🙂 See you next week lady!
Chris this is a wonderful article! I am soooooo excited to meet you and all the other great bloggers coming to Haven. I think there will be more bloggers I read on a regular basis at this blog conference than any other I have attended. I completely agree with all 5 of these points but especially #2. After looking over the schedule again, it will definitely be difficult choosing which session to go to, but I will definitely want to attend you and Jen’s! I’m always needing tips on how to get a handle on things. 😉 Y’all are super cute and as sweet as ever! It’s getting so close! 😀
Great post–great timing!
I was only feeling somewhat nervous, mostly just super anxious–it’s my 1st ever blogging conference! I’m coming alone–a couple friends had to cancel, sharing a room with someone I’ve never met–but who sounds like a lot of fun, and just started hearing about this “mysterious” media kit–oh no! What is thAT?
Thanks for the reality check, can’t wait to meet everyone!
Catherine
This is a great post, Chris! I’m a Haven newbie but I’m coming down with 3 other NC bloggers and that will be fun! Thanks for caring enough to make us feel welcome!
Great post! This is my first conference and I am beyond excited with a side of jitters. All these posts about Haven Conference and how everyone is so nice really help me get over any nervousness I might have. Bring on Thursday!
Haha….LOVED this! As another “laid back” person, after reading all the Haven chatter I was starting to wonder if I should be stressing out more. Yay…can’t believe Haven is so soon! Can’t wait to check out your presentation!
Angie… I was feeling the exact same way. I had to stop reading the chatter, because it was starting to stress me out 🙂
Nice post. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Haven – my first blog conference.
Thank you for the great advice. This is my first conference and I am so excited. I may however be dressed like my brand…but that is purely coincidental because I have an almost unhealthy obsession with teal. Can’t wait to see you and Jen teach together 🙂
Hi Chris! Thank you for breaking it down! I’m so excited to be attending this year. Looking forward to meeting you!!
thanks, thanks, and thanks! You took care of all my worries and crazy thoughts. Now I think I will enjoy your class if you can dumb it down for me and leave out those big words like plethora…see I couldn’t even spell it…thanks spell check. Can’t wait to meet you. 🙂
Oh, Chris! How I needed this one tonight!! So glad I can unpack my orange and yellow tu-tu to the neck dress and grab a t-shirt!! I’m getting excited and can’t wait to meet you at Haven.
Here here!!! Thanks for the great tips!!! I’ll try to remember that Wednesday night at midnight when I get around to packing….and thanks for reminding me that I’ve never had a Media Kit, nor would I have any idea what to put in one!! so excited to meet you, my blogging idol! 😉
Thanks, this is great!
Can’t wait to meet you in Atlanta!
Amen, sister friend. Excited!!!!
Love this!
These tips are great! This will be my first Haven conference, and I am beyond excited! Thanks again so much! Can’t wait to meet you!
Love it, love it!! Getting so excited, just checked in for my flight … a full 24 hours ahead of time. 🙂
LOVE this. All true. xo
Hey there! I am a brand new blogger and I just discovered your blog… O M G… your home is gorgeous! You are SO creative! I love every inch 🙂 Especially your dining room… so chic! I am feeling really inspired now, I think I will go rearrange something!