I'm going to the blogging conference Britmums 2012 this year (hooray!) and have duly been tagged in the blogger A Boy With Aspergers meme by Mummypinkwellies. So want to find out about my expectations of attending this momentous event? Read on:
Meme rules
Its pretty simple… answer the questions I’ve answered below.
Tag another 2-4 bloggers to do the same (alerting them to the meme). Obviously, only tag people who you know (or think at least) are going to Britmums Live (I'm going to struggle here!)
Once complete, link your completed Meme to the
Linky in A Boy with Asperger’s
post.
Q: What’s your blog title/URL and how long have you been blogging?
The title is now Beadzoid, recently changed from Mummy Beadzoid as non-family related blogging is starting to become more prominent. I'm still Mummy Beadzoid, and I think my Brit Mums badge will say Mummy Beadzoid. I've been blogging for 15 months now and feel like an old timer.
Q: Will Britmums Live be your first blogging conference?
Aye, that it will be. In spite of reading many Cybermummy 2011 accounts, I still have no idea what to expect!
Q: Did you bag yourself a sponsor?
No. Because of the large amount of blogging I've done on campaigning for improvements to the care of premature babies I made the decision some time ago to no longer accept any form of sponsorship or reviews on my blog. Good luck to those who have though, I don't blame you!
Q: Are you attending both days?
I think so, my friend Mummypinkwellies booked the tickets and she says she is doing, so that must mean I am too!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the conference?
I'm looking forward to the journey, I love travelling to things, whether they're holidays, training events, or just a shopping trip. I get stupidly excited when I get to go to a service station, I have no idea why (be warned Pinkwellies - I may have a hissy fit if you don't indulge this!)
I'm also really looking forward to hopefully meeting some of the lovely people behind the blogs I read - though I have no idea who's going yet! I was also disappointed to miss Sarah Brown at last year's Cybermummy, so I'm glad she will be at Brit Mums 2012.
Q: Are you wearing Branded Clothing (your sponsors brand)?
No sponsorship.
Q: What is your planned style for this event?
I hadn't thought about it. Is it fancy dress? I might make an effort to wear some colour and not hide away in black like I usually do. Other than that, I'm just going to be myself - maybe a bit more make-up on the night time!
Q: Are you hoping to be nominated for a BiB award?
A what? No, I don't think so. I haven't seen the categories but I doubt I'll fit into any of them. Also, if I'm honest I'm actually not a fan of blogging awards. My feeling is that unless you are genuinely one of the 'top bloggers' the only way you can actually win one is by constantly canvassing people to vote for you. I can't do that. I had a nomination once for a couple of the Tots100 awards in the first round and I was really chuffed that someone thought of me (I refuse to nominate myself) but I don't measure my success or failure as a blogger through awards or indexes (I'm amazed I'm 200 and something in Tots100!) Perhaps if I was more bothered I'd be a bit more prolific with my blogging!!!
Q: If so what category?
^^^
Q: Will you be looking to network with Brands?
No to networking, but I will be fascinated to learn about their experiences with blogger outreach, should I get to speak to any. I want to find out what they wish to achieve and how they feel it fits into their overall marketing strategy. Do they expect a tangible ROI from sponsoring a blog? Are the decisions to be involved in the blogging community taken at corporate level or is it a marketing department experiment? That is what interests me. So brands beware!!!
Q: What do you hope to walk away having gained from the conference?
Just having had a nice time really - which is a guaranteed cert as I'm with my friend Mummypinkwellies. I don't get to do much for me, so the opportunity to do so is very welcome. I do hope to have a deeper insight on brands working with online communities, but not for personal reasons. I also really hope some of the lovely people who I feel closest to in the blogging world are there.
Q: Will you be dressing up in the toilets for the Friday night BiBs?
I don't even understand this question!!!!
Q: Are you speaking at the conference and if so when, where and how do you feel about doing so?
No. Maybe in the future :)
Q: Will you be joining in the early morning bloggercise on the Saturday?
I don't even know what this is either. I think someone needs to do their research!!!
Q: What speakers are you most looking forward to listening to?
Sarah Brown, of course. Also Zoe Williams - she's a left wing feminist, and Wikipedia says she's a supporter of the British Humanist Association, which I can appreciate as someone who is non-religious but seeks to lead a good life. And the Huffington Post is there, hooray!
Q: What workshops will you be attending on the Friday (Day 1)
I have no idea at this point in time. In fact I didn't even realise it was on a Friday, so I'd better book the day off work!
Q: What Workshops being held on the Saturday (Day 2) have grabbed your attention?
Again, I don't know, but I will no doubt attend Blogging for the Greater Good. After all, blogging to create awareness for Premature Babies has been a huge part of this blog, so I'm very much drawn to it. Also, I do work with a few charities so it should be useful from that perspective too.
Q: Are u booked into a hotel for the Friday night, if yes which one?
I'm fortunate to be staying with Mummypinkwellies at her brothers house in East Dulwich. Sleepover!!!!! Maybe there will be pillow fights :D
Q: Will you be looking for after party drinks?
I might allow myself to be led astray...
Q: Are you worried about not knowing anyone or being confident and socialising on the day?
No, not at all. I'll talk to anyone, me. I have a shy side to my personality and I do find large groups a little daunting but one on one or small groups and I'm generally at ease. It's something I've developed over the years and I love meeting new people and having a laugh. As a sensitive empathetic personality type though I will need to recharge my batteries for a few days afterwards, but it will be worth it!
Q: What’s are you most likely to be found doing why attending Britmums Live?
Fanning mummypinkwellies to stop her passing out when she spots one of her blogging gods, apparently! Haha. Other than that, I will be the one protectively clutching my bottle of diet coke.
