Blogtacular 2017
Blogtacular 2017
As a blogger and creative person, there is nothing better than connecting with people who are in the same boat as you. At the beginning of the year, I randomly did a search for blog events. One of the first ones I found was Blogtacular. When I read further into it, it seemed like the perfect event to go to. It was aimed at bloggers and creative people to connect and learn.
However when the time came to purchase I stalled. This was for two reasons; the cost and going by myself as a male blogger. Unfortunately, my best friend wasn’t available so we couldn’t go together, however, I didn’t completely rule out going though.
After I began engaging with a London bloggers group, it gave me more confidence to do more of the same. When I received an email from Blogtacular with an update on the speakers, I saw that one of them was my favourite blogger so I thought I’ve got to go to this now. I clicked purchase and was set for an epic day in June.
West Elm Party
As a warm-up to the main event, a party was set for ticket holders at the West Elm home interior store in central London. It was a chance for everyone to get to know each other in a relaxed space with food, drink and discussion tables.
Whilst I was there I tried to talk to as many different people as I could. The line for the food got longer as more people filled the store. There were unicorn smoothies (which I didn’t try) and mini burgers. Very cute and tasty.
The discussion tables were beneficial for everyone, allowing the opportunity for everyone to ask questions about blogging basics (name of my discussion table).
Main Event
Blogtacular started early at 8.30am. As I got out of bed my body was asking why are you getting up at the same time on the weekend as you would during the week? It was going to be a long day!
The schedule for the day had been up for a few weeks so you could plan which sessions to attend. There was plenty of opportunities to relax and speak to other people, which I took advantage of. I was swapping business cards left, right and centre. I had only received my business cards just before the West Elm party! Better late than ever.
Opening Key Note
The opening keynote from Natalie Lue delivered positive messages for everyone in the room. For me, it was about reinforcing things that are apparent to us but can get lost in the sea of life and pressure.
“Do not compare yourself to others”, “take struggles as part of the journey”, “listen to yourself, not your competitor”. These were all points that gave me the confidence to believe in what I do and to not be defined by others.
Sessions Attended
The sessions in the morning and afternoon were divided under four titles; Wonder, Delight, Curiosity and Amaze. I did not attend any Amaze sessions but did one of all the others.
Delight, The Foundations of Marketing.
The first session was well attended and for me was the one I took the most from. Kayte Ferris outlined the blueprint for defining purpose, finding your audience and telling your story.
I learnt:
- How to define my purpose using keywords related to my blog.
- Building a persona to know my audience and what they want from me.
- How to then communicate my story (content) to my audience.
Defining Why, How and What I do is also something I must work on.
Curiosity, Storytelling on Instagram.
This session was done by Katy English, my favourite blogger. Many of the things she discussed, about creating a brand narrative that is reflective in Instagram is something I have been improving upon of late. The examples she showed provided a lot of clarity to the ideas discussed.
Wonder, Creative business masterclass.
I was undecided about the final session to attend and this one I went to wasn’t in line with what I do. However, I did pick up a lot of tips related to community, collaboration and balance.
Food
The food was really good, simple as. At breakfast, there were petit pastries and small glass yoghurt pots, all yummy. At lunch, you could use a bento box to fill with hot and cold food. In the afternoon were mini desserts. I had the mini chocolate éclair, jam doughnut and custard tart, indulgence on a mini scale!
Atmosphere and the People
Throughout the West Elm party and the main event, I felt very at ease to approach people and just engage in conversation. Being one of the few men did not worry me because I was amongst creative people. Everyone I spoke to was welcoming and interesting. They all had their own stories to tell and were interested in hearing what I do.
The Blogtacular experience was so inspirational. I walked into it with a lot of wonder and hope and left with ideas, focus and determination to succeed in what I do in my own unique way. Bring on Blogtacular 2018!
All photos courtesy of Blogtacular http://blogtacular.com and Amber-Rose Photography http://www.amber-rosephotography.com/
No need for postcards, feel free to leave a comment…