Ways To Make Blogging Conferences More Affordable

BlogHer. Blissdom. IZEAfest. EVO. Mom 2.0. Savvy Blogging. Affiliate Summit. Blog World Expo. The list goes on and on.

Blogging conferences are the hip new getaway. I’ve been to my fair share and plan on attending more. Getting away for a weekend with family and friends is hard enough, so how do you make blogging conferences affordable if your blog isn’t making any money? Even if your blog is making money, conferences can be pricey!

Here are a few of my simple ideas  to  make blogging conferences budget friendly. If you have more ideas, leave a comment!

• Plan ahead. Tickets are all ready on sale for BlogHer ’11 in San Diego. I did some quick math and putting aside $20 a week saves enough to purchase a ticket at Early Bird Pricing and has the entire trip paid for by the opening keynote. Tally up your anticipated costs, divide by the number of weeks until the event, and voila - your savings schedule!
• Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing. Many conferences offer a discount for being one of the first to purchase a ticket. Also pay attention to different tiers of pricing – student, blogger, sponsored – you can save hundreds!
• Special Rates. Conferences often negotiate special hotel rates. Take advantage of those rates by booking early. Reduce your costs even more by finding roommates! You’ll be able to stay at some great hotels at a fraction of the cost.
• Treat Your Blog Like a Business. If you aren’t already, start saving those receipts. If you are making money blogging or plan to make money blogging, your blog is your business and blogging conferences are business trips.
• Sponsorship. Take your blogging relationships to the next level – start discussing event sponsorship with companies early. Everyone handles sponsorships differently, but here are a few of my sponsorship rules:
  • Only approach companies you’ve worked with before.
  • Take a soft-sell approach.
  • Offer partial sponsorships.
  • Be honest about why you are attending the event and what you hope to learn/gain/experience.
  • Be knowledgeable about sponsorship guidelines laid out by the event hosts. This will effect what you can offer your sponsor.
  • Do not over-promise what you can deliver to your sponsor.
• Be Picky. Not every conference appeals to every blogger. Determine the type of conference you’re looking to attend (beginner, technical, networking…) and hone in on those that meet your requirements. It may not be the biggest conference and it may not be the most well known conference, but you’ll gain the most from those that meet your qualifications. That? Is money well-spent.

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