Despite enjoying sitting behind a monitor and keyboard, bloggers often like to move offline and meet other bloggers in real life. While the UK maybe behind the USA with regards blogging events, the number and type are increasing. Here are nine examples of different types of blogging events you could attend.
1. Conferences
Conferences are large events usually covering a wide range of topics with several sessions occurring at the same time so you need to make a choice of which you’ll attend. Some conferences are on more than one day.
Look here for a list of UK blog conferences
2. Workshops
Workshops are smaller and more focused on a topic or theme than a conference, for example how to start a blog or travel blogging. It is likely the sessions will build on each other throughout the day.
Look here for a list of UK blog workshops
3. Awards
Blogging awards recognise the best or most popular blogs and may be chosen through a judging panel or public vote. There are often tickets to the award ceremony available to bloggers who are not on the shortlist so you can meet other bloggers and join in the fun.
Look here for a list of UK blog awards
4. Charity
Bloggers like supporting charity, whether small or large. While some fundraising is done virtually, it is also not unusual for events to take place where bloggers can meet in person, for example TeamHonk.
5. Virtual
Google Hangouts are becoming more popular with bloggers to discuss a topic. Although it is only the speaking panel that can be seen through video, it is possible for all live viewers to interact through a chat panel. You can also watch a video on YouTube later if you missed anything the first time.
6. Brand
Some brands hold events specifically for bloggers to introduce and promote their products. These can vary in size and structure depending on the brand, but sessions could be focused purely on the brand, or the brand may take the bloggers for a fun day out while also showcasing their products.
7. Local
Once you’ve found some local bloggers it can be fun to create your own event focused purely on getting to know people who live close to you. Once you let people know about a local event happening you maybe surprised how many other bloggers you find in the area.
8. Impromptu
The events that happen through chatting with people, for example you mention on social media that you’ve arranged to go somewhere and discover other people who are already going or like the idea so much they decide to join you.
9. Trips
Possibly not as common as the other events, but some bloggers go on trips away together. The most common reason I’ve see is through winning competitions such as Mark Warner holidays.
A fabulous end to a great trip with 12 amazing bloggers. Thx ladies! It's been a blast!#markwarnermum #markwarnermums pic.twitter.com/4VFe2aeoIM
— Mark Warner Holidays (@mwholidays) September 12, 2014
To date I’ve attended conferences, charity and virtual events. What is your favourite way to meet other bloggers? Do you have any plans to attend any events this year? Can you think of any type of blogging events that I’ve missed?
If you are looking for a list of blogging events visit BlogEventsUK website for a list organised by type and UK region.
I’d love to do more conferences but they’re just too close together on the whole for me to use precious weekends up, and try to get the OH to look after N all day for several weekends in a month. I was down to do BlogonMosi, but the train wouldn’t get me in in time, it clashes with swimming lessons for which we’re already missing one. Instead I’m going to check out FunFest which is a bit different as it’s a paid for PR/brand event. Hopefully it’ll still have some good speakers, and as it’s only 30 mins drive away,… Read more »
Great list! I haven’t attended any blogging conferences yet as the sheer size overwhelms me! Maybe a goal for 2017!
Im fairly new to the blogging world and so far have only attended a couple of small PR sessions with other bloggers. I’m booked in for my first ever Blog Camp in June, which I’m really excited about. Hopefully will pick up some tips on increasing my followers too.
Yes it is in Bristol. I’ve been allowed to take unpaid leave, as I have used all my holiday this year 🙁 I thought it would really benefit me, so decided it was worth the loss.