Blogher 2013 Chicago Packing Tips & Advice From a Conference Veteran

BlogHer
1st in a multi post series

Having attended San Diego 2011 and New York 2012, this is my third BlogHer. So wanted to share some wisdom and tips I've learned by experience. The goal of this post series is simply to maximize everyone's chance of a positive experience at #BlogHer13 -- whether you're a newbie or seasoned pro like me -- who will be descending upon Chicago for the mother of all women's blogging conferences one week from now.

Here's a scene from last summer's BlogHer with New York City as the backdrop...

Me (left) w/ Friends WellConnectedMom & QuirkyFusion, MommyBlogExpert.com

8 Must-Know Packing Pointers

• The time to start packing is NOW so you will slowly add everything you need rather than throwing things haphazardly into your bags the night before you leave -- Yes, I've been there and done that in case you're wondering!
• If you don't have business cards go out and get some printed right away -- I'd suggest ordering 250-500 cards, depending on how aggressively you'll be handing them out when networking and entering contests in the expo hall
• The weather in Chicago is HOT and humid outside but you'll also be in air conditioning so be sure to keep that in mind as you assemble your wardrobe for this event and plan to dress in layers so you'll be comfortable day or nite
• Don't bring more clothes, shoes and accessories than you will have time to change into during the crazy busy days/nights of the conference
• Speaking of shoes, be sure to at least bring one comfortable pair as many of you will be walking a lot more than you are accustomed to -- Believe me, everyone else will be running around too, so likely they won't be checking out your footwear at least during daytime
• Bring one large, lightly-packed suitcase with another suitcase inside so that on the return trip you'll have enough space for all the SWAG (stuff we all get) - If this is your first conference you are going to be shocked how fast your suitcases fill up with all the goodies before the return home
• Alternately you might use the FedEx Shipping Center within the Sheraton Chicago where you can box up and ship home whatever you collect during the conference that doesn't fit in your suitcases and carryons, but beware this option can cost a fortune
• Make sure ALL your luggage and carry-ons are labeled with tags with your contact info in case they get lost enroute or as you arrive at the hotel with many others

Also see BlogHer Advice on Cameras, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops & Handbags

FTC Disclosure: I've attended multiple BlogHer conferences and have also been a speaker at this event. I have paid for my own 2013 full conference ticket and did not receive any compensation for this post. Thoughts here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one. 

Turn Shopping Into Summer Trip Gas Savings

Frugal Living

Ralphs Fuel Points Promotion Extended through 9/1/13

I rarely shop anywhere but my neighborhood Ralphs when it comes to buying groceries. Ironically, though I've shopped at this supermarket for over a decade and I'm a long-time Ralphs Club Card holder, I never really understood how the Ralphs Fuel Points program works. So, I learned all about it and I'm going to explain it to you -- so we can both take advantage of another great way to stretch our family budgets.

Colorado Roadtrip Vintage Gas Pumps, License Plates

My kids at a Ventura County Fair

MBE partnered with Ralphs for this post

Summer really is the perfect time to take note of this on-going program, since many will be taking summer roadtrips and gasoline is so expensive right now. Growing up a Baby Boomer, I know I have countless fond recollections of family vacations on the open road with my Mom, Dad and siblings. Now with a kids of my own, there's nothing like meandering on the backroads of America for creating memories that will last a lifetime. It's refreshing to know there still are a few ways to save on the fuel to make these fun trips possible!

Ralphs shoppers can save as much as 20 cents per gallon at the pump by redeeming 200 Fuel Points at any Ralphs Fuel Center and at participating Shell stations. You earn these points everytime you shop at Ralphs and with every $1 spent on qualifying items one fuel point is earned.This Fuel Points program is an ongoing opportunity to save for frugal shoppers.

However, right now through September 1, 2013, Ralphs is offering a digital coupon that will double your Fuel Points so for every $1 spent you actually will get two fuel points added to your tally. It's that simple.

Saving money is always great, but there's more good news. Ralphs is providing a $100 giftcard for me to give away to one lucky MommyBlogExpert reader. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win and #FuelYourSummer!

Ralphs Market
$100 Gift Card 

GIVEAWAY

Ends 8/30/13

$100 Ralphs Giftcard Giveaway Prize

MommyBlogExpert's Ralphs Giftcard Giveaway ends August 30, 2013 at 12 am PT and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will receive a $100 Ralphs giftcard. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.

More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE

Stay up to date on all the news about Ralphs by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: I'm a long-time Ralphs shopper. In addition, I was compensated to facilitate this post and Ralphs is providing the prize for this giveaway. However thoughts are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Flashmob Surprise Fun at Camp - Teen Tuesday Post by Rebecca Elspas

Teen Tuesday

by Rebecca Elspas, Teen Blogger

Hey everyone! As you are reading this week's Teen Tuesday I am away working as a counselor at a sleep away camp. It's been real busy taking care of the kids, so sorry for the short blogpost. Here in camp, while the campers were innocently eating dinner, we (the staff) had a huge Call Me Maybe Flashmob!

Flashmob, Image from UrbanPeek.com

For those who don't know, a flashmob is when a group of people have been planning a song and dance, then go into a public area such as a restaurant, pretending nothing is going on. Then, there is one person that does something that catches everyone's attention. Like dropping something, screaming "snake," or standing on a table and singing loudly -- kind of like the Harlem Shake.

Next, all of a sudden these people from the group of flashmobbers jump up and join in to the song and dance. It's legit, the funnest thing to do ever!

Don't miss this YouTube either. It's of me (wearing striped gray shirt) with my school choir performing the first-ever FlashMob on Pico at Jeff's Deli in Los Angeles.

So this summer, get a group of friends -- or a singing ensemble or dance troupe -- together to show off your own musical talent, choreography and dance steps. Then after you've planned it out and practiced a bit, go to a mall, park, restaurant, theater hallway or even a gas station and make someone's day (and most likely your own)!

Callout to everyone with Call Me Maybe stuck in their head cause it's stuck in mine!

Comment & Connect
Have a question for me? Want to share some of your own flash mob experiences or reminisce about camp? Please leave a comment -- I look forward to hearing from you. You're invited to stay in touch with me, too, by following me on Twitter @RebElspas and on Pinterest.

FTC Disclosure: No payment or other compensation was exchanged in association with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.