What To Expect At Haven Conference

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This year was my very first time attending Haven Conference! It will not be my last! Haven was super fun and I cannot wait to go next  year!

Prior to attending, I did a quick internet search for what to expect at Haven Conference and found some good advice including what to pack and that valuable tip about taking plenty of business cards!

Now I have created my own list from my perspective of What To Expect At Haven Conference. These are the factors which stand out to me.

Meeting Blogging Friends in person!

This is probably the best part of Haven Conference. When my hubby and I walked into the door of the hotel, right in front of us live and in person were two of my favorite bloggers; Michelle of Our Crafty Mom and Leanna from Of Faeries & Fauna. Leanna traveled from Canada to be there. It was a little surreal. Michelle and I are both Merry Monday Link Up Party Hosts so meeting her was extra special.

Then, up walks Lynne of My Family Thyme! A little later while sitting in the Hotel restaurant Beverly of Across The Boulevard walks by. We both took off in the same direction for a real hug! We have worked together in the virtual world for years so meeting in person was awesome!

Pictured above from left to right; Michelle (Our Crafty Mom), Chloe (Celebrate and Decorate), Me, Leanna (Of Faeries & Fauna), Beverly (Across The Boulevard) and Lynne (My Family Thyme).

Meeting the Sponsors

The sponsors go all out to network with the bloggers by creating the most wonderful booths and giving away the most fabulous loot! Full size products to try, tools to use and nice gifts like the portable cell phone chargers Frog Tape gave away are common. 

I enjoyed meeting the folks from each and every sponsor! DecoArt, HomeRight, Gorilla Glue, Dremel and Bona stand out in my mind for the interactions we had at the conference. I won a Dremel Etching tool at the closing ceremony! 

Expect the opportunity to pitch an idea with brand representatives! It will happen! They are at Haven because they want to work with you. 

Take a look at the amazing booth(s) created by Home Depot! It was really two booths which created a living room with a new line of furniture and a bar stocked with snacks and beverages for bloggers to enjoy.

Behr provided a life size Bear sculpture for us to paint! He became a gathering spot for conversations and photos. 

Valuable Educational Classes

Each class is taught by bloggers or professionals in the field. They have first hand experience and success in the area they are teaching. Video and Photography were my favorite classes!

Once you get registered for the Haven Conference you will gain access to create your profile and select your schedule. The classes or Make and Take sessions you select for your schedule are not set in stone. While at the conference, if you decide to do a different class than the one on your schedule that is perfectly fine. 

My advise when selecting your schedule is to choose items of benefit to yourself. Do not try to coordinate your schedule with a friend if it prevents you from taking a class you need. 

Networking with like minded bloggers

Exchanging business cards is a fun activity. Take plenty. I probably exchanged about 60. You are not only giving your card to the sponsors but to fellow bloggers as well. 

Expect to leave with a smile in your heart!

You will have the opportunity to meet friends in person, have face to face conversations with sponsors who want to work with you, attend valuable classes with info you can implement for content improvement and social media growth.

Haven Conference is considered to be a DIY and Decorating Professional Blog Conference. If you are a Lifestyle or Craft Blogger, GO! Even if you are a Food blogger, the classes offered are a good reason to go.