With Alt Winter 2016 60 days away, first time attendees may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Some tips about business cards, clothes, and your tote.
By: Eden Hensley; Photos by Kelly Smith, Brooke Dennis, and Justin Hackworth for Alt Summit
First-time attendees may be wondering what the event is like, how many business cards do you really need, and more! With two months to go, we’re sharing some of resources others have found helpful in the past.
“Getting ready for the conference was time consuming but I am grateful for the preparation I did. During the conference there was so much to do, people to meet, and opportunities that it was a little overwhelming. But I still had the BEST time!” Natashia of The Mumsy Blog
Three things first time attendees to blogging conferences should think about: their business card, dressing their brand, and choosing the perfect tote for their mobile office.
Business Cards
Depending on how much of an introvert you are and whether you exchange business cards with everyone you meet or just those you have a conversation with, the number of cards you need varies. Plan on bringing 200 cards. Trust me you don’t want to run out (I did one year!).
- Don’t have a business card? There are three reasons you should.
- Unsure what you should have on your business card? We’ve got tips on how to build your perfect business card covering content and design.
- Wondering what other creatives have done in the past? Watch this fun video from Ciera of Ciera Design to see what she did. We rounded up some stories (and DIYs) behind the cards as well as collections of cards shared by past attendees. We even created a Pinterest board!
Your Clothing
Attendees come to Alt to learn and to grow their businesses so they dress smartly to make a positive first impression. At the same time, wear what you’re comfortable in, if that’s jeans and boots that’s ok.
“If you love dressing up, this is the place to do it. But if you aren’t a serious fashionista, don’t worry — just wear what you feel most comfortable in. My outfits were definitely plain by comparison, but by dressing comfortably for the day, I was able to focus on making new connections and taking in all of the information.” Lisa of Elembee
- Need a couple of examples? Erin of Design for Mankind shares her take on attire absolutes.
- Want to stand out from the crowd? Check out these eight guiding principles from Nicole of Making It Lovely.
A tote or large purse is your mobile office while away from home. Use it to store your business cards, a notebook, mints, and other essentials.
Your Tote
Flip through photos of past Alt events and you’ll see lots of totes—of all kinds. Your tote is your mobile office while you’re at Alt. Wondering what you should carry with you? Here are ten essentials to consider stocking (and a few examples of how past attendees used their bags to make a statement).
“While it was still a little nerve-wracking to be in the same room as people who’ve inspired and propelled me, the whole experience was really enjoyable and most of all, motivating. I came home with a notebook full of notes and a to-do list of items I know will improve my blog, business, and life.” Melyssa of The Nectar Collective
