With Blogfest just a few weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about what to bring. I always tend to over-pack, and since I’m driving to San Diego, that’s not too big of a deal. However, if you’re flying in you will want to make sure to pack as lightly as possible, yet still bring everything that you need.
Blogfest is different than any other blogging conference, even those designed for healthy living bloggers. In addition to two days of blogging education, Blogfest also includes registration for the last two days of IDEA World Fitness Convention, which is the largest fitness convention in the world. So what does that mean?
1. At four days (five if you arrive on Wednesday to attend any of the pre-conference classes), Blogfest is twice as long as most blogging events.
2. While healthy living blogging events include a variety of exercise classes, IDEA World kicks that up a notch with even more classes and workshops, including the opportunity to work out with Todd Durkin and Tony Horton, plus other celebrity fitness pros, not to mention the Blogfest-only Out of the Gym and onto the Beach workout on Thursday. That’s a lot of sweating, which requires a little planning so that you don’t end up sweaty and stinky at your next session.
3. Blogfest also includes an invitation to the IDEA World opening party. The theme this year is “One Epic Night” and party-goers will be celebrating all that makes San Diego special.
4. Your registration includes access to the IDEA World Fitness Expo, where you will not only have an opportunity to meet and network with a variety of vendors, you will probably load yourself up with freebies, great deals, and other fitness purchases, all of which take up luggage space on the way home.
5. You’re in San Diego! Not only does that imply the opportunity to explore the coastal area, the Southern California weather, while balmy, can be chilly in the evening. Plus there are nightclubs, restaurants, and other things to explore.
These are just a few reasons why packing for Blogfest takes a little extra planning and consideration. To help you out, I’m sharing my suggestions for what to pack when you head to San Diego on June 27.
How to Pack for Blogfest
Clothing
Face it. It’s a fitness bloggers conference, so you will mostly be wearing fitness clothing. Four or five days of fitness classes mean that you’d better bring a lot of fitness clothes (think yoga, Zumba, circuit training, and possibly running and walking). Unless you have access to a laundry, that’s a lot of clothing.
In addition, fitness clothing is the norm for attending both Blogfest and IDEAWorld sessions too. I like to change into fresh clothes after a workout, but that’s entirely up to you. Fortunately, fitness wear doesn’t take up a whole lot of room in your suitcase. While you’re at it, throw in a couple gym towels too.
After hours, in addition to the party, you’ll probably head out for dinner or cocktails with your new friends, plus you’ll want to attend the Blogfest networking party on Friday evening. Pack according to your tastes, a pretty dress, jeans, or more yoga pants!
Oh, and if you’re sharing a room like I have in the past, you’ll probably want to pack pajamas, a robe, or at least a big t-shirt. Your roommates will thank you.
What does take up a lot of room is shoes. You’ll need comfortable shoes for the sessions and walking around the expo, a good pair of cross training shoes for most of the workouts, running shoes if you plan to go for a run, and if you’re going to spiff up for the evening, appropriate shoes for the partying. And, of course, a pair or two of flip flops or sandals. It is June in San Diego after all.
And even though you’re in San Diego, where the temperatures will probably be close to perfect, the air conditioning inside the convention center can definitely be chilly. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt. Or two!
All your regular accessories: Hair and skin care, makeup, underwear, etc.
Since you will be going straight from exercise classes to sessions, I recommend a fitness specific body wipe like Shower Pill. They come individually wrapped, they’re large and thick, plus they’re anti-bacterial.
For the Sessions
Bring something to write on and with. Paper, pens, pencils, computer, tablet. One of the best purchases I made a couple years ago was a keyboard
plus I can toggle back and forth between notes, Twitter and Instagram. This year I’ll also be bringing my Lenovo Chromebook. It’s small (11.6″), lightweight, and has a touchscreen, so I can take notes, keep up with social media, and even update my blog on the go.
Power! You’ll be active on social media during Blogfest and taking a lot of pictures so don’t forget your charging cables and an extra battery if you have that option. If you want to make a lot of friends, bring a power strip. These were provided last year at Blogfest, but you’ll find plenty of people at IDEAWorld who would be extremely happy to share your power.
You’ll be taking a lot of pictures, so if you have one, bring your “real” camera. And a Selfie Stick
Business cards! Blogging conferences are all about networking so bring plenty of business cards with you. Don’t have cards yet? Order now and you’ll get them in plenty of time. I love Moo.com. They’re very customizable and can be printed on both sides. And you’ll get 20% off your first order if you use this link.
A reusable water bottle and snacks. You’ll need to stay hydrated and refueled with all that working out going on! I also like to bring along some Nuzest protein powder and a shaker cup. Because I’m vegan I can’t always count on having plant-based food available, so at least I can know that I’ll be able to start my morning off right.
A roomy but light bag or briefcase to carry all of the above around at the conference. A messenger-style bag works well. A backpack is another great idea that was suggested by one of my readers. Rock ‘n’ Blog sent me an Eagle Creek Sport Daypack that I’m bringing this year.
For the Expo
If you’re a shopper, you’ll probably want to save room in your suitcase or bring an extra bag to carry it all home. Plus you’ll be getting some great swag at Blogfest, so remember that when you’re packing.
I’m sure I forgot something, so if you think of something not on the list, leave it in the comments and I’ll add it.
I have had an amazing time at each Blogfest I’ve attended. I know that BlogFest 2018 will be even bigger and better. I am an IDEA Inspired Advisor and Inspired Blogger, so I will be there (with bells on). I hope you will be there too!
Can’t get enough of Blogfest? Here are my other posts:
Blogfest 2017: My Five Favorite Things About My Amazing Blogfest Experience
Blogfest Day 1: Photos from Las Vegas
Blogfest 2016: Amazing Adventures at Blogfest and IDEAWorld
Blogfest 2015: My Top 10 Takeaways
Meet My Blogfest Buddies!
The Scoop: Blogfest and IDEAWorld, Gabby, Jillian, Beto and More!
5 Reasons You Need to Go to Blogfest 2015
Blogfest: It Starts with the People
(From 2014) 6 Women (and 1 Man) I Can’t Wait to Meet at Blogfest
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This post is updated for 2018.
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie and Dixya
Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia, Erika, and Patty
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant-Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Lora Marie, and Me!
Friday 5 2.0 with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda
Weekly Wrap with Wendy and Holly
Oh, this post is just what I needed. I always stress over packing so its good to start thinking now! I also needed the reminder to get some new cards from Moo! Can’t wait for Blogfest and to meet you and all of the other amazing bloggers!!
Same here (which is why I wrote the post). I can’t wait to meet you. It’s really the best part, meeting all the new people 🙂
This is great information Debbie! I might be going on Thursday and Friday but we leave for vacation the next day, so still on the fence about going at all. If I do go, you can be sure that I will be referencing this post.
I hope you can make it for a day or two. I’d love to see you again. Maybe have a little more time to chat this time. Though probably not considering all that is going on at Blogfest 🙂
This is a great post, I am thinking I may need to invest in a selfie stick! Can’t wait to meet you!
Same here! The selfie stick I bought on Amazon (the one I linked to), cost about $5, so definitely a worthwhile investment 🙂
I would need 2 suitcases if I was going! My biggest packing problem are shoes…you never know what you’ll need!
Depending on where I’m going I sometimes have a whole extra bag for my shoes. As does my husband (he’s worse than I am!), so we’re not light packers.
I wish you were going 🙁
Thank you so much for these awesome tips!! This BlogFest is going to be my first and I’m freaking out a little bit about what to pack. And I think I might need to buy a bigger suitcase. 😉 Getting so excited to go!
I can’t wait to meet you! Blogfest really is one of a kind.
This is awesome. SO AWESOME. I can’t think about packing yet because my brain might explode from excitement and all the things that I will need. But then again, maybe I should start making lists. Because lists mean something, right?
Lists are the bomb! You may think I’m being helpful, but the real (selfish) reason I write this post is that is my list for when I start packing. Can’t wait to see you!
Blogfest sounds awesome. I enjoyed reading this as I am going to my first Blog conference in August, so that is exciting. LOL I won’t need all the action gear. But picked up a couple of other tips from your post.
Thanks for sharing Debbie.
Enjoy your blogging conference! There are very few conferences that would need as much action wear as Blogfest, that’s for sure. Glad you found my post helpful.
You put so much thought and effort into this post! What great information! I have never been to a blogfest, but I am pinning this for later 🙂 I am stopping my from The Friday Blog Booster Party 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Alexis @ http://www.chemistrycachet.com
Thanks Alexis! I’m glad you find it helpful. It would work for any conference (though for most you won’t be doing quite as much exercising! 🙂 ).
This is super helpful! Definitely looks like I’m gonna need a checked backed not carry on for this trip. I’m getting so excited.
I hate to encourage anybody to pack more stuff, but yes, I think you’ll need more than a carry on :-).
Loving all of your tips for BlogFest!!
Can I envy you for attending it? 😛
I do hope I will be able to afford a blog convention one day. Hopefully, Blogfest!
I’m here from #FridayBlogBooster.
Love this list!
I’m vegan too so I hear ya on the snacks 😉 Last year there were a few vegan options in the expo for samples (daiya are there again this year too! plus soy foods).
I’d also suggest a good backpack for the expo. Nothing worse than shoulder pain from an over the shoulder bag to ruin your convention.
And for fitness outfits remember the expo has good deals on fitness clothing! Reebok booth & lorna jane!
I agree 100% with the iPad keyboard though!!! That’s a MUST for session notes!
Look forward to seeing you next month 🙂
We don’t have many blog conferences in my part of the world – I’m totally jealous! They do look fantastic and I can see how putting some thought into the items you pack is important for how well you’re able to participate in the fun and learning!
Thanks for the informative post! I’m so excited to go to BlogFest again this year! You can never be too prepared. 🙂
Aw I wish I was going to Blogfest, it looks like so much fun! Great tips for packing!
Great tips!!!! Im definitely bringing my backpack. Did you bring your laptop at all?
Yes, I did bring it, but I didn’t haul it around during the day. I had a blog post due, so I worked a little bit early in the morning.
Good tips! I’m very excited as they s will be my first time attending.
Hurray! I look forward to meeting you.
Thanks for this Debbie! It’s my first time. The last two years I’ve had to cancel last minute so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
I know! I’ll finally get to meet you. Wasn’t it a car accident or something last year? Some kind of pretty serious injury.
Yes, broke my tibia 3 days before it.
Jeez. Stay healthy this week!
I’m getting SO excited! I can’t believe it’s already next week! Woo hoo!
Me too!!! Can’t wait to see you!
What about a mat? Would that be needed?
I have never brought a mat (well I did but kept it in my room), but if you’re doing a lot of yoga/mat type classes you might want to bring your own. Usually the workshops supply what you need, but I’d check the description. A couple years ago they had a big yoga class and actually gave a mat to each participant.
I’m not sure if you saw Kelli’s comment, but she suggested to bring a yoga mat if you are taking a yoga class.
I sounds like so much fun, I remember when you went last year. Do enjoy yourself again and your packing tips will be most helpful to all those packing for a conference etc.
have fun, wish I was going this year!
I wish you were too! Someday, maybe!
I’m not attending, but it sounds like soo much fun! These are great tips for future reference. I always over pack. At least fitness clothes don’t take up too much space!
I wish you were coming! The list works for any fitness and/or blogging conference though. 🙂
I am a notorious over packer! J hope to make it to blog feat one of these years
I’d love it if you did!