I’m sure it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite things about the blogosphere is the community. I think we’ve all said it, it’s been a surprise at one time or another how this blogging community works. No matter what you blog about, you can find a group for you to connect to. Once you get out of college, it’s hard to make?real connections so I have loved building genuine connections through this little space of mine.
What I have loved is being able to also meet fellow bloggers in real life! It’s almost guaranteed that there are at least a few local bloggers in your area and if you’ve always wanted to try to put together an event for the bloggers in your area, here is your guide for making that happen!
Planning a blog event may sound intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. There are similar logistics as there would be for planning any event, but the logistics are well worth the pay off for getting to meet with like-minded people who are also bloggers!
The first ever meetup I planned was back in May. I teamed up with another blogger and we were able to spend the morning with a great group of other bloggers, may who I still keep in touch with six months later! What was so fun was to go around and hear the natural conversations about blogging. Natural only after I did an awkward introduction of myself and tried to remember everyone’s names.
Anyways, so you want to plan a meetup… how do you get started?
Find local bloggers
Before you go and plan a huge shindig, find a few bloggers who are in your area and would be interested in attending an event. It could even be one blogger, but the more the merrier to help spread the word about your event!
If you’re not sure where to begin searching for local bloggers, you can try a regional blogging community like Southern Girl Blogging Community, Northeast Bloggers Network, or Southern Blog Society. You can also check non-regional groups like The Peony Project. They may have a document of where the members live or you can simply post on the group and ask if there are any bloggers in your area. ?If all else fails try searching “Your Region?Blogger” on Google and your bound to come up with a few!
After finding some other local bloggers, decide whether you want to host the event alone or with a cohost!
Details
I would say even before choosing a venue, you’ll want to decide how casual your event will be. Is it going to be structured or unstructured? Will it be networking or educational (like a book study)? Start there as that will dictate where you can host the event.
Once you’ve settled on a type of event, contact locations to figure out if there is one available. Many places have a private room that can be rented. Try to negotiate using your blog for exposure for the company in lieu of a rental fee- just make sure to follow up with this at the end of the event. You can also just go to somewhere casual and save a big table if that’s an option. You could even host an event at your house (though you may want to wait until you’ve met the people first!). Some ideas of locations include: local restaurants, coffee shops, a dessert place, or another event center.
Pricing
You’ll also need to decide whether to charge for this event or not. The first event I did, we charged $5 to ensure people who were signing up would actually show up and to help cover some administrative costs like swag bags and paying for our speakers lunch! Decide this up front and make sure it is clear to the attendees. They will not be happy showing up and finding out there’s a cover charge.
Swag Bags
Decide whether you’ll want to have swag bags or any sort of gift for the attendees. The last meetup I went to we did a mug swap which was a really fun and inexpensive way to have each person take a little something with them from the event! If you’re going to do swagbags, consider asking for sponsors to cover the items in your goodie bag. For tips on getting sponsors for this type of goodie bag, check out this guide from Feast and West!
Advertise
In those same places?where you looked for local bloggers, advertise your event there! Ask those local bloggers to help spread the word and to bring a friend with them. You may even consider posting something online through a local newspaper or radio, depending on your area. Create a hashtag for your event to start getting people excited about the upcoming event and maybe even draw in other people.
Execute
Show up to your event early, so someone else isn’t the first one there! Make sure to introduce yourself to any managers or event coordinators, if applicable. Don’t forget to bring those blog business cards?to hand out to your blog friends (blogger fail: the first three events I went to, I didn’t have my cards yet)! Be sure to bring any materials with you if you planned any games or ice breakers. ? I am more of the free spirit when it comes to those types of things, I just let people talk out the awkwardness instead of planning any sort of conversation topics.
You are the host, so be sure to try to mingle and especially make sure no one is sitting in a corner alone. It’s all about making connections! Some people may not be as willing to jump in and start conversation (you may not normally be either!) but take advantage of your role as the host and try to make the most out of your connections.
After the event be sure to post a recap on your blog, that way if any other local bloggers see it but didn’t know about it you can connect that way! Also the next time someone Googles a blogger in their area, you might show up on the search!
So, have you ever planned a blogger meetup? Tell me about it!
If you have any other questions about planning a meetup, comment below so I can try to help!
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Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
This is so helpful! I have been wanting to do more blogger meetups, but there haven’t been a lot of opportunities in my area. Maybe I will put one together this year! I like the idea of charging a small fee to ensure people show up and to cover a few costs.
Lauren Dalton says
Jenna…Madison and I were talking about how we would love to find a reason to be in FL so we could meet up with you! Then we decided that since we are both here you should come visit us!!!! haha 🙂
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I think you are right! How close do you live to Madison? My brother’s in-laws have a vacation home in NC, and I’m hoping to go there sometime this year. Maybe I’ll be able to meet up with you both when I go!
Madison says
Yes, yes, yes! She’s about an hour north of me. So I’m right in the middle of where you’d be and she would be. How convenient! 😉
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
That’s perfect! We will have to make that happen very soon 🙂
Lauren Dalton says
Love it!!!!
Linda Kinsman says
I would love to meet up with other bloggers in my area. I just may have to take this on now after reading your tips. Thanks!
Madison says
You definitely should! It’s really easy to plan and you can meet some great bloggers.
Lauren Flowers says
What a fun post! I would love to have one huge blog meetup, and especially see you!!
taylor says
same!!!
Madison says
Yes, yes!! I would love it!
Lauren Dalton says
Love this post Madison! I am also lucky to have been at that first meetup and so glad to have met you!!!!
Madison says
I’m so so glad you came!
thealishanicole says
Great tips!! i want to put together something for my blogs two year anniversary this year so I def will be keeping all of this in mind!
Madison says
That would be the perfect opportunity to put one together!
Stacia says
Great tips! I’ve been wanting to meet more bloggers in person recently, so this may come in handy!
Madison says
You should definitely plan a meetup!!
Gina Alyse says
These are awesome tips Madison! I’m doing another blogger meetup on Saturday?but it’s just going to be small and chill, and I can’t wait to discuss all things blogging!
Madison says
Small and chill ones are so fun 🙂
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says
Really great points!
I’m hoping to meet up with local bloggers more this year.
Madison says
I hope you can!!
taylor says
i so wish i could do this or even go to a blogging conference. i feel as though my blogging isn’t as serious as it used to be (and i wish it were) but i would be so up for a conference like this in the NE region. such cool tips though, Madison, and you make it sound not so-intimidating! But what you have accomplished in the blogosphere is so impressive! go you!!!
Madison says
You should definitely look into a conference! I feel like it’s less about the tips you might learn and more about the empowerment and meeting new people! 🙂
You are so sweet- thank you girl!
Ashley says
This was so great! It makes me excited to plan my own local blog meet up. Now I just need to find some local bloggers to meet up with.
Madison says
You totally should! There are lots of ways to find other bloggers, it just takes some work if you’re in a less populated area of bloggers 🙂
Kati Rose says
I’ve been brainstorming with the idea of reaching out to a few bloggers to start this in my area so this post came at the perfect time! Thanks!
Madison says
Yes!! You totally should girl 🙂
Shirley Wood says
This is great info. I’d love to do this in my area! I may implement your tips and get to work on it.
Madison says
That’s awesome Shirley! I hope you can get some people together 🙂
Shybiker says
Great tips. This week, I met another blogger who is planning a big blogger meetup in July and we’re discussing these exact issues. Your advice helps!
Madison says
That’s great! I hope it’s a successful event.
Tiffany MrsTee Haywood says
What great information!! I am definitely printing, pinning and saving this for near future use! You are such a pro and I know that I will definitely be ahead of the game with you tips!
Madison says
Yay! I hope you can find some bloggers in your area soon and plan an event for them! 🙂
Emily Finta says
I tried to plan a casual meetup a while ago but only one other blogger showed up. We still had a lot of fun exploring a small town we both had never been though! I’d definitely love to plan one with all these tips in mind!
Madison says
Well hopefully if you plan another you’ll have a few more! It’s always tricky finding people but I bet there are more than you think!
Agent Q says
Although I never planned any formal/semi-formal meetup, I had a wonderful opportunity of meeting a couple of bloggers individually. This is mostly due to travel/convenience which gave us the opportunity to meet in person. There were a few talks with other blog buddies about meeting up in case I get stationed near their home base [as a military service member].
Madison says
That’s great that you were able to meet up even if it wasn’t formal! Sometimes those are the best ones.
Jes?s Rosas says
I’m hosting regular meetings with bloggers, but most of them are beginners and not really dedicated, some don’t publish and even others haven’t start a blog. I’ve taught them how to open one, the advantages of having one, showcased other blogs, etc. Do you have any suggestions of what other activities we can do for these meetings?
Madison Wetherill says
If they’re not serious bloggers, I’d try just connecting people on a more social level. Make it less about learning about blogging and more about just interacting with each other! You could try to plan some local events that are for bloggers, rather than about blogging, if that makes sense!
SANDRA says
super helpful thank you for sharing… .I’m so socially awkward too but I’m finally making our very first So Cal Bloggers Meetup happen this upcoming weekend and I’m excited to see what’s in store… so happy you made this happen for yourself as well.
Smitha says
Thank you for your tips. I am planning a meet by the end of this month. I would love to have your feedback and suggestions for the same.
shati says
This was soooo helpful! there aren’t many posts/articles out there for a how to arrange a blogger’s brunch/meet event. I do have a few questions and would be thrilled if you can help me out!
My biggest concern is relating to the monetary part of the logistics. Is it okay to ask bloggers for a cover/meal charge? Or should I be trying to find sponsors/ food companies for collaboration, or bear the cost on my own?
I am really hoping to hear back from you!
Shati
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
I think is absolutely acceptable to charge a cover or to cover their meals. If you can find sponsors, that’s even better, but if not, I think it’s totally fair to charge!