Instead of the Dishes » Arkansas, Write & Blog » AWBU ’14 Conference: Why You Should Go (Plus: Swag Giveaway!)

AWBU ’14 Conference: Why You Should Go (Plus: Swag Giveaway!)

August 5th, 2014 | 2 Comments

It’s that time of year again – I’m gearing up for the Arkansas Women Bloggers University (AWBU), the bestest blog conference there is, IMO. The conference is September 5-7 and the registration deadline is September 1. Now, I hear your brain starting to prioritize reasons why you shouldn’t/can’t/might not like to go. I am here to tell you different. No matter which of these bloggers you most identify with, I can tell you why you should mark your calendar now.

Travel-Timid Tina

Long distance travel is something you’re not a fan of, and the cost of air travel makes you think you’ll never get to a conference. No worries! The fourth annual AWBU Conference is being hosted in Rogers, Arkansas, so whether you’re an Arkie, a resident of MO (like me), or even if you hail from KS or OK, it’s easy to get to. Pack the car with some snacks, an audio book, or even better – your favorite foodie blogger friend – and let’s go! (I’m headed down from the Springfield, MO area for anyone who is interested in hitching a ride).

Newbie Norah

You’ve never been to a blog conference before and you’re not sure if you’re ready. You also don’t know any other bloggers, so you won’t know anyone there. Even if you don’t even have a blog yet, this is a great conference. There are sessions for everyone ranging from beginner to advanced. I guarantee there will be other newbies there, and I can also guarantee there will be other people there who don’t know anyone. I have been to ALL of the AWBU conferences, and I still meet new people every year. I will look forward to meeting you!!

Burned-Out Betty

You have a full time job. When you get home each night, you’re exhausted, so you haven’t blogged in ages. Or maybe you’re dealing with writer’s block, or blogger burn out. The AWBU Conference is a great way to get re-energized with new ideas. Hanging out with a bunch of gals that do the same thing you do will make a huge positive impact. Bring a notebook (paper or digital) and get ready to let the creative energy flow through you!

Introverted Izzie

Crowds are not your idea of a good time. You like to hang with friends, but it takes a lot of energy out of you and you need your quiet time. Good news! AWBU is a smalish- conference, about 200 attendees. That’s definitely still a crowd, but we are rarely all together in one place, and even when we are, we generally break off into small groups to chat. If you’re ready for some quiet, you can sneak off at any time – head off to your hotel room or roam through the beautiful and quaint downtown Rogers area. We’ll miss you while you’re gone, but we’ll be here when you get back!

Specialized Suzie

You blog about a specific topic. Maybe you’re a foodie, or a photo blogger, or a crafter. So, you should probably spend all your time with bloggers just like you. And there probably won’t be enough relevant information for you at AWBU. Au Contrare! First, if you’re a Foodie, you’ll want to show up early for the Foodie Friday pre-conference event. It’s great fun, and usually there’s some type of crazy food prep contest. Otherwise, no matter what your niche is, you’ll likely find at least one other blogger at AWBU that shares an interest in what you blog about. Now, here’s the crazy-tricky part. I’ve been to other blog conferences besides AWBU. And here’s the amazing thing. I usually learn more from bloggers who blog in other niches. Just listen, and ask questions, and keep an open mind.

Family-Oriented Fran

Your family probably can’t function without you for the weekend, and you’ll miss them too much too. I agree that it is hard to leave the ones you love behind, but I also believe that it’s good for everyone involved. If you have kids, it gives them a chance to spend some one-on-one time with another caretaker. A weekend with dad or grandma can be tons of fun for everyone! You get a weekend to just be you (and to learn a lot and meet new blogger friends), and your loves will appreciate you even more when you get back.

No matter who you are, and whether or not you get to come to AWBU 14, I have a giveaway for you. The prize is Swag Bag with some of the goodies that were given out at AWBU 13, plus a $25 DISCOUNT CODE on registration for AWBU ’14. Use the widget to enter below!