Haven Conference--Here I Come!

In just 10 days, I'll be heading out to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Haven, my first ever blog conference.  For those of you who are unsure what a blog conference is, let me explain.  It's a 3 day event held at a fab hotel specifically for bloggers in the home decor and DIY niche.  There will be a number of different classes offering everything from the business side of blogging to actual hands on design classes taught by some of the biggest names in blogland.  There will be the opportunity to meet and network with sponsors.  And the best thing, being able to meet so many terrific bloggers in person!

I'm extremely excited to attend but I also have a bit of nervousness, too.  A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to attend the Haven conference but the tickets were all sold out.  (Of course, by then I REALLY wanted to go.)  I was able to get my name on a waiting list but never heard back so assumed that I wouldn't be going this year.  About two weeks ago, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality (and conference VIP) let me know that a ticket was available for me if I still wanted to go.  (A huge YES!)

I immediately called the hotel to try to book a reservation but was told that everything was already taken.  (Of course.)  I must have sounded quite desperate on the phone as the hotel desk clerk was able to find a room for Thursday and Friday night only.  Nothing available whatsoever on Wednesday.  I told her I would take it.  As I then had visions of myself curled up in my paint splattered pajamas on the floor in the lobby for the first night.  Although, it might be a great way to meet new bloggers.  ("Oh, you're the girl who was snoring and drooling on the lobby floor last night?")

Luckily, Rhoda came to the rescue again.  On the Haven Conference Facebook page she posted a name and "secret" phone number of a manager at the hotel who could possibly help if people were having trouble booking a room.  I called the number just in time and was able to book a room for Wednesday, too.  (Truly, a relief.)

I guess the nervousness I mentioned is due to the fact that I don't already have a hang-out buddy at the conference.  I'll be meeting tons of fabulous bloggers there but since I'll be traveling and rooming alone I don't have a built in cool person to pal around with.  I do think that there will be many who are coming to the conference without knowing anyone (just like me) so maybe we can hang out and act like we know what we're doing.

The other things I'm freaking out a little about are the fact that I haven't ordered business cards yet. (Yikes!) And that I have no idea what to wear.  I want to be professional but cute, memorable but not tacky. (Help!)

Beth from Home Stories From A to Z wrote a helpful post for bloggers attending their first blog conference.  So pop on over and get some good info from a conference pro.  

Well, this post is a bit wordy (and emotionally needy) but these are the thoughts that are swirling around my head.

Is anyone else (gleefully) attending Haven this month?

Hope to see you there!