Hello visiting Allume attendees! We are just 17 days away from seeing each other in person at Allume 2012! Today’s post is especially for the newbies. We put out a call on Friday for you guys to link-up and now it’s time to get busy linking!
Because I want as many newbies included in the link-up I’m leaving the form of your post up to you but here’s a few prompts to consider:
- Do a general intro post—the elevator pitch about you and your blog.
- List the Top 5 things you’re hoping to gain from Allume.
- List the Top 5 things you’re freaking out about and maybe we’ll get some alumni helping us out in your comments.
Still don’t think you can write a post? Just link to your main site! We want to be able to meet you.
As I mentioned before, feel free to join the Facebook Group for Allume Newbies. There’s some great conversation happening!
Since I’m a newbie too I thought I’d post the top 5 things I’m freaking out about:
- I didn’t want to but I’m freaking out a little about my outfits. Ugh, I know it’s so lame. I just want to be comfortable, warm and cute but since it’s my first time, I’m not sure how many outfits I need and how dressy they need to be. Plus, I’m flying and I don’t want to have to check a bag but they keep saying leave room for swag and oh my goodness, I can’t do both without it costing a fortune!
- What if I don’t attend the right break-out session? There are so many great speakers and I’m already having a hard time picking which one I’ll attend. What if I miss the best Allume session ever?? Which sessions are on your list?
- I am really good at sticking my foot in my mouth and being socially awkward. I just really hope I’m able to not look like a dork in front of all of you!
- While I’m SUPER excited to meet so many of you, I’m really hoping to walk away with some knowledge and clarity. I’m just praying that I have my eyes and ears open enough to receive that.
- While the Allume organizers have been amazing about dietary restrictions, I am a tad nervous about being gluten-free at a conference. Any other GF folks making back-up plans?
Any newbies sharing the same concerns? Any alumni want to share some advice?
Ok, enough about me, let’s meet each other! Link up below!
Thanks for the heads up! 🙂 I already have a post for Monday, so I will like up 10 things about me or my about page!
I plan on linking up here in a bit, but I did want to comment on your #5. I’m not gluten-free, I’m grain-free (which I am sure you as a gluten-free adherent know is not the same 🙂 ). That worries me a little bit, but I’m mentally preparing to just diet a bit while I’m there. Also, I plan on bringing a few snack foods that I know don’t cause any bad reactions. Along with that I am in the middle of a flare up of my health issues so I am a tad concerned about traveling with that going on/having my health cause me to miss out on things while I’m there. Eek. I just really really want to make the most of the time there!
Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Elizabeth recently posted…The Glasses
Wow, grain-free would definitely be harder. I think I’m going to bring a few snacks as well. I’m hoping there will always be some kind of fruit available if nothing else 🙂
I’m gluten AND grain free…just wondering how it went for you both last year as far as your food restrictions? I’m an allume newbie this year!
Aprille recently posted…Because I want to remember these moments…
It went really well. I had no issues finding something to eat. They were very conscientious about food allergies. Hope to see you there the year!
Great idea! Thanks for doing this! Though I am having a hard time getting the linky to work…
Lauren recently posted…Allume and Me
Looks like your link is there and working! I’m hopping over to comment.
So excited you’re doing this link up! Can’t wait to meet everyone!
So glad you linked up, going to visit you now!
I can’t wait to meet you in person, Amy! (And all the rest of you too!) 🙂
About the luggage/swag, etc. What you are hearing is true. The first two years, I came home with a lot of books. I checked a bag both times and was glad I did. However, I do have friends who managed with a carry-on only. I’m pretty sure they left some of the swag behind. You could consider bringing a duffle bag in your carry-on on the way to the conference, and then check that bag if you need to on the way home.
You won’t be the only one feeling socially awkward…I’ll be right there with you (along with many others) 🙂
Erin Ulrich recently posted…day 6: Do I need an author website?
Erin, do not leave Allume until we meet!!
Oh, the duffle bag is a good idea so at least I’m only checking one way. Thank you for that!
Don’t worry! I won’t! We’ll have to sit together at a meal or grab a coffee or something! 🙂
Erin Ulrich recently posted…day 6: Do I need an author website?
Okay this is how green I am. I don’t even have my own blog to link up to. I wish I did. I sometimes contribute to the MOPS International blog at mom-ology.org. Here is what I’d say:
Top 5 Things I’m Looking Forward To:
1. LEARNING. Things I don’t even need to know I need to learn.
2. Making friends. When I start skipping around the blogs of people attending I know I won’t have enough time to talk to every person. And I want to.
3. Being inspired. Hearing how God is using social media for his social good. Love that!
4. Making connections. Hearing how moms are making it work. To work with children wrapped around their legs. And hearing stories that we (at MOPS) could use.
5. Sleeping. I know that sounds ridiculous, but this is MY weekend, and I plan to sleep a little more than I do at home (I know you are all thinking that’s impossible, and perhaps it is, but a girl can dream can’t she?)
Okay I was so excited, I didn’t proof what I just commented. Edit:
#1: LEARNING. I need to learn things I don’t even know I need to learn.
(Perhaps that includes reading through something before hitting “post”.)
Alexandra, I adore your last comment about wanting to sleep! I purposely didn’t plan an early flight on Sunday so I wouldn’t have to get up super early. Just my two cents but I might go ahead and set up a blog in the next few weeks just to dip in your toes!
I’m so with you on the sleep thing. I haven’t had a night away from my babies years. sleep is at the top of my priority list for allume, and I’m not ashamed!! LOL
You will have a great weekend!! 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Stephanie, I’m so excited!
Amy, thanks so much for doing this! I’m so excited (and freaked) about this, especially since I’m flying in from Arizona. And yes, yes, YES to your 1 and 3. Both are big time worries for me!
You’re welcome! Arizona IS a long way but I’m sure it will feel like home with all the wonderful ladies around you 🙂 Thanks for linking up!
Hi Amy! I went last year when it was Relevant, and had a great time. A little advice:
– don’t worry too much about what you wear. Just make sure it’s comfy and cute enough so you feel confident!
– Yes, you will get a LOT of swag! I packed a whole empty duffel bag so that I could check one bag and carry on the other.
– I’m pretty sure they’re taping the sessions! So even if we choose ‘wrong’ or miss one, we can access it later! Isn’t that great?!
I’ll be coming with a sponsoring company this year, working the booth, and my flying for the first time with my 10 month old. So I hear ya on the nerves!! But we can do it, and we’ll have a blast! =)
Anna, thank you so much for replying!
You are right about taping the sessions so that is one relief! Still wishing I could see all my favorites live though…just something about being in the room.
Congrats on your sponsor, I will check it out and look for you!
Amy recently posted…31 Days of Wisdom: Day 8
Thank for hosting this link-up Amy! I love these comments. I don’t know what to expect, but I can see from here that there will beautiful, kind faces surrounding me. I definitely second the goal of sleeping! I am nervous because I don’t know anyone going to Allume (in real life), but I am counting on God to teach me through the experience!
Karin recently posted…The river flows (#8)
Karin, you’re welcome! I have only met 1 person there in real life but I feel like I know so many from blogging. I’m sure we’ll come away with many friends 🙂 Hope to meet you there!
GLUTEN FREE!!! Right here baby. GF, and dairy-free too. Oy! I’m bringing snacks and several of us have hooked up and are going to see about going on a food run sometime on Thursday. Wanna come?
Debi Stangeland recently posted…And Again I Say, Rejoice!
I’m flying in later Thursday afternoon so I’ll probably miss you guys. I’m thinking I’ll just stock up on peanuts and that’ll be my go-to snack all weekend.
Thanks for the opportunity to link up with you Amy! I am very excited for Allume!
Jolene recently posted…My Hope for #Allume
You’re welcome! I’m excited too! I can’t believe it’s only 10 days away!
Hello Everyone, I’m Aleysha Proctor and I’m a Christian Lifestyle Blogger. My blog, “Aleysha’s Lifestyle Cafe”, covers topics from fashion to faith (and a few things in between).
My goal is to learn from the Allume Conference;
1. from some of the veteran bloggers like Darren Rouse and Sarah Mae
2. I’m also looking forward to learning from the publishing panel (I’ve already written and self-published 3 books so far, and currently working on my next projects).
3. I want to enhance my blog and book writing, so I’m looking forward to learning about new resources and, hopefully, some like-minded partnerships and affiliates.
4. I’m looking forward to putting actual faces to names (and Twitter handles).
5. And I’m looking forward to meeting some more people in the Christian blogging/writing community.
I’m not freaking about anything. I rarely, ever do. 🙂
I’ll see you all soon! Thank you.
Aleysha Proctor recently posted…Thursdays It Is!
Wow, 3 self-published books? Maybe you should be teaching!
I’m looking forward to putting faces to names as well. Can’t believe it’s only 10 days away!!
Thanks for linking up!
I know, I agree – I said that I’d be speaking at a few conferences next year. We’ll see. 🙂
Thank you!
I finally linked it (and got a post up for today). Thanks for hosting this. I’m really hoping our paths cross at Allume.
Amy Tilson recently posted…So I’m Going to This Conference Called Allume