Last weekend I attended the 2015 Problogger Training Event – just a *wee* gathering of about 700 bloggers or people wanting to connect with bloggers.
The conference is the brainchild of Problogger’s Darren Rowse. It started with humble beginnings as a one-day event in 2010 and has grown to be Australia’s only annual blogging conference.
What goes down at a blogging conference?
A whole lot of fun, networking and learning, that’s what. This year – like others before – international speakers joined some of best on stage to share areas of their online expertise.
I’m someone who also sets out with the intention to learn something from everyone who I hear speak at a conference or a networking event.
There is ALWAYS something to learn. Always some little – or massive – aha moment to realise.
I just believe you need to be open to that.
On the networking side of things, I’m an extrovert. It comes easy to me to chat to people I’ve just met or have known for years.
I do have some personal tools that help me with this though as it still can be a nerve-wracking thing walking into a room where you don’t know everyone.
My number one personal tool, is outfit planning.
If I’ve put some thought into the outfit or outfits I’m thinking of wearing for the conference or networking event then I’ve probably created an outfit that I feel comfortable in and one that feels like me, not a version of myself I think I should be.
That’s the key to an outfit that works for you at any time but even more so if putting yourself beyond your social comfort zone feels you with dread.
These are my 7 tips for how to dress for a conference – or a networking event. I’ve enlisted a little help from the real women of #everydaystyle who shared their conference outfits across the Problogger weekend. (Make sure you follow them on Instagram for more of their style secrets)
1. Plan out what you’re going to wear, matched to what the conference schedule looks like, its location and the time of year it’s being held.
2. Comfort is key. There is a lot of sitting down happening – not as much as a long-haul flight but enough just the same. Will you feel as great at 4pm as you did during the kick-off session at 8.30am.
3. Conference climate control is a tricky thing. I’ve been to conferences in mid-winter where I’ve felt like I’ve been sitting on a tropical island (except no-one packed their swimsuit and the swimming pool is not in sight). I’ve been to summer conferences where I’ve wondered how I could have forgotten to pack my ski gear. And I’ve been to conferences where you can experience both these extremes all in one day. Make layers your friend and be prepared to add or subtract as required.
4. At most conferences it’s about casual instead of corporate. Most people will probably welcome that. For others, casual can be tricky if their work persona is tied up with wearing a suit. If that’s you, err on the smart side of casual. Add a structured piece to your outfit to anchor it in familiar territory.
5. Don’t ignore the themed event. Well, you can if you’d like. I’m SO not a costume kind of girl but I always like to fit in so I will plan an outfit around any theme. Last weekend’s networking event theme was SHINE, so I just delved into the sequins part of my wardrobe. Don’t over-think the theme – unless of course you are a costume queen and need to uphold your reputation.
@loveface_beauty and @redclifestyle
6. Do show your personality. Conferences are about learning but you can learn a lot from those who attend with you. If you want to connect with like-minded people, a good starting point is by staying true to yourself in what you wear. Dress so that we understand a bit about your personality from a first glance. Wear something – an accessory, a statement jacket or amazing colour – that highlights the real and fabulous you.
@styleandshenanigans and @colourmeanna
7. Do pay others compliments on some aspect of what they’re wearing. This is an exercise I get women to do in my Unlock Your Style talks to highlight just how good it feels to give a compliment AND to receive one. It’s also a great ice-breaker if you find yourself meeting people for the first time. Do it and I promise you’ll feel all kinds of tingly on the inside.
Have you been to a conference lately? Share your tips on what to wear? Do any of the looks above reflect your conference style?
Comments 54
Carly Findlay skirt rocks!!!
Thank you Nikki for including me in your post. Sorry it’s taken me so long to catch up on posts. I loved all the shine outfits. Wished I could have talked to you more at the event. Xx
sounds like a fantastic event. Loved reading this and seeing everyone’s outfits. You all look great.
Thank you so much for including me Nikki! This year was my first Pro Blogger and it certainly won’t be my last. It was lovely seeing you and you looked fabulous each day as always! x
Such an elaborated post Nikki, loved the way you included complementing pictures with each point.
Wow Nikki, what an awesome wrap up. Seeing all these stylish beauties made me miss them all over again. Thanks for including me. Zoe xx
I just loved seeing everyone and their fabulous #everdaystyle. Thanks for including me gorgeous girl xx
Loved all your outfits Bev xx
Loved all your outfits Bev xx
Love the pictures of all the gorgeous ladies! Glad you had a great time. Might see you at the next one!!!
I hope so!!
Lots of familiar faces, everyone looks great. I’m hoping to make the trip (and hopefully the 2016 outfit cut) next year!
I hope you’ll be there next year too!
Great to see all these outfits again. I loved the chance to get out of my work at home uniform. But I realised that I need a good dress, not too formal but good for lunches, something fun but comfy. On the hunt!
Love getting inspiration from others Seana – good luck in the hunt!
Everyone looked so fantastic! What an amazing few days it was. I only wish it wasn’t another whole year until the next one.
Kirralee, I’m so sorry – I just realised that I missed you out and I should not have done that – loved your dress at the SHINE party. I’m so sorry!! x
That’s ok! I don’t think it helped that I didn’t post an #everydaystyle pic of it. I only have one fuzzy full length pic #stylebloggerfail
Everyone looked so fantastic! What an amazing few days it was. I only wish it wasn’t another whole year until the next one.
Such fantastic tips Nikki! Thank you for including us too 🙂 It’s always a blast catching up you with you! Loved seeing your gorgeous Louis Vuitton bag too! #bagenvy
Lucky it never left my hand 😉 x
What a whirlwind! I can’t quite believe it’s all over for another year. Absolutely loved catching up with everyone and seeing their fabulous personal style in the flesh. Thanks so much for the inclusion. x
How good was it to see so many from #everydaystyle in the flesh doing their awesome thing?! You, my friend, absolutely shone x
It’s so true about staying true to yourself and style instead of another version of who you think you are… there was one time I had to go to an event and I wanted to fit in by being all cool and fashiony and edgy, and I was sooooo uncomfortable. Doesnt matter how I looked..i hated it. Now I just wear what I love to those things and I’m more me:)
We lose our confidence as soon as we try and be something we’re not – we are awesome as we are – let’s show that how we feel best doing so x
It’s so true about staying true to yourself and style instead of another version of who you think you are… there was one time I had to go to an event and I wanted to fit in by being all cool and fashiony and edgy, and I was sooooo uncomfortable. Doesnt matter how I looked..i hated it. Now I just wear what I love to those things and I’m more me:)
Great photos Nikki! Had the best time. Thanks for the mention. Can’t believe it was this time last week that I was flying down… gosh that has gone fast.
It does go too fast Miss Chardy! Next time you’re in Brisbane we need to do a proper catch up x
Top tips and so many awesome outfits – there was a whole lot of fabulous going down at PB 2015. I especially loved your outfit for the Friday night – you totally sparkled!
Thanks Sammie … and I realised I’ve missed you too! URRGHH … was trying to include everyone but think the # has let me know in re-tracing the weekend. Sorry! x
Don’t be sorry – I don’t think I even hastagged myself – that’s because I was too busy attacking the macaron tower! Good luck for tomoz xx
Top tips and so many awesome outfits – there was a whole lot of fabulous going down at PB 2015. I especially loved your outfit for the Friday night – you totally sparkled!
I love all the outfits from Problogger,such stylish women and all so chic in their own way,great tips Nikki!
I loved this post Xx
Loved your Shine outfit – you totally nailed it. Loved the inspiring group of women at #PBevent. Thanks so much for the shout out too! x
Loved your Shine outfit – you totally nailed it. Loved the inspiring group of women at #PBevent. Thanks so much for the shout out too! x
I loved that too – seeing it across the weekend just made my ‘style’ heart smile!
Jen you look beautiful! Love the red on you 🙂
Jen you look beautiful! Love the red on you 🙂
Hi Nikki, some lovely outfits here. I go to conferences for work, normally a one day type but next year is going to be three, dreading it already. I firmly believe that you always always learn something too, even a small quote can make a massive difference. Got back from Thailand on Sunday, my partner was sick that night, now I am sick too, gastro bug/flu thing. Gah! I am dying to see what you have in the Styling You shop, sure to be lots of lovely things. Kathryn 🙂
Gah! Ending a fab holiday with illness is not fun – hope you get better soon!! X
Great advice as alway Nikki. I was at a Food Industry conference last week at Luna Park in Sydney where I had to give a presentation. I was really nervous about giving the presentation so I thought as long as a I look good maybe the audience wont focus too much on the words! The skirt I’d bought didn’t match the jacket that I planned on wearing it with, so I went back to the drawing board at the last minute and chose the old favourites with a jacket I hadn’t previously considered. Can’t wait to see what you are wearing tonight. Good luck.
Oh and I bet you felt more confident in an old fave!? Works for me.
Thank you for including me! I love the tip about paying others compliments – that is half the fun of dressing up! AlexxStuart said ‘Problogger is like being at a wedding where everyone is the bride’ and that’s so true!
Good luck tonight x
Oh I love that analogy! And thanks x
Great tips Nikki. I loved seeing everyone’s #pbevent outfits. It only added to all the fun. The shine theme was a real winner… so much fabulousness xx
I loved it too Shannon – sorry we didn’t get to chat – hopefully today! X
What a gorgeous group of beautiful women! All with their own unique style. Loved this post!
That’s what I loved seeing Jess! So much diversity in personal style.
Awesome stylish ladies there. V x
Was amazing to see V!
Great tips (as always!) I loved seeing everyone’s #everydaystyle at the conference and your shine outfit was gorgeous.
I loved seeing how everyone dressed to show their style personality – so much diversity!
Thank you so much for the shout-out! This has made my morning (coincidentally, my last day on the Gold Coast). PS I loved your ‘shine’ outfit!
Enjoy that last day! Thanks for shining your way through the event!