Blogging & Press Events: A Guide

 Linzi Press Event 2015

As blogging gets more and more attention and as our community continues to grow and gain even more deserved credibility, there's more and more of us that will be heading to blogging and press events all over the place and if it's your first time, it can be a little bit overwhelming and perhaps intimidating but I'm here to tell you that basically it's all super awesome and thought that I'd give you a bit of a lowdown on what to expect, things I've learned, and some of the benefits to heading down to these lovely events. Sound good? Lets get cracking with some things to note:

Urban Outfitters Press Day 2015

 It's An Opportunity To Network: So, first things first.. although it could be insightful to head to a press event or blogging event and have a browse of all of the new launches/nibbles/brands promotional material and then leave quietly through the nearest exit, the real benefit of these things is that you get to actually meet people. As a blogger, (full-time or not) a lot of your time might be spent typing away behind a screen and these kinds of events allow you to meet people in person and get your passion across face to face. There will most likely be PR's and various brands at most of the events that you go to and don't be afraid to introduce yourself and get to know the people behind the screen. You might be surprised at how flippin' lovely everyone is! And.. it's not just brands you'll get to chat to either, there will be plenty of other bloggers and press peoples around in the same boat as you! All I can really relay to you is 'Don't be afraid of conversation'... I've met some absolutely lovely people at events and worked with loads of amazing companies just through being open to conversation. Ooh, it's also always handy to have some business cards (not that mine ever seem to be printed/in my bag/ not under my bed).

Debenhams Beauty Press Day 2015

They're All The Same: Okay.. so not exactly.. but there's loads of things that all Press Days will have in common and it might be reassuring to know them. So firstly, the focus will be on new launches, new seasons trends and anything new and exciting happening with the brand/brands in question over the following six months or so.. this means that you get to eye up all of the beautiful things before they hit the shops. Winner. 

There will also probably be nibbles and prosecco : one glass might help.. ten probably wont.

With social media being the biggest thing since sliced bread.. the event will undoubtedly have a hashtag, SO.. if you're heading there alone, why not send out a few tweets using the hashtag to see who else is going and if anyone wants to meet up before hand. It's unlikely that you'll get completely pied.. there's always someone looking for a fellow event go-er!

Brands will usually be open to chatting about everything under the sun too as this event is an opportunity for them as well as you. The more people that they can get excited about their new launches, the better for them.. so.. if you see some products that you love then don't hold back on sharing images galore on your social media channels, and don't forget to tag the brand too! It's a great opportunity for your followers to see what you're upto and to get an insight into new launches if they weren't able to head to the event for whatever reason.

M&S SuitStyle Styling Event 2015

They're All Different: I'm aware that I'm totally contradicting myself here but just hear me out.... As much as press days and blogger events will all have common goals.. every single one that you attend will be totally different. There could be hundreds of people like there was at the Primark SS15 Press Day.. or there could be a way more intimate gathering of people like there was at the John Lewis & Origins event I headed to a few weeks ago. You might get up close and personal with products, or you might take more of a back seat. Every event will impress you in a new way and that's one of the most exciting things about them. When I headed to the Marks & Spencers SuitStyle event I had no idea what to expect, but we got to style their new wedding season suits to various briefs, and had plenty of lovely nibbles (that I ate ALL of). With it being menswear, I wasn't sure if it would be my kinda thing (I mean.. I was a VM for Topman for a while too and I've always loved styling ) but I absolutely loved it.. and their suits were dreamy too! I guess.. what I'm trying to get at is that you can never prepare 100% because there's always going to be differences between one event and another but that's part of the fun! Try and calm the nerves and allow yourself to be open to change. I guarantee you'll have a great time and enjoy experiencing something new.

Underground Cookery School Blogger Event

Fake It Till You Make It: I'll let you in on a little secret: When I headed to my first ever blogging event I was really nervous.. not so much about meeting people and doing all that social stuff.. but more because I had no idea why I'd been invited in the first place. Was it an accident? Did they mistake me for someone else? It never really properly sank in that I was deliberately invited and if I'm honest.. it still takes a while now but I think that it helps to realise your worth as a blogger/youtuber/whatever.. for whatever reason it may be, someone thinks that your words are important and even if you don't see it yet, others will! I remember that everyone was swapping blog URLS and asking each other how long they'd been blogging for and rather than shrivel into a corner whispering 'a few months', I said it proudly as if I was actually worth something. Whether I was or not is debatable but if you act like you believe it, others will too.

Primark SS15 Press Day

Being On Your Phone Isn't Rude: Okay so this might sound slightly lollable but seriously: Everyone will be on their phone and not looking at you wondering why you're there (despite how you might feel) Expect meals to go cold because: instagram.. expect products to be rearranged because:instagram and expect everyone to look awesome because, well... : instagram. I'm not suggesting that you bury your face in your phone when there's an opportunity to chat because faces = better than screens but these kind of events are probably the only time that it's not frowned upon to rearrange your plate of macaroons fifty times before getting that 'perfect shot'.. revel in it.

Of course, as well as all of this lovely stuff, you'll also be in an awesome environment to make friends and that's probably the sickest thing about all of it isn't it. (That and the occasional goody bags.. lets be real.. I practically squeal with excitement at all goody bag related situations because who doesn't love receiving a present for just 'being themselves' ..... aaaaaand of course it can help you out with blog content too so it's good in all the ways)

If you've not been to your first event yet, did this help? 

And if you have, would you agree with the above? 

Do you have anything else to add? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

X