FitBloggin’11 101 – All Your Conference Questions Answered!

In exactly two weeks we will be kicking off the FitBloggin’11 festivities! I can hardly believe it myself! But look… I’m not exaggerating…

It’s time to answer as many questions as possible so everyone feels prepared and ready to come and enjoy themselves! Please also help us prepare by filling out this SUPER SHORT survey. Click here and let us know when you plan on arriving and what your plans are for Friday morning. 

Let’s get to the Q&A…

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

For those flying, your best bet is to take SuperShuttle from the airport. It’s about $26 round trip. I have more information in the Travel Information post. 

I’m driving. Where do I park? And how much does it cost?

There is a parking garage attached to the hotel. To park, make a right before Hotel Entrance, and PMI garage is on the right hand side.  The garage entrance leads into the hotel’s third floor. The parking fee is $26 a day or you can valet for $40 a day.

When is Registration?

Early Registration is open 6-9 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 19, with a small Welcome Mixer and Name-Tag Decorating social co-sponsored by JumpSport® Fitness Trampoline. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to print vanity name tags. Instead, we will have a bunch of fun little ways for you to personalize your own. This will let you share a bit about your personality and help you find others at the conference who share those interests as well.  

If you can’t make it Thursday evening, have no fear, the Registration table will open bright and early Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. and will remain open until 5 p.m. that evening. On Saturday there will be at least one volunteer at the table to answer any questions. 

At Registration you will be given a name tag and lanyard, a swag bag, an agenda and some other freebies. 

What is the schedule?

Click here for the current schedule. You will also get a printed copy when you register. 

What should I wear?

This is an easy one. Whatever you want!  Friday morning kicks off with the New Balance-sponsored run/walk and we have a few other fun workout classes for you to participate in, so workout clothes are perfectly fine! In the afternoon we have a couple of panels and of course the Sears Social. Feel free to dress up to hit the town or come relaxed in your favorite casual outfit. The choice is totally yours. 

What will the weather be like?

Baltimore’s average temps in May are mid to upper-60s although it’s been a bit sketchy lately. We’ve already had a few 80-degree days followed by a couple more in the 50s. So it’s unpredictable at the moment. Check weather.com a few days before the event. 

Do I have to sign up for sessions? Do I have to stick to one track?

There are no session sign-ups and the tracks are merely for organization purposes. You can attend any session in any track. Just keep in mind there is a first-come first-served aspect, especially Friday morning where space is a bit limited. Please fill out this quick survey so we know what your intentions are and we will do our best to accommodate. 

What will we be eating?

We completely understand many of you have specific dietary restrictions and interests. We are doing our best to offer a wide arrange of good-for-you options. If you have specific food allergies, feel free to grab any floor person at the conference and get your questions answered. 

That being said, here’s a quick overview of the conference meals. 

Friday

• Breakfast: Sponsored by Attune, we will have a variety of Uncle Sam’s cereals (some gluten free), hard-boiled eggs, assorted fruits, a variety of milks, plus coffee, tea and juices. 
• Lunch: A variety of pressed warm sandwiches (one vegetarian), soup, salad, fruit, coffee and tea. 
• Sears Social: A variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, a courtesy drink and cash bars. 

Saturday

• Breakfast: Oatmeal bar, Eggland’s best hard-boiled eggs, assorted fruits, plus coffee, tea and juices. 
• Lunch: Nature’s Greens Crunch Green Salad, Tasteful Selections Potatoes & Roasted Red Pepper Salad, soup, and a variety of plated meals including chicken, fish and quinoa. 

Will there be swag?

Our sponsors are VERY generous. Be prepared to leave with some gifts. Please let our sponsors know how much you appreciate their support. Click here to visit the sponsors page and here to see the Twitter list. 

How do I connect with other attendees?

We have built a FitBloggin’11 attendee Twitter list so it’s easy to find and communicate among each other. If you are not on the list, give us a shout-out @FitBloggin and we will get you added asap. 

We are also working on getting pre-loaded pokens for every attendee so it will be easy to stay in touch after the conference as well!

Will there be an Internet connection?

Yes! We’re working on the details with the hotel now. We’ve also negotiated to have Internet included in your room costs. Connection information will be shared here on the site as the conference approaches. 

I’m nervous, scared, totally freaked out! Should I be?

NO! 

I’ve seen a lot of chatter about the conference being intimidating, especially for those who feel as if they need to be in tip-top shape before arriving. As I said in our Free Hugs post… 

FitBloggin’ is SO much more than what we look like. It’s a state of mind. It’s the belief that you can use blogging and social media to spread a culture of health. Fat, skinny, short, tall, black, white — I don’t care what you look like — you are welcome at FitBloggin’. The only requirement for entry is that you have an interest in using blogging to better yourself and your readers. Geesh! I don’t even care if you currently HAVE a blog. Come learn how to get started. That’s the point!

Listen, this is how it works: How you project is how you are perceived. If you come with the attitude that you don’t belong, then others will assume you don’t belong. But if you come ready to embrace the situation, then others will greet you with open arms.

We really do believe blogging is a great way to not only express yourself but to help you reach your fitness goals while helping others reach theirs as well.  So come, learn, grow, connect with fellow bloggers and brands and get your free hug!