All Your FitBloggin’12 Questions Answered!

It’s about time to answer as many questions as possible so everyone feels prepared and ready to come and enjoy themselves at FitBloggin’12! If you have any questions not answered in this post, please leave a comment and we will add it in!

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

You have options!

1. Light Rail: The light rail can be taken from the airport to the Camden Yards station for $1.60 (day passes are $3.50). The station is approximately 2.5 blocks from the hotel and takes around 30-45 minutes one way. More information can be found here.
2. SuperShuttle: We have a discount code this year! Use 2UAKX to get a set of discounts with either SuperShuttle or ExecuCar by calling 1-800-BLUE-VAN (258-3826) or via the SuperShuttle website by clicking here (the code will be pre-filled.)

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

There is a parking garage attached to the hotel and it’s super easy to get to from the highway, see map below…

Parking rates are $26/day but we negotiated a 50% discount for all attendees making it $13/day. The discount will be applied when you check out of the hotel. Make sure to tell registration you wanted it billed to you room.

Not staying at the hotel? Come see me at the FitBloggin’ Registration desk, I’ll work on getting you a voucher.

When is registration?

Registration will open Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. There will be a small Welcome Mixer and Name-Tag Decorating Social starting at 5 p.m. in Constellation CD. This is a new FitBloggin’ tradition! Share a bit about your personality and meet fellow attendees. It’s our ice-breaker event so come prepared to chat and mingle!

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 registration table to answer questions throughout the day.

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

Will we get actual tickets or do we use our confirmation to get in?

We’ll have a list of registered attendees. All you need is YOU! But bringing a copy of your confirmation is always a good idea just in case.

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 a Reebok/CrossFit Workout so come ready to sweat! The afternoons are filled with presentations and discussions, so be comfortable and ready to learn and participate. Friday evening we have our Ignite Keynote and a reception on Saturday. 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 September are mid-70s. 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 (except for the JumpSport BOUNCEcamp because of equipment purposes and the offsite McCormick tour because of travel) and the tracks are merely for organization purposes. You can attend any session in any track.

What will we be eating?

We completely understand many of you have dietary restrictions and interests. We are doing our best to offer a wide range 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 what we’re working on in the food department. This list is just to give you an idea of where we are headed. Once the menu is finalized we will share on the blog.

Thursday

• Light refreshments at the mixer

Friday

• Breakfast: Sponsored by Weight Watchers Cheese, there will be a variety of cheese-inspired dishes including Hot Quinoa Breakfast Cereal, Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Breakfast Sausage, Cheesy Quinoa Frittata, and Strawberry Whipped Cream Cheese Muesli.
• Lunch: Mushroom Tea Soup
  Local Greens With Shaved Fennel, Radish, Tomato Confit and Basil Dressing
  Quinoa Salad With Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion and Cilantro
  Broiled Salmon With Wilted Greens
  Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables on Focaccia With Hummus and Sprouts

Saturday

• Breakfast: Oatmeal bar, Eggland’s Best hard-boiled eggs, assorted fruits, plus coffee, tea and juices
• Lunch: Puree of Celery Root Soup With Apple Mascarpone and Chive Oil
  Mixed Green Salad With Sliced Almonds, Cranberries and Pears in a Lemon-Champagne Dressing
  Five-Bean Salad With Chickpeas, Soybeans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans and Crisp Green Beans With Red Onion and Tomato in a Sherry Vinegar Dressing
  15-Spice Slow-Roasted Chicken,
  Prairie Grain Baguette with Roasted Turkey, Gouda, Butter Lettuce and Dill Aoli
• Reception: A variety of passed appetizers

Sunday

• Breakfast: Traditional breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon and sweet potato hash.

Will there be swag?

Our sponsors are VERY generous. Be prepared to leave with some gifts, so please let our sponsors know how much you appreciate their support. Click here to visit the sponsors page and make sure to follow them on Twitter and give shout-outs before, during and after the conference!

What’s this about the FitBloggin 5k? I don’t run so why should I care?

Of, first of all, this year we are doing something a little different with the 5k. In the past it was always our kick off event, now it’s our goodbye event. This gives us more time to complete the run without feeling pressure to get back for a session.

The 5k is not a chip timed race or even a serious run. It’s a fun run designed to get you out and moving, seeing the city, running with new friends and simply doing something active. There is no requirement to run and we do offer a 1 mile route if 5k is an uncharted distance for you. However, we highly suggest you give it a try. Many attendees have run/walked their first 5k with us and it’s meant to be an inspirational activity.

How do I connect with other attendees?

We have built a FitBloggin’ 12 attendee Twitter list so it’s easy to find and communicate with each other. If you are not on the list, give us a shout-out @FitBloggin and we will get you added ASAP.

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 cost. To get access in your room you have to access it as a paying customer and then it will be credited at check-out.

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

NOT. AT. ALL!

I’m going to repeat myself again. I said this last year …

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.

I really do believe blogging is a great way to not only express yourself but to help you reach your personal goals while helping others reach theirs as well.  So come, learn, grow, connect with fellow bloggers and brands. You are welcome and I will do my best to make sure you have an amazing time. If you aren’t, come talk to me — I’ll be the crazy, short- haired blond girl running around like a chicken without a head.