The Big FitBloggin’13 FAQ – Your Conference Questions Answered!

With FitBloggin’13 less than 2 weeks away, it’s time to do our big FAQ post. If you have any questions not answered here, please leave a comment and we will add it in!

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

Portland International Airport is 12 miles/25 minutes away from The Nines, our conference hotel.

1. MAX from the airport: The Max runs about every 20 minutes. You can hop on just outside the baggage claim at the airport with ticket machines just inside the terminal. It costs $2.50 and the machines take credit cards or cash.  Get off at the Pioneer Square North Station. The hotel is kitty corner from the stop.
2. Cab: Hop in a cab from the airport. Average cost is about $25.

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

The Nines Hotel offers valet parking on a daily/overnight basis with unlimited access throughout the day and night.  Overnight rate is $39 or $19.50 for hybrid vehicles.  For questions, contact the hotel directly at 877-229-9995.

When is registration?

Registration will open Thursday, June 27,  approximately 5:30 p.m. The Evening Welcome Mixer, Badge Decorating Party, and Ice Breaker Extravaganza starts at 6 in the ballroom. This is a FitBloggin’ tradition! Share a bit about your personality and meet fellow attendees. Come prepared to give and get hugs, chat, and mingle. Sue Ito, our Official IceBreaker and Free Hug Coordinator, is planning some fun activities!

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, and swag bag. There will be one-sheet print-outs of the agenda but remember we are trying to be a little more green. Click here to download our conference app to access the full agenda.

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. Don’t forget about our app! 

What should I wear?

Whatever you want!  Both mornings are full of exercise activities and the afternoons are jam packed 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.

Bottom line: Be yourself! I’m in jeans all weekend. It’s what I feel most comfortable in.

What will the weather be like?

Portland’s average temps in June are mid-70s. Check weather.com a few days before the event.

Where do I go once I get there?

We are taking over the 6th floor of The Nines hotel. Here’s a map to familiarize yourself with the layout of the conference.

Be sure to visit all our sponsors while you are onsite as well. The Expo will be open Friday and Saturday 7-2

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 Trout Lake 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 do 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. Items may change.

Thursday

• Welcome Mixer: Spicy Tuna Roll, Ume Shiso Roll, Fresh Plum & Grains of Paradise, Vegetable Avocado Roll, Sunomono Salad, Steamed Edamame, Vegetable Crudite

Friday

• Breakfast:  Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
  Assorted Breakfast Cereals & Hand-Rolled Granola
  Agave-Scented Fruit Salad
  Scrambled Eggs & Fragrant Herbs
  Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
  Applewood-Smoked Bacon
  Bakery Basket, Butter, Honey & Preserves
  Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea
• Lunch: A Vegetarian Soup
  Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
  Cobb Salad: Bibb Lettuce, Farm Egg, Smoked Turkey, Blue Cheese, Cherry Tomato (Meat on Side)
  Shaved Chicken Breast
  Smoked Salmon
  Balsamic-Marinated Portobello
  Variety of Cheeses, Butter Lettuce, Herb Sprouts, Shaved Red Onion, Garden Tomato, House Pickles
  Hummus, Basil Aioli & Dijonnaise
  Assorted Breads & Rolls
  Fruit Salad
• Ignite Fitness Reception: Yogurt and Cereal Topping Bar sponsored by Attune and Driscolls!

Saturday

• Breakfast: Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
  Assorted Breakfast Cereals & Hand-Rolled Granola
  Agave-Scented Fruit Salad
  Egg-White Frittata, Wild Mushrooms, Roasted Peppers, Herbed Chevre
  Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
  Applewood-Smoked Bacon
  Bakery Basket, Butter, Honey & Preserves
  Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea
• Lunch: On Your Own
• Reception: A variety of Passed Appetizers, Cheese Station, Vegetable Station and a Fruit Station

Sunday

• Breakfast: Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
  Sliced Seasonal Fruits & Berries
  Scrambled Eggs & Fragrant Herbs
  Applewood-Smoked Bacon
  the Nines Bakery Basket, Butter, Honey & Preserves
  Brewed Coffee & Tea

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 make sure to follow them on Twitter and give shout-outs before, during and after the conference!

What’s this about a Fun Run? I don’t run so why should I care?

There has always been a run associated with FitBloggin’. In our first 2 years, it was our way of kicking off the event. Now we use it to say goodbye. This gives us more time to complete the run without feeling pressure to get back for a session.

This event 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 always offer a 1 mile route if 5k is an uncharted distance for you. But this year we are also mapping out a 10k as well! we highly suggest to push yourself while being surrounded by the most supportive group of people you will ever meet. Many attendees have run/walked their first 5k with us. It’s meant to be an inspirational activity.

How do I connect with other attendees?

We have built a FitBloggin’ 13 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.

I know I sound like a broken record but don’t forget about our app as well. It has an internal messaging system as well.

Will there be an Internet connection?

Yes! We’re working on the details with the hotel now.

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

NOT. AT. ALL!

I’m going to repeat myself again. I say this every 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. 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.