With FitBloggin’14 10 days 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?
To access the Hyatt Regency Savannah from the airport, we suggest the following methods of transportation to and from the hotel:
TAXI: approximately $25+ $3 for additional passengers.
AMTRAK: 15 miles/10 minutes. Taxi is $15 flat fee and $3 for each additional person.
CHATHAM AREA TRANSIT (CAT) is the local transit system. Each CAT fare costs you $1 and if you have to transfer buses, you will have to purchase another fare on the second bus for $1. Monthly passes are available.
DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE (dot): Free shuttle service offering transportation throughout the Savannah Historic District. For route information, visit http://connectonthedot.com
I’m driving. Where do I park, and how much does it cost?
- Valet parking at the hotel is $24 per night for standard cars and oversized vehicles/vans.* Full in/out privileges as much as needed.
- Self parking is available in the Whitaker Street Garage at $16 per night. In/out privileges do not apply.
- There is also self-parking available at a nearby City of Savannah garage.
When is registration?
Registration will open Thursday, June 26, approximately 5 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. Alan Ali with be filling in for Sue Ito, our Official Ice Breaker and Free Hug Coordinator, and 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 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 and will have the agenda available via a phone app — more info coming soon!
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. And don’t forget we’ve got the app too — click here!
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 panel/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?
Savannah’s average temps in June are mid-80s. Check weather.com a few days before the event.
Where do I go once I get there?
We are taking over the 2nd floor of The Hyatt. Here’s a map to familiarize yourself with the layout of the conference.
Be sure to visit all our sponsors while you are onsite! The Expo will be open Thursday night at 5 so you can mingle with the brands before the mixer. Other hours include Friday 7-2 and Saturday 7-noon. Stay tuned on how to sign up for the Brand/Blogger 1:1 sessions too!
Do I have to sign up for sessions? Do I have to stick to one track?
There are no session sign-ups. You can attend any session in any track. You could even hop presentations if a session isn’t what you expected.
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 but we like to give you as much information as possible.
Thursday
- Welcome Mixer: Vegetable Crudite including Broccoli, Snow Peas, Celery, Carrots, Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds served with an Olive and Roasted Tomato Tapenade. Red, White and Blueberry Salsa served with Tortilla Chips and Almond Trail Mix.
Note: Thank you to the California Almond Board and the California Avocado Board for the yummy donations!)
Cash Bar (We will provide 2 drink tickets to use at your discretion)
Friday
- Breakfast:
Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
Sliced Fresh Fruit
Oatmeal Bar with dried fruits and nuts and local honey for toppings
Cage Free Scrambled Eggs
Breakfast Potatoes
Bacon and Reduced-Fat Pork Sausage
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea - Lunch: Build Your Own Salad or Sandwich
Summer Gazpacho with Cilantro and Lime
Quinoa Salad
Heirloom Potatoes with Grain Mustard and Crispy Leeks with Roasted Eggplant and Olive Oil
Roasted Turkey
Crusted Sirloin of Beef
Summer Sausage
Butter Lettuce, Yellow Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Sunflower Sprouts
Horseradish Mayo, Grain Mustard, and Roasted Garlic Yogurt
Local Kettle Chips
Assorted Breads & Rolls and Tortillas - Ignite Fitness Reception: Tapas!
Chilled Yellow Tomato and Watercress Bisque with Rock Shrimp
Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Arugula and Caramelized Peach Salsa
Summer Caprese Stacks with Basil Foam
BBQ Short Ribs with Roasted Corn Cake and Micro Collard Greens
Crispy Baby Artichoke with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette and Pea Tendrils
Cash Bar (We will provide 2 drink tickets to use at your discretion)
Saturday
- Breakfast:
Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
House Made Yogurt Parfaits
Oatmeal Bar with dried fruits and nuts and local honey for toppings
Egg White Frittata with Asparagus, Roasted Tomatoes and Onion
Fingerling Potatoes tossed with Caramelized Onion
Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken Sausage
Bakery Items
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea - Lunch: On Your Own
- Evening Panel/Reception: Join us for a taste of Savannah for Dessert!
Sea Salt Dusted Soft Pretzels with Vidalia Onion Mustard
Pralines
Bear Claws
Fudge
Spiced Pecan Brittle
Saltwater Taffy
Savannah Sweet Tea with Rosemary and Guava Cinnamon Syrup
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea
Cash Bar (We will provide 2 drink tickets to use at your discretion)
Sunday
- Breakfast:
Selection of Chilled Fruit Juices
Sliced Seasonal Melons and Fruits
Assorted Cereals with dried fruits, nuts and milk
Cage Free Scrambled Eggs
Crispy Bacon
Breakfast Potatoes
Bakery Items
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 exactly what we call it, FUN! The fun run is 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. Last year we also started 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’ 14 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. You can also follow the hash tag in our app!
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 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.