With FitBloggin’15 10 days away, it’s time to do our big FAQ post. If you have any questions not answered here, please post to the FitBloggin’ Facebook group. Oh! You aren’t part of the group? Then request membership to be included in all the pre- and post-conference behind the scenes and chatter.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
To access the Westin Downtown Denver from the airport, we suggest the following methods of transportation to and from the hotel:
TAXI: approximately $55 – Can be picked up in Baggage Claim
SUPER SHUTTLE: Approximately $24 – Click here to Reserve
UBER!
I’m driving. Where do I park, and how much does it cost?
- Self-Parking ($28 fee per night)
- Valet Parking ($38 fee per night)
- Nearby parking? Check out SpotHero!
When is registration?
Registration will open Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. The Expo, Evening Welcome Mixer, Badge-Decorating Party, and Ice Breaker Extravaganza also start in the Ballroom Foyer. This will be the conference “home base” so to speak.
The name badge decorating is a FitBloggin’ tradition! Share a bit about your personality and meet fellow attendees. Come prepared to give and get hugs, chat, and mingle. Our Official Ice Breaker Queen and Free Hug Coordinator, Susan Ito, is back this year and is planning some fun activities! If you can’t make it Thursday evening, have no fear, the registration desk 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 Whova, our phone app.
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.
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. However, Saturday’s reception is sponsored by JumpSport so you may want to come dressed ready to jump! 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!
We would recombined dressing up Friday evening and reserving Saturday night for more casual clothes so you can participate in the activities.
Oh! And there’s a rooftop pool. Don’t forget your suits.
What will the weather be like?
Denver’s average temps in June are mid-80s.
Where do I go once I get there?
We are taking over the 3rd floor of The Westin. Here’s a map to familiarize yourself with the layout of the conference.
Be sure to visit all our sponsors while you are on-site! The Expo will be open Thursday night at 6 so you can mingle with the brands before the mixer. Other hours include Friday 7-2 and Saturday 7-12:30. 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 except those that are noted as limited space. 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?
Many of you have dietary restrictions and interests, so 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: hand-crafted variety of nigiri, sashimi, California, vegetarian, and spicy tuna rolls
displayed with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
Friday
- Breakfast: Seasonal fresh fruits, steel-cut oatmeal with sun-dried fruits, toasted almonds and brown sugar, fluffy scrambled farm eggs with fine herbs, applewood-smoked bacon and breakfast sausage links, herb-roasted red bliss potatoes.
- Lunch: Gazpacho, red-skin potato salad, whole grain mustard and fresh herbs, baby field greens, sun-dried fruits, crumbled goat cheese, pine nuts with herb vinaigrette, roast beef, pepper smoked turkey, cured ham, Genoa salami, herb seared chicken breast, sharp cheddar, swiss, provolone, lettuce, garden tomato, bermuda onion, deli pickles, olives, rustic breads & crusty rolls.
- Ignite Fitness Reception: roasted red pepper hummus, baba ghanoush, minted tabbouleh salad, crispy papadums, roasted tomato dip, spiced olive medley, marinated feta, pita crisps, cucumber yogurt salad, curried grilled vegetables, lemon meringue, red velvet and chocolate cupcakes, chocolate peanut butter sauce.
Saturday
- Breakfast: Seasonal fresh fruits, steel-cut oatmeal with sun-dried fruits, toasted almonds and brown sugar, fluffy scrambled farm eggs with fine herbs, applewood-smoked bacon and breakfast sausage links, herb-roasted red bliss potatoes.
- Lunch: On Your Own
- Evening Panel/Reception: Corn tortilla chips, green chili shredded chicken, rustic beef and red bean chili, vegetarian five bean chili, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, red onions, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeño and mini corn muffins, display of seasonal and handpicked berries served with vanilla honey Greek yogurt.
Sunday
- Breakfast: Seasonal whole fresh fruit, freshly baked mini muffins and pastries, butter, honey and fruit preserves, Bear Naked granola and assorted breakfast cereals with skim, 2% and whole milk.
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 sponsor 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’ 15 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 hashtag of course!
Will there be an Internet connection?
Yes! We’ve negotiated free internet in guest rooms. You will have to “accept the charges” to connect but if you reserved your room using the FitBloggin’ reduced rate you will not actually see those charges on your room bill. The front desk is away of this and will be able to answer your questions about connected.
We will also have internet in our meeting space. More details to come!
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.
— Roni
It’s my first time and I’m SO STINKING EXCITED!! Cannot wait to meet everyone and learn and move and eat and laugh!
So glad you’re joining us!