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Massive klaxon! Mumsnet BlogFest is here!

83 replies

KateMumsnet · 19/09/2012 12:14

We're completely thrilled to announce the launch of Mumsnet BlogFest 2012 - a jam-packed event to celebrate everything there is to love about blogging, and help you get the most from what you post.

The event will take place on Saturday 10 November at a slinky venue in central London, and we've got a fabulous roster of bloggers, writers, and techie experts lined up - including a keynote speech from the lovely Caitlin Moran. She'll be joined by Jeanette Winterson, Zoe Williams , Liz Jones and a host of others, including (but not limited to!) our very own MmeLindor, Eliza Gray, Mrs Tiggywinkle, Cath Elliott, MmeGuillotine, Slummy single mummy and Cari Rosen.

There'll be sessions on finding your voice and improving your writing skills; dealing with trolls and related nasties; drawing the line between public and private; and a kazillion other useful and intriguing subjects - have a look at the programme for full details.

There'll also be plenty of opportunities to chat to fellow bloggers, or make new friends, over a delicious lunch at the top of the Millbank Tower - plus a glass or two of something lovely at the end of the day. And don't forget to grab an expert for one-to-one advice on everything blog-related in our Blog Clinic, which will run throughout the day.

We canvassed 300 of our bloggers on the sessions and speakers they'd like to see at BlogFest, but there are still plenty of speakers to be announced. So if you've a yearning to hear from someone in particular, do let us know here and we'll do our best to oblige.

The event is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike, so if you haven't yet started blogging but want to dip a toe in the water - or simply want to hear some great speakers - do join us. If you're quick off the mark, you can catch the early bird offer (£50 per ticket - a third off!). So help us spread the word on Facebook and Twitter (#mumsnetblogfest) - and don't forget to tell your friends, your colleagues and your mum - the more the merrier!

OP posts:
Badgerwife · 22/09/2012 19:40

Totally gutted I won't be able to be there, it looks like it's going to be amazing. Sadly, we are counting the pennies to the point that I'm feeling guilty when I deviate from the shopping list to buy chocolate. There's always next year, when it will be bigger and better having learnt from first year teething mistakes which are bound to happen (not enough gin to go round probably)

CreativeFL0 · 23/09/2012 10:54

Oh that looks like a great event!
I would have loved to attend (but I am too poor and too-far-from-Londony Grin)
I look forward to hearing all about it though - including any back-stage gossip! Wink

blueish · 24/09/2012 00:24

I've just looked at the itinerary and am very interested in all the subjects. I live in London so it seems daft not to go particularly as some people are 'flying in'.
I don't have any bloggy friends however and am a bit terrified of entering alone. especially after experiencing the agony of going alone to the MN xmas meetup a few years ago. I really wouldn't want to put myself through that again.

On a lighter note, as swish as the venue looks, those bar stools look jolly uncomfy, will there be proper chairs ? Is it a sort of huge hall set up with rows of chairs ? Will I be able to sign up for all the sessions ?

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Stitchthis · 24/09/2012 06:39

I've verb quiet re the blog along but will post something this week. It's been a bit full on round here.

Stitchthis · 24/09/2012 06:39

Been quiet. Been.

MmeLindor · 24/09/2012 08:05

Blueish
None of us actually 'know' each other so don't be shy. Come along and join in.

blueish · 24/09/2012 10:46

Thank you MmeLindor. I'll see. I want to go but the thought of nervously going to a room full of strangers and left to 'mingle' sends shivers. I will summon up the courage though and sign up for every session.

I've just signed on to your blog and find it so user friendly and helpful (as I did when I started twitter too). I've just joined BritMums (through your link) which I hadn't heard of. Don't know what I'll do with it yet though but at least I've joined. Smile

KateMumsnet · 24/09/2012 12:56

We'll be there blueish with big name-badges on - it would be lovely to meet you, and we can help to introduce you if you're feeling lost.

OP posts:
blueish · 24/09/2012 13:50

Thanks Kate :)

KateMumsnet · 24/09/2012 13:51

Ooh and if you're coming, it would be great if you could grab an 'I'm attending' badge here to let fellow bloggers who mightn't be hanging out here know all about it? We think it's rather pretty, too Wink

Thanks all,
Kate

OP posts:
DillyTante · 24/09/2012 22:48

Blueish MmeLindor is right, none of us know each other (well StitchThis & I do so that will be less scary!) but if we chat on here enough before hand we will feel like we do!

Stitchthis · 25/09/2012 08:06

Happy to have a large arrow over my head saying 'my name is STITCH" or similar....

blueish · 25/09/2012 11:32

Dilly, yes you're right, I will go. It's too good an opportunity to pass up. I wonder how many people the event caters for........:)

MmeGuillotine · 25/09/2012 14:12

I popped into the Millbank Tower yesterday to quiz them about the stairs, lifts and views (I have claustrophobia and a fear of heights) and they were so sweet about it. They even offered to take me up but I hadn't had my morning gin and wasn't mentally prepared so had to decline but I think it'll be okay as I now know what to expect, have been reassured about the likelihood of the lift breaking down and have a PLAN in place to deal with it. :)

MmeLindor · 25/09/2012 16:33

oh, good for you, MmeG. Glad that they were able to reassure you.

I haven't added my badge cause something is not right with the blog. Got someone looking at it today.

yummymummyreally · 25/09/2012 21:29

YIIIPPPEEEEEE
Just booked my ticket! Am so excited about the possibility of saying hi to all you amazing bloggers and my the author of my Sunday giggle column (I read Caitlin Moran's column and ALWAYS giggle) and now my hubby thinks I've lost my mind.

I'm also somewhat nervous about not knowing anyone, so if you spot me there, please please please come and say hi. pretty please.

I'm not sure I can concentrate well enough to blog through it for the hop. Great idea though. It'll be good for everyone who can't quite make it on the day, as the info gathered can be shared.

Finally, is anyone traveling down from the North on the day? If there's a few all getting the same train we could create a mumsnet blogfest carriage!!

KateMumsnet · 26/09/2012 12:02

Oh good news yummymummyreally. Love the idea of a rowdy blogfest carriage!
And blimmin' well done MmeGuillotine - am not that keen on heights meself. Recently sat through a lunch at the top of the BT Tower, with eyes clamped firmly on the person I was sitting next to to avoid looking out of the window.

OP posts:
Alurkatsoftplay · 27/09/2012 11:51

I'm excited to be coming! The twitter group have been very welcoming too.

Anyone going in on the Fenchurch Street Line (Essex women!) and who fancy some company, do get in touch.

blueish · 27/09/2012 14:34

Are we able to sign up for the talks we want to attend before hand or do we wait till we get there ?

JessMumsnet · 27/09/2012 16:02

Hi blueish You will be able to choose from a number of the sessions before you get there - an email will be sent out a bit nearer the time to everyone who has bought a ticket. For now, there's some more info about this over on our FAQs page if you fancy a read.

allotmentmumbecky · 28/09/2012 10:54

just realised it's a Saturday. Think I'm going to go for it. Bit nervous though. Unhusband can have kids.

Stitchthis · 28/09/2012 21:40

I'm starting a new business (yay!) so the business related sessions are going to be v useful.

MrsJamin · 30/09/2012 20:27

I've taken the plunge and signed up! Only 3 and a half hours while its £50 - hurry hurry hurry!
Will anyone be on a train heading into London Paddington from Bristol/Taunton (one that stops at Oxford, Reading, Slough etc) - PM me so we could meet on a carriage perhaps?

DillyTante · 30/09/2012 21:40

I'm going up on the Friday and not into Paddington, but Surrey. Am coming back on the 9.30 Paddington train on Saturday even though.

Stitchthis · 02/10/2012 14:51

I've put something on my blog about the blogalong...there'll be a dedicated page up there soon too.