Ahh blogger events. They’re fun to attend, aren’t they? Back in the day when I started blogging, it’s unheard of that bloggers are invited to press events. Okay, it wasn’t that long ago but still, press event invitations were only extended to, well, the press.
These days, brands are inviting bloggers to such prestigious events that even other bloggers would be jealous of. Think helicopter and boat rides, gourmet meals and rubbing shoulders with celebrities. Heck, even journos would be jealous! 😛
The very first beauty event I attended was PRIMPED’s Look Book back in August 2010. It wasn’t even an event specially for bloggers yet I was mighty chuffed to be able to attend. I met several bloggers (most of whom I wasn’t familiar with) during the evening and it sure was a lot of fun.
I’m grateful to say that I’ve attended my fair share of blogger events since then. I was even lucky enough to be flown to Sydney twice for blogger events (this one and that one), which were such amazing opportunities for me. It’s been 2 years and blogger events are still something I don’t take for granted. If I get invited, good for me! If not, oh well no biggie. What’s the point of kicking up a fuss?
In time, I came up with my list of dos and don’ts for blogger events. It’s a mental list I go through for every event I RSVP yes to. I even mind-mapped the dos and don’ts on a piece of paper when I was writing this post. It looks really messy so I won’t turn you off by showing you what it looks like 😛
Here it is, my 10 dos and don’ts on blogger event etiquette:
1. Do be presentable
Blogger events take time and money to organise. It’s not just thrown together in a day. Respect the effort made by the brand to look presentable during the event. It’s an occasion for you to meet with the brand’s PRs so it’s only polite to not rock up in tatty tees and thongs (flip-flops for the non-Aussies. Don’t even want to tell you how I keep getting it wrong during my first year wondering why Australian men love wearing thongs). Oh, and it’s almost an unwritten rule to at least have lippie on if you’re a beauty blogger ;).
2. Do RSVP
This is absolutely essential. Don’t assume the PR to automatically add you to the list. Plus it’s just good manners.
3. Don’t attend the event if the brand is irrelevant to you and your blog
As you know, I don’t blog about tanning products. It’s not something I use so I don’t write about them. It makes sense that I do not attend events that showcase tanning products. There’s usually limited space in blogging events and if I attend one that isn’t relevant to me and my blog, I’m taking away a spot from someone else who’s actually interested in the products.
4. Do pay attention and learn
Brands usually hold blogger events to launch new products or services, so it’s important to pay attention to what they’re talking about. It’s okay to chat with your fellow blogging mates but not when there’s a presentation going on. The hour of the event belongs to the brand so it’s best to give them your full attention.
5. Do network
Having said #4, it’s also important to network with the brand and other bloggers. Get to know the PR, the brand and their products better. Get to know your fellow bloggers better. That’s what these events are also for.
6. Don’t eat all the food and get shitfaced from the free champagne
Okay I know you’re probably hungry but do leave some food for other bloggers, eh? Scarfing down food whilst shaking hands and getting lipstick on teeth is not a good look. Similarly, the free-flowing champagne and wine doesn’t mean you should drink like there’s no tomorrow.
7. Do add a hashtag to your uploaded pictures and tweets
Prior to the event, request the hashtag for the event from the PR. This way, all the attendees who are tweeting about the event will have the same hashtag. This will also allow your readers and followers to know what you’re tweeting about. If those tweets are not up their alley, the tweets can be muted with a single click. If it’s something they enjoy reading about, they can follow the hashtagged tweets from other bloggers as well. It’s a win-win for all.
8. Don’t just take the goodie bag and scoot off
I’ve seen this happen on a few occasions and really, it’s terribly poor form. It gives a bad name to other bloggers who are genuinely interested in attending the event and learning more about the brand. Blogger events do not mean “come and get freebies!“.
9. Do know that you’re not obligated to blog about the event
Bloggers are not obligated to blog about the events they attend. If the event was a really fun one and you’d like to write about it, by all means go ahead. If not, don’t feel pressured into needing to blog about them.
10. Do have fun
Above all, have fun! Blogger events are great opportunities to learn more about the brand, the products and sometimes the technology that goes into creating the products. It’s a good opportunity to build relationships with other bloggers as well.
Some are no-brainers, some may be new to you. Either way, it’s good to remind ourselves of what we should and shouldn’t do when it comes to attending blogger events. As long as we mind our Ps and Qs, we’ll be all right. 🙂
What about you? Is there something you’d like to add to the list too? What’s the most interesting event you’ve attended? Are there any good or horror stories on blogger events you’d like to share? You know I’m all ears. 😉
Great read Tine! Love that first pic of everyone 😀
Jess @ Miss J. Shopaholic recently posted..Chanel Holiday 2012 Make Up Collection!
Hahaha that’s my favourite picture too! If it’s just all of us, I’d have it printed and framed 😉
Uh oh, can I add my list?
– Don’t hassle the PR and bring plus one especially if the plus one is not a blogger or don’t blog about beauty and come along to free load?
– Don’t take picture of everyone else and not share?
– Don’t RSVP and drop out on the same day itself. Bloggers who’ve done this one too many times often gets a bad rep no matter what’s the excuse.
– Don’t accept an event invitation if you know for a fact that it is not of your interest, you don’t have time to “blog” and have only been blogging once every 3 months. The spot can be better used for a genuine blogger that may be more interested with the brand.
Oh the list could go on….
PS, I love Tina’s swag face.
ponikuta recently posted..Sponsored Post: Ella Bache Skin Love
Oh, your first point was also what I wanted to share!!! I’m aware of some people asking for for a +1 to beauty events and those +1 are not even bloggers… “Hey want some freebies? I’ll ask the PR so you can come”
Tram recently posted..Over The Rainbow, there’s a Candy Shop!
Tram: This is incredibly poor form. Unless the organiser specifically mentions that you’re allowed to bring a guest, you never EVER request if you can bring one. I know of this situation too and it does not look good. It’s exactly as you mentioned “want some freebies? I’ll ask the PR if you can come”. Terrible!
OMG yes yes and yes. Tick to all of them. I’ve got more but didn’t want to scare people off blog events 😛
I’m not happy about #3 either. I think when one does it too many times, it becomes a very bad habit that doesn’t look good to the organiser (whether it’s a blogger event, birthday party or any form of gathering that requires quite a lot of organising).
I think I will print this out, edit and send it to a moron who stuffs her face at all Oracle/Microsoft events/workshops. Seriously, I think she spends 9-5 each day scouring for free workshops to get free food and free booze. I even half-jokingly said I’d test her after the end of the recent Oracle workshop. (Was a handson workshop means she’s meant to build and manage servers/databases. She did jack) OK, sorry, rant over.
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LeGeeque: Euuww. Poor form indeed, especially with the face-stuffing and free booze. I seldom take up the offer of alcohol in blogger events (you know me, chances of getting shitfaced with a glass of wine is high). I’ve had a few but usually I just request for water or juice.
Good idea to ask her questions about the workshops she’s attended. If she can’t answer most of them, then you know she wasn’t even paying attention 😉
So many bloggers don’t get this! Especially Mummy bloggers… I have seen so many bloggers turn up in the most casual outfits and not made an effort. How are they supposed to be taken seriously by the PR and brands? I too have seen the freebies swippers and thought ‘OMG how rude!’. Manners and courtesy people! It doesn’t take much.
Kellie (stylishkellie) recently posted..Brown Sugar brand ambassador
Beauty events are usually held in the evenings after work, so bloggers have no choice but to come dressed nicely because that’s what they wore to work! 😛 But yeah, I think it’s a sign of respect to the organiser to at least be presentable.
Then again, I have attended events where the organisers wore very casual outfits and I was one of the overdressed ones 😛 When in doubt, dress up 😉
Oh man! You hit the nail!!!! It’s perfect!!! I couldn’t agree with you more!!! I’ve seen a lot of boo-boos on other bloggers attending events and will definitely share this!!! (if you don’t mind?)
I agree on not leaving as soon as you got the press kit, and may I add? Not to check the contents of the press kit on spot and complain if the contents aren’t the same with other bloggers. Worst, some would even go up to the PR or marketing person to ask for “exchange” .
And lastly, DO NOT STEAL anything during events! Yes…dear, it happens! 😀
Nikki recently posted..AMW Reviews: Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++
Oh yes, most definitely. NO CHECKING of items in the goodie bags when the event isn’t even over, unless specifically asked by the PR. Although one time at a Dermalogica event, the PRs did ask us to have a look at our goodie bags right there and then. Not all the goodie bags were the same. When we took our items out, the PR asked us if we’d like to exchange what we had with each other as some of the bloggers were already sent some items highlighted that evening. I requested for a different sunscreen because I had already purchased, used and reviewed the one I was given that evening 😛
If the organisers don’t say anything, never take items out to flash around or swap in front of them. It’s poor form.
As for stealing, oh my. I know what you mean. I’ve been to a major event last year where very expensive bottles of perfume were stolen. To this day, no one knows who did it. Let’s just say, the PR was absolutely LIVID >.<
I agree with all these points Tine! Nothing to add! Ps thanks so much for your editorial calendar post, I needed that big time! 🙂
Sarah recently posted..Healthy Summer Bod Part 1: My picks from Slim Secrets
Hahaha glad you enjoyed that Sarah, hope it helps. Here’s to a more organised 2013 to us, eh? 🙂
That is a great round up, I love those group pictures up there as well <3 I miss Tina btw, naw. I love going to events and learning about new products or services from brands, those who don't pay attention during the presentations make me mad sometimes. Those PR's probably spent ages writing and rewriting that presentation, the least you can do is listen! I sometimes even take notes during events to make sure I don't forget to share any cool new information with readers =) If I miss out on an event invite, I am just glad I get to be involved later on when I read about the launch on someone elses blog! =)
emmabovary recently posted..An Easy Christmas Manicure feat. Essie, BYS, Sally Hansen & Mode Cosmetics
I know, I miss poo poo’s face too.
You are one awesome gal, Emma. Really. You’re going to go far as a beauty blogger, I tell ya. xx
good one tine! i think this should be broadcast to many people 😉 we have seen quite many different faces here during the events and it’s really eye-opening. once at an event that my company organized years back, a famous blogger stuffed her face to brim and actually requested to take home the extras…….
OMG. Ta pao?! I’ve had PRs asking us to TP food back but never ever a blogger request to TP! :O
Nail on head! Its quite interesting. I’ve met a couple of magazine editors and writers recently who have confided their personal misgivings about bloggers, to the extent they’d avoid, yes avoid sitting with or being near them. Its very interesting to see what the people outside looking in say and I must say its an education on how I do not want to be known. It embarrasses me to say I’m a blogger sometimes, because its associated not with popularity, but notoriety. That’s pretty much a fact.
Paris B recently posted..Your Say: Are you comfortable eating alone?
I know what you mean. It’s embarrassing to be associated with beauty bloggers who just don’t behave themselves. To the brand, they’ll just see ALL the beauty bloggers like that even though most are quite all right. Sigh.
Great post Tine! I couldn’t agree more with everything you said.
gio recently posted..How To Choose The Best Highlighter For You
Thanks Gio. Too many horror stories that I haven’t even shared here 😛
Couldn’t agree more! You nailed it! Look presentable and don’t be a goodie bag maniac on the loose.
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted..Got My Eyes on Milani Liquid Eye Liquid – Like Eye Liner Pencil
I think it’s always best to assume you’re not going to get anything from events. That way, it will be a bonus if you do. I’ve been to events where no goodie bags were given out and oh my, the complaints I heard on my way out…it wasn’t nice at all.
Hi Tine, another informative post. (I have also bookmarked the editorial calender post as well) As a mummy blogger it is good to know what is expected as it looks like a few people have given us a bad name! I was also wondering if you had a post on networking when attending these events. I recently went to an event and felt like the third wheel..everyone was polite but as I knew no one there, I found it hard work. Thanks again for Bloggie Wednesday
Lisa recently posted..Friday is Online Market Day
Oooh thanks for the idea on networking, Lisa. No I haven’t written about that yet but it’s a good topic to write about. I’m putting that in my ideas book right now, so do stay tuned.
Usually for events that I know no one, that’s when I have to step out of my comfort zone, stick out my hand and say hi to someone. Sometimes it helps to wear a statement piece as well. Something unusual, bright, quirky etc that will draw people’s attention. The “oooh I love that necklace/bracelet/bag/etc!” usually gets the ball rolling to introductions 😉
Thanks for sharing this! One day I hope to attend a bloggers event & I’ll definitely keep all of this in mind.
VNikol recently posted..Beating the lil hater in us all….
My pleasure lovely 🙂
Thankyou for taking the time to do these posts! I’ve started to get PR emails and I’m often unsure of how I should respond. These sorts of posts are so helpful and thoughtful. 🙂 xx
Cherie recently posted..Healthy With Bourjois
It was my pleasure, Cherie 🙂 I really hope the Bloggie Wednesdays posts help. I’m no expert; just sharing what I know. I’m also still learning in the process 🙂
About PR emails, I always say kill with kindness even though some might turn out not what you expected at all. It’s a tip I learned from another blogger as well 😉