The Bloggers guide to attending 3rd Annual ShesConnected Conference. Pre-conference networking options with brands to onsite networking opportunities. We also included a comprehensive FAQ

1. Pre-Conference
Guide
October 19-20, 2012 | Metro Toronto Convention Centre
http://www.ShesConnectedConference.com
http://ShesConnected.com

2. Welcome!
• If you are reading this guide then that means you will be
attending the 3rd Annual ShesConnected Conference –
connecting digital women and brands
• We have been working really hard to bring you the best
experience ever.
• We created this guide to try and help you really prepare for
the Conference.

3. What to Bring Checklist

4. Newbie Checklist
Your personal identification and Eventbrite ticket Names of the Top 3 Brands you MUST speak to
face to face! Send them a great tweet to start the
A laptop, tablet (or go old school with a notebook) conversation!
A Smartphone/camera for taking pictures (be sure Email addresses and phone numbers of at least
to tag any photos you upload with “SCCTO”) two other attendees (so you can connect later!)
Chargers and power-cords for all your electronics The address and phone number of the venue and
(phone, camera, laptop, etc.). There will be hotel you’re staying at
charging stations!
Extra room in your suitcase for swag, prizes and
Business cards with your name, blog URL and/or perhaps unplanned shopping excursions (it is
Twitter handle (be sure to order in time!) Downtown Toronto!)
A pen for making notes - even just on business A small amount of cash for getting around the city
cards - to remind you of whom you met and what (cab fare/subway tokens)
you discussed
Check the weather and pack for anything…it IS
Emergency contact information Toronto!
Comfy shoes (and a great pair of heels for our
parties!)

5. How to network pre-conference

6. Every Monday at 1:00pm &
9:00pm EST join #ShesChat
• Join us every Monday from 1:00pm -2:00pm and
9:00pm -10:00pm EST to share in our #ShesChat
about diverse social media and blogging topics
like; Conference Etiquette, Canadian
Blogosphere, Writing the Perfect Pitch, etc.
• Look for these events on our ShesConnected
Group Page and make topic suggestions or offer
your expertise to co-host an upcoming chat!
• Follow @SCConference and the hashtag
#ShesChat
• Not sure how to participate in a twitter chat –
click here to view a presentation that describes
how to.

7. Networking Via Monthly Twitter
Parties
• We host monthly twitter parties with all
of our brands, partners and attendees.
• On the last Tuesday of each month you
can RVSP for the event.
• The brands are on twitter connecting
with you.
• Better yet – we have great prizing too
including items like laptops, Gift Cards,
Games and so much more
• You only need to RVSP once
Click here to RSVP

8. Connect with Everyone on Twitter
We have created Twitter lists to make it
easier for you to connect with everyone
on Twitter. Subscribe to the following
Twitter lists and follow:
• Attendees
• Brand Ambassadors
• Advisors
• Partners

9. Connect with the Brands
• Visit our brands on the Sponsor
section of the Conference website.
There you can find more about the
brand.
• It also lists their social footprint so
that you can engage with them
• Be sure to start engaging with the
brands that you love before the
conference
Click here to check out our
brands

10. Join the Conference Group on
ShesConnected
• Join the ShesConnected
Conference group right on our own
Network ShesConnected.com
• Discussion section
• Event Calendar with events –
remember we are dong a 30 day
promotional countdown starting
September 19th

11. Join our Work with Brands
Program
• Want to start working with Brands?
Well then be sure to sign up for our
program
• Most of our sponsors of
ShesConnected Conference have
implemented blogger and brand
ambassador programs.
• It’s your turn to start working with
brands!
• Brands LOVE new bloggers
Sign up Today. Click here

12. List your blog on ShesConnected
• If you have not done so already be
sure to list your blog for FREE on
ShesConnected.com
• Did you know brands frequent our
site to find bloggers!
• We know that many of you have
more than 1 blog so you can list up
to 5!
Click here to view Blog Directory

13. List your Business on
ShesConnected
• If you have not done so already be
sure to list your business for FREE
on ShesConnected.com
• A lot of bloggers are business
women. We knew that when we
built ShesConnected almost six
years ago, that is why we created a
section for women to list their
businesses
• Free promotion for your business!
Click here to list Business Directory

14. Check out Events on
ShesConnected
• We list all of our events on
ShesConnected.com
• If you are looking to find
information about our Twitter
chats, our conference events or
Twitter chats with brands be sure to
check out the events section so that
you don’t miss out on anything
• You can also list your event for FREE
on ShesConnected too!
Click here to check out our events
directory

15. Connect with our Brand
Ambassadors
• They are here to connect with you and to answer any questions that you
have. Be sure to connect with each one of them before the conference.
We have 15 of them!

16. Badges and Spreading the Word
• Be Proud! You are attending the Bloggers and
Brands Conference of the Year!
• Go to our conference website and download the
badge for your own blog!
• Impress brands when they visit your blog. You
will show them that you are serious about
blogging by attending the #1 Social Media
Conference for women

17. The night before the Conference
• Relax, get a good night
sleep so that you can get
the most out of the
conference!

18. Frequently Asked Questions

19. FAQs
1. What do I wear?
2. What to Bring?
3. What about Food – is food provided?
4. Conference Hotel. Is there a special rate on hotel ?
5. Do I need to sign up for sessions
6. Do I need business cards ?
7. I don’t know anyone –what do I do?
8. I am a newbie
9. How to I speak to the brands?
10. Is internet access provided at the conference?
11. Are there any parties?
12. How do we get to the parties?
13. I have a sponsor helping me attending the conference – what can I do
14. Where and when do I register – where do I pick up my badge ?
15. Can I bring my baby?
16. Can Men attend?
17. Where is the ConventionCentre?

20. What to Wear
What should I wear?
In a group of women, you can bet there'll be a variety of looks -
everything from impossibly chic to incredibly casual. So please
do wear what you feel most comfortable in; if you feel like
wearing your personalized conference tee, go for it! And, while
some women will change for the evening events, there is certainly
no pressure to pack extra outfits unless you want to. We do
recommend you bring a GREY top, GREY dress, GREY blazer or
even GREY accessories for our “Shades of Grey” Party. Be sure
to pack comfy shoes and some party shoes!
You said I could dress casual. Are there
any exemptions?
Please, no yoga pants, sweats, jammies or
articles of clothing with slogans/offensive
sayings. While we want you to look and feel
your best, this is after all a professional
networking event.

21. What to Bring
**Please refer to our "What to Bring" checklist.
Should I bring my laptop or tablet? What if I don't have one?
Laptops or tablets are encouraged, and there will be free Wi-Fi in
all areas of the conference to allow you to access your e-mail and
social media. However, some people feel that toting around a
laptop is too cumbersome and impedes their ability to network
and move through the conference area. It's completely up to you.
If you have a Smartphone and are able to tweet, post to FB and/or
check your e-mail, you may want to ditch your laptop in favour of a
good old fashioned notebook or a few sheets of ruled paper. We
promise that you will have LOTS of great ideas to remember!
How many business cards should I bring?
You will be safe with 100 cards. Please make sure your cards
include your name, email address and Twitter handle! Don’t forget
to order them in plenty of time for delivery before you the
conference! Remember, there are fabulous offers online close to
conference time in October!

22. What about Food?
Registration includes FOOD during the day
• Breakfast
• Morning Break
• Lunch
• Afternoon Break
You will be on your own for dinner. You are within walking
distance of many restaurants.

23. Hotel & Accommodations
I arrive early on Friday but can't check in until after the
conference has started. Where can I stash my stuff?
The hotel will tag your luggage and/or bags and stow them
safely away until you are ready to check in. If you are flying
in on Friday morning, be sure to arrive ready to mingle as
you may not have access to your hotel room to primp. For
quick touch ups, there are several public restrooms
available throughout the hotel and conference area.
Is Wi-Fi available in my hotel room?
ShesConnected is THRILLED to announce that we have
secured FREE Wi-Fi at all participating hotels.
Renaissance Toronto Hotel
I’d like to find a roommate to offset costs. 1 Blue Jays Way- 416-341-7100
Please feel free to check our conference discussion board at http://www.renaissancetorontodowntown.com
http://www.shesconnected.com/groups/view/SCCTO2012. We have secured a special rate for the conference. 1 Double or
Here you’ll find help finding a roommate, organizing a car single room at $149.00 plus taxes
Click here to book a reservation now
pool or other logistics-related topics. * Complementary WIFI

24. Sign up for Sessions
• You can view the agenda by clicking here. You can sign up for sessions here
to make it easier for you to schedule your time at the conference.
You must sign up
You can view here if you want Options for
schedule, to schedule your your mobile
speakers time phone
View
Sessions by
Tracks

25. Do I need Business Cards?
• Business Cards are a great idea
• Get your FREE mini business
cards thanks to our Sponsor
MOO.
• With the option of a different
image on every card, upload
your own artwork or choose
from thousands of designs(how
cool is that?)
• All you have to do is pay for
shipping. Better yet – you can
get your cards shipped directly
to the conference for only $4!
Click here to Redeem your Moo Cards
for FREE

26. Help - I don’t know anyone
But I don’t know anyone at the conference!
Will I be a loner?
• Absolutely not! Just let a member of the SCCTO staff know that
you’re riding solo – either ahead of time or at the event – and we’ll
make sure to show you some love and make some cool
introductions!
I’m nervous! This is my first conference.
• You are in good company! Don’t worry; all of our attendees are
incredibly friendly and don’t be afraid to stay close to some of the
conference veterans. They’ve pledged to take you under their wings!

27. Connecting with Brands
When will we be able to get up close and personal
with the brands?
We have dedicated time for networking in our
conference agenda, and this will be the best time to
introduce yourself and speak with sponsors.
However, please do not hesitate to engage the brand
representatives at other points during the conference
– the simple act of waiting in line for a coffee can
present itself with a unique (and perhaps valuable)
networking opportunity.
How can I distinguish myself from the other digital
women?
Know your “pitch” – that is, what you and your blog
are all about – and then sum it up in two minutes.
Research brands ahead of time to find those are most
closely matched to your blog and blog audience, and
be prepared to both ask and answer questions.

28. How do I connect all of the Brands
• We have a brand passport as a tool for
you to connect with all of our brands.
You meet with a brand and then they
add a sticker to your passport. Its just
that easy
• Fill our the entire passport and u could
win a grand prize!
• This is a great way for you to connect
with all of our brands and find out first
hand what they are looking for in
bloggers

29. Is Internet Access provided
• Yes of course.
• No you don’t have to pay an additional fee
to access the internet either!
• We understand how important it is to stay
connected during the conference
• You will receive the internet access code
when you arrive at the conference.

30. Are there parties? Yes Two
Date: Friday October 19, 2012
Time: 8:00pm – Midnight
Location: TDB
Theme: 80s Party
Dress : Dress up in your fave 80s styles
Food: Appetizers, sweets will be served
along with 2 drink tickets
Date: Saturday October 20, 2012
Time: 8:00pm – Midnight
Location: TDB
Theme: Shades of Gray (Clean Version)
Dress : Dress up in the colour gray
Food: Appetizers and sweets will be served
along with 2 drink tickets

31. How do we get to the Parties
• We are finalizing the venues but they should be
just a short cab drive away from the party.

32. I was sponsored to attend – What
are the rules Part 1
We have Attendees Sponsorship guidelines. Please click here to review the guidelines
What you can offer to do for your sponsor:
• Wear branded or provided clothing
• Write sponsored content on your blog
• Provide Ad space on your blog
• Provide Consulting services
• Prize or swag giveaways on your blog, before or after the conference
• Include their information on your regular networking materials, such as business card,
stickers, buttons, or bumper stickers
• Social Media amplification (tweets, Facebook messages, Pinterest pins)

33. I was sponsored to attend – What
are the rules Part 2
We have Attendees Sponsorship guidelines. Please click here to review the guidelines
What you cannot offer your sponsor:
• Exhibition space: only official sponsors of ShesConnected12 can receive sponsor benefits,
which include booths or tables in the exhibition area
• Materials or swag giveaways during the conference
• The dissemination of unsolicited promotional materials (see below for more details)
• Parties in the conference space or hotel: you are free to hold any events or parties outside of
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Please be courteous and not hold them during
conference hours.

34. I was sponsored to attend – What
are the rules Part 3
We have Attendees Sponsorship guidelines. Please click here to review the guidelines
Additional points to remember:
• If you think your sponsor would like to become an official sponsor of the event, please
contact Hollie at ShesConnected. You may receive a finder’s fee for any conference sponsors
you bring on board!
• It is strictly not allowed to hand out, or even place on the conference tables, any brochures,
swag, or literature related to your sponsor. Conference staff will be enforcing this guideline.
Any materials found will be removed. Failure to comply will result in a warning. Second
warnings will result in the recall of your conference pass and possible revocation of
attendance from the conference. Remember: If you would like to promote your sponsor, you
may include their information on your usual networking materials. Some ideas are above in
‘What you CAN do’.
• While ShesConnected cannot enforce what you do outside of the conference space, consider
adhering to these guidelines for the duration of the conference days. Your peers will let you
know if they’re interested

35. Conference Registration
When can I register for the conference?
Registration begins at 8:00am on Friday October
19th and will remain open until 5:00pm. Registration
will re-open the morning Saturday October 19th
until noon. Please have your ID and Eventbrite
ticket ready in order to receive your conference
pass. You will need this pass to receive admission to
all sessions, sponsored areas and parties.
At the Registration Desk you will also pick up your
SCCTO swag bag, and brand passport.
Come with a print out of the agenda and a general
idea of what sessions you’re planning to attend. It
will help to optimize your time or use the app on
our agenda page to get organized electronically!

36. Can I bring my Baby?
• We are baby friendly – yes you
can.
• Even babies enjoy
ShesConnected Conferences
• Check out this great photo
from 2011

37. Can Men Attend
• Yes men can attend.
• While the majority of attendees
will be women, there will be men
in attendance as well.
• Check out two happy men
attending our 2011 event!

38. Venue: Metro Toronto Convention
Centre
Toronto Convention
Centre
South Building, 222
Bremner Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9

39. See you in
October!

40. www.shesconnected.com
www.shesconnectedconference.com