Last year in September I decided to go to my first blogger conference. At first I didn’t know which blogger conference to pick as going to your first one is a big step and you want to choose one which will give you as many benefits as possible (learn, have fun, networking). I was pretty scared so when I heard about FunFest Blogger Summit I was very happy to book my tickets straight away and the main reason was that it is a family event so your hubby and kids are welcome along with you. This makes it a great family day out but its also a productive one too.
I had a great experience at this blogger conference last year and now this years event is fast approaching, taking place on Saturday 10th September. I must confess that I’m so looking forward to going again. I know you will love it too so I have decided to make a list of 10 reasons why you should go…
Here are my 10 reasons:
1. Bring Your Family
I mentioned this at the start of the post so you kind of already knew about it. For me this was one of the most important reasons why I decided to go to this blogger conference. It was very important to me to feel supported and not feel alone so what better than having my little family (hubby and girls) with me?
2. It’s Free for Kids
What better than being able to bring your kids along, no matter the age and not having to worry about buying a ticket for them? This for me was an important selling point as I was very happy to be able to bring my two girls with me who at the time, were 5 and 1 years old.
3. Suitable for All Bloggers
This could be a mum, dad, grandparent or a general lifestyle blogger. I will highlight that it would be even better for new bloggers as it is always the best opportunity to go to your first conference when you can bring your family along. I had only been blogging for 4 months when I went to this event so I was absolutely new to this blogging world. I didn’t really have any bloggers friends as such so it was much better to have my family with me. It gave me the boost and confidence to meet other bloggers and brands.
4. Children’s Entertainment
You must be thinking, ‘How can I listen to the speakers if I have my kids to deal with?’, well this was something I was worried about too but they have this covered. There is a lot of entertainment put on for your kids to keep them occupied. There are activity books so they can do colouring, stickers (my girls love stickers so this was great), puzzles, they can do face-painting (this is always a hit with kids as they love it).
There are also lots of costume characters around. Bella loved this. We took some photos of her with them. She also loved the balloon modelling and a huge teddy bear from Tatty Teddy that she just loved hugging!
I think this year they will have even more surprises for the kids so I’m very looking forward to that. I’m sure my girls will love it this year too.
5. An Expo Area featuring some of the biggest names in toys and children’s entertainment
This for me was something that I liked a lot when I was reading about this conference. I’m not sure if you are familiar with my blog but if you are, you will know that we love doing reviews, especially of toys. This is something that I really love about blogging that I can have some fun with my family doing these reviews and of course if I can bring a smile to my girl’s faces after receiving these toys and become a cool mum then I’m so happy!
If you would like to review toys or even if you already do but want to do some networking with more brands, this is the conference for you. You will see big brands such as The Entertainer, Jumbo Games, JCB Toys, Falk, Kids@Play, Topps, Amscan, Addo, Ardega, Crushed UK and Those Licensing People!
6. Opportunity to Discuss Brand Ambassador Roles
This is always something that we all might have as a goal if we find the correct brand. I didn’t get an Ambassador role from this conference (maybe because my blog was very new at the time) but I did get some opportunities from it and I was very happy with that. I hadn’t been approached by any brands at the time so hearing from brands after this conference was really cool indeed.
You will have the opportunity to meet the brands during the afternoon after the lunch break, where you get your own time to go around networking. Don’t forget to bring your business cards! 😉
7. A Morning Conference Programme
They focus on giving you some great advice through the morning sessions where you will see some interesting speakers. That is, established bloggers talking about their experiences as well as high profile PRs who will be giving their point of view too. It is very important to hear about what PRs are looking for. I learnt a lot from it that day. There was so much useful information especially for new bloggers like me. I was like a sponge, absorbing all the information!
Last year, Vicki from Honest Mum gave an amazing speech. It was so emotional and brought some tears to my eyes. Everything that she said that day really touched me. I was so over the moon to meet her that day too. She was and still is an inspiration to me. I always look up to her and try to learn from her as much as I can as in my opinion she is the best blogger out there. She has done so much that it is just AMAZING. When I met her that day she was so nice with me and had the time to chat with me one to one. I also met her family and she met mine and since then she has always been really nice with me. I love her! If you also find her as an inspiration, I’m very happy to tell you that she will be back this year speaking too. Isn’t it fantastic?
8. Free Lunch and Refreshments
Last year the food was amazing. We had refreshments all day long with 2 breaks, one for lunch and one for the afternoon tea where we had a selection of cakes and puddings. This was the best part for my girls, LOL! You will not be disappointed with the food they put on, and it was all so well presented too.
9. Goody Bags
Who doesn’t want a good goody bag? Let me tell you that you will get one and it’s not boring or average by any means. You will get a decent goody bag with a selection of different products. We got puzzles, toys, teddy bears, etc. It was fantastic and I was really impressed with it.
10. Great Price
Last but not least, the price of the tickets is just so affordable. Adult delegate tickets are priced at just £39.99 each (plus booking fee) as part of their special early bird offer. Child tickets are completely free but limited to 3 children per booking.
See below a couple of videos that we filmed of Bella that day so you can see how much fun it was for her:
And of course some photos of the day:
The venue is Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire.
I will be there for sure. If you are a blogger and would like to attend a great, different and family orientated blogger conference then this is your opportunity. I would love it if a lot of you could make it. It would be very nice to meet more familiar faces.
What do you think of this summit? Did I manage to convince you? Would you like to give it a go? Have you been to this summit before? Have you been to other blogging conferences before? Leave me a comment below. It would be nice to read what you think.
*Disclosure: I’m an ambassador for FunFest Blogger Summit and part of this role is to talk about it and of course I”m getting tickets for me and my family.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
HOnest Mum says
It was so wonderful to meet you darling and to see you since. I’m excited to speak again this year and see you and your beautiful family. Funfest is such a wonderful festival, with inspiring, informative speeches and plenty of opportunity to network. So touched by your words so thank you xx
Mouse, Moo and Me Too says
I hadn’t heard of this one until reading this post but it sounds brilliant – especially being able to bring your family along. Might just look into it. Thank you for hosting #KCACOLS
the frenchie mummy says
It looks like so much fun! But there is no way I would manage to drag Grumpy Boyfriend there… Baba is still too young for that but I keep the idea on the side for later on! And you met Vicky from Honest Mum! Wow #KCACOLS
Jules pondering parenthood says
I’ve never been to a blogger conference but would really love to. Unfortunately being in Norfolk, everywhere is so far away from me! Such a shame as this conference sounds great! #KCACOLS
Samsam S. says
This conference sounds like loads of fun, reading your post makes me wish I lived in London to attend it #KCACOLS.
Sunita says
This does look like fun! How clever to organise a blogging event where your kids can come along to. It’s all about sharing cool events with your kids and involving them in what we also enjoy doing x Sunita #KCACOLS
Ordinary Hopes says
I am still new to the world of blogging, let alone conferences! I had no idea that ones where you could take your family existed.
It sounds like a lot of fun. #KCACOLS
Jen @Practical, By Default says
Totally off topic but the kids are getting so big. Stop it! You look like you had a blast. Thanks for sharing! #KCACOLS
Soppymum (sara) says
Sounds brilliant. Wish I was back in the U.K. In time for this. I’ll have to research other ones. Thank you #kcacols
Fran @ Whinge Whinge Wine says
I looked at this one and it looked great but it’s a bit too far for us! Shame – good price and everything! #KCACOLS
wendy says
Wow I have neve heard of this but it sounds amazing! I love that you can take your family along, that would be perfect for me as I’ve never been to a blog conference and could do with that extra support. Lucky you meeting Vicki, I love the honest mum blog. I hope you a have a great time again this year xx #kcacols
mainy - myrealfairy says
It looks great and I am looking at which will be my first bloggers conference to go to. Not sure if I will do one this year but this will be on my list when I make the leap:)
Mainy
#KCACOLS
Emma says
Oh wow this sounds amazing. I wonder if I can make the trip over from Jersey for it…. #KCACOLS
laura dove says
Oh wow this looks like so much fun!! I still haven’t made it to a blogging conference yet but I have big plans to go to at least one next year, this definitely looks like an option! #KCACOLS
Mum in Brum says
OOh I love the idea of being able to take kids and the entertainment for them looks amazing! I probably won’t be going to this one sadly, but you definitely convinced me to check it out in future! Have a great time there xx #KCACOLS
Someone's Mum says
Ohhh this looks so interesting. I would love to come but it is at least 2 hours from us and 2 hours is a long time if Biggest has trouble there. Not sure whether it’s a good idea… Wish I could! #KCACOLS
Ali Duke says
This sounds like a great experience. As my blog is still very small I am very reluctant/nervous/scared about going to a blogging conference, but I will get to one sometime x
#KCACOLS
Emma me and b make tea says
it sounds fab Franca! thanks for sharing as I hadn’t heard of it at all. and what lovely words you have for Vicki 🙂 I really like her blog and she is completely inspiring 🙂 Although I’m finding many in the blogger community are 🙂 #KCACOLS
Emma (Upside mum) says
This looks great. I’ve never been to a blogger conference before and I think my kids might be a bit much to handle st something like this at the moment but it’s certainly something to look into in future! Hope you enjoy. #kcacols
Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby says
Sounds fun and very interesting! Have not really attended any blogger conference ever since I started blogging. Thanks for this list, made me more encouraged to join one in the future as long as its nearby. #KCACOLS
Jane Taylor says
I’d never heard of this Blogger conference before, Franca. It does sound like it’s well worth going. The picture of you with Vicki is lovely and what a lovely idea to extend it to family members too. #KCACOLS
Life as Mum says
Reading this post has really REALLY made me want to go but it’s too soon now for me to book – so may go next year!
#KCACOLS
Cathryn - Little Paper Swans says
Thank you for this post! Looks like a great day. I’m going to look into going.
#KCACOLS
Sonia says
I keep hearing about different blogger conferences and think I should go to one soon. You are doing a good job of persuading me with the ‘bring your family’ point. It just all seems so scary to a newbie! I may just do it!! Xx #KCACOLS
2travellingtots says
Oh wow this sounds great! Especially (like you mentioned) for a new blogger who hasn’t been to one of these yet…may have to go and book tickets! Thanks for letting us know about it 🙂 #KCACOLS