Blogger Conferences: Top Events to Attend in 2020
Welcome to Blogger Events, a monthly column of what’s happening in the blog world. If you have an event you’d like featured, reach out to the Beyond Bylines team via Twitter at @BeyondBylines.
*The Upcoming Events page will be updated regularly. But note that due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many events have been canceled or postponed. We will work to keep this page updated, but please make sure to check individual event websites for the latest changes.* (updated March 24, 2020)
As we near the end of 2019, there still are a few networking and learning opportunities left for bloggers and content creators, including TEDWomen and TECHmunch.
Keep in mind that not all conferences have nailed down their 2020 specifics yet. As we move through the year, make sure to check in with our monthly lists of blogger events to see if one fits your needs.
Dec. 4-6: TEDWomen 2019
TEDWomen is a three-day event “celebrating pioneers making power moves, brilliant people who are just getting started, and those who tirelessly show up as allies and advocates.” The lineup of inspiring women speakers includes journalists, activists, photographers, scholars, and more. #TEDWomen takes place at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, Calif.
Dec. 7: TECHmunch LA
TECHmunch is the place for food bloggers, content creators, and influencers to learn how to level-up and “leap frog” the competition. The intensive one-day conference covers the latest tools and tactics for creating top-notch digital content. The traveling conference will host its final event of the year in sunny Los Angeles, a nice escape from chilly winter weather.
Jan. 18-19: Adventure Travel Show
Travel bloggers, this is a great event for you! The Adventure Travel Show is “the UK’s only event dedicated to experiences off the beaten track.” Boost your travel photography, writing, and filming skills at this two-day exhibit in London. Experts also will be on hand to help you plan your next adventure. The event takes place at the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
Feb. 1: #BlogHer20 Health
BlogHer Health is returning for a third year to celebrate “the female storytellers who use their voices to raise awareness for our collective health.” Past speakers have included Jameela Jamil, Alyssa Milano, and Gwyneth Paltrow, so expect another jam-packed day of inspiring keynotes and networking opportunities. Attend #BlogHer20 Health at Rolling Greens, the highly instagrammable and eco-friendly home + garden space in downtown Los Angeles.
Feb. 20-22: WORKBENCHcon
WORKBENCHcon offers attendees the chance to “be a part of the growing network of diyers, makers, influencers & bloggers discovering new techniques, products and skills all while learning how to take their businesses to the next level.” In addition to hands-on woodworking demos, class topics will cover tips for YouTube, Pinterest, and more. The conference will be held at the Waverly Renaissance Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.
Feb. 27-29: Dad 2.0
Attend the ninth annual Dad 2.0 to connect with influential dads, media, and marketers. The event is “an opportunity to learn the tools and tactics used by influential bloggers to create high-quality content, build personal brands, and develop business ideas.” The conference tracks — Entrepreneurship & Influence, Social Media & Marketing, and Fatherhood & Family — provide a mix of workshops, panels, and presentations. Dad 2.0 will go down at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C.
March 1-6: Alt Summit
The Alt Summit brings together a community of creative women entrepreneurs — photographers, bloggers, vloggers, shop owners, and more. According to the site, attendees are “looking for opportunities to follow their passion, find meaningful work, and contribute positively to the world.” Keynotes, roundtables, demos, and workshops take place at a variety of locations across Palm Springs, Calif., offering plenty of opportunities to explore the “endlessly instagrammable” city.
March 13-22: SXSW
SXSW offers “10 days of unparalleled discovery, learning, and networking with creatives across interactive, film, and music industries.” The whopping 22 programming tracks include Media & Journalism; Experiential Storytelling; Professional Development; Design; and more. Registration is now open for the conference, which takes place in Austin, Tex.
*Update 3/6/20: SXSW canceled due to coronavirus after Austin declares ‘local disaster’
April 30 – May 2: Everything Food Conference
The “must-attend food blogger & influencer conference” is the largest foodie event of the year. Open to beginners and experts alike, a Foodie Bootcamp and SEO Retreat also are available as add-ons in the days leading up to the event. Everything Food takes place at the Davis Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Layton, Utah.
*Update: Everything Food Conference has been rescheduled to Aug. 5-7, 2020. The location remains the same.*
May 1-3: Women in Travel Summit
Organized by Wanderful, WITS North America welcomes women travel influencers and creators, and the brands that want to work with them. A $100 Blogger 101 add-on is available to help attendees new to blogging and digital content creation develop their skills. Women in Travel’s flagship event will take place at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Missouri.
*Update: On March 13, it was announced that WITS has been rescheduled for Nov. 13-15, 2020.*
May 6-8: Mom 2.0
Mom 2.0 is “a gathering of influencers and leaders who create content online and on air in parenting, entertainment, food, politics, business, marketing, technology, social change, travel and design.” Over 1,100 attendees will discuss trends and share best practices. The conference will be held at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
*Update: Mom 2.0 has been rescheduled and will now take place Sept. 25-27, 2020. The venue and agenda remain the same.*
May 8-10: TravelCon
TravelCon is “the place to learn the business of travel media.” Boost your skills in video, photography, writing, and blogging. The intimate three-day conference brings together influencers, industry leaders, and writers to network, learn what’s working in the travel industry and digital travel publishing, and more. Registration for the 2020 event at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, La., is now open.
*Update: Due to COVID-19 concerns and CDC guidelines, TravelCon has been postponed and will be held (tentatively) Sept. 18-20, 2020.*
May 28-30: #WeAllGrow Summit
Back for a sixth year, the #WeAllGrow Summit will host Latina creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers to cover a range of topics within these tracks: Lead, Create, Monetize, Mentor, and Heal. The theme of this year’s event is “We Are One.” #WeAllGrow will have a retreat vibe at the Riviera Palm Springs in Palm Springs, Calif.
*Update: #WeAllGrow Summit has been rescheduled. The new dates are July 23-25, 2020; the Riviera Palm Springs is still the venue.*
June 19-22: Craft + Commerce
With only 400 tickets available, you want to get your ticket to Craft + Commerce early. The conference is designed to help online creators – bloggers, vloggers, freelancers, podcasters, etc. – be inspired by stories from fellow creators and educated by experts to help grow their business. The event will feature short and sweet keynotes (20 minutes each), workshops, and more. It will be held at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise, Idaho.
Oct. 8-10: ShiftCon
ShiftCon, the “Eco-Wellness Influencer Conference,” will offer the online influencer community three days of health, wellness, and sustainability learning to grow their blogs. Shifters seek healthier and more sustainable lives, promote brands that mirror their values, and help causes that speak to their soul. Purchase an Elite pass for access to additional workshops to help you make more money. ShiftCon will take place at Hotel Irvine in Irvine, Calif.
Nov. 12-15: International Food Blogger Conference
IFBC will celebrate its 12th year in 2020. More than just a conference, it’s “a food experience” that offers plenty of content, speakers, and networking to food bloggers, writers, and influencers. The event changes locations each year to tailor the content and food to the region. The 2020 event will be held in El Paso, Tex.
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Rocky Parker works in Audience Relations at PR Newswire. Check out her previous posts for Beyond Bylines and connect on LinkedIn. When she’s not working, Rocky typically can be found cooking, binge watching a new show, or playing with her puppy, Hudson.
