Blogger Conferences: Top Events to Attend in February & March 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.
It’s not technically conference season, but you’d never know that looking at the calendar of upcoming events.
The coming weeks will see a large amount of learning and networking opportunities for bloggers and content creators. Whether you’re looking to learn more about SEO, podcasting, social media, or just meet with fellow bloggers, you likely can find something in this list.
Feb. 5-7: Southern C Summit
The Southern Coterie is an intimate event (300 people max) for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners. The two-day summit includes 12 education sessions, a networking lunch, mentoring sessions, and recreational activities like a beach walk. “Finding Your Voice & Commanding an Audience” and “Boundaries in Business: Etiquette in the Digital Age” are just a few of the session topics. Attend Southern C Summit in Sea Island, Ga., at the Sea Island Resort.
Feb. 6: Pubcon Austin
The first of two Pubcon conferences in 2020, the Austin event offers one jam-packed day of the latest strategies in SEO, PPC, social media, content, digital marketing strategies, and more. Keynotes will include speakers from Google and Microsoft. Pubcon Austin will go down at the AT&T Conference Center on the University of Texas campus. Can’t make the Austin event? Consider attending Pubcon Florida taking place March 24-26 at the Kovens Conference Center in North Miami.
Feb. 15-16: Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
For travel writers, this is “THE place to get great travel story ideas, interview travel experts and show executives on travel trends, and capture amazing photos all under one roof.” A virtual reality experience, scuba diving pool, and rock-wall climbing are just a few of the fun activities in which attendees can participate. Check out the Travel & Adventure Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Feb. 19-20: SMX West
If you’re looking to boost conversions, increase sales, and maximize awareness for your blog, this could be the conference for you. SMX West offers more than 85 sessions covering SEO, search engine marketing (SEM), and digital commerce marketing (Amazon, Facebook, etc.). Session types range from one-on-one meetings and panels to roundtables and clinics. The conference will take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, Calif.
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.
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.
Feb. 28-March 1: Playlist Live
Playlist Live is the “ultimate creator event of the year.” Pool parties, games, and fireworks are mixed in with the panels, Q&As, and workshops focused on the future of digital video and social media. The Insight Track is ideal for anyone looking to learn more about creating digital content. For the more experienced attendees, check out the full three-day Industry Track. Get down to Orlando, Fla., for Playlist Live at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
March 1-3: Social Media Marketing World
Bloggers must wear many hats to run a successful site, including that of marketer. Looking to promote your blog on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest? More than 100 of the top social media experts will be attending Social Media Marketing World and available for one-on-one conversations for All-Access ticket holders. The three-day event will take place in San Diego, Calif., at the San Diego Convention Center.
March 1-3: Design Influencers Conference
Calling all interior-design lovers! This conference “offers attendees a unique opportunity to participate in the intersection of interior design and the world of new media, including blogging, social media, e-commerce, digital branding, book publishing, line promotion, and more.” Award-winning designer Nate Berkus will be this year’s keynote speaker, as well as model/entrepreneur Miranda Kerr and designer Alexa Hampton. Check out the Design Influencers Conference in the Bay Area at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco.
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 6-8: Podfest 2020
If you’re considering getting into the podcast game to complement your blog, this could be the event for you. Podfest also has plenty of learning sessions for experienced podcasters looking to innovate and improve their skills. A few sessions include “Women in Podcasting,” “Laying Out and Planning Your Content,” and “How to Integrate Your Blog into your Podcast Strategy.” This year’s event will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida, minutes from Disney theme parks.
March 6-8: Women’s Travel Fest
Women travel bloggers connect at the annual Women’s Travel Fest. Attendees learn new creative skills, network with fellow travelers, and learn how to take their adventures to the next level. Get tips for traveling solo, boosting your photo skills, and get new destination ideas. The Women’s Travel Fest takes place at Angel Orensanz in New York City.
March 13-14: Pinners Conference & Expo (Pomona, CA)
The first of several Pinners conferences throughout the year, the Pomona event is your first chance in 2020 to attend 100+ Pinterest-based creative classes for food, DIY, home decor, and more. Classes cover topics like knitting, calligraphy, and bath-bomb making. The conference will be held at Fairplex California.
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, Texas.
March 26-27: SearchLove San Diego
SearchLove offers two days of sessions covering analytics, site optimization, content best practices, and the latest in paid promotion strategy. Sessions include “On-Page Best Practices That Harm Your Traffic” and “Building a Content Machine.” SearchLove will take place at the waterfront Kona Kai Resort in San Diego, Calif.
March 31-April 2: Influencer Entrepreneurs Academy
This event “brings together female entrepreneurs that are looking to grow their online presence to strategically grow and scale their businesses.” Hosted by blogger and entrepreneur Jenny Melrose, IEA will give attendees the chance to work in small groups of 6-10 bloggers in a “mastermind table” format and will provide a workbook that will act as a personalized guide moving forward. The event takes place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Charlotte, N.C.
Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.
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.
