I remember distinctly the first time I heard of a blogging conference and I wanted to go. I remember like it was yesterday clicking the link to register and being shocked at the ticket price. How in the world was I – a “mommy blogger” – going to afford not only the ticket price but also my round-trip flight and hotel room? Plus childcare for when I’m gone, plus new business cards, and new outfits, and luggage, and…it was starting to really add up. I was discouraged. I kind of gave up on going to that conference, but I prayed a little half-hearted prayer that God would send me if it was His will. And then I sent out this tweet:
What you don’t see is the DM I got just a few minutes later from Jennifer White (reply above) offering to send me to the conference on behalf of the company. Are you kidding me?!
I went to my first blogging conference fully sponsored. I had no idea what I was doing, but I prayed a lot and asked everyone I knew, and I was able to afford to go. God answered my prayers in a big way and I am so grateful. I am the blogger I am today because of that conference and how He got me there.
That’s my story. What will yours be? Because, friend? You have one.
I get it- $239 isn’t pocket change for most of us. And justifying the expense in your budget for a “blogging conference” can be tricky. Think of it this way: $239 for two and a half days of being under the teaching of some incredible speakers and inspiring leaders, in the encouraging company of like-minded women, and growing your God-given gifts. Plus, sweet times of worship, all three (delicious) meals included Friday and Saturday, lots of lovely gifts from our Sponsors, fun extra events before and after the conference, and the chance to meet your online friends face to face. Wow!
Please know this: the Declare ticket price is the actual cost of the conference. No one is making money off of ticket sales. It has always been our goal to keep the Declare ticket price as affordable as possible, all expenses considered. Please also know this: we are praying for God’s favor and financial provision for each and every woman He has planned to attend Declare.
If the ticket price is what’s keeping you from attending Declare this year, let me encourage you with some ideas to afford to attend The Declare Conference:
// Book early! If you can, book your flight early (like, now) to get the best rate. Use your miles to save even more. Check flying into DFW Airport versus Love Field Airport to see which is cheaper.
// Roomies! Share your hotel room with a roommate or two or more and save tremendously. The Dallas Marriott Las Colinas has already reduced the rate for Declare attendees and bunking with other bloggers who will split the cost is a great way to save money. Join the Declare Facebook Community and see who else is looking for a roomie. Book your hotel room here.
// Stay with someone local. There are a lot of bloggers in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area who will be at Declare but not staying the night at the hotel. See if anyone has a spare bed or couch you could bunk on for the weekend and save on the hotel expense.
// Find a sponsor. Leverage your social media networks and connect with organizations and businesses that would like representation at Declare. Let it be known that you are seeking a full or partial sponsor for #DeclareConf and pray for God’s favor! Once you secure a sponsorship, offer advertising on your blog, sponsored posts, and other ways to promote them before, during, and after Declare. Just remember our sponsorship policy, please.
// Save 10 dollars a week, starting today. That’s sacrificing about two trips to the coffee shop or nail salon or fast food restaurant each week. By the time of The Declare Conference you’ll have saved over $100, nearly half of the ticket price. Keep up the habit after Declare 2014 to start saving for Declare 2015! Use a savings calculator (like this one) to figure out the math according to your budget.
// Drive instead of fly. Consider the cost of driving and gasoline versus a round-trip airline ticket. Would it be cheaper to drive? Is there anyone else in your area/state that would carpool with you? What a fun road-trip! A great way to save money and make memories! There’s also a train and bus system into DFW.
// Think outside the box sponsorships. Given the nature of The Declare Conference, and the ever-growing demand for bloggers and social media marketers, it might not be far-fetched to ask your church to sponsor your Declare ticket, especially if you are a leader or serve at your church. Or, what about a nonprofit or charity that you loyally support? They might appreciate your representation at Declare. What about your parents? Grandparents? Mentor? Would they consider helping your Declare fund?
// Consider it a business expense*. If you make money as a blogger and claim your income on your file taxes (which is the law), most of the expenses associated with a blogging conference can be used as a tax deduction at the end of the year. *confirm with your accountant
// Consider it an investment. To grow in your God-given gifts and abilities, you may need to spend time (and money) learning and growing. You need to be refreshed and poured into, so that you can in turn pour into others.
// Come as you are! Skip the new business cards, new clothes, or shoes. Save your money and please come as you are. We hope to create an environment where you are able to connect with others beyond the passing of business cards, and feel comfortable no matter what you’re wearing!
Friends, we are praying and believing that God will make a way, and that you will have an AWESOME story to tell about it when it’s all said and done.
You belong here! Our heart is to equip you to be an effective Christian communicator.