I’m so excited and ready for a fun trip down to Philadelphia! Tomorrow morning I’m heading down to Philadelphia for the 2011 Healthy Living Summit with some amazing ladies!

My bag is packed and I’m ready to go! Or let’s put it this way, my running gear is packed and my long run fuel is made and in its Ziploc!

Maybe it’s the excitement of running with 20-30 other amazing bloggers and readers, but my running clothes were my top priority! Now that they are packed maybe I can focus on the rest of the bag, especially what I’ll wear on Saturday. Theodora, Cynthia, and I are speaking during Healthy Living Summit on Utilizing Social Media to Network and Make Friends in Your Area. It’s been wonderful getting to know Cynthia more during the process and I really look forward to sharing our presentation with you next week. 

I’m hoping this year’s summit will surpass last years even though Chicago was pretty amazing! It was jam packed with Chicago Food Tours, long runs along Lake Michigan, an amazing cocktail party featuring an amazing photo booth, and lots of new friends!

But, this year, I’m a year wiser and more excited than ever. Since January 2011 I’ve been blogging every single day and challenging myself to meet new bloggers and put myself out in the blog world more. I’m looking forward to meeting new friends who I’ve developed Twitter, Facebook, and email relationships. This year, unlike last, I’ll also be joining the crew for a long run. Last year I was scared of running with a group, intimidated by their speed and experience. This year, I actually sent the email suggesting we meet at the early hour of 5am.

I’m so excited to hang out with some of these awesome runners and new alike!

Some of my friends have reached out to me asking my suggestions for making friends at a large event, whether it be a blogging conference, reader event, or a race with fellow bloggers and readers. Here are a few of my tips for making the most of these events:

1) Smile! People will always be more likely to talk with someone who is smiling than someone who looks nervous or intimidated.

2) Reach out ahead of time via Facebook, email, or Twitter. Are you looking forward to getting to know someone who will be in attendance? Have you met them before but aren’t sure they remember you? Do you read their blog and know that their dog is weird or that their closet and wardrobe were just made over after losing weight with Weight Watchers. Don’t worry about it. They have blogs and put their life on the internet daily. They are used to it and love meeting readers. If the event is going to be packed like a big race or Healthy Living Summit, I suggest sending them an email or tweet them ahead of time letting you know you’re a fan and would love to meet.

3) Move beyond your inner circle. It’s common to hang out with your friends when you go to events because you are comfortable with them and know you’ll enjoy yourself. But, remember that your at this event to meet people. Theodora and I have been guilty of this more than once, often regretting it afterwards. If you want to hang out with your close friends, make sure to at least socialize with another group of people as well. Group runs, dinners, or even a special meal can make this very easy to do!

If you’re heading to Healthy Living Summit, I look forward to seeing you there. Please come up and say hi if we haven’t met before. If we have met, I look forward to giving you a big hug and a “hey” since I’m a Southern girl at heart who is definitely a “hugger.”

Question: What is your method for not becoming overwhelmed at a blogger event or large conference?