Agenda 03/08/2011

Agenda 2012

While putting together the schedule for the UK’s biggest parent blogging conference, we thought a lot about what you’ve said you want out of the day – workshops and knowledge you can use, sessions that address your everyday concerns and time to learn from each other and meet brands who want to work with bloggers. And don’t forget the free-flowing coffee and tea. We’ll also have advanced sessions for those looking to take their blogging to the next level.

We’ll be adding speaker names in the coming weeks, so watch this space. And if there’s something you really think we missed out, let us know and we’ll try to find a way to put it in. (Schedule subject to change.)

Track descriptions:

The Blogger’s Studio: Ever want to just sit down with your favourite bloggers and pick their brains? Here’s your chance! These friendly sessions will feature in-the-know bloggers whose main attribute is that they think if they can do it, so can you.

Discussion Den: This is the place where we’ll tackle the burning issues that arise time and time again. Expect a lot of opinions, respectful disagreements and perhaps some answers to what’s been on your mind.

FRIDAY 22 JUNE
14:00 – 14:15
 Registration
14:15 – 15:00
 Coffee, tea and cake party A friendly, icing-enhanced way to start the weekend. Here’s your chance to meet other bloggers, get to know the brands and hook up with our BritMums Butterflies if you’re looking for a friend. A don’t-miss kickoff welcome!
15:00 – 15:10
 Welcome Jennifer Howze and Susanna Scott, founders of BritMums
15:10 – 15:35
 Prevailing through adversity: how I beat the tsunami of all depressions, Ruby Wax, author and comedian
15:35 – 16:25
Roundtable: British blogging now Influential bloggers from the UK’s biggest blogging tribes discuss the state of blogging, in conversation with our community. Led by the Huffington Post UK, they’ll share their knowledge then the floor will be open for Q&A. We’ll have top-notch bloggers from the food, fashion, political and entertainment worlds. Carla Busazi, Huffington Post UK; Laetitia Wajnapel, Mademoiselle Robot, Dave Elton, Left Foot Forward; Steve Keenan, Travel Perspective and Sunday Times Online Travel; Jeanne Horak-Druiff, Cook Sister; Sarah Ebner, Times School Gate
16:25 – 17:10
 Tea and Coffee Grab a coffee or tea, meet sponsors and choose your afternoon session
17:10 – 17:55
 Workshops (choose one)

  • Bloggers’ Studio: Getting Published- We’ve gathered a group of authors, novelists and publishers that have been there and done that and are willing to walk you you through the process too. Toni Hargis, Expat Mum; Emily Carlisle, More than Just a Mother; Erin Niumata, Across the Pond; Cari Rosen, The Secret Diary… of a Secret Diary; Kate Morris, Writing and Moaning
  • Sponsored by John CraneDiscussion Den: The Clever Bloggers Way to Write about Parenting – Liz Fraser, Best selling author and BBC presenter, Jane Sanderman, Institute of Ideas; Zoe Williams, parenting author and columnist
  • Sponsored by Care.comDiscussion Den: Can you really have it all? A discussion on the age-old juggling act of work/life/kids. Oh, and blogging too. Allison Pearson, author of I Don’t Know How She Does it; Hannah Brewer, Muddling Along Mummy; Lucy, Family Affairs and Other Matters
18:00 – 19:00
 The BiBs Awards PartyToast great blogging in advance of the awards, have a nibble, take part in the wine giveaway and spot some very cheeky surprises from sponsor Radcliffe’s Wines!

Sponsored by Radcliffes and Welchs
19:00 – 20:00
The Brilliance in Blogging (BiB) Awards For the second year, we celebrate creativity, great writing and social networking know-how. This time, in real-time.
SATURDAY 23 JUNE
8:15 – 8:55
Sponsored by Lifestyle 24/7Blogercise with Lucy Prepare for the day with this relaxing and rejuvenating 40-minute stretch session you can do in your regular clothes. You’ll finish in time to grab a coffee and change and feel great for the day ahead.
8:30 – 9:15
 Coffee, tea & pastries
9:15 – 9:45
 Welcome to Day 2 & Keynote: Sarah Brown
9:45 – 10:40
 Workshop I(Choose one)

  • Sponsored by John CraneBeginning blogging: Essentials Part 1 – Make sure you understand these essential basics as building blocks for a great blog. This session focuses on search engine optimisation (SEO) and legal issues that can arise from writing about people and products. (This is a double session, come back at 11.30 for Part 2). Danielle Fudge, SEO Manager at Forward 3D
  • Advanced blogging: Photography – Whether your style is gorgeous, quirky or humorous, discover how to take better pictures and better incorporate photography into your blog. Julia Boggio, Photographer and YouTube Phenom
  • Sponsored by California AlmondsGood taste: blogging about food – This discussion, led by some of the best known British food bloggers, will share insight and ideas on how online and offline activities can take your blog out of the cake box. Kerstin Rodgers, Ms. Marmite Lover; Sarah Trivuncic, Maison Cupcake; Katie Bryson, Feeding Boys and a Firefighter
10:40 – 11:30
Morning break Grab a coffee, tea or soft drink and check out the exhibition area aka The Hub or chill out in one of our specialty lounges
11:30 – 12:20
 Workshop II (choose one)

  • Beginning blogging: Essentials 2 – A continuation of our double session of blogging basics. This session focuses on accounting know-how (such as, Does HMRC need to know about that free stuff you get from PRs?) and basic design rules of thumb that help your blog look good. Dawn Brown, accountant and blogger at Knees Up Mother Brown
  • Discussion Den: Blogging for the greater good – Have you used your blog for a worthy cause or do you want to? Would you like to raise awareness of an issue but don’t know how? Don’t miss this session where you find out how others have done it and how to incorporate good works into your blog too. Camila Batmanghelidjh, Kids Company Director; Adrian Lovett, European Director ONE; Kate Davis-Holmes, Kate on Thin Ice; Polly Gowers, CEO, Everyclick
  • Advanced Blogging: Using the advanced features of Facebook pages – Janis Curry, Very Kid Friendly
12:20 – 13:10 Workshop III (choose one)

  • Beginning blogging: Video blogging basics – Want to become a video blogger but don’t know where to start? This crash course will get you comfortable with a camera, clued-up on a formula for good vlogging and plugged into a simple editing program. Ruth Arnold, Geek Mummy
  • Discussion Den: Secrets & Lies online – Let’s face it, not everyone out there in the blogosphere is as friendly and respectful as we’d like. This session examines the issues around dealing with negativity, privacy and writing about your family? Come and share your experiences, discuss how much you reveal in your blog, and learn how to deal with trolls and naysayers. Diane Hayman, In the Powder Room; Paul Fennemore, Henley Business School; Lisa Pearson, The Mummy Whisperer
13:10 – 14:10
Lunch in the Hub
14:10 – 15:00
 Workshop IV (choose one)

  • Perks and pounds: Making money from your blog – It’s not just about banner ads. There are a variety of ways to leverage your blog, your knowledge and yourself to generate income. You’ll get the nuts-and-bolts advice on how to create a plan. Erica Douglas, Little Mummy and Ace Inspire; Clare Mcnaughton, A Modern Military Mother
  • Advanced Blogging: Advanced WordPress – It’s one of the most popular blogging platforms with a load of powerful functions and plug-ins. Find out how to use it to its fullest potential…and learn what to do when things go wrong, from a design professional. Julia Hall, web design agency Springmedia and Women Unlimited
  • Discussion Den: Sod the Stats! Blog for Happiness – In the quest for page views, rankings, freebies and accolades, can the personal satisfaction of blogging be lost? Should we worry about comments, monetization or, dare we say it, brands? There’s no right or wrong answer in this session. Come share your experiences in this upbeat discussion. Ellen Arnison, In A Bundance; Kate Davis-Holmes, Kate on Thin Ice;
15:00 – 15:50
 Workshop V (choose one)

  • Your social media plan – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn…the list goes on, but how do you do it all? This workshop instead of focusing on how to use various social media helps you put together a manageable plan for using it effectively in a way that fits into your schedule. Claire Burdett, MumsBusiness
  • Sponsored by the The Porland HospitalWriting about your life – Writing and storytelling is the cornerstone of most blogs. Voice is an essential ingredient. This session will focus on creative writing/non-fiction writing and discuss ways to improve what goes on the page. Andrea Stuart, author and Faber Academy instructor
  • Advanced blogging: Video blogging – So, you’ve made some vlogs and are feeling pretty good about them, but erm, could they be even better? This session will cover how to raise the bar with lighting, sound, shooting and editing. Christine Beardsell, VCCP
  • The Bloggers’ Studio: The daddy bloggers – Ever wonder what it is like to be a male fish in a sea of women? This panel contemplates the same thing. Come listen to these top-ranked dad bloggers and get a unique perspective. Tim Atkinson, Bringing Up Charlie; Ben Wakeling, Good Bye Pert Breasts; Spencer, SAHD and Proud; Craig Hodgson, Dadzclub
15:50 – 16.45
Afternoon break Grab a coffee, tea or soft drink and check out the exhibition area aka The Hub or chill out in one of our specialty lounges
16:45 – 17:05
 360 Media- how to use twitter/Facebook/television/blog all together Cherry Healey, women’s issues presenter
17:05 – 18.30
 The Bloggers’ KeynoteA showcase celebrating all types of content – from fantastic posts and videos to gorgeous photography to blog innovations – presented by bloggers in their own voice. You’ll get to enjoy all this with a chill-out glass of wine in hand.

Sponsored by Radcliffes and Welchs

Speaker and blogger comments and opinions are subjective and their own, and not those of BritMums Ltd.

Don’t miss out! Register now for the biggest blogging event of the year – only £69.99

3 Responses to “Agenda 2012” Subscribe

  1. Liska 19/11/2011 at 2:55 pm #

    Looks like a staggering awesome schedule

    Reply
  2. Tinuke / Circus Mum 20/11/2011 at 6:19 pm #

    I am soooo looking forwards to this event! Very excited and pleased that I’ve already got my ticket!

    Reply
  3. sarah at secret housewife 05/02/2012 at 9:09 pm #

    I am soooo excited! Looks fab and today I booked my hotel!

    Reply

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