How To Save Money When Going to a Conference

I'm headed to my first ever blogging conference in a couple of weeks. A larger conference like BlogHer is on my list to attend, but I wanted to ease into it by going to a smaller, more intimate one first. 

I can't actually remember the last time I've gone to a conference as an attendee. I'm usually speaking and the experience is totally different. Most times you don't have the opportunity to participate in other sessions because you're too busy working. And yes - it is work. 

Bloggy Boot Camp is touching down in Dallas, TX, the weekend of September 14th. I bought my ticket in March and booked my hotel room this weekend - which prompted me to write this post.

If you've ever traveled anywhere for any reason, I don't have to tell you how expensive it can be. Especially if you have to fly. When you throw conference tickets into the mix, it can add up quickly. And let's not talk about all the pricey add-on events....VIP parties, awards ceremonies, and the like. 

I got an email this weekend from the #BBCDAL team and it looks like their sponsors are footing the bills for the extra curricular activities. None of the party info was followed by "Buy Your Ticket" links. BAM! This is my kinda gig right here. 

Ok. So now. The reason for this post. 

Conferences always promote the special room rate they've negotiated with the hotel. One that's lower than the regular rate. $119 per night is the going price for Bloggy Boot Campers. Not wanting to pay that price, I attempted to get hotel sponsorship but couldn't. 

I have a client who works at DoubleTree by Hilton. I sent her an email asking if there were any promotions going on. No...I didn't ask for a hook-up. That's just tacky. 

Anyway, she hopped online and found a super low guaranteed rate of $89/night. When I got ready to book my room this weekend, there was even lower rate being offered. A $79 advance purchase rate. I must've typed about 95 miles per hour trying to get my info entered in! 

That's an $80 savings off of the conference room rate. 

Moral of the Story: Always do your research. It really does pay off in the long run. 

I'll be sharing more about the conference in the coming weeks so stay tuned. I'm really excited to be going. 

Do you have any advice you'd like to share to ensure I get the most out of it?