Tips For Making The Most Out Of The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration
As you all know, I am a true believer in the magic of Pixie Dust. My invitation to last year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort was proof of that. As soon as that piece of Disney magic landed in my inbox last year, I immediately asked the many how’s and why’s. You see, that is part of the magic of Disney because no one truly knows (except the wonderful planning team) how one actually receives that coveted invitation. It’s all about the pixie dust.
Here is a cool video recap from last year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I even made the video twice….
When this year’s invitations were sent out in early March, I didn’t receive one. I was totally fine with that. I found myself so excited for those that did because I was lucky to experience the magic, the atmosphere, and surprises that were in store for this year’s attendees. To be truthful, my mind really wasn’t focused on this year’s event. Things have been crazy for my family, scary really, mainly due a serious leg injury my son AJ suffered in August. Six surgeries since August, and possibly more in the future, our lives have been turned upside down. Plus, Gabrielle is busy with her senior year activities and a college decision. Hectic is an understatement.
Then, March 21st rolled around, and this landed in my mailbox…
Let me just say that I was totally shocked. Never underestimate the power of pixie dust. So, I am excited to say that I will be heading back to this wonderful event again this year. What’s even more exciting, is that my family is coming with me this year. For those of you unfamiliar, the Disney Social Media Moms celebration is a family oriented professional development conference that will take place March 5 – 8, 2016 at Walt Disney World. Mom and dad social influencers will be given an inside peek at all things Disney and learn a lot about the social media industry. We will also have the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow influencers from across the country and Canada. The weekend will be a mix of family oriented and influencer only events.
I am also excited that this year’s host resort will be Disney’s Yacht Club. Last year, I had the privilege of staying at Disney’s Beach Club. I am excited that we get to experience this wonderful New England-style resort too.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Last year, I was blogging just one year and never attended a conference before. While I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s experience, I didn’t make the most of it. I was somewhat shy and very intimidated by all the really “famous” social media influencers that were in attendance. Now that I am a veteran attendee, I have some tips for this year’s newbies.
Tips For Making The Most Out Of The 2016 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration
BREATHE! I am placing this tip first because I want all of you to enjoy every second of this conference. As a newbie last year, it was very overwhelming for me. The weekend went so fast. Take it all in, sit back and enjoy all the Disney has in store for both the attendees and families. I promise there will be a healthy dose of magic sprinkled with generous amount of pixie dust. Yes folk, Tink will be working overtime.
NETWORK! This is what I definitely will be doing more of this year. My shy, introverted self, took over a little last year. But not this year! Don’t forget to hand out your business card
What to include on your business card:
*Pro Tip: Make sure your business cards are easy to read!
- Name
- Photo (this helps people recognize you)
- Website
- Email Address
- Social Media Handles (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Periscope, etc)
FAMILY TIME! Make the most of the family time in the parks, at the resort and at the family events. While you will not be spending 100% of your time with family, you will still have a lot of fun!
TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS AND VIDEO! I do write about Disney on my blog, so I like to have a nice photo
THINK OF STORY ANGLES! Whether or not you write about Disney on your blog, there is something about your trip to the conference that can be incorporated some way on your blog or website. Food reviews, travel tips, gardening ideas, recipes – Disney has a lot to offer in the form of content. Use it!
DON’T FORGET THE ELECTRONICS! You are at a conference. Bring your cell phone, laptop, notepad or whatever form of technology you prefer. You need to take notes, tweet, update or use whatever method you feel comfortable with reach your audience. The official conference hashtag is #DisneySMMC. Make sure you use it throughout the event so everyone can follow along with all the fun.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your portable battery charger
DRESS COMFORTABLY! While the conference portion of the event is business casual, the family activities are labeled as resort casual. Be sensible. You are in Walt Disney World. It’s a lot of walking so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
THANK THE PLANNING TEAM AND CAST MEMBERS! The cast members put a lot of planning into pulling off such a large event. Make it a point to thank them for all their efforts. I even sent thank you notes after the conference was over. A handwritten note is such a nice touch
CHAT WITH THE SPEAKERS AND VENDORS! Set aside time to chat with the vendors and speakers. You never know when a conversation can lead to a partnership.
BRING AN EXTRA CARRY-ON! I was surprised last year at all the “swag” we received. I had a really hard time getting it all home. Be sure to pack an extra carry-on bag or suitcase just in case you don’t have room in your suitcase. We all hate to pay that extra weight fee for our luggage, don’t we!!
I will be posting a lot on my social channels during the event.
You can follow the hashtag #DisneySMMC to all the magical fun!
Follow along on: Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – SnapChat and Periscope too!
Here are some other posts about the Disney Social Moms Celebration:
Disclosure: I was invited by Disney to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. I did pay a modest conference free to attend. I was not asked to write this post by Disney. As always, opinions 100% are my own.
