I don’t visit the BlogHer website regularly and I’m not an eager contributor when I do. I’m not part of the BloghHer ad network because they don’t want me. I went to BlogHer Chicago not really knowing what BlogHer even was.

But, I’m headed to BlogHer NYC in a few days. Why? Because that’s where the magic happens. BlogHer could be a potluck in the middle of a cornfield with sessions held in tents and it would still be magic because of the people that attend.

Of course, cocktails at a triple diamond hotel with air conditioning and a Starbucks is a much better choice.

So, for all you BlogHer virgins out there, I thought I’d share my top 10 tips on how to survive Blogher…

1. Change your TweetDeck group names before you get to New York. Nobody wants to peek over your shoulder and find themselves on your “Attention Whore,” “Swag Hag,” or “Dramalama” list.

2. Bring Advil and deodorant and carry them with you at all times. Your feet will ache, your head will pound, and you will start to smell a little ripe.

3. Don’t poke. Don’t bump. That’s how you end up having to make a doctor’s appointment because it burns when you pee. Start a conversation and exchange business cards.

4. There will be swag. Lots and lots of swag. Be gracious. Say thank you. If you don’t want it, give it to someone who does or donate it to someone in need. There’s no need to get all uppity about it.

5. Wear comfortable shoes. It’s a conference, not the red carpet. I don’t want to see 1,500 women walking around Manhattan barefoot because of poor footwear choices.

6. No. You didn’t get invited to that party. Or that one. Not even that one. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Go to the bar, have a drink, and start talking to the bloggers sitting next to you. You’ll have a blast.

7. Amidst all the parties and swag suites, there is a conference taking place. With informative sessions! Lead by people who are said to know things! Read the BlogHer agenda and pick a few to attend. If nothing else, you can Tweet about how you should have been on the panel instead of so-and-so.

8. It’s okay if you meet someone and aren’t familiar with their blog. They probably don’t know who the hell you are either.

9. Naps are good. Skip a party. Skip a session. Take a nap so you aren’t cranky and don’t accidentally elbow a baby.

10. And for crying out loud, don’t let your roommate do your hair or makeup. You’re a grown woman, you’ve been doing your own hair or makeup for years, I’m sure you can do a fine job by yourself. This isn’t a 5th grade slumber party.

BONUS TIP:

11. Have a sponsor? Lucky you! Now, do them proud. Don’t make every conversation a hard sell. Don’t pitch your friends. Don’t spam the Twitter stream or the Blogher hashtag. Do give them the recognition they deserve for supporting bloggers and BlogHer.

Without these rad sponsors, my trip to BlogHer would not be possible…

I partnered with GoGirl for Blissdom 2010 and they are back for BlogHer! GoGirl is the female urination device that is perfect for girls on the go. The GoGirl is super small and compact – perfect for purses, backpacks, and glove compartments. All you do is firmly press the GoGirl against your girlie bits, aim at your intended target, and…go, girl!

FlightWise Luggage by Lands’ End is specifically designed to fit in overhead storage spaces to enable smart travelers to save money on airline baggage fees. Genius! Somebody let the guy who spent 15 minutes with his armpits in my face cramming his luggage into the overhead bin the last time I flew know about this! Even if you’re a casual flier, FlightWise bags pay for themselves. I’m looking forward to packing my FlightWise carry-on upright for NYC!

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