I Must Confess: I have had to think long and hard about whether to buy a ticket this year.
Last year, I had no such qualms. It was my first year as a “professional blogger”; and it was practically in my neighbourhood on the Gold Coast (just an hour away). Somehow I just kind of ignored the price and went for it! (Partly that may have been because I booked the accommodation separately pretty cheaply, and it spread the overall expense out over a number of months.)
It was inspiring; I learned a lot; met lots of other bloggers; and had a great time (you can see some of my pics of PBEvent 2013 in this post). My only real complaint is that I ended up with a migraine on the second day, probably from information overload! I ended up having to go home early because of it 
This year, I was pretty sure PBEvent 2014 would be held a lot further away – maybe Sydney or Melbourne. Which kind of made my decision for me: that I wouldn’t be able to go.
So I booked into another conference that will no doubt be a huge boost to my business: the Australian Virtual Assistants Conference, which is being held here in Brisbane in just another couple of week’s time.
Of course wouldn’t you know it, PBEvent is back on the Gold Coast again this year – can I really afford to go to two conferences in one year?!
I’m trying to remind myself that although conferences cost money, ultimately they benefit my business so are a sound investment!
As if to prove my theory, I started getting my first paid opportunities (sponsored posts) here on my blog immediately after going to PBEvent last year. Just coincidence? Or perhaps as a result of some of the networking I did while I was away?!
Yes, tickets are a little more expensive this time around: up from $350 to $399. As that doesn’t include accommodation – it all adds up. I would dearly love to stay onsite this year but I’m not sure if that will happen.
I guess I’m lucky I don’t have to include airfares!
When it all boils down to it, I realise just how lucky I am to have Australia’s premiere blogging event so close to home.
And that I will be kicking myself when the conference is on, if I’m NOT there!
What do you think I should do?!
Linking up with My Home Truths for another Monday morning confession.
Don’t forget the Nuffnang South Brisbane Bloggers Banquet is coming up soon and is a lot cheaper! Have you booked your spot?!