Digital WomenPre-Conference Guide

What to Bring Checklist

What to Bring ChecklistYour personal identification and Eventbrite ticket

A laptop, tablet or a notebook

A Smartphone/camera for taking pictures (be sure to tag any photos you upload with “SCCTO”)

Chargers and power-cords for all your electronics (phone, camera, laptop, etc.)

Business cards with your name, blog URL and/or Twitter handle

A pen for making notes - even just on business cards - to remind you of whom you met and what you discussed

Emergency contact information

Email addresses and phone numbers of at least two other attendees

The address and phone number of the venue and hotel you’re staying at (if different from the conference hotel)

Extra room in your suitcase for swag, prizes and perhaps unplanned shopping excursions

A small amount of cash for getting around the city (cab fare/subway tokens)

Your sexiest heels; your most comfy shoes; and something in between

A light sweater or cardigan; autumn nights in Toronto cool down quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What to WearWhat should I wear?In a group of 200+ women, you can bet there'll be a variety of looks - everything from impossibly chic to incredibly casual. So please do wear what you feel most comfortable in; if you feel like wearing your personalized conference tee, go for it! And, while some women will change for the evening events, there is certainly no pressure to pack extra outfits unless you want to. Our own Donna Marie sported the ShesConnected tee to almost every BlogHer '11 event - whether it was black tie or red carpet, she was comfortable and looked fab!

When/where can I pick up my personalized tee?Conference tees, sponsored by Ford Canada, can be picked up during conference registration. For your convenience, registration will commence on Thursday, September 29th at 11:00am, allowing you to have enough time to change if desired. Don't forget - you can layer the tee over a long sleeved t-shirt or wear it under a cardigan or hoodie if you think you may be cold.

You said I could dress casual. Are there any exemptions?Please, no yoga pants, sweats, jammies or articles of clothing with slogans/offensive sayings. While we want you to look and feel your best, this is after all a professional networking event.

What to BringPlease refer to our "What to Bring" checklist.

Should I bring my laptop? What if I don't have one?Laptops are encouraged, and there will be free Wi-Fi in all areas of the conference to allow you to access your e-mail and social media. However, some people feel that toting around a laptop is too cumbersome and impedes their ability to network and move through the conference area. It's completely up to you. If you have a Smartphone and are able to tweet, post to FB and/or check your e-mail, you may want to ditch your laptop in favour of a good old fashioned notebook or a few sheets of ruled paper.

How many business cards should I bring?You will be safe with 250 cards. Please make sure your cards include your name and Twitter handle!

Hotel & AccommodationsI arrive early on Thursday but can't check in until afterthe conference has started. Where can I stash my stuff?The hotel will tag your luggage and/or bags and stow them safely away until you are ready to check in. If you are flying in on Thursday morning, be sure to arrive ready to mingle as you may not have access to your hotel room to primp. For quick touch ups, there are several public restrooms available throughout the hotel and conference area.

Is Wi-Fi available in my hotel room?Wi-Fi will be available in all hotel guest rooms at an additional charge.

I’d like to find a roommate to offset costs.Please feel free to check our conference discussion board at http://bit.ly/qeF442. Here you’ll find help finding a roommate, organizing a car pool or other logistics-related topics.

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel123 Queen Street West,Toronto, ON M5H 2M9

www.sheratontoronto.com

Conference RegistrationWhen can I register for the conference?Registration begins at 11:00am on Thursday, September 29th

and will remain open until 5:00pm. Registration will re-open the morning of Friday, September 30th at 8:00am for two hours only. Please have your ID and Eventbrite ticket ready in order to receive your conference pass. You will need this pass to receive admission to all sessions, sponsored areas and parties.

At the Registration Desk you will also pick up your SCCTO swag bag, brand passport and customized tee.

Networking ReceptionWhen is the networking reception?The networking reception will be held following the sessions on Thursday, September 29th from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm.

Will food and drinks be served?Snacks and beverages will be provided by Janes and Molson Canadian 67.

ShoesConnectedWhen are the parties?Our official conference party, ShoesConnected, will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 29th at the Town Shoes Flagship Store at 95 Bloor St W in Toronto from 8-10pm. We are still in the process of confirming a party venue for Friday night, but you are welcome to make plans with other attendees in the meantime – Friday nights in Toronto generally present a wealth of options!

How will I get to/from the party? You will have to arrange for your own transportation to 95 Bloor St W. The party is less than a 5-minute cab ride from the hotel (2.5 km) and if you share with three others, will cost approximately $3 per person (fare + tip). Alternatively, you may take the TTC from Osgoode Station North to Museum Station (4 minutes) and then walk northeast for an additional 5 minutes to the party. If you prefer to walk please set aside about 25 minutes.

Will food and drinks be served?Light fare including canapés and finger foods will be offered, in addition to two (2) drink tickets per attendee. We ask that you please drink responsibly; know your limit and drink within it.

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel95 Bloor St. West Toronto, ON M5S1M1

www.townshoes.com

Connecting with PeersBut I don’t know anyone at the conference! Will I be a loner?Absolutely not! Just let a member of the SCCTO staff know that you’re riding solo – either ahead of time or at the event –and we’ll make sure to show you some love and make some cool introductions!

I’m nervous! This is my first conference.You are in good company! Don’t worry; all of our attendees are incredibly friendly and don’t be afraid to stay close to some of the conference veterans. They’ve pledged to take you under their wings!

Connecting with BrandsWhen will we be able to get up close and personal with the brands?We have dedicated time for networking in our conference agenda, and this will be the best time to introduce yourself and speak with sponsors. However, please do not hesitate to engage the brand representatives at other points during the conference – the simple act of waiting in line for a coffee can present itself with a unique (and perhaps valuable) networking opportunity.

How can I distinguish myself from the other digital women?Know your “pitch” – that is, what you and your blog are all about – and then sum it up in 2 minutes. Research brands ahead of time to find those are most closely matched to your blog and blog audience, and be prepared to both ask and answer questions.

See you at SCCTO!

Questions & Inquiries

Donna Marie - donna.marie@shesconnected.comLena Almeida - lena@shesconnectedcorp.com

Twitter - @SCConferenceFacebook - facebook.com/ShesConnectedSocialNetworkforWomen

www.shesconnectedmultimedia.comwww.shesconnected.comwww.shesconnectedconference.com