Hi there! Adriana here, and today we're going to be chatting about a topic that I actually wasn't too familiar with until last fall. - Attending Your first Influencer Summit! I'll be navigating you through everything that you need to know before you take your first sponsored trip, and how to best prepare for it. Let's backtrack a few months...In October, I had the amazing opportunity to attend my first Influencer trip in Bentonville, Arkansas as part of a #TasteandTravelBentonville Summit. It was my very first time to travel for the blog (apart from NYFW), and my first time visiting Arkansas! The trip had some fantastic perks as well like: a complimentary flight, comped accommodations, and on top of that, I was also compensated for blog content that I created while there. It was such an incredible opportunity that I never thought would turn into a reality. I would always hear about influencers taking trips, and working with hotels and travel agencies in exchange for content and never thought I would be one of those influencers! So needless to say, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to accept the campaign. 
PLANOLY Pro-Tip - The most important thing you should do before agreeing to a sponsored trip or influencer event is to read carefully over the contract and guidelines and be familiar with the deliverables. You want to make sure that you're partnering with a reputable agency that you know and trust, and that the deliverables align with the scope of work you can complete. Now, let's dive into some of the fun stuff! For those of you who have never traveled for your blog, or have not attended an Influencer Summit or sponsored trip before, I'm laying out a few of the important ins and outs on how you need to prepare after you say yes. (Because trust me, I had lots and LOTS of questions.)
Need-to-Knows:
- How to Prep - What will you need for the trip? Do you have a photographer going with you or will there be one available? Always consider your photography options when taking a sponsored trip.
- What to Pack - Where will you be going? Will it be hot, cold, or does the trip require specific attire for certain activities?
- Getting Organized - What do you need to bring for the trip? (notebooks, pens, paper, etc.... )
- Content Creation Essentials - Make sure you don't forget the following: laptop, phone, camera, extra chargers and print off our Instagram & PLANOLY Checklists before creating content!
- Know Your Deliverables - What's on your agenda that you need to document thoroughly while on the rip? Read over your contract and highlight important aspects of the event beforehand.
- Have Fun! - Don't forget to have fun and make as many new friends as you can along the way! It's so lovely when you get to meet other influencers IRL that you've been following on social for a while.
"Ask any questions that you might have before the trip to the agency or affiliate network directly." Tweet this.
PLANOLY PRO-TIP: Make sure to ask any questions that you might have before the trip to the agency or affiliate network directly sothat there is no confusion upon arrival. Have a clear idea of how you'll get there, where you'll be staying, the trip itinerary, and whether or not you can bring your photographer in tow. (I never thought to ask about this last one, but it turns out some agencies are fine with including a photographer for you during your stay!)
After the Trip:
- Send Thank You Cards - Always remember to thank those that made the trip possible for you. Your agency or representatives, as well as tour guides and venues!
- Look Over Deliverables - Now that the trip is over, you have time to look over all of the content that you created! Make sure that you review your deliverables thoroughly so that you can have a smooth and easy content submission process.
- Complete Blog & Social Media Posts - Complete all blog and social posts promptly as outlined by the contract (by planning in advance with our scheduler!)
- Gather Your Takeaways from the Trip - I always like jotting down fun takeaways from the trip. What I loved, things I might have changed, and what I'd want out of the next sponsored trip. It always makes for great feedback when you're representatives or sponsors ask for it too.
