First can I just say that I can’t actually believe we are discussing #roadtosteemfest already.. where the heck has time gone?!?

Well the master behind the #roadtosteemfest initiative, @anomadsoul, has gotten the ball rolling with his post, asking those who had attended previous steemfest’s to to take a walk down memory lane and share our stories. Sort of a first hand experience for any individuals who were maybe considering attending this years SteemFest 4 happening November 6th-10th in Bangkok, Thailand.

I have read some amazing posts that reminded me of the insane bonds that were formed from the trip.. and well, I needed the reminder’and they have been so fun to read. It’s been amazing to look back at the memories that will forever make me smile.

For my post I thought I would focus a bit on what an individual who has never been to SteemFest can expect.. as that was something I wish I would have had a year ago, when I was preparing for my first SteemFest.

What is SteemFest?

In short SteemFest is the largest meetup of steemians, from all around the world. It’s a jam packed 5 day event that perfectly mixes an epic social event with an informative crypto conference... and @rolandp and his team, who organize the event, hit it out of the park when it comes to the planning of this thing.

What to expect

Well first you should expect to not sleep.. as nobody’s got time for that, as well as to learn about what is happening around the Steem ecosystem, explore a new city and bond with your fellow Steem addicts.

Steem is all about community, and the people here are what add value.. so a coming together of those valuable people leads to some amazing things in my opinion. Multiple projects were launched based on steemfest talks, that have added huge value to the ecosystem as well as bonds that will stand the test of time. SteemFest is the community’s family reunion.. it’s as simple as that.

I would HIGHLY suggest participating and reading the #roadtosteemfest tag over the next few months if you are planning , or even just thinking about attending. Just being involved in this initiative last year made the whole experience so much more special for me, as I had bonds built with the other participants before even arriving in Kraków. Just do it, you won’t regret it.

But let’s get into specifics...

Event Ticket

In order to attend the event, you must purchase a ticket. The ticket prices have not been announced yet, but you should prepare to pay at least a couple hundred dollars for it.

This ticket is more than just for the conference though, and I promise when you see everything it includes, it’s quite reasonable. Plus many individuals actually sponsor people and run contests to give tickets away, so there is a good chance you can win one or be sponsored yourself.

This ticket includes entrance to the conference days, food and drink nearly all day everyday, plus additional planned events, swag bag, etc etc etc. I think I only paid for my own food 3 times during last years event.. and that may have been because it was 5 am and I was wandering the streets with steemians, and we are a bunch of fat kids ... just saying.

Here is one of those included events - a fancy closing dinner underground in a salt mine. Yeah.. that really happened ...

And that was after the tour, which was also included -

So believe me when I say, it’s more than just a ticket to a conference.

Hotel

There usually are partner hotels announced, which offer a discount and are really high quality. Many individuals actually teamed up and rented houses etc as an option as well.

All I’ll say here is pick something where you feel safe and comfortable, but don’t stress too much about a hotel.. as you seriously will spend very little time there. I went with a partner hotel last year and was extremely pleased. Book early though, as rooms go fast!

Opening Night

Oh opening night.. where you are jet lagged and trying to prepare yourself for the terrifying thought of walking into a room full of people who you have never met.. but somehow “know”... it’s such a scary thought.. and one that was my absolute biggest fear leading up to the event, not going to lie.

But here’s the thing, everyone feels exactly the same way. And if you followed the #roadtosteemfest posts.. you all already know this, and that makes it a bit less daunting. Also that terrifying moment lasts for about 5mins, because as soon as you spot a name you recognize (thank god for name tags), you will be so excited to finally meet them, hug them, and then it’s all up hill from there.

I can say from personal experience that opening night felt like walking into a room full of old friends, and I’m not even being cheesy.

_{Name tags for the win! This special guy, @gtg, immediately made me feel at ease opening night by roasting me about an on chain comment stating he was my Steem crush. Which lead to laughs, hugs and a friendship that is still going strong 🤗}

_{My first of many Steem family dinners ❤️}

At the end of opening night you will feel at home, and be fully prepared to enjoy the rest of the event. I promise.

Conference Days

The first few days of the event there are Conference days scheduled, or “talks” by your fellow steemians.
These days are located at cool local venues and food is provided. You won’t be stuck in some boring hotel Conference room.. as Roeland has actually brought the local beauty even into these days themselves.

_{Me giving a talk on behalf of the Curie team on Conference Day one.}

These talks are a way to learn about some of the projects happening on Steem, as well as see what the future holds for the ecosystem.

They also sometimes will include thought provoking “round table” sessions which end up being an all inviting deep conversation and brainstorming session about different topics.

_{This may or may not have been one of the most thought provoking round tables I have ever attended 😁}

Scheduled Social Events

After the conference days there are normally “social” events scheduled for the evening. Last year we kicked it off with a bowling tournament and also had a “night of Steem”, where some of our local steemian artists were able to showcase their talents in a private gathering.

_{@yidneth giving a awe inspiring performance at one of the events.}

These events are great as they give everyone a time to get to know each other in a fun setting without trying to worry about where to go and who to invite... as Roeland already has it all covered.

And then crazy things like this happen...

That will become an inside joke for years to come.. cough cough, @blewitt is weird 😜

The social events have an “end” time and the good steemians go back to their hotels to get some rest.. and then everyone else goes to find some hole in the wall bar to gather and chat until the sun comes up. These talks were honestly my favorite part, such amazing conversations with amazing people. Well I did tell you to prepare for no sleep, I wasn’t kidding.

Scheduled “Outings”

The thing that is really great about the team behind steemfest, is that they actually take into consideration planning outings for us to go and explore the area. From group boat tours, to the salt mine exploration I spoke of before, to a thought provoking visit to Auschwitz, there is an opportunity to explore ... but of course it’s not mandatory. I have no doubt the team will have something special in mind this year as well.

“Free Time”

You won’t have any 😜

No, but seriously, you can be as involved as you would like to be or go explore on your own... but there is always a group of individuals doing something, and like I said.. it’s a family reunion, so everyone is invited.

I seriously do not remember a single moment last year where I was by myself looking for something to do.. it’s seriously a jam packed event.

Closing Night

After a wonderful 5 day event there will be a time to say farewell before everyone begins their travels home. You will find yourself a bit sad, but ultimately so elated with the amazing experience you have had.

This night is casual with a few cocktails and just chatting and having fun with those individuals who have become like family. Plus you know.. trying to squeeze in as many photos as possible because you were too busy having fun too take any all week.

_{@tarazkp.. one of the best people I know am blessed to call a friend and who saved me from getting hacked opening night 😬}

One hilarious thing that will happen on closing night as well is that you will realize that even though you thought you met every single steemian that was there for the week ... I mean how could you not have? You had been going strong on less than 2hrs sleep a night because you were so busy meeting and socializing with everyone, you didn’t. And will run into and meet people in the last hour of the event.. how does that even happen? For months this will make you will think to yourself where the hell were they all week? How did I not see them?

So yeah, there isn’t enough time, you won’t meet everyone you want to and you seriously will not sleep.. But you won’t regret a damn minute of it.

The trip home

On the trip home you will reminisce of the insane experience you had while trying to figure out how you are still standing, as you have seriously not slept all week.. any normal person would be in a coma, but here you are dreaming of the next Steem Meetup.

Why you want to go to SteemFest

If you are someone here who feels like you are apart of something revolutionary, if you believe that this community is something special and you find yourself drawn to it.. if you want to explore and learn with individuals that have the same passion for this place as you do, all while getting to explore and visit a beautiful location, then you want to go to SteemFest.

It’s not a circle jerk party... even though, sure if I’m being honest, there are a few that are there clearly just trying to “get some upvotes”... but that’s only a few in the crowd, and they stick out like a sore thumb.

SteemFest is a meeting of minds to talk, debate and explore what this revolutionary platform has in store, and find out how they can be apart of that.

It’s an amazing experience, and one I will cherish always.

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I hope to see you in Bangkok for SteemFest 4

I would absolutely love to go to SteemFest 4, and hope to see you all there! I’m not for sure if I can make it this year, as funds are a bit tight, but I plan to do my best.. plus a lot can happen in a few months 🤷🏻‍♀️🚀📈🌕 What I will say that if you are even just considering it, do it.. as you will not regret it!

I hope this post was helpful for anyone wondering what to expect. If you have questions please let me know and be sure to follow @roelandp for updates as well as participate and read @anomadsoul’s #roadtosteemfest posts.

Much Love and Steem On,

Justine