It is almost time for #AWBU 2013 and we are getting excited, are you? Here is a little update.

If you have not checked out our speakers and sessions, do that now. If you have chosen the #FoodieFriday Add-On, go check out that fabulousness.

For Foodie Friday attendees: Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and we will start the program at Noon sharp. We have a lot to cover and will stick to the schedule, so do not be late, you will not want to miss out. Grab a bite to eat on your way, we will have snacks and drinks throughout the day but no lunch as programming starts at Noon.

Full Conference attendees: Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. and the conference begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.. We will have a reception with food, so come hungry. Also, Natural State Distributing will provide a wine tasting at the reception, but the rest of the weekend is BYOB. Please take note of this as we will not be “turning the truck around” for you guys this year (if you were at #awbu 2012, you get that).  Again, we have an informative, fun-filled weekend planned so come ready to learn, meet new gals, interact with brands, and no, you will not get a ton of sleep. I urge you to take advantage of all the wonderful offerings this weekend, our tribe rocks.

We are happy to announce that New Balance Arkansas will host a 5K on Sunday morning. If you are a runner, be ready. If you would like to walk, that is more than fine and could be a fun time with the other gals strolling the route. If you are not interested in running or walking, we need cheerleaders! We would love for you to pop a squat along the route and take pics, Instagram, Facebook and Tweet sweaty pictures of your fellow #AWBU gals. There might be a reward for doing this, hint hint.

This year, we have added the AWBU Handmade Marketplace. We have some extremely talented artisans among our bloggers and they will be peddling their wares on Saturday evening. In addition, we have eight, yes EIGHT, published authors in attendance that weekend and we will have a time for your to purchase their books and have them signed. Great Christmas presents ladies! Some will take credit cards, but most cash and checks, so be prepared.

We are excited that for our annual cookout, Hotdog Mike will be there cooking some of PetitJean Meat’s famous hotdogs. We will have vegetarian options throughout the weekend. If you have specific food concerns, please email Stephanie and let her know so she can make plans.

We have a lot more in store for the weekend, we will keep you updated, but also there are things we are keeping under our hats. Don’t you love surprises?

If you have not filled out the survey I sent out, please do that NOW. The shirts are in WOMEN sizes, so that changes some people’s mind on what they originally told me.

If you have any questions, let me (@theparkwife) know. We look forward to another great year at #AWBU!