How Much Does It Cost to Attend PoshFest?
Last week I posted a review of PoshFest 2019 to share my experience at the conference and help you decide if you want to attend next year.
When you’re a seller, finances likely weigh heavily into the decision of whether or not to attend PoshFest. Most sellers are on Poshmark to make money and want PoshFest to help them make more of it. So I want to talk about how much it costs to attend PoshFest and point out ways to save if you decide to attend next year.
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Expenses
PoshFest ticket – $243.22 ($229 + fees)
Flight – $207.96 (roundtrip from San Francisco to Phoenix)
Posh n Sip parties x2 – $40 (dinner and a drink included)
Hotel – $170 (3 nights)
Food – $31.11
Transportation – $43.48
Total: $735.77
Some notes:
I left on the evening that the conference ended, although most people stayed until the day after. I paid for 3 nights at the hotel instead of two, but my total probably would’ve been higher if I had stayed longer.
Several of the meals were included in the PoshFest ticket, covered at the hotel, or included in the Posh N Sip tickets.
Can you afford to attend PoshFest?
Although the value of PoshFest is more than just strict numbers, it’s important to pay attention to the numbers and ask yourself if you can afford to attend. Here are some things to consider:
Past performance
If you’re on the fence about attending, take a look at how you’ve been doing selling on Poshmark. Are you making enough on Poshmark to cover the cost of the conference? Are you able to afford attending in some other way such as through a day job?
I mentioned in my PoshFest review that attending PoshFest isn’t necessary to be a successful seller. I honestly consider PoshFest more of a fun event or a vacation than anything. So if you’re on a tight budget or not making enough to cover the cost of attending yet, then I would skip PoshFest and try to attend the next year.
Potential benefits
Consider also the effects of attending PoshFest on your sales and overall business.
Are you a new Posher who will take the momentum of the conference back home with you and start actively growing your closet?
Are you an experienced seller who will met other business owners and bosses that can give you feedback and confidence in your abilities?
Do you plan on being a Poshmark, IG, or YouTube force and want to stay at the forefront of Poshmark developments?
PoshFest has the potential to increase your knowledge, confidence, and connections that will make you a better and more successful seller. But there’s no guarantee that you’ll make back what you spend on the conference by implementing the things you learn there.
In my case, I didn’t think of the value of the conference strictly in terms of numbers. My goal was to getaway for a mini vacation and surround myself with enthusiastic and supportive Poshers while hopefully improving my business skills.
I was fortunate that I also came away with many ideas for my Poshmark business and developing my online presence. I consider it valuable in that sense, even if it doesn’t help me make more sales tomorrow.
Because this blog is about growing your pennies into plenty, I want to take a look at the ways you can save on attending PoshFest or any conference.
1 | Get a last-minute conference ticket
This year’s conference cost $229 plus fees. It’s likely to be at least that much and probably more next year. If you’re undecided about attending or hoping to get one cheaper, try getting one second-hand at the last minute.
Just know that there’s also no guarantee that last-minute tickets will be available. I tried to attend PoshFest a few years ago when it was held in Chicago. I was ready to book flights and lodging, but I couldn’t get a ticket. They were all sold out in the weeks leading up to the conference.
This year’s conference was the largest to date at about 1600 people. Next year’s will likely be the same or larger, so you have a better chance of getting a last-minute ticket.
In the day’s leading up to the conference in Phoenix, I noticed several people selling their tickets online at face value, then covering the extra fees, and then at even less than face value.
2 | Join the PoshFest Facebook group for deals
Join the PoshFest Facebook group to get access to last-minute conference tickets and other deals. That’s where I purchased tickets to two big Posh N Sip parties for $40. I didn’t have to pay any taxes or fees because I purchased them second-hand.
Other people in the group post helpful information and questions. That’s how I found out about the Posh N Sip parties and got tips on visiting Phoenix leading up to the conference.
3 | Follow Poshmark on IG
Follow Poshmark on Instagram because Poshmark holds at least one contest on the platform where you can win tickets to PoshFest. The contest takes place sometime between when the tickets are released in June and the conference in October.
Although your chances of winning are slim, it is possible. I met one woman at PoshFest this year who won her ticket via an IG contest.
4 | Check all your transportation options
Depending on where you live, you may have a variety of transportation options that will lower your overall cost.
If you have to fly, sign up for flight alerts once you know you’re going so you’ll be notified of airfare deals and price drops. You may want to use your credit card reward points or airline miles to buy flights too.
Consider if it’s worth it to drive to the conference. I saw posts online that some people were driving to the conference and wanted to see about carpooling with others.
I met one Posher who took a road trip from WA and was planning to thrift shop on her way back home. That sounded like a great plan!
5 | Check for nearby hotels and AirBnB options
Every year Poshmark arranges a conference hotel where they’ve negotiated a discounted rated for attendees. But you might be surprised to find out that that’s often not the cheapest hotel option around.
This year I planned to stay at the Hyatt conference hotel. Then I learned that there were several other hotels around the convention center and other attendees looking for roommates. That ended up being a much cheaper option.
Once you know where the conference will take place, do a search for alternative lodging options. You might find cheaper hotels or even a nearby AirBnB.
Many hotels will let you book a room and then cancel it without penalty as long as you give at least 48 hours notice. AirBnB tends to be stricter about cancellations, so I would read the listing in detail before booking.
6 | Room with others
One of the best ways to save money is to split the cost of a room with others. That’s part of the fun of the conference too!
My roommates and I met on the PoshFest Facebook group. Once we were in Phoenix, we shared our experiences selling on Poshmark, exchanged tips on selling, saved each other seats at sessions, and helped take pictures and videos for each other.
And you never know what surprises a roommate may have in store. It was a fortunate surprise that one of my roommates had status with the hotel, which allowed us to have a suite and access to the concierge lounge for meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks.
7 | Log your costs as business expenses
Do you sell on Poshmark as a business, meaning you sell to make a profit? You’re not just holding a virtual garage sale to get rid of a few things in your closet.
If so, you may be able to categorize your conference costs as business expenses. Keep track of your spending including the cost of the conference ticket, travel expenses, and meals.
I would check then check with your CPA once tax season comes and see what qualifies as a business expense.
8 | Save on the cost of incidentals
The small costs add up as well, so save where you can:
Take advantage of the conference meals instead of eating out. Breakfast and lunch were provided on both days. Special dietary options were available as well.
Drink what’s provided at the conference instead of paying for drinks from outside. Coffee, tea, and juices were available at meals and water was available at all times.
Bring your own snacks instead of buying them from cafes or shops. I pack a few granola bars in my travel bag before heading to the airport. I find they do just as well as a snack from Starbucks.
Avoid additional hotel charges if you can. One of my roommates parked her car off the hotel premises so she didn’t have to pay an outrageous amount for parking.
Split costs where you can (e.g., transportation to and from the airport).
The last thing to know is that you can still access much of PoshFest without being there in person. This year Poshmark livestreamed many of their sessions on YouTube, and may Poshers streamed sessions on IG Live.
It’s not the same as being in attendance and meeting other Poshers, but it’s a very cost-effective way to access the conference if you cannot attend.
I think PoshFest is worth attending in person at least once if you’re a serious seller who wants to grow your business and build connections in the Poshmark community. I hope this post has helped you get an idea of the cost of it and how you can save on attending next year.
