Finding a roommate for an event like United is actually easier than you think.

I know that it can be intimidating to attend an event like United, especially if it's your first time to a conference or workshop. You might not know anyone, or you know the people, but only from your interactions (or observations) online. So you might feel like you know them, but you've never met in person.

While at WPPI this year, I said that I was a WPPI “floater.” And by that I meant that every year that I've been to WPPI, I've stayed with different people, with my main goal being saving money and having a place to sleep for the night. It's always worked out really well.

So I'm very familiar with finding roommates and even staying with people I didn't know prior to meeting at the event.

Reach out to who you know

Chances are, you already know someone who is going to United, whether from your city or online.

Last year, when I went to United, I had purchased my ticket but did not have a room or roommates. I reached out to a local photographer friend who I knew was attending and asked her what her plans for hotel were. I was in luck. There was space.

It just takes the courage to ask. The worst that can happen is that they say, “Sorry, we don't have room.”

Make plans together

You've already purchased your ticket to United, you're super excited, but you haven't secured your lodging. In this instance, I would check with friends who you know are going to United and check to see what they have planned for hotel accommodations.

This year, United is being hosted at Firesky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Showit has an amazing rate! You'll be able to request a roommate in May. Make plans with your friends and request each other, kind of like you might do in college.

By making plans together, you can get excited about United together. You can scope out the local restaurants to grab dinner and coordinate your plane tickets to arrive around the same time to get to the hotel together.

Connect on Facebook

You've purchased your ticket to United, you don't know anyone locally who is going, but you'd like to have a roommate or two.

One of the great things that Showit is doing this year is matching up roommates based on a questionnaire that will be sent out in May. I would consider if you're a night owl or morning person, or if you like to go out or would rather get to bed early. Think about any other considerations you might have sharing a room with someone you don't know yet.

You've been matched up. You're going to make a new friend at United. Hooray!

But you've never met in person. What to do?!

The great thing about Showit and United is that the community is amazing. If you're not a member of the Showiteers! group on Facebook, check it out.

Generally speaking, you can figure out if someone will work out as a roommate from connecting on Facebook. Facebook can be a good platform for getting to know someone.

I would take the months leading up to United to connect with your roommate. Get to know them, find out what they like, and share your business wisdom. Give, give, give.

By the time that you meet in person at United, you'll already be friends! It'll just be a matter of meeting in real life.

United is going to be a great time of learning, sharing, and connecting as a community. Get ready for a great time!

Catie Ronquillo Wood

Catie is obsessed with red velvet cupcakes, France, Pure Barre, kettlebells, the show Fixer Upper, and green smoothies (the only way she'll eat a significant amount of vegetables). She's been married for five years. She met her husband, Centurion (yes, his real name) while interning at Disney World. She believes her black and tan miniature dachshund named Kevin is the cutest. She is a senior portrait photographer for girls based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.