I had a wonderful weekend in Toronto! I’ve attended blogging conferences before, but I honestly don’t remember laughing as much at any of those as I did this weekend at Blissdom Canada. Spending time with like-minded friends was so good for me. I really do feel as though many of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know online over the years have become true friends. I also had the unique pleasure of becoming fast friends with someone new, which, let’s face it, is a rare event in itself at the ripe old age of 35.
A few other thoughts on the weekend…
I was skeptical about the format of the micro-sessions at first. I thought that they would result in a massive game of musical chairs, with conference attendees elbowing one another for a coveted spot at the table of their choice. It didn’t work out that way, at all, though. Everyone I encountered was exceptionally enthusiastic, polite and friendly. I was able to attend the sessions of my choice, and I thought it was great that conference attendees had much closer access to the experts, so to speak.
On that note, as a seasoned blogger (I’ve been doing this on one site or another since 2002!) it’s sometimes difficult to find conference sessions to attend that will provide me with some new information. So I chose Tenille‘s session on writing sponsored posts to see what new information I could learn from her, as well as the session on bookkeeping for Canadian bloggers to help me determine when, and if, I should start thinking more about my blog as a business.
The women at Mom Central Canada hosted a lovely little party at their new office building in Toronto featuring wine, enormous hunks of cheese and the opportunity to meet in person with some of the other Fisher-Price Moms I’ve been interacting with here and there throughout this year’s Fisher-Price Moms program. I’m thankful to them for their hospitality.
I heard a lot of complaints about the breakfast that was served on the morning of the conference. I thought the actual food provided was great, but it would’ve been nice to have a bowl to stir the oatmeal into the yogurt. It’s a small detail but would’ve made all the difference, taking a traditional hotel conference continental breakfast into a DIY yogurt bar.
I was very appreciative to be able to change my selected Sunday excursion from the wine tour in Niagara to the more local photography tour at the Art Gallery of Ontario (thanks for the open lines of communication, Shannon). After a late Saturday night at the costumes and karaoke party (where I neither dressed in a costume nor sang karaoke), being bright eyed and bushy tailed and getting onto a bathroomless bus at 8:30 am was just not going to happen.
As usual, the best parts of the conference took place not in the hotel ballrooms, but in its elevators, hallways, bathrooms and on the streets and in the restaurants nearby. Thank you Jen, Angella, Elan, Aidan, Adam, Gayla, Tanis, Katie, Maureen, Ali, Lynette and all of the other lovely people who took time out of their busy schedule to hang out and chat with little old me. Let’s do it again soon, okay?
(The rest of my small photo set from this weekend is here.)
Was so wonderful to see you, lady. xoxo
alimartell recently posted..This Would Be Way Easier If I Was in Cirque Du Soleil. Or a Wizard.
Yes, I feel the same, Ali! I’ll definitely try to get my butt over to Skype more often, too…
I’m so glad that we had so much time to hang out! (I owe you an email – give me a few days.)
Angella recently posted..Spending Time With My People
Me too! I usually leave these things thinking that you’re one of the people I missed hanging out with. Not so this time! Will watch my inbox…no hurry.
…is very glad that you take time for yourself, to enjoy beautiful things and wonderful friends. ‘Makes for a happier Amy which makes for a happier me.
Thanks Mom!
I was wary of the microsession format too (and since I arrived late for breakfast, I realized too late that a lot of people were already sitting at the first microsession table they wanted, which was actually quite brilliant) but I agree that the close access to the experts was really valuable. I just wish we could have attended more microsessions, as this was my first blogging conference and there were at least a dozen topics I would have liked to learn more about!
Kate (This Mom) recently posted..Blissdom Canada 2012: An Introvert Goes To A Conference
I noticed that there was some strategic breakfast table choosing going on, too! I didn’t think that far ahead. What sessions did you end up choosing, Kate?
It was SO GREAT to meet (and hang out) with you!! One of the highlights of my weekend. See you next year!
Jen Wilson recently posted..BlissDom Canada 2012
I feel exactly the same, Jen!
Love what you said about the best parts being in the lobby, elevator, etc. For me it was the bathroom where my roomie and I skipped a lot of friendship steps and chatted while I peed.
shannon recently posted..when you attend blissdom canada 2012
Haha, if there is ever a measure of true girlfriendship, it is the ability to chat & pee together.
Of course! It was great to get to hang out with you again.
Schmutzie recently posted..That’s What She Said: The Hammer Itself Is Not Evil
I agree. At BlissDom it’s easy to find so much inspiration in between the programmed moments. So many awesome people under one roof.
Shash recently posted..Does your kid touch everything possible?! #HealthyFamilies
You are so right about the best place to meet people was out in the hallways etc. It is so much easier to walk up to random people in that setting without feeling as weird!
Jen @ Go Green recently posted..Rethinking One Time Use