Top 5 Takeaways from BlogWest 2013

Earlier this month I had the privilege to attend Blogwest 2013 as a conference ambassador and speaker (Kathryn from Mommy Kat and Kids and I led the Monetizing Your Blog workshop). I have attended a number of conferences throughout my years of blogging and I have to say, this one ranked at the top for me.

Top 5 Takeaways

1) Bigger is not always better. Blogwest was an intimate conference. It was small enough that people really had the opportunity to connect with each other. I found the atmosphere to be uplifting, encouraging and inspiring…a small group that really built one another up!

{This photo is the lovely Angela Saclamacis, the Disney Canada rep & I showing off our red shoes before the pitching panel}

 2) Felicia Dewar is awesomesauce! Yes, I did say awesomesauce. Felicia put together the blogwest conference and her hard work did not go unnoticed. I really look forward to Blogwest 2014.

3) My emotions had one heck of a ride! From the opening Keynote Jen Reynold’s (the editor-in-chief of Canadian Living Magazine) to the closing keynote, Elan Morgan (Schmutzie) – my emotions had one heck of a ride. I was inspired, challenged, moved, touched and most of all encouraged. Not only were these keynotes amazing, everyone in between was equally valuable.

4) Although there were many sessions on blogging, monetizing, content, taxes etc, it was the more personal sessions that hit home with me during this conference.

Jayson Acquilanti, a Disney Imagineer not only gave us a glimpse into what he does at Disney, he also offered a workshop called “Your Future! A Visual Metaphor”. This visual workshop helped me to realize some things about myself and my blogging journey. If you ever have the chance to take part in a workshop like this, I highly suggest you do it.

Dana DiTomaso had me laughing right from the start. Her workshop, “How to quit worrying and be awesome instead” was one that I felt was presented just for me. I’m a person who struggles with anxiety and her workshop reminded me of some valuable things that I know will help me keep my focus and purpose without getting too stressed out along the way.

Sinive Seely, a Professional Speaker/Life Coach shared her story during her session “Find Your Passion, Create Something More”. I felt so many ah-ha moments during her talk and have found myself going back to the notes I wrote during her session. I thought it was incredible that there was a life coach at the conference for sure!

Angie Long Pitre, from Echoes of Laughter, had a session on Pinterest. Although her session was brilliantly done, it was the passion that she has for her blog that really inspired me. Listening to her helped me remember why it is that I am doing what I am doing.

(myself @mommymomentblog, @mommykatandkids, @shelzolkewich, @susie_parker, @echoesoflaughte)

5) Enjoy what you do – I think the last takeaway for me was that no matter what we do in life, we need to love it. We are all gifted, unique and special.  This conference was so uplifting and encouraging. It has inspired me to keep on loving what I am doing. When I went through all the notes I scribbled down during the conference, these 3 points kept coming through – Avoid comparisons, savor the present and always….DREAM BIG!