Wow. This weekend was a whirlwind, and I’m still on an adrenaline rush from it all. This “rush” is from attending the second annual Spark Sessions conference. I gave a bit of an overview about the conference here.
The conference was held at a really unique Toronto venue, called District 28. My first impression of the venue and conference was a positive one, but I still couldn’t help feeling nervous when I walked in! It’s very scary for anyone to enter a room full of strangers by themselves, but it helped to know that most of us were in the same boat. I quickly felt at ease once I sat down at a table and started chatting with the other bloggers. Everyone was so nice!
It was a bit of a culture shock to be in a room with so many like-minded individuals. Fashion and beauty bloggers are similar in certain ways, which I noticed when we were snapping outfit photos for each other. My friends and family hate taking my photos because I’m so picky. Apparently, other bloggers are just as picky as I am, which worked out well. No one had to feel bad about asking strangers to retake the photos a few times. Of course, in other ways, it was such a diverse group of people, and that’s one of the ways blogging is so special.
Over the course of the weekend, we had time to mingle with each other and the numerous guest speakers. I had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, ranging from bloggers to PR professionals. It was a very unique experience to meet some of my Internet friends (and idols) in “real life.” I just wish there had been more time to sit down in smaller groups to learn a bit more from each other.
In addition, we also received a ton of incredible swag. I have a lot of really awesome new products to try (and get hooked on). I’m sure you’re all curious about what we received, so I wanted to share that with you. It was essentially like Halloween when I got home!
Before we look through the goodies, I wanted to share a few of the main points that I took away. If you’re a blogger, you’re probably curious about that, too. I took pages and pages of notes that I need to sort through in greater detail, but there were recurring themes.
But first, are you in the process of creating a blog? A blog is an excellent way to share and create content that can build your online presence. In the digital age, we all search for things online and therefore if you want to reach a wider audience, it is vital that your website is optimized for search engines and looks professional and appealing. Consequently, if you are an aspiring blogger, or an online business wanting to expand your content output you could do some research into custom web design. You might then want to think about reaching out to a web design company for help and support designing your first website or for an existing website refresh.
So, what were my blogging tips and takeaways from the weekend?
Have you ever attended a blogging conference?
Christine says
I blog about personal finance and think your key takeaway points can be relevant to any blogger no matter what their subject matter is. Definitely agree that networking and building relationships are key if you plan on building a readership. I started involving myself in the PF community and now half of my traffic come through from referrals!
Kinda wish I had gone to Spark Sessions now – sounds like it would’ve been really beneficial! At the very least I would’ve gotten a super sweet swag bag!!
Jackie says
It’s funny you say that, because I actually feel like a lot of what I learned can be applied to my “day job” as well. I almost feel like it seemed more influential to me because it was a different context (Aka – not my boss telling me).
Honestly, even if Spark Sessions may not be the “ideal” fit, I’m sure there’s lots of other conferences that are just as informative. I hadn’t done anything like it before, so it was new to me.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Holy swag!
The conference sounds like it was a lot of fun! Is it always in Canada?
Jackie says
I know, I know!! I WORK in the “swag business” for my day job and it was still one of the best bags I’ve ever seen.
It is a Canadian conference, run by Canadian bloggers, but I’m sure if you were to attend a local conference, it would be a similar experience….then again, I know you already meet up with local bloggers. I’ve actually been a tad jealous of that 😉
Kathleen says
What an incredible event! Love your swag – those Benefit products look awesome! And thank you for sharing some of the tips you leaned!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
Meghan says
So many great points! I want to attend a blogging conference so badly. This looks like tons of fun and so many cool things to try out. I love the push up liner. That stuff is amazing. One thing I need to work on is consistency- in all the areas you mentioned. I have a goal but no groove.
Sara Strauss says
I’m glad you had a great time at the conference! I’m meeting up with some bloggers with weekend and it’s great talking to people who understand! Thanks for the blogging tips! I’ve had some companies email me recently that I turned down because I want it to be a great fit for my blog. You got some amazing swag!!!
~Sara
Elizabeth Victoria Clark says
So glad you had such a great time at Spark Sessions! I wasn’t able to make it this year, but I know it was a total success. Love a peek into the swag bag too, looks like such a goodie! x E
Elizabeth Victoria Clark
Samantha says
Please she all your wonderful goodies with me. Especially the tea.
Nikki says
I am super jealous of your blog conference experience! I would love to go to a conference someday. I can’t imagine being around so many other bloggers! Sounds like you learned a lot, and got some great goodies!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Stephanie says
I’ve never been to a blogging conference before, but it sounds like something I would be interested in. The key points definitely sound valid!
Rach says
You got some awesome swag girl! Looks like you learned a lot and shared some great advice!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Amy Ann says
Looks and sounds like it was amazing! So glad you got to attend. I would have been right there with you as far as nerves go! You’re brave!
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Ivete says
Your Key Points from the conference are spot on and I agree that they can definitely be applied to any industry/area of business and life in general. And, oh my, the swag!!! Lucky girl. I have not attended a blogging conference yet but look forward to in the near future.
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Bree says
Wow what a great event so neat to meet fellow bloggers and trade tips and stories. You got some amazing items too! Can’t wait to hear more 🙂
Jackie says
It was such a great experience!! Thanks for stopping by, Bree! 🙂
Wendy says
I wish I could afford to go to the Spark Sessions, but it’s been out of my price range the past two years. Maybe next year, though! I’ve loved hearing about everyone’s experiences who attended. Sounds like a fantastic weekend! I bet you are going to have a blast going through the products in your gift bag! 🙂
Vanessa says
I loved reading this post and seeing all your photos (you’re an excellent photographer, by the way!) It sounds like you learnt a lot at Spark Sessions and met so many interesting bloggers. I’m definitely signing up next year!