Prepping for BlogPodium (Round 2)

Truth time: When I started blogging a few years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Like, absolutely no clue! In fact, I look back at some of my first posts and I just have to laugh at myself. Though, at the same time, I have to admire myself for jumping in to something full tilt, guided only by my own tenacity. Fast forward to today, and I’m still asking a million questions everyday. I feel like this blogging world has me constantly reevaluating and redefining what this blog is and where it can go. Which is exciting but super challenging.

Last summer, I sat down with one of my Instagram buddies for the first time (I love social media for that reason!) and she invited me to come along to Blogpodium. I’m the kind of person that would never fly to a conference by myself, finding it hard to break out of my comfort zone, so I was grateful for the invite and the chance to meet some new people along the way. What I didn’t know in that moment, was that saying yes in that moment would completely change the next phase of my blogging journey.

Blogpodium, for those of you who don’t know, is a one day conference for design and lifestyle bloggers, digital influencers and entrepreneurs. It provides an opportunity for gals like me to attend amazing sessions, meet massive brands and network with all sorts of awesome people in the industry. Last year, in Vancouver, I had an incredible time and felt like the conference really opened my eyes to what blogging could be. That’s why I am itching to go again – this time in Toronto. But, let’s break it down further. Why did Blogpodium change the course of my blog?! Here are my reasons why every design & lifestyle blogger should attend:

Conversation – What You Can Learn

I felt like each session I attended had value and so much information that completely opened my eyes. Afterwards, the lessons I learned created great conversation in my life and allowed me to expand my blogging horizons.

Collaboration – You Meet Brands and Like Minded People

I am horrible at pitching to brands via email. I find I am so much better at networking in person and Blogpodium gives you that opportunity. This year, I love that we have a speed networking option – a dedicated time to sit down with the brands we’d love to work with. What an incredible opportunity.

Connection – You Find A Community

The best part, by far, of Blogpodium, was it gave me my support system. I now have this incredible group of talented ladies cheering me on from the sidelines and helping me achieve my dreams. This year, instead of going to the conference hoping to connect with people, I already have this amazing foundation to build on. Blogging may feel like a solo activity, but community is vital to your success. And I never truly appreciated that until Blogpodium happened.

So how is this year going to be different and just as valuable as last?

Well, our YEG group has already been busy prepping for our weekend away in TO! We’ve been collaborating with each other, approaching businesses in Toronto and updating all of our media. We really want to make the most of this opportunity but at the same time, have a ton of fun together! As a group, we’ve shared our goals and what we would like to accomplish individually. That way, as a group, we can support and help each other reach those goals. For instance, we’ve already committed to comparing notes and discussing the various sessions with one another. We will divide and conquer so we can really get the most out of the conference. I already feel more prepared, ready to rock my interviews with brands and take a million notes in the sessions. I CANNOT wait!!

See you in Toronto everyone! xo

Speaking of connection…you should definitely connect with my gals today and read their great posts:

• Diana from 204 Park is talking about being an unreal hostess for our collaborations
• Marisa from Stream and Stone is rocking a post about YEG girl bosses – talk about inspiration!!
• Justine from With Justine is sharing what she’s learnt from her first blogging year (so much more than I did in my first year btw!)

All photos snapped by Sharon Litchfield and edited by myself 🙂