Every now and then, I attend a conference or event and come away feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired. That’s what the BConnected Conference in Ottawa did for me a few weeks ago.
Ottawa has always been one of my favourite cities in Canada. Our Nation’s capital has a certain special feel about it. The city has something for everyone with all the museums, galleries, restaurants and parliament buildings, and more. I was really excited that the BConnected Conference was in Ottawa.
The BConnected Conference is the first conference geared toward parents. I am so thrilled to have been an ambassador for BConnected. I’m still reeling from the amazing energy and positive vibe. The conference was held at the National Arts Centre and the venue was the perfect size. The one big thing I noticed immediately was that everyone was so positive.
Upon entering the Exhibitor Hall, I was greeted by the Oasis team. They are as wonderful to engage with in person as they are on Twitter! It was really great to have some “face time”. Of course, I always enjoy hanging out with Chicken Farmers of Canada. Meeting new friends and new brands is always one of the highlights of conferences for me. A big thank you to all of the sponsors. I especially enjoyed chatting with Terra 20, Hostyle Conditioning, and CaptiVision Photography.
Being My True, Authentic, Genuine Self
Speakers at the conference talked to us about everything from how to Consciously Create Success (with Alain Jean-Baptiste) to how to take incredible photographs for our blogs (Sober Julie). There was a lot of great content that covered a wide range of topics. Definitely something for everyone.
Triberr fans were in for a treat with Dino Dogan speaking at the conference! Dino spoke about Crowd Sourcing Influence for Brands and Bloggers (and again on day 2 about How To Become a Brand Ambassador, Make Money, and Become a Better Blogger and another talk about Search Engine Optimization).
I was really excited to hear my boss, CEO/Founder of PTPA, Sharon Vinderine talk about Building Brand Credibility out of Thin Air. Sharon’s professional history is impressive with appearances on National shows including Steven & Chris, The Steve Harvey Show, Rachael Ray and EXTRA! Sharon discussed how she developed her positioning as a spokesperson that the media turns to when talking about products and services for families. This was the first time I heard my boss speak at a conference and was truly impressed.
Two of the speakers that stood out for me were The Animated Woman and Lisa Pedersen.
JC Little (the Animated Woman) is someone I have been engaging with on Twitter for a while now. I was first drawn to her because I’m also a fellow Montrealer. This was the first time I had heard her speak and she made me laugh, cry, nod a million times yes-I-totally-get-what-you-are-saying-and-can-relate and then laugh and cry all over again. She is an incredible storyteller and a talented “animated woman”!
Lisa spoke about How to Get on PR Companies’ Radar. Lots of great tips for bloggers to make note of.
The one thing that resonated from all of the speakers was the need for bloggers to be their true, authentic, genuine selves. Do what you love doing and dare to stand out and be different. Have your own voice.
Perhaps it is having recently had a life-changing experience with my auto accident, coupled with the sage words of advice from BConnected speakers, and spending time with people with positive energy that made feel like life was breathed back into me.
BConnected and Connecting with Others
Of course, learning and getting tools to improve one’s self is always a good thing, but another benefit of attending conferences is being able to spend time with friends (new and old). I am so glad I was able to spend time with fellow BConnected Ambassadors. Many of whom have become good friends of mine in my offline life too. I’m just sad I wasn’t able to spend more time with everyone. The week prior to the conference, my daughter and I were in a terrible auto accident, so I wasn’t able to hang out as much as I wanted.
I am thankful to have been able to be an ambassador for BConnected. What a truly amazing conference. Looking forward to the next one!
Disclosure – I am a BConnected Conference Ambassador. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
This sounds like it was such a great experience and opportunity to meet wonderful inspiring people.
This sounds like such an educational (and fun) conference! I have never been to a conference before, and I’m hoping next year I can make it over there and experience one (and meet all my wonderful blogger friends, finally).
Oh! Randa, that would be awesome! I would LOVE to meet you in person someday! Are you thinking of going to Blissdom?
I really enjoyed this conference a lot, it was so relaxing , I often find that I am just rushing about from one place to the next, this was completely the opposite. I felt completely in the moment! Always nice to see you again!
Jennifer, I REALLY wish I had more time to have a proper visit with you and our other friends! To be honest, the pain meds and the muscle relaxants had me feeling not quite myself 🙁
It was wonderful to meet you in the realz!! I loved the conference too; the size was perfect. Intimate and focused.
PS I’m sorry I made you cry 😀
The Animated Woman: Oh, this is one time I’m HAPPY someone made me cry! Your storytelling ability touched my very core. Listening to you speak just evoked so many emotions that I wasn’t expecting! Thank you.
This conference sounded amazing. I wish I could have been there. Glad you had a great time.
Brandy, wish you were able to be there too! Will I see you sometime in the near future? 🙂
Christine I have read a few follow ups on the BConnectedConfrence and it sounds like a fabulous time! It is so important to get face time with brands and fellow bloggers. I know I always love getting face time with you!
Sure sounds like a very positive event! Glad you could attend.
I love that this conference is a Canadian event, put on by some wonderful people. I can see how inspiring it was for you Christine, thank you for sharing some of your take aways. I pray you on are on the road to recovery and hope your family is well. God bless!
I definitely agree with you! The energy was so positive and uplifting in the room thanks to all the speakers and sponsors! It was a pleasure to meet you again:)
Thank YOU, Lyne! You did a fantastic job! This was one of the best conferences I have attended.
I am so happy that you enjoyed your conference. As a former teacher, I attended conferences and It was was uplifting when we were made aware of innovative methods and heard from positive speakers. I am sorry to hear about your accident. I trust you are both doing very well. Hugs
Thank you, Elva! Yes, amazing how some conferences can leave you inspired, motivated, and uplifted! It was just what I needed.
Thanks for asking about us. Little One and I are doing okay. She was a bit shaken and emotional last week. My shoulders, neck and back are still a bit sore from the accident, but other than that, all is well! I’ve also gotten behind the wheel again!