Blog Podium

If you’ve tuned into this blog over the past few weeks, you've likely heard me ramble on about my excitement for BlogPodium, the Canadian design and lifestyle blogger conference held in Toronto this past weekend. Today, I thought I’d share a few details of my experience, along with the pitifully few photos I managed to actually take. (Bad blogger!)

I loved Blog Podium. I learned SO much; I met so many amazing bloggers; I had a ton of fun; and I left the conference feeling inspired and excited about the future. 

Pre-Keynote Speech

As to be expected from a conference designed and implemented by design and lifestyle bloggers, no detail was overlooked. The gorgeous decorations came from Minted, an adorable stationery collaborative with which I’m now obsessed. The branding was impeccable. The speakers were so inspiring. The brands present represented some of my favourite Canadian design spots (Indigo, anyone?). And the giveaways/swag were unbelievable (e.g., many people won power tools from Home Depot and we were all gifted among other things, a can of paint from sponsor, Para Paints, and a leather wristlet from sponsor, Roots).

Sarah Richardson gave the keynote speech. You guys, I was so inspired. It’s no secret that I love Sarah. Getting to meet her for tea the day before is one of my life highlights thus far (more on that coming later this week!). I wasn’t sure what her keynote would add to the talk she gave the day before - but it was phenomenal. Sarah shared so many words of wisdom and pieces of advice for would-be designers and bloggers in general. Her talk really helped to reinforce some of the decisions I’ve been making and goals I’ve set, and also provided me with ideas for how to move forward. 

Image via the super talented Anna with Love

I learned so much throughout the day about balancing your full-time job with your blog (thanks to Jordana & Giulia), treating your blog as a business (thanks to Stephanie), how to take better photographs (thanks to Jennifer), and exploring the world of advertising and sponsorship (thanks to the hysterical Karen). There were so many more sessions I wanted to explore but unfortunately, only so much time in the day. 

All that learning was capped off with some photobooth shenanigans, sparkly signature cocktails, and heart-to-hearts with new blogger friends. I had the most amazing time and I'm so so excited to go back next year. If you're a blogger (or just considering starting a blog), I can't recommend Blog Podium enough.

I met so many amazing new in-real-life blogger friends, of which there are way too many to mention by name. A few blogs that you definitely should be checking out: The Artful Desperado, All Things Nice, Listen Mr, The Pretty Purveyor, Talbany, North Story, and Gracefully Searching.

With blog friends and now in-real-life friends, Lauren & Gabriel, via Snapshot Photobooth

Thanks to everyone for such an amazing experience and especially to Jen of Rambling Renovators for her brilliant idea and awesome organization, planning, and execution. I'll be back ;)

P.S. Check back later in the week for a recap of that time I had tea with Sarah Richardson ;)