Tag: Conference

Word Wednesday: A rewarding experience
Word Wednesday: A rewarding experience

It’s been a few busy weeks and sadly, my beloved Word Wednesday posts have paid the price. Today I deliberately sought out some time because I wanted to post about an amazing experience I had in the summer that led directly to an amazing experience I had last week – and I wanted to do it while the memory was still fresh in my mind.

In August, I was invited to participate in an amazing influencer retreat – #LetsGoRama by the lovely ladies at SJ Consulting. I learned a lot but also had an amazing time just chilling by the pool with friends. The magic of that retreat still hasn’t worn off. I loved going to Casino Rama for concerts before the retreat – for me it’s the same amount of driving to go up to Rama or to go into Toronto, but one is a much more relaxing drive (and has free parking and only 5000 seats in the venue!) and the retreat introduced me to new experiences within the casino. I didn’t realize there was a saltwater pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, or amazing exercise facility that is available to anyone who stays in the hotel or customers of the spa that is also located in the hotel.

Clockwise from top left: the hotel lobby, a guest room, the pool, the amazing sculpture above the main lobby

I signed up for a Player’s Passport Card while at the conference – it’s a rewards card for the Casino and it’s free. You can earn points with it when playing on the electronic gaming machines (like slots or video poker), and you can earn free food, concert tickets, or even a night’s stay at the hotel. I managed to earn a free night at the hotel that I could use on a non-weekend night, and the amazing PR person for the Casino offered all of the influencers at the retreat a pair of tickets to any concert in 2016. I’d already bought tickets for a few events that I was interested in, so I asked if the tickets could be for the Radio for Cardiology benefit concert featuring the Trews and 54-40. Not only was the concert featuring two bands I love, it benefited a cause close to my heart: getting a cardiac catheterization lab for Barrie’s Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) so that everyone in Simcoe-Muskoka would be able to receive lifesaving treatment within the 90 minute standard. (I made a donation to the cause since I didn’t actually pay for the concert tickets.) I had already been tweeting and posting about this amazing concert and it was amazing when I was told that yes, I could use my free tickets for that event.

I messaged my friend Crys and asked if she wanted to come with me and stay over the night before the concert. Crys agreed and we had a lovely 28 hour stay. We ate amazing food and neither Crys who has Celiac disease and is gluten free nor me who has multiple food allergies felt there was a lack of choice while eating in any of the 3 restaurants we ate at. I had also earned some dining credits so some of my food was covered. We spent some time at the casino itself, and the afternoon was spent relaxing (and talking shop) by the pool. Then it was time for dinner and the concert.

54-40 rocking out

The concert was amazing. It started at 8pm with a local band – Code Blue – made up of doctors from RVH and they played a selection of cover songs that delighted the audience. Then came 54-40 and I was instantly transported back to my teenage years when I listened to a lot of Canadian music, particularly 54-40 and Great Big Sea. They played all of their hits, and the audience sang along to most of them. After a short break, the Trews took the stage. If you haven’t seen the Trews play live, you’re missing out. There are some bands that are just so amazing to listen to live and the Trews are one of those bands. Between the 3 bands and the two short intermissions, the concert lasted 3.5 hours! It was far better than I had imagined it would be.

The Trews, during Highway of Heroes.

All in all it was a great getaway and sorely needed for me. The fact that my hotel stay was covered as a guerdon – icing on the cake. Full confession, I’ve been trying to figure out how to use guerdon in a post for awhile now – it’s not a common word and although the definition is pretty easy to understand, it doesn’t fit easily into conversation. However, I like the way the word sounds. Guerdon means a reward or payment, and was first used in literature by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th Century. It is vastly underused today but was brought back to my mind when it was the Word of the Day on Merriam-Webster at the beginning of October.

The derivation of guerdon is – wait for it – Latin, however there is Old French and old High German mixed in there for effect. The root words of the word are: Old French guerredon – reward or recompense, Old High German widarlon – recompense, and Medieval Latin donum – gift. So the word has a really neat etymology and I felt like I should share it.

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Guerdon guer·don noun
1. A reward, recompense, or requital.
October 26, 2016
Word Wednesday – Escape
Word Wednesday – Escape

Even though I work (at least partially) alongside the education system, I don’t really go “back to school”. Still, it’s a new beginning – and as the song says “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”. So Labour Day has just passed, and summer is coming to a close and every store has Hallowe’en decorations up, except Costco who has decided to go one better (worse?) by having Christmas trees for sale since July. Pens and pencils and pretty books to write in are going on sale which makes me very happy and also means I should actually brave one of the stores sooner rather than later so that I don’t miss out on pretty things to write with or in being on sale. Still, I’m always a little sad at the end of summer, and wish it would hang on for a little longer before the leaves change. The crisp, cool, morning air on the other hand, could start any time now. It currently feels like a sauna when I step out of my doorway, hot and very humid – another in a string of hot and humid days that seem to have characterized this summer here.

I like to try to spend time at my cottage during the summer – but this year I also wanted to explore some of the areas around my cottage that I haven’t before. We take highway 11 to the cottage, starting at the bottom and continuing up to Bracebridge where we turn off and head east towards Haliburton. I’ve driven through Barrie and Orillia hundreds of times, and have even been to a dozen or so concerts at Casino Rama but had never really explored the venue beyond a quick bite to eat before a concert. When the lovely ladies behind SJ Consulting announced that there would be a retreat for Bloggers and Influencers at Casino Rama in August, I was excited. Not only have I been curious about the casino, the hotel, and some of the other restaurants, but the ladies putting on the conference are some of my favourite people so I knew I had to apply. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to attend, and have an amazing experience.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Martin.

I’m going to write a full on review of the amazing time I had at the #LetsGoRama retreat in another post (or maybe two) but the biggest takeaway I had from the retreat – and there were a lot of amazing things that I learned during the 3 days I was there, is that we all need a little escape every so often. The retreat was almost an un-conference – we did some deep dives into topics ranging from the future of influencer marketing to how to make a media kit in the mornings, but the afternoons and evenings were completely free. Some of us caught up on work, some of us networked, some of us went to the spa or pool, and some of us did all of the above. It was amazing and gave me a chance to recharge my batteries as needed instead of my usual conference protocol of coming home completely exhausted and not wanting to speak to anyone for at least 48 hours. As a social-introvert, I love being with people in small groups (and 40-50 is about my maximum so the conference was perfect for that), and for short bursts of time. I can do a whole day but I’d really rather not because I’m just so *done* by the end of it. Having the mornings be all about learning with everyone and the afternoons and evenings being time that I could spend as I chose was PERFECTION. I need to escape groups of people – not because there’s anything inherently wrong with the group but because otherwise I become overwhelmed and stressed out and generally don’t enjoy myself.

There were so many chances to escape and connect at the retreat. I’m going to have to dedicate a whole post to the amazing ways Casino Rama pampers their guests, and how I conquered a buffet despite my allergies, but for now I want to focus on my favourite place to escape – the pool. The pool area of the hotel is free for the guests of the hotel, but anyone who books a spa treatment can also use the pool for the day. The pool itself is salt water – which I loved because it’s so much easier on my skin and bathing suit than a chlorine pool – and has a wall of windows on one side to the outdoor patio. Now, being fair skinned and not a fan of the heat, I didn’t spend a lot of time out on the patio for fear of turning into a tomato, however I noticed a lot of my compatriots quite enjoyed it. I’m part fish. I love swimming and pools so I spent my downtime in the water. I also spent some time in the eucalyptus steam room – which was heavenly. There is also a hot tub over by the pool but I’m not big on hot tubs so I didn’t test that out either. All told I spent about 2 hours in the pool and another 20 minutes in the steam room – split into 2 visits. It’s worth going to the hotel at Casino Rama just for the pool.

The pool – with the windows to the rooftop patio. Credit Ann Bacciaglia

My favourite part of the whole pool experience though wasn’t the swimming with friends and floating leisurely in the pool, or even the mad giggles in the steam room with Sherri and Christine (I wish I could remember what was so funny, though it probably wouldn’t be as funny without the company or the setting). No, what made my inner swimming nerd incredibly happy was seeing this in the changing room.

Image Courtesy of Casino Rama Resort

For those who don’t know what this is or why I was so excited – it’s a swimsuit dryer. For me, nothing ruins my zen like realizing I haven’t brought a plastic bag to put my wet swimsuit in, and having said wet swimsuit drip all over my other stuff going back to my room (or home or wherever I’m going). I also wanted to go back in the pool later, and anyone who has tried to put on a wet bathing suit knows how much of a struggle that can be. With this magical little gadget, you just open up the lid, place the swimsuit inside (one at a time) and press the lid down firmly for about half a minute. The Suitmate spins all the water out of your swimsuit and poof – almost completely dry swimsuit in under a minute. Yeah, it’s not a big thing in the grand scheme of things, but it was just one more thing that signalled to me that the people at Casino Rama Resort got me. It made my escape that much better knowing I could have a swim on my last day and not have to take a wet swimsuit back with me. Sometimes the little things really do matter.

There’s so much more I want to say about my escape at Casino Rama for the #LetsGoRama retreat, but I’m already running long and off on tangents so I’ll end here with a little history of the word escape. It’s another one with a Latin root (I know… I’m a creature of habit) – and dates from the 13th century. The root words are ex – meaning out, and cappa – meaning a head covering or cloak. So to escape something is literally to get out from under it. I think that’s pretty cool.

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Escape (es·cape)

Verb
1. To break free from confinement or control.
2. To elude or get free from someone or something.
3. To succeed in avoiding or eluding something dangerous, unpleasant, or undesirable. {Escaping serious harm}
4. To fail to be noticed or remembered by (someone). {The word escapes me …}
Noun
1. An act of breaking free from confinement or control.
2. A form of temporary distraction from reality or routine.
September 7, 2016
Word Wednesday #BlissDom Canada ’15 edition

Word Wednesday #BlissDom Canada ’15 edition

It’s no secret that I’m an introvert by nature. I like people and once I’m comfortable with you, I’ll never shut up, but groups of people, make me seriously nervous. I get overwhelmed and then all I can think about is running away and hiding in a corner. Give me a group big enough that I can’t possibly interact with all of the individual members though, and I’m perfectly fine. I loved lecturing to large undergraduate classes, but for the first few weeks of classes, whenever I had to lead a small group seminar I wanted to hurl. Fortunately, I never did, and by all accounts I was really good at being a Teaching Assistant – at least if my feedback sheets were anything to go by.

Last year I attended my first BlissDom Canada conference. I was so nervous before going in to the hotel that I sat and cried in my car for at least 15 minutes, then spent another 5 trying to restore my makeup and make my eyes less puffy (so I wouldn’t look like I’d just spent 15 minutes crying in my car). I finally took a deep breath, and went in and had an amazing weekend. I made some amazing connections that have helped me immensely as I started my freelance writing and editing business and some great friends who have become a huge part of my life.

This year, when the call for speakers came around, I decided, with more than a little apprehension to go in with a couple of other editor friends and propose a session on editing. While we aren’t doing a panel discussion, together, we are all presenting at BlissDom Canada this year. I will be leading a Mentor Microsession in the #BlissWrites time slot on Friday about editing and how to self-edit effectively (and when you might need to hire a freelance editor like me). Even though I’m presenting about something that I’m super-qualified to talk about, I’m still quite nervous because the microsessions mean presenting to small groups (gulp). Which brings me to today’s Word Wednesday: trepidation.

Trepidation

Trepidation is one of my favourite words to use, because it rolls of the tongue so beautifully. While I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of feeling like a thousand butterflies have been set free in my tummy, I am used to the feeling of trepidation before any small group speaking engagement, social event, and even calling someone for the first time. Some would call me a worry-wart, I prefer to think of myself as trepidatious (yes, in part because a lot of people don’t actually know what it means so it sounds cool). I try to go through all the “what ifs” – What if my laptop doesn’t work? Can I do everything without a cheat sheet in front of me? (No – I am printing a copy and putting one on my BlackBerry too for good measure.) What if nobody comes? (I sit in the corner and weep openly? This one has actually kept me up at night. I’m up against some pretty awesome other sessions.) What if I screw something up? Everyone there will be very socially connected, it could be a disaster. (I’m pretty sure nobody would do that, I mean, we’re all very socially connected and everything but it’s not like we need to post EVERYTHING right? RIGHT?)

Anyway, trepidation is another Latin word (I know, I’m in a rut) coming to English straight from the Latin instead of via another language. The Latin root of the word is trepido, and the present active infinitive form is trepidare which means to tremble or be afraid of. The meaning hasn’t changed much over the years, in fact, the archaic definition of trepidation is “a trembling or quaking motion”. I may be experiencing some trembling out of pure nervousness right now.

It’s almost time to leave, I have a few errands to run in town and then I’m heading down to the airport to pick up my friend Brandee (who I’ve never actually met before but who I feel like I’ve known FOREVER) and we’re going to go to the Vaughn Mills Concierge experience before heading up to Blue Mountain. I’m hoping the fall colours up there are as awesome as they were last weekend at the cottage.

My favourite tree in the fall – Love the red and yellow

Trepidation (trep·i·da·tion) noun

A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

October 14, 2015
Conference Time!

Conference Time!

I’m very excited to be going back to the She’s Connected Conference this year. Last year I had a great time meeting new people and learning a lot about blogs, brands and how the two can work together. The only thing I really didn’t like about the experience was lugging my laptop around to take notes on. This year I’m solving that problem by borrowing a BlackBerry PlayBook Keyboard Case from a friend to test it out during the conference. If I like it, I may just have to find a way to purchase one. My BlackBerry PlayBook already goes pretty much everywhere I do, so it makes sense to use it at the conference. I will, of course, also be taking my BlackBerry Bold 9900. Not only can I use the BlackBerry Bridge and connect my tablet to my phone, but I can use my BlackBerry PlayBook charger to charge everything. I love the way it looks like a little netbook but one that has a ton of great apps on it.

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Yes I realize I’m a little insane to be going to a conference about blogging and social media and not taking my laptop. I still love my laptop (though at 7 years old it’s on its last legs) but I don’t like lugging it around and constantly worrying about it being stolen. With the keyboard, I have everything I need to make my BlackBerry PlayBook into a mini laptop for the 2 days I’ll need it. I covered the Grey Cup in 2011 without taking my laptop (again it was a weight / space / afraid it would get broken issue) and didn’t really miss it and won’t be borrowing the digital audio recorder again since the recording on my PlayBook is actually better quality and easier to upload. One thing I want to try to find before I leave for the conference is a neoprene sleeve so the case doesn’t get scratched when I toss it in my bag. I got a neoprene case with the PlayBook but it’s too small to fit the PlayBook and case.
I’m also going to be wearing a BlackBerry shirt to the conference on Friday. I have promised several people that I’d help set up their BlackBerry devices to do what they needed them to do and I figure it’s best if they can find me. 🙂 While I don’t work for Research In Motion (though I would love to work for such a great company whose products I love and use daily), I have spent a lot of time with my BlackBerry Bold 9900, my friends’ BlackBerries, and I’ve got a pretty good grasp of what’s going on with them. If I should happen to run into a problem that I can’t fix, I also know that help is only a BBM message away. If you’re attending the She’s Connected Conference and want me to show you how either my Bold 9900 or my PlayBook / PlayBook with keyboard work just ask! I’m always happy to talk mobile devices!

October 17, 2012
Sponsorship Questions

Sponsorship Questions

I’ve been invited to attend the She’s Connected Conference in Toronto in September. I’m really excited to go because I want to learn how to make my blog and Twitter and Facebook accounts more relevant. In the last few days the excitement has started to be co-mingled with trepidation (yes it’s a $20 word but I love it so I’m using it). I’ve seen a lot of the other attendees actively seek wardrobe, travel, or shoe sponsors for the event. Lord knows I’d love to have someone pay for the hotel room for #SCCTO – Money isn’t a luxury I have a lot of right now, but I’m wary because I’m not sure I want to sell myself to do it. Right now, whenever I endorse something on Twitter, Facebook, or here, it’s because i use it and genuinely like it. I won a new Blackberry Bold 9900 on Twitter in July. I entered the #BB7FanNight Contest and won. I got to go to a really fancy launch party and play with all of the new devices that use the BB7 OS and choose one. I received it on Friday an tweeted that I love it. I really do love it. It has a touch screen and a keyboard and it’s really easy to use.   There were no terms in the contract that said I had to tweet about how much I loved it – I gave Blackberry PR the right to use the tweets I entered the contest with in their advertising campaign, they liked one of the entries, I won a new Blackberry.   If I hated the device I would say that, but I don’t.

Incidentally I also won a pair of Skullcandy ROCNATION headphones at the BB7FanNight event and I love them too. I’ve been looking for a new pair of headphones for awhile, and the ROCNATIONs in addition to looking really cool (they came with a cloth to make sure the outside stayed shiny!) are incredibly comfortable too.   The only problem may be that they’re TOO good – when I tried to do some transcription off of a cassette tape they conveyed every hiss and crackle of the tape! I had heard of Skullcandy headphones before but figured they were too ‘hip’ for me – now I don’t care – I just love them.

I have an iphone that I got from my best friend. I like it a lot too – but there are some things about it that drives me nuts. I’m sure after I use the new Bold9900 for a year, there will be things that drive me nuts about them too. If I were to be offered a sponsorship by Blackberry, would I be free to voice any concerns I had about my device?

I’m afraid that if I enter into a relationship with a brand to get sponsorship for a conference, it will force me to not be honest about my opinions of products. I like to support local companies and failing that, Canadian companies. but I’m not willing to support a company that has crap products. I want my friends to know that when I recommend something (like I did with the Adult Essentials vitamins this week to a group of friends) that I actually use and enjoy the product.   I’m still pretty new to the whole brands and blogs thing, but I’m not sure I’m willing to sell my soul for the price of a hotel room.

August 28, 2011