A happy girl ready to head out to the opening reception for MBlog 2012, on November 23, 2012
For those of you who don’t know, I was a panelist at MBlog 2012 this weekend. It was the first blogging conference ever organized in Manitoba.
I only have one word to describe the event: fantastic! New Media Manitoba and the Women’s Enterprise Center of Manitoba did an awesome job organizing everything.
The keynote speaker, Catherine Connors (@herbadmother), delivered a very interesting presentation on the business of blogging. She talked about the importance of branding and seeing your blog as an extension of yourself.
I had the honor of sitting next to Catherine the entire day and she is truly lovely. I am not surprised that she is such a successful blogger and entrepreneur. If you read her blog, which made it to the TIME’s top 25 this year, you will understand why.
There were also a panel discussion on monetization, one on business strategies, and a presentation by Erica Glasier (@EricaGlasier).
And of course, the networking was very enjoyable. I had the opportunity to meet a great bunch of bloggers and business owners from Manitoba and elsewhere:
- Liz Hover (@lizhover) - “Brit gal in Canada; director of online @nsicanada; social media marketer; blogger; dog mama to @sadieshihtzu.”
- Susie Erjavec Parker (@susie_parker) – “Wife·mama·baker·consultant·speaker #SocialMedia #Marketing #PR #custexp. Quality over quantity. ENFP. Change maker. Linchpin. Founder @SMC_Winnipeg
#usguys”
Parker - Kal Barteski (@kalbarteski) – “Artist + activist with a penchant for bloggin’ + living a grand life full of good intentions.”
- Elan Morgan (@schmutzie) – “#Blogger #Designer #Speaker #iPhoneographer. Work: @Ninjamatics. Canuck pride: @CanWeblogAwards. Community: @smallthingsrule @FiveStarFriday. Partner: @palinode.”
- Susan Hurrell (@modernsusan) – “Fascinated by connection/community/the power of the socialweb – dayjob:BizDev/Mktng lifejob:exploring the mystery”
- Matthew Shephard (@MatShepSEO) – “Online Marketing Consultant, SEO guy, and Social Media Consultant”
- Natalie Bell (@pegcitylovely) – “Fabulous self professed techie, social butterfly, yummy mommy and more! I’m infatuated with HR and PR – think of me as an authentic people whisperer!”
- Stacia Franz (@MissStaciaFranz) – “Owner, Franz House Communications – wanted to be called pretty when I was younger, but instead was called funny. now proud to be described as pretty funny.”
- Lindsay Hamel (@lindsayhamel) – “I wake up every day to inspire people to build sustainable healthy habits. I run a petite training studio in the Exchange, above Parlour Coffee.”
- Kathryne Grisim (@FoodMuser) – “Foodie blogger, Winnipeg Women Magazine and Canstar columnist, media consultant & instructor. Loving family, travel & celebrating life as a food appreciator.”
All the insights speakers shared reinforced my belief in what I do. When I started, back in 2005, blogging was frowned upon by many people, including businesses. Now, seven years later, we have gone a LONG way!
For those who could not be there, you will find highlights from the conference below.
[View the story "#NMMblog" on Storify]
