I got home yesterday afternoon, exhausted but very happy. My brain and my heart are full from everything I experienced and absorbed during Blissdom. It may take a few days to process it all. I felt like an emotional mush ball for most of the day yesterday. A weird but very good way to feel.
The format of the conference had changed significantly this year. Last year, I think we had almost 2 full days of sessions, round tables, panels, speakers. This year, we had "micro sessions" in the morning (which were like the roundtables from last year) and there were "TED Style" speakers in the afternoon. It was a lot of information to absorb in one day.
If I had to chose, I would pick last year's format over this year for one reason. The two-day format gave us a fair amount of time between sessions to process and reflect upon the information you received, at least that is how I saw it. I know that this format changed to allow the conference participants to have an excursion/experience on Sunday morning. From what I saw on twitter yesterday, the excursions were a wonderful success. I opted out of those and spent the time with friends and family and headed home in the early afternoon.
Again, the "Bliss Chicks" outdid themselves with securing amazing sponsors who I felt treated us all like royalty. As a person who has a lot of experience in event delivery, I know how much work goes into something like this and I felt that there is a lot of heart and soul involved as well. I feel like the Bliss Chicks really care about everyone who participates in the conference, whether you are a speaker, sponsor, community leader or just a sponge, like me absorbing all of the awesomeness. They are working to ensure that Blissdom is a rewarding experience for everyone.
During the Blissdom Canada conferences that I have attended, I have challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone and participate in things I normally wouldn't do. These small risks have big personal payoffs and I can't say enough about how much fun I had. On that note, I'd like to thank Annie and Dee for inviting me into their picture on Friday night. Honestly, I feel a bit like I photobombed them but they were very sweet and lovely to include me.
Thanks to them and all of the other amazing ladies I had the great good luck to speak with over the weekend. You're all beautiful and wonderful and so inspiring.
