There are quite a few great social media conferences for bloggers and social media lovers to attend these days.  They're all so different in so many ways.  I've had quite a few people ask me about SCCTO.  From my experience as an attendee last year, I can say that I've had nothing but great things happen to me since. What a wonderful experience it was.

NEWBIE-FRIENDLY
First off, the ShesConnected Conference was my very first social media conference.  At first, it was a little daunting, since I had no idea what to expect.  I soon learned how "newbie-friendly" SCCTO really was.  I've been blogging personally since 2006, but only monetizing my blog in the past three years.  Initially, I blogged to keep family, friends, and former students up to date with my new life on "the Island".  It wasn't until after I had my daughter that the blog went in a different direction and I was able to monetize it.  I never thought much about making the blog "work" for me prior to that.  I am an English teacher by profession.  My main job (apart from being a Mom) was teaching.  I knew that many of the tweeps I tweeted with on Twitter were seasoned pros when it came to blogging.  I was looking forward to meeting these blogging superstars!
Not gonna lie! I was SO excited to see that Christine Cushing was at ShesConnected! I've been a big fan of hers for years! You know I'm a cooking show lover, right?!

I went in feeling like a small fish in a big pond, but attending the conference made me realize how much everyone had to offer.  Many of us were at different stages in our blogging careers and had a lot to contribute. Prior to SCCTO, I had been working with brands on a regular basis and had developed relationships with some of my favourite companies. SCCTO just took things one notch higher though.

Since SCCTO last year, I've been able to take a break from teaching and work from home.  So many doors have opened for me since SCCTO.  I was able to meet with brands I tweeted with and form great relationships with them.  I've been given ambassadorships, sponsorships, and opportunities I never could have imagined receiving.  It's been a pretty sweet year.
 With some of my fave tweeps! @WhispersInspire, @JustNikiV @aaricamakeupblg @BewilderedBug

INFORMATIVE
I learned quite a bit from panel members and am looking forward to learning a lot more this year. One of the things that amazed me the most was learning about the power of social media.  I'll never forget listening to @tjzmommy speaking about her sweet Zack and his Dream Room.  The memory of Tamara's Wig (as told by Look Good Feel Better) is never far from my thoughts.  I'm still shocked to see how a single tweet can change the world even a little bit at a time. Also, I was really honoured to be in the presence of so many intelligent women. What an inspiring, amazing bunch of ladies.

Like I mentioned before, I wasn't really a review blogger or anything like that.  I was just a city girl who married a farmer, taught ESL, had a preemie, and didn't realize people actually read my blog.  I had never pitched a company and didn't know what a "Rate Card" was or how to put together a "PR Kit". All I knew was how to write posts that interested my readers. I had some great conversations with bloggers at my table and they gave me lots of info and advice on how to make the blog work for me.

LIKE HANGING OUT WITH OLD FRIENDS
I don't know about you, but I tweet/FB with some of my bloggy besties every day.  Imagine meeting up with your fave tweeps IRL at a social media conference?  FUN!  Last year, I shared lots of laughs and tears with some of the women I hold closest to my heart. They have become such an integral part of my life.  They've seen me through exciting, fabulous highs and through sadness as well.  I don't know what I'd do without this amazing network/support system I've got. It really is like getting together with some of your best friends and just having a blast.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
I went to SCCTO not knowing anyone IRL. As soon as I met my favourite tweeps in person, it was like we had known each other forever. I also made new connections at SCCTO.  It's amazing how welcoming and friendly everyone was.  I'm not only talking about fellow bloggers, but brands as well.  The brand reps really wanted to talk to us and were genuinely interested in hearing what we had to say. It was a great way to get to know them and to build relationships with them.  For someone new to this, it's a great way to get started and to get your name out there.

PARTY 
Last year, Town Shoes sponsored the ShoesConnectedParty for attendees.  It was a fun way to mingle with everyone, have some delicious hors d'oeuvre's, wine, and be surrounded by gorgeous shoes!  I was in Shoe Heaven, I tell you!  Again, the best part was probably just being with my friends and enjoying the evening.
This year, in honour of the ever popular "Fifty Shades of Grey", SCCTO is throwing a Fifty Shades party, sponsored by Benjamin Moore Paints!  It sounds like it's going to be one pretty fabulous party!

I wasn't sure what to expect last year at ShesConnected, but I can surely tell you to be prepared for lots of fun, laughter, mingling, and learning. It was a truly great experience for me and I am looking forward to returning this year as an Ambassador for ShesConnected and for Canadian Beef.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND SCCTO THIS FALL?
All of the above mentioned are reasons you should attend this October!

• Build your social influence
• Connect and grow your community
• Attend Hands on workshops where you’ll get the skills you need
• Gain knowledge that will help you build your social brand
• Learn alongside the brands how to build to partnerships

It's all about the learning, the information, the tools, the connections, and the fun! I guess my main thing was to go in with a positive attitude and an open mind.  Every experience truly is what you make it to be.  Last year's conference was nothing short of fabulous and I have a sneaky suspicion that this year is going to be even bigger and better (if that's even possible)!

Will you be attending SCCTO this Fall?  Let me know! I'd love to meet up with you!  I'll be sporting the name tag with the @chancesmommy Twitter handle and I look sort of like this...

Come say hello! I'd love to chat with you!

Disclosure - I attended ShesConnected Conference #SCCTO in 2011 and I’m pleased to share my thoughts on last years conference. As part of the Blogger Outreach program with ShesConnected, I received compensation. The opinions on this blog are my own.