Last year when I attended the ShesConnected Conference in Toronto, I was still really new to the world of metrics, SEO, monetizing blogs, etc.  To be honest, I still have a lot to learn when it comes to those topics.  I was just really excited to be able to attend the conference, learn new things that were social media related, meet with the brands, and meet friends I had made in the blogging and Twitter world.

Fast forward one year and so much has changed. Doors have opened right, left, and centre.  I've been able to work with many different companies on a variety of opportunities. I've been given brand ambassadorships and other exciting experiences. Being able to work closely with the various brands has taught me a lot.  In fact, my blog is no longer the main money maker, but the catalyst that propelled me into the social media world.  I have put my teaching job on hold since social media work has gotten so busy.  I had been teaching ESL since 1998 and it was time for a little break. I now work as community manager/Twitter maven for Parent Tested Parent Approved and I  have clients I work with on the side. I help them with everything from editing and document writing to managing Twitter and Facebook accounts and just helping promote their businesses.

This year, I attended SCCTO not as just an attendee, but as a Brand Ambassador.  I was a Brand Ambassador for both ShesConnected and Canadian Beef.  I am honoured to have been able to do this. It has been a phenomenal experience.

In the months leading up to the conference, we have worked on many fun and exciting campaigns and have had many fabulous Twitter parties...all in preparation for the big conference.

Being able to work so closely with the brands has had an unmeasurable wealth for me. For me, it's not necessarily about the opps or monetizing, but more for the relationships built. Cultivating and building relationships are the most important things to me as a blogger and a social media enthusiast.

Some of the brands I was able to connect with and really learn more about this past weekend are:
TELUS
Ford Canada
World Vision
Burnbrae Farms
Almond Fresh
Chicken Farmers
CAA
Hasbro
Adult Essentials
Molson Canada
McDonald's
Maple Leaf

I also enjoyed meeting Candy Coated Sweet Tables, who did a fantastic job on the sweets table for the Benjamim Moore 50 Shades of Grey party.

Over the course of the next few days, I'm going to be giving you the run down of the event, starting from Day 1. I'll be letting you know just how valuable this experience has been and what lessons I have learned.

Stay tuned!