Event: Spark Sessions: A Very Unique Experience!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a very exciting event downtown Toronto: Spark Sessions, Canada's FIRST and ONLY Fashion and Beauty Blogger conference. What an amazing and unique experience! Sparks Sessions was organized by some of Toronto's top bloggers with panelists and speakers from all aspects of the Social Media and Blogger Industry. The opening keynote speaker, that began the conference with a bang, was none other than Jeanne Beker. Her passionate and inspiring speech about being "fearless, to never give up, to have a unique voice and inspire the world", set the tone for the entire weekend.

 Posing with opening Keynote Speaker Jeanne Beker     

Panelists Sarah Kelsey, Tammy Burns, and Jennifer Weatherhead

Moderator and Organizer Anum Kahn, Panelists Shery Bagga and Crystal Sales, Panelist and Organizer Nicole Wilson

Some of the other topics that panelists and speakers covered included The Business of Blogging, The PR perspective, and How To Get Published. Each discussion and presentation seemed to echo Jeanne's sentiment:  "to be a trail blazer, and to have a unique voice". Even presenter Nicki Lamont, who presented the topic SEO, (which could be a very dry but necessary topic), din such an original and fun way (and talked about your blog's unique visits :), that I found her to be one of my favourite speakers of the weekend. The closing Keynote speaker, Lainey Gossip, personified originality in everything she did. From her brash language, to her no nonsense approach to her job, blog, and life in general, proved that Lainey Gossip is blazing her own path, and I pity anyone who gets in her way.

Closing Keynote Speaker: Lainey Gossip aka Elaine Lui

Enjoying my weekend at Spark Sessions

How Bloggers Network: Enjoying the Spark Sessions after party

One of the highlights of the weekend, was the opportunity to meet one on one with some amazing brands and companies. I had some excellent feedback and advice, especially from Shauna Podruzny Blossom Lounge. What an amazing lady she is. The after party on Saturday was also great! I got a beautiful gel manicure from the always talented Bio Seaweed Gel girls, participated in a clothing swap, and sipped some delicious Fresita strawberry infused wine.

New manicure at the Spark Sessions after party

Enjoying Fresita wine at after party

Through out the weekend, not only did I get to talk to some great bloggers, both experienced and new to the business, but there was time to network and connect with some great Brands like Smart Set, Tria Beauty, Almay Canada and Benefit Cosmetics. I had the opportunity to try some product, receive some fantastic gifts, and connect with some friendly PR representatives. One product I'm really excited about is the new Almay Softies Eyeshadow. This Eyeshadow is not even available in Canada yet! (Post and beauty review coming soon!)

Almay gifting table

Having fun with Ruth from Benefit Cosmetics

The outfit I styled for Smart Sets #StyleLikeSwag contest

Overall, I really enjoyed the Spark Sessions Conference. The opportunity to learn (my To-Do list is huge) and connect with so many fabulous people, brands, and companies, was amazing! My passion and drive to continue to grow and enhance my website and blog has not only been sparked but ignited. I'm already looking forward to next years Spark Sessions! For more information please visit sparksessions.ca

Thank you to the organizers from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work and sleepless nights, that went into putting on this amazing weekend for all of us that attended! The event was organized by some very amazing and friendly ladies who are have blazed their own paths in the blogging world: Nicole Wilson (Dainty Girl), Anum Kahn (Summerxskin), Melissa Grosser (The Domestic Peach), Anjali Handa (Rock That Look), Jenny Jovanovic (Crazy, Style, Love), Marissa Anwar (Chic Darling and Thirty-six Months), Elaine Atkins (Toronto Beauty Reviews), and Deanne Castro (My Fash Avenue).

My Swag Bag full of fabulous goodies!

More goodies from the weekend!

                                                                                                                         

Did you attend Spark Sessions? What did you think of the conference? I would love to hear from you!

P.s!: Not only was there beauty products given out the entire weekend, but I also received a great Swag Bag at the end of the conference, full of fabulous goodies and gift cards! Free product, amazing insights and information, and chatting with some fabulous people, what more can a girl ask for?!

P.s,

Melanie!