Event: Sparks Ignited at Spark Sessions!

Spark Sessions Fashion & Beauty Blogger Conference Recap

Two weeks ago, fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen braved the cold weather and snow, and traveled to District 28, on the south side of Leslieville in Toronto, to attend the second annual Spark Sessions Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference.

Spark Sessions is a two day event organized by the fabulous blogger ladies Melissa Anwar (Chic Darling), Anjali Handa (beyondthedrop.com), Nicole Wilson (Dainty Girl), Elaine Atkins (Toronto Beauty Reviews), Melissa Grosser (The Domestic Peach), Anum Khan (Summerxskin), Jenny Jovanovic (Crazy, Style, Love), and Deanne Castro (My Fash Avenue). It's the only conference in Canada that is put on by bloggers for bloggers, which makes it quite unique. I enjoyed the first Spark Sessions Conference so I was really looking forward to this year's event.

Listening to Panel talk about building Relationships with PR Professionals

Step It Up Panel: Iva Grbesic (Falling In Style), Rema Gouyez (The Burgundy Book), Natalie Ho (My Little Secrets)

Like the first year, there were several panels and speakers that discussed and answered questions from several aspects of the blogging community. From PR professionals to branded companies and fellow well known bloggers, the seminars were very interesting and informative. Different from last year, there was an opportunity to tailor your day to what interested you, with two different sessions going on simultaneously. A highlight of the conference was attending fellow blogger Lena Almedia (Listen to Lena) session. She had some great insight on how to improve your blog and I found her to be an inspiring speaker. I also loved hearing from the PR professionals and brands on what they and their clients are looking for in a potential blogger partnership. I walked away from those sessions with a lot of ideas and insight on what I can do to help my career as a blogger, which includes improving my Instagram photo quality (new mobile phone is on my Christmas gift wishlist:)!

Opening Keynote Speaker: Andrew Sardone (Globe Style)

Closing Keynote Speaker Cheryl Hickey (Entertainment Tonight Canada) and Melanie.Ps

Both the Opening Keynote Speakers Vanessa Craft (Beauty Director, Elle Canada) and Andrew Sardone (Editor, Globe Style) were impressive and had a vast knowledge of the fashion and beauty industry. The Closing Keynote Speaker Cheryl Hickey (Host, Entertainment Tonight Canada) was so honest and sweet! I have already quoted her "I'm still a work in progress", to other people.

Sponsor Fair: Micronail Table

Sponsor Fair: Benefit Canada Table

Sponsor Fair: Pure + Simple Table

There was a fabulous sponsor fair where attendees had a chance to speak directly to brands and try out some of their products. I was fabulously surprised to see my amazing and talented friend Maddox from Benefit Canada there! It was wonderful to catch up with him while he gave me some fabulous brows!

Love my new #InstaEyeLift #eyebrows by the fabulous @maddoxthings @benefitcanada @sparksessions! #beauty #sparksessions

A photo posted by Melanie.Ps (@thepurplescarf) on Nov 11, 2014 at 10:31am PST

A 'speed-dating' time was set up to meet with PR companies and brands. Although the appointment spots filled up within minutes a week before, I was able to secure a time with a few companies. I also had the opportunity to network through out the entire weekend. My only complaint would be to have more time to network!!!! I also miss the after party that was planned during the first Spark Sessions. It was a great time to talk, meet, and unwind with fellow bloggers.

Spark Sessions Founder Marissa Anwar (Chic Darling) and Melanie.Ps

Melanie.Ps Posing at Spark Sessions

I thoroughly enjoyed attending Spark Sessions. I left on Sunday feeling inspired and with so many ideas that sparked from the weekend! It was great to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and learn more blogging tips! I have already started implementing some things I learned and I have several exciting plans for the future of The Purple Scarf, so stay tuned!

Did you attend Spark Sessions? What was your favourite part?

P.s!: The Swag Bag I was given at the end of the conference was HUGE, filled with many beauty products. Stay tuned for future Beauty Posts! Plans are already being made for next years conference, so if you didn't get a chance to attend this year, sign up for updates about next years Spark Sessions.

P.s,

Melanie!