How I #Prep4Bliss and last minute advice for all BlissDom Canada Attendees

So, the last four nights, I’ve woken up in a panic that BlissDom Canada is this Thursday. My heart raced and I felt physically ill when I thought about all that I need to do, pack and prepare before this epic and last conference of its kind. When I finally got a grip on reality and calmed down, I reminded myself that I still have a week to go before the most incredible women (and a few guys) descend on Blue Mountain to get inspired and learn from each other.

This year’s BlissDom promises to be something incredibly special and new and I’ve been so honoured to be part of the Ambassador team. For the last few months leading up to the event, I’ve been given “inside” information before it was posted to attendees. I’m even thrilled to have been chosen as an excursion leader for the Cooking in Collingwood adventure!

Before panic really sets in and I only have a few days left, I’ve given some thought into what this event means and how to prepare. So, here is my last minute advice for all of you attending BlissDom this year, and even a few reminders for myself!

1. Make a list to stay organized. Seriously, you will feel less worried and anxious if you refer to your list. Mine is this;

• clothes I plan to wear; jeans and tops for daytime, two dress options for Mardi Gras, and PJ/Plaid for Saturday night
• shoes/boots that are comfortable to walk from the hotel to the conference
• workout wear and running shoes to climb that Blue Mountain again
• phone chargers (yes, plural)- you will drain the battery on all the selfies you’ll want to take!
• laptop
• personal stuff for make up and hair
• notepads (I’m old school)
• snacks and wine for me and my roomie, Mara (@ChickyMara)
• what did I forget?

2. Wear whatever you want!!!! If there is ONE common theme at BlissDom, it’s “Be Yourself”. There is literally NO judgement on what you wear, so dress for you and only you! I do plan on attending the Vaughan Mills Concierge event on Wednesday so there will be some shopping in my future! I’m not going all out for the Canadian Lentils Mardi Gras party, but I know that wearing jeans last year made me feel underdressed (and short…check out these crazy Circus shots…literally the BEST party I’ve ever attended). So, this year, I have a few simple dresses in mind for what promises to be an even better party!

3. Review the Schedule and get excited. I like printed schedules, that’s just me. So, I’ll print off the agenda before I leave so that I don’t miss one single minute of the topics that interest me most! I love the new format of not having to sign up for sessions, so now we can all learn from experts across so many topics and platforms.

4. Business Cards are great but not essential. Yup, I totally forgot to order my new cards but I’m not worried about it at all. We are digital women…we can find other ways to connect with someone during and post-BlissDom. Met someone at a microsession and want to connect? Send them a tweet about why you loved meeting and sharing ideas with them. Be sure to follow the presenters on Twitter, it’s a great way to stay connected.

5. Prepare to try something new! Haven’t picked your Blue Mountain excursion yet? Try one that is out of your comfort zone (zipline, hiking or for me…cooking!). If you usually hang around the same peeps, try making plans with someone you only know from online…meet up for a drink, walk to the party together or plan to sit together at a session. Last year, I attended with my bestie (@H2OKathryn), but going solo this year will encourage me to spend time with other women I admire and adore!

6. Don’t feel guilty for leaving your family at home! You put yourself first for a few days! Yay you and yay them for holding down the home front. I know, it’s easier said than done, but you deserve time to feel energized, connected and inspired.

See you at BlissDom….I’ll be the one taking selfies and NOT handing out business cards!