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| Group Photo - With Chad Dickerson |
Last April I attended a leadership summit at Etsy Canada's head office in Toronto. We spent two full days networking and discussing the launch of a huge cross Canada event. On September 27th 2014 "Made in Canada" markets popped up across Canada highlighting the amazing talent of Canadians and giving buyers an opportunity to meet these, usually only online, sellers in person. I was invited and headed the event for my region Etsy Lanaudiere of Quebec.
The summit itself was amazing. I was able to connect with captains and inspiring market coordinators from across Canada. We were also able to have one on one discussions with admin from Etsy Canada. A big highlight was being able to spend time with and interact with Etsy's CEO Chad Dickerson.
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| Quebec Team Captains |
I must admit that before attending the summit I was a little nervous. All these amazing people in one room. Soon after arriving my nerves would put at ease because I realized that all the other people in the room were just like me. People passionate about creativity, helping others and making an impact on their communities. It really put things into perspective for me being able to relate so well to other captains and their struggles and successes. To this day we continually support and inspire each other in different ways. I'm really over the moon ecstatic that I was chosen to be a part of the launch of such an incredible project for Canadians.
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| My planning headquarters |
From the end of April until the day of the event in September my life was consumed with planning my first ever market event. I had organized small things before such as food drives and smaller community affairs but a 40 vendor market with all the fixings was a whole new beast for me to take on. I poured my heart and soul into making it a success. The most important part for me was that the vendors were happy and that we succeeded in spreading the word about Etsy in Quebec. You can see more photos from the actual event here on our teams Facebook Page. I am proud to say our planning team really came together and it was a huge success!
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| Touring Etsy Canada headquarters |
So naturally when the call came out to host an event for 2015 I jumped at the chance. I received my invitation in December and am preparing to head to Toronto next Sunday for another 2 day summit to plan for 2015. I'm honored and delighted to be a part of such a huge undertaking once again. I'm really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, meeting new people and discussing how to make this year even bigger than last years.
I can't wait!!! I'll be sure to share more details here after the summit. For those of you wondering if we've set a date yet... we sure have! Watch out for details in your area soon but keep September 26th open. You won't want to miss out on all the epicness your areas team is planning.
Want to see more photos of last years summit? Check out EtsyCa's flicker page for more awesome.
Did you attend a Made In Canada market last year as a seller or supporter? Let me know in the comments section your thoughts on the event and which one you visited.
I attended the even in Nanaimo as a shopper while the event seemed to be well attended it was held in a great venue that was much too small. I am certain if it happens again in Nanaimo a bigger venue will be used.
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