Yes, I am. Finally off to my first ever business trip for b5media.com. And, I was almost tempted to write “Start spreading the news…” at the start of this blog entry. Heh.
The plan for this trip actually started because of the Blog Bash. But, even though it has been cancelled, Jeremy (b5 CEO, not the hubby) and the others thought that it would still be good for me to fly to North America and finally meet the b5 team. Especially since I already missed out on the first two meetings.
The whole team won’t be together in one go, though. I’d be meeting Darren (VP, Training & co-owner) and Chad (Sales Director) in New York City. Not sure who else would end up going there. I was hoping to meet CJ (Content Manager), Aaron (Technology Director), and Brian (our Code Ninja) - the other three U.S.-based folks from b5. But, we’ll see. Might have to wait another time.
Anyway, I’ll be in NYC for just over 2 days to attend Day Two of the Future of Online Advertising conference, where Darren’s a speaker. Then, I’ll be joining Darren and his legion of fans and friends during the Problogger meet-up (most likely, on the evening of June 9).
Then, on the 10th, I’ll be flying to Toronto to meet the b5 crew in our company HQ. Other than Jeremy, I believe I’ll be meeting Mark Evans (VP, Content). And, hopefully, other Toronto-based team members - Gary (Developer/Intern), Darcie (Office Manager); and maybe Sean (System Admin). I’ll be in Toronto until the 15th of June. Then, I’ll be off to Los Angeles to catch my flight back to Adelaide.
The thought of this trip is incredible. I mean, I’ve known of Jeremy and Darren online for over 3 years now. And, we’ve invested in to this venture together without ever having met in person. Then, the company grew in to what it is now — about a dozen full time employees, 200+ blogs, 120+ bloggers. Still, no face-to-face meetings. So yeah, it’ll be great to finally meet fellow b5ers at last.
And, well, of course it’ll be fantastic to see New York City and Toronto too. Not that I’d get a lot of time sightseeing (I probably won’t!). But, since I’ve never been to both cities before, it’ll be great even if I just see it all in a blur.
If I weren’t going on my own and leaving my family behind (especially my li’l one), I’d probably be over excited. I mean, yes, I’m absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity. But yeah, I’m not sure how I’d cope with the long flights and being away from home for over a week.
I’ll let you know how it goes. And, if you have any tips and suggestions for this trip, I’d love to hear/read them.
Images from: SXC
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Write a Comment»If there’s one day or one hour, or one coffee break that we can meet up in Downtown Toronto - just ping me. This is the best time to be here! Hahaha, hot summery days
Whoa! I’m excited about your trip. NYC is a lovely city. Bring your sketchpad, just in case
Hi Shai,
Well, how totally cool. I’m glad for you. I’d love to get away from my crew for a couple of days, even if it was to be so busy. Have fun.
I hope you have a safe trip, sis! I’m sure Cammy and Hali (and Kuya Jem, too!) will miss you!
WOW! I’m excited for you too. ang SAYA niyan!
Hi Shai,
Maybe a quick hello to your Toronto Blogger fans if you have time?
I lived in NYC for almost a decade and now live in Toronto so I have tips.
Quickest way to see both cities is to get a bus pass for hop-on hop-off city tours. Both cities have this service so you can enjoy the sights (and smells) at your leisure and within your time frames.
In NYC, check out the Cloisters. Not as touristy but rich in history and beauty. In Times Square catch a Broadway show if you have time - Spring Awakening is the play to see right now.
In Toronto, I know its touristy but have dinner at the CN tower’s revolving restaurant so you can view the entire city in an hour. The new ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) would have opened with Michael Lee-Chin’s Crystal by the time you’re here. I have a family membership with this museum and would love to bring you there if you have time for coffee and some art viewing. Maybe have our other Toronto bloggers join us. You know I still have that Filipino trait of loving to playing host to kababayans in town
Enjoy your trip and hope to meet you in person.
NYC is great! I’ve been a couple times and agree that if you have a chance to see a Broadway musical. Other than that, I’m all about the food!
hmmm… the food..where to begin? There’s the foo foo pricey ones that you’ll see in every tourist guide… but..
in NYC… not sure if you’ve tried French-Filipino fusion delicacies but this was featured by Martha Stewart. It’s called “Cendrillon” and its on 45 Mercer St cor Grand in Soho.
in Toronto… there’s a Malaysian fusion restaurant called Kei on 936 Queen Street West cor Shaw.
Enjoy ~
Junnie and Robin: Do you know each other?
Anyway, I’m emailing you both to chat more about a possible meet-up. Not sure yet about my sched in Toronto, but I do hope that I’ll get the chance to say hello. Thanks for offering!
Connie: Not sure if I’ll get any time to sketch at all. But, I’ll do my best to take photos and blog at least. And, maybe even take some video!
Heather: Thanks! Haven’t been away on my own from my crew, so I’m not sure how I’ll cope. But, will definitely try to have fun.
Sasha: Yeah. It’ll be weird to be away. Hopefully, we can set up Skype properly so maybe we can even do video calls.
Glo: Thanks! Yeah… exciting indeed. It’ll definitely be great meeting b5 folks. Hopefully, next time I’m in Manila, I’ll get to meet you too!
Tinsley: Thank you! Never been to NYC so it’ll be interesting. Don’t really know much about the food aspect of it, but I’m pretty sure I won’t get the chance to watch anything on Broadway. Maybe next time.