From mesh to PAB

I’ve had a lot on my plate lately so the bad news is, I haven’t been posting as many of my shopping stories as I’d like. The good news is, I’m back and have a whole bunch of stuff to share.

Two of those things are the conference I attended last month and the one I’m heading to at the end of this one.

I’m a third-year veteran of mesh – the social media conference where people connect, share and inspire. The keynote speakers and sessions were incredible. The people (general attendees and presenters) were equally inspiring. That's a picture of the guys who run the show (aka meshies) on the right.

At less than $500 including meals and parties, mesh is one of the best deals around. I also picked up some food for thought and some inspiration I’ll be sharing soon.

On June 20-22, I’ll be heading to Kingston for my first Podcasters Across Borders (aka PAB). I wanted to go last year but the timing didn’t work. It’s still not great for me but Connie’s been after me and co-organizer, Mark Blevis gave me royal heck over dinner during mesh when he read on twitter I’d be taking a pass. He and Bob Goyetche from the Canadian Podcast Buffet are running it again this year and no one knows podcasting better than those two.

So, I reconsidered and registered. I may not have my own podcast – at least not yet – but I’ve been interviewed on some and I’ve been working on audio projects at the office. (I was also a member of the PodCamp Toronto 2008 organizing team). Besides, there’s always lots of other stuff going on and for $125, a two-hour drive and sharing a hotel room with Connie, PAB should be a steal. Why don’t you join us? Register here.

Weekly Wish – Come sail away with me

Last week I received an invitation from none other than Stuart MacDonald, founder of Expedia.ca, also affectionately known as one of the meshies, to the pre-launch of his latest adventure – a new kind of cruise company – tripharbour.ca/tripharbor.com.

Before last Thursday, I’d never considered taking a cruise. The idea of being stuck on a big ship in the middle of the ocean with a whole bunch of strangers and shuffleboard with Julie and Captain Stubbing at the helm was all way too Love Boatish for me. Besides I’m an outdoorsy kind of person and the thought of not having my feet on the ground wasn’t very appealing. Not to mention having no idea how to choose the right cruise at the right price.

Well after seeing the Tripharbour.ca beta, all that’s changed! I spent the entire presentation wishing I were on a ship at sea in the middle of some exotic body of water. If you’re a cruise newbie like me, Tripharbour.ca makes it easy, every step of the way.

The site itself is friendly and inviting. If price is your major concern, you can just click on the sale! tab to find the latest bargains. By far, the most appealing feature of Tripharbour.ca is the community. And, believe me there are many other appealing features with this online travel company. As the site grows, more people will be sharing their experiences, photos, tips and other important bits on information for cruise lovers and prospective cruise guests like me.

The geek in me loves the filters – or sliders as they were called at the launch – you can use to refine your search. They make playing around with various scenarios to help you choose the right vacation just so easy.

So this week, I’m not hiding it very well. I’m long overdue for a real vacation and I’m wishing for a cruise. Of course if and when I go I’ll be checking out Tripharbour.ca, now available for boarding.