Overwhelmed, grateful, happy and now getting caught up on a tonne of laundry. I’ve just returned from a whirlwind week at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, and as I try and catch my breath and get caught up on all those e-mails, I thought it was a good time to answer burning questions I received via DM, Instagram, and the blog! The Beaches Mom event receives a lot of buzz, and rightfully so. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn while soaking up the sun in paradise. Here are the answers to your burning questions as well as some of my top tips.
What is Social Media On The Sand?
This is a conference like no other. It’s a 4 day 5-night immersive experience. A chance to not only learn from scheduled speakers but to create new friendships and to meet and be inspired by other influencers just like you while taking your family along for a vacation of a lifetime. It’s a workcation!
How do you get an invite?
This is an invite-only conference so no one knows for sure how the coveted invites are given out. My best advice is to follow @BeachesResorts, the #BeachesMoms hashtag and to keep an eye on the Social Media On The Sand website. When applications open up for the 2019 conference – apply!
How much does it cost?
As this is a conference, there is a fee. However, this fee does change from year to year and all information is clearly outlined on the Social Media On The Sand site so I won’t list it here. What I will say is if you get the invite you really should consider going. This is an amazing opportunity to visit, explore and adventure at an incredible resort and learn from some of the most inspiring and empowering women in the business. There may be no better way to invest in yourself.
Who should you take with you?
This is a family-friendly conference! Brilliant. If you can take your children, do it! If those kiddos just can’t miss school, run away for a week with your Husband, Sister, Mother your girlfriend or head out by yourself. You don’t want to miss this conference.
PS. Notice I said a week? The conference is only 4 nights but I highly recommend extending your stay if you can.
Who did you meet there?
Beyond old friends and new were the incredible sponsors of the event. These included: Drybar, SpinMaster, LandsEnd, Yummie, JetBlue, Rebecca Minkoff, Cable and Wireless Business, The Crafted Coconut, Swarovski, School Specialty, SNUBA, Twiddle, NuFACE, Gaiam, Red Lane Spa, FITKICKS, Dreampad, Desert Sunglass of Scottsdale, Sprout Foods, Sun Bum, Pevonia, Air Esscentials, Build-A-Bear Workshop, The House of Perna, Sesame Workshop, Buddha Shack, Fuji Film Instax, Tuuci, Bling2o, KooKooLoos, HeroBoys, Hapari, 8 Greens, Coconut Float, The Bouqs Co., Island Routes, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), and the Sandals Foundation.
What did you do at the conference?
While there we had a well-paced and spaced out conference experience that included activities for the conference attendees only (the BeachesMoms and BeachesDads) as well as some spectacular activities that included our guests. We were spoiled with a catamaran ride, special dinners, and mind-blowing swag booths. We listen to a long list of talented guest speakers and participated in smaller breakaway groups. We had the opportunity to give back by participating in the “make-over” of a local school with lots of help from the Sandals Foundation and School Specialty and on top of all of this were yoga sessions, opportunities to get our hair done, and themed parties. Whew. We were busy but were still left with time to truly experience the resort.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat. The Turks and Caicos, and this resort itself is starting to feel like a home away from home. The staff are warm and welcoming. The island is magnificent. There are 21 restaurants, nightly entertainment, a waterpark, countless pools, and palm trees and of course, on top of all of this, you have the conference itself. I’m ready to book my return ticket right now.
How do I get your job?
Do you have a passion for writing, over-sharing, working odd hours? Go for it! Start a blog, work your tail off for about 10 years, build your audience, live and breath your passion into that blog, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest…….and I’ll meet you there 🙂 In all honesty. I work hard, I play hard. I know I’m lucky, I know I’m blessed and I’m thankful for every opportunity that’s come my way. If you are interested in starting a blog I’m happy to help you get started. Send me an e-mail!
Stay tuned for many more blog posts about my favourite takeaways from the conference, best moments, our day with Sandals Foundation and so much more! And if you have more questions, fire away!
Disclosure: As an attendee of the BeachesMoms SocialMediaontheSand conference I received discounts to faciliate this review. As always all opinions are my my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Looks like a lot of fun!
That sounds so interesting and so much fun! What a great opportunity!
This conference looks amazing! I have a blog but currently just using it as a space for some Me time doing something I love. Interacting with others, sharing stories and recipes, etc.
I always thought these were free conferences. Thanks for the information.
Looks like an awesome trip. My motto is also work hard play hard . Reminds me I’m overdue for a vacation .
Great tips thank you for sharing
This sounds great.
There must come a point where hearing, “You are so lucky”, or “How do I get your job?” must get so annoying. Perks don’t mean there hasn’t been so much work waiting for them to ‘miraculously’ appear and continuous work there after. I think the trips would be awesome, but I wouldn’t the constant thought of having to report about them. 🙂
Sounds as tho you had a wonderful time and being able to spend with family is always a plus… the pics are beautiful and its great you can do these things while you and the kids are still young.
That sounds like it was a wonderful conference with some great fun in mind. Love your pictures and this awesome feature.
I followed along with you while on your trip (on Twitter), looks like a blast!
Now this is a conference I could get behind. I’ve done the Med, but not the Caribbean. This would definitely combine business with pleasure.
I’ve actually thought about starting a blog, as recently as this week. I like to write, but I worry that I’m too scattered to do it. If I ever decide to go through with it, I’ll be sure to email you!
This looks dreamy!!
I love love love the rebel girl it looks very appealing to me