2008 in Review: July to December

This is part two of my 2008 review in photos, covering July through December. After writing 840 posts throughout the year and welcoming a half-million readers to my site, 2008 was a phenomenal year.

July 2008
July 2008 Archives

I was a media partner for Surrey’s Canada Day celebration (the largest of its kind in Western Canada) so John and I hung out in Cloverdale, enjoyed the sunshine and caught some great concerts. A few days later I arranged blogger day at Playland with a few super cool friends.

In July I also established a great relationship with the Vancouver Aquarium and had a few visits to explore the facilities and learn more about the great work they do. I spoke at and liveblogged WordCamp Fraser Valley, was a media partner for Surrey’s Fusion Festival, I was on Shaw TV’s Urban Rush to talk about Blogathon and the first-ever “Blogathon Vancouver” raised over $12,000 collectively for charities thanks to 12 amazing bloggers in town.

August 2008
August 2008 Archives

My first Seattle Mariners game, our big trip to Kansas City, and being a judge for the Grey Goose Arbiter of Cool contest made for an adventurous August.

We also took a soggy trip up Grouse Mountain and I flew to Calgary to be with my friend Tanya at a difficult time.

September 2008
September 2008 Archives

In September we kicked off a new season of The Crazy Canucks by doing a photoshoot with the Canucks. The result was seeing our faces across the city on the side of buses, on SkyTrain cars and at SkyTrain stations.

Photo credit: JMV on Flickr

Jeffery Simpson interviewed me for the Georgia Straight in an article my father said was the best explanation of social media and microblogging he’d read to date and our new company, sixty4media was a media partner for the Internet Marketing Conference.

A group of us bloggers were also invited Willy Wonka-style into the Molson Brewery for a night of tours and tastings. It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Rickard himself along with Mr. Molson.

Raul, me, and Gord Rickard – Photo credit: Tris Hussey on Flickr

September was a big month for blogging as I headed to Las Vegas for BlogWorld (with the help of DreamBank), interviewed one of my all-time favourite bands, Less Than Jake, and I participated in National Digital Media Day.

I also liveblogged the Project Tunisia fundraiser, and helped put on WordCamp at BarCamp.

October 2008
October 2008 Archives

In October I invited the lovely Colleen to join me at the Gibson’s Finest Iron Bar Competition, I interviewed the director, actor, and producer of the short film Centrigrade, and I had media accreditation (through my E!Online gig) for the Vancouver International Film Festival – (and I had my first ever dress sponsor (thanks to HBC) for the closing gala party). I was also able to cover a reception for the Gemini Awards in Vancouver.

This was also the month I started my weekly radio spot on Talk 1410am with Pat and Val in the afternoons.

October also had extensive coverage for the Provincial by-elections where I was able to interview several of the Vancouver Centre candidates and I liveblogged Interesting Vancouver.

November 2008
November 2008 Archives

In November I was on a panel at the Making a Scene conference, I covered a store opening/charity announcement, and I had a speaking engagement for a group of First Nations youth embarking on a social media journey.

I was also very busy preparing for the first annual Best of 604 awards although I was still able to report on the civic elections in Vancouver.

December 2008
December 2008 Archives

The Best of 604 awards raised over $1,800 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and celebrated local web stars and heroes.

I started two traditions this year… Blogathon Vancouver (based on the original global Blogathon) as well as the Best of 604 Awards. I’m looking forward to both of these events that celebrate bloggers while also raising funds and awareness for very worthy causes. I’m very proud of the hard work my peers have put into all of these events in which I’ve been able to participate and I’m thankful every day that each of you choose to return to Miss604.com and read my content.

Related Posts: 2008 in Review: Vancouver Concerts, 2008 in Review: January to June