At the end of 2010 I left Dubai to Toronto. The Digital marketing world was still a puzzle and I was avoiding figuring it out. To make it easy for me back then I told myself Ahhh it is just some kids playing on facebook wanting to monetize it. It is social how on earth we would need it for our business. Then I told myself: Ok, I am going to Toronto soon. I will figure all about it there. They should know better. To my surprise, digital marketing was already huge here. Social media was already established and used for small business and organizations. I wanted to be part of this new space. Actually it is not new. It is just new to me.
I came to know about Podcamp 2012 and honestly I was nervous to attend it. It seemed to me that this is a high tech, geeky event that I would not understand a thing. Luckily, two of my friends were presenting there so I just kicked myself in the butt and went anyway. I attended couple of very good sessions and the discussions were very engaging. I started to think. Maybe digital marketing and new media is not that bad after all. I was impressed with the simplicity and efficiency of the event and the content of the program.
Nothing like what I used to in Dubai where every event has to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and sometimes millions. I thought not everything has to be big, impressive and complicated. This is a simple event organized by young professionals adding value to the digital scene in the city of Toronto. The concept itself was very motivating to me. What could be better than adding value to other people’s experience? Creating a space where meaningful conversations take place. Experienced professionals allocating time to add value to other professionals’ experiences, promote their work and network with their audience directly. This is how I see it and this is why I wanted to be part of this amazing energy. In addition to that, I found my next job in a digital agency because of the possibilities that opened to me after attending PodCamp 2012. So part of my desire to volunteer is a token of gratitude to this amazing event.
About May
May Tartoussy is working as a business development consultant with Stone Canoe – a digital advertising company. Prior to her arrival to Canada in 2011, May served as Marketing Assistant Manager in Dubai Holding, the Dubai government conglomerate that owns many high profile developments and investments in Dubai and around the world.
May immigrated to Canada in January 2011 and has already become an active member contributing to the community in Toronto by volunteering in organizations and groups such as TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival) and the Social Media Café Toronto.
