SocialWest Conference Team Recap

Anna Edge, Ben Sheehan, Chirag Shah and Savannah Swindle

June 30, 2023

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Earlier this month, Team Current had the amazing opportunity of attending the SocialWest Conference In Calgary, Canada. Focusing on digital marketing, SocialWest brings together innovative minds to teach and inspire. With 25+ speakers and dozens of sessions, we learned the strategies behind successful campaigns, networked with like-minded individuals, and came up with new strategies for our business and clients. Here’s a closer look into our team’s experience and key takeaways. 

Team Recap

This was my first ever work trip with The Current Agency, and I had an amazing experience. One of my favorite parts was getting to go to the Calgary Zoo. While it was definitely a journey to get there (fyi Canada does not have very clear signage), it was extremely rewarding once we finally arrived…10,000 steps later. I haven’t been to a zoo since I was a little girl, and it was really cool getting to see some of nature’s finest creatures up close like that. This was also my first time attending an educational conference, and I was pleasantly surprised. I quickly discovered it was about more than just the informative sessions and keynote speakers, it was also an opportunity to share stories, discover new trends, and connect with like-minded individuals. One of my favorite sessions was called “What’s Working in Marketing - TikTok Edition,” which covered a bunch of data-backed strategies that we could apply to our account. Lots of note-taking and one newest viral TikTok later, needless to say, it was some pretty solid advice. All in all, I had an amazing time and am beyond grateful for this opportunity with Current. I got to see some beautiful nature, learned some social media and digital marketing tactics to apply in the future, and most importantly, developed stronger connections with my coworkers who I’m proud to call my friends.

- Anna Edge, Content Specialist

With this being my first true work trip, let alone my first time out of the country, I really did not know what to expect. On our first day in Calgary, I decided to go walk around downtown in order to find some film for my camera. This walk around town really opened my eyes to just how cool this trip would be. From all the sights we got a chance to see downtown, to our day trip in Banff, I really got a chance to see what else is out there in this world. Once it was time for the conference, we had seen so much yet were still eager to learn more. At the conference, we learned so much about many different topics, including how to effectively use AI, the importance of relationships, the importance of branding, etc. The knowledge we took away from all of the speakers we heard will help us grow in the future, and that is exciting in itself. The conference really rounded out this trip nicely, and after having some time to reflect, I realize that this is what international travel and conferences have in common: they bring people together from all walks of life in order to help us better understand different perspectives. From the people I met and heard speak, to the sights I got a chance to see, all of it taught me a very valuable lesson: GO SEE THE WORLD AND CONTINUE TO LEARN. Our mind is the most powerful tool we have, so why not exercise it for as long as we can.

- Ben Sheehan, Visual Media Specialist

I recently attended SocialWest 2023, a great conference that brought together professionals from marketing, social media, and digital innovation. The workshop on The Power of Purposeful Brands stood out among the many insightful sessions. As Creative Director of The Current Agency and Made Equal Clothing Co., I understand the power of creating a brand strategy with purpose. It all starts with knowing who you truly are as a brand, your story, and why people should care about it. My team and I work with that mindset of connecting our vision with people, ultimately building a brand that means something. SocialWest was a blast, and I look forward to attending it again.

- Savannah Swindle, Creative Director

One of my favorite things about being a business owner is continuously learning for the betterment of myself, my team, and the clients we represent. My team and I were delighted to attend Social West in Calgary, and I cannot express how much I enjoyed the entire experience. Among the numerous workshops I attended, my favorite was "Accessible Digital: Why It's Important and Where to Start." Through the speakers' insights, I walked away with a clear understanding of web accessibility essential and actionable practices that I can apply to our work on the Web, from websites to social posts. My favorite moment came when I asked Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada's most renowned entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, about work-life balance in front of seven hundred attendees. Her response was inspiring and thought-provoking, providing valuable insights on managing priorities and finding harmony between professional and personal aspects of life. This conference was a memorable and enriching experience that left me inspired, motivated, and with a renewed passion for my field.

- Chirag Shah, Founder & CEO