OMG. OMFG. I just got back an from my trip to Toronto. I drove 10 hours one way just to attend the #hq World Tour devMeet. I picked up @DaPineapple on my way out there, and we stayed with =stilettoPhoenix, a super cool lady. The meet was on Friday, June 26th, 2009, in High Park, Toronto, Ontario. We met all the deviants in front of the Grenadier Cafe, and more kept coming as we waited. I got a big hug from $Moonbeam13 , then met `neo-the-foxycoon and $spyed. The ninja's opening speech was interrupted by a pair of child trolls, who took the opportunity to spray water at us with sprinklers. We broke off into groups, such as photography, digital, traditional, lit, etc. While we were introducing ourselves, a CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) newswoman came over and interrupted us, so they could film this. The people on the grassy section learning the thriller, and the groups behind them are dA-ers.

We listened to $Moonbeam13 talk, and then listened to $spyed present the new features, soon to be released. Among them are groups, portfolios, and search upgrades. Imagine having a fully functional group system, a professional portfolio webpage, and color searching? It's only the beginning of something so amazing, but you'll see when it comes out.

Everyone stood around for awhile getting to meet random people. It was fun, and not awkward at all. I met a few people I knew from #photographers, such as =kilgore-trout, ^Ghouldaddy, and `sodalicious. The deviants who were left crowded into the Grenadier Cafe, talking and having dinner. We were there until a half hour past closing! Those who were left, went to the Cadillac Lounge down the road. $spyed, $Heidi, $Moonbeam13, $starvingartist, `sodalicious, `neom, `picard102, =emothemurdok, =kilgore-trout, @DaPineapple, `neo-the-foxycoon, and I crowded into tables. We had beer, nachos, shots, chicken wings, and poppers, though not all of us drank. @DaPineapple and I left at midnight, and managed to make it back to =stilettoPhoenix's house in one piece.

Best. Day. Evar.

Other journals about the meet: $Moonbeam13, `neo-the-foxycoon, *Elemental-Sight.

My shots from the meet:


`IaiaRose http://IaiaRose.deviantart.com/journal/25399051/ http://IaiaRose.deviantart.com/journal/25399051/ Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:23:43 PDT

[Update] 6/24: I am leaving from Chicago at 9 am CT in the morning. If you would like to come, let me know by then. Snooze you lose! [/update].

IMPORTANT! Please read this journal in its entirety

Thanks to the lovely $Moonbeam13, we know the deviantART #HQ World Tour is going to be stopping in Toronto, Canada on Friday, June 26th. We're meeting where this guy is! It's the closest stop to many people and I, so crazy me decided I'm going. YES. I am also giving some of you an opportunity! I am driving up there in my car, all nine hours of it (not including traffic). If you would like to come with me to Toronto, please either leave a comment or note me. Also, it's required that you have the proper documents, such as a passport or chipped driver's license. Read here for more information.

I would prefer if you lived somewhere along the route, but I can deviate a bit to pick people up. If I don't know you at all, or that well, I'll insist on getting to know you bit before we set-up plans. But, everyone should have the opportunity to go to a devMeet. If you are seriously interested, let me know! And just to let you know, I cannot guarantee you a place to stay. You'll have to arrange that yourself. I will still drive you to the meet though.

Keep an eye on this journal for more info/spots being filled.

Seats filled:
1)@IaiaRose
2)@DaPineapple
3)
4)
5)

_{Axe murderers need not apply.}

My Website. #photographers. #MNAdmin. #devart.