The conference was blessed with swag and surprises, one being a gift from Aeroplan—2 30,000-mile certificates. Yes, it was Aeroplan’s 30th birthday in July but they saved some of the cake for the bloggers of BoardingArea. With tickets representing each blog of BoardingArea displayed in a huge glass bowl (including those not being able to attend BACON), two winners were drawn: Dennis of Lufthansa Flyer and Edward of Efficient Asian Man. Congrats to both and thanks to Aeroplan.

Earlier in 2014, BoardingArea lost one of its bloggers, Darren Booth, in a sudden departure from this world. Darren was among the most read bloggers and his family expressed many times just how much Darren loved being part of the BoardingArea family. His family has donated to the House of Miles all of his personal items related to his passion for aviation and we’ll open an auction to the world of travelers to find homes for these items while raising funds for canine shelters which was Darren’s personal interest in giving back to others.

a commitment to self-improvement is inspiring.

BoardingArea has established an annual award in his name with the recognition being being “a commitment to self-improvement is inspiring.” Darren was always looking to improve his blog and this honor determined by the staff of the House of Miles sends this message forward each year. Some years it may be a single blogger of BoardingArea, but in its inaugural year two bloggers were selected that embrace and reflect a commitment to self-improvement: Charles Barkowski / Running With Miles and Michael Wasserman / Michael W Travels.

The Darren Booth Memorial Award is a solid block of aluminum weighing 12 pounds with subtle engraving of the award name and winners. Each year new winners of the award will be engraved onto the original award with personal variations of the award given out to the winner(s).

Charlie has been hosted by BoardingArea for less than a year but has shown a keen interest in growing both his readership and his own personal skill set. When coming to BoardingArea his daily session were less than 100. Today Charlie is a proud member of BoardingArea’s 1K Club and averages nearly 1,200 sessions daily—healthy growth in less than a year on BoardingArea. Congratulations Charlie.

Michael has been hosted on BoardingArea for just over a year and has always had a single goal … to be a featured blogger on BoardingArea. He’s headed in the right direction with well over 150% growth is daily sessions in his first year and a daily interest in what he can learn and do to become a better blogger. We “jump” with joy for his success and this honor for him.

Yes we know that Las Vegas is in the middle of a desert. Yes we know that one can get thirsty in the middle of the desert. So we have arranged from “the source”, special bottled water just for you. You won’t go thirsty at this conference.

The winners of the Great Room suite Charity Auction with 100% of both winning bids going to support the ALS Foundation are Terence/Hungry For Points and Mark/Miles From Blighty.

Collectively the winning bids were $571.67. We will top this off and present a check to the ALS Foundation in the amount of $1,000 on behalf of the bloggers of BoardingArea.

Thanks to all who have participated and especially to Terence and Mark because now we know where any after parties will be.

Wondering what the weather will be like while you ARE in the conference meetings all day? Here’s your chance to know—read the above weather forecast for that weekend.

Yes, someone will be outside by the pool …

SHARE.

introduce yourself. ask questions. start a conversation.

LEARN.

read the agenda. prepare questions. have a plan.

ASK.

staff/support members are here. we’re here to help.

BE  INSPIRED.

blogging is about readers. that’s where your inspiration lies. like-minded brains at BACON help.

HAVE  FUN.

any conference can be overwhelming. set aside time to enjoy yourself. laugh.

BACON brings out the best in everyone. Last year we had a waiting list of other bloggers who were hoping they would be able to attend the inaugural BACON. One in fact wrote a poem and we at the House of Miles were so impressed that we did extend her an invitation. The ‘her’? She’s now our very own Kendra—Ms. Pixie Dust. We thought we’d share this again as the BACON countdown continues.

Every Blog Has Its Day

At heart, I’m a writer. Always my passion.
Inspirations include travel, beauty, and fashion.
My blog, as you know, is a blend of all three
It fills a nice niche, as my readers agree.

Most travel hack blogs are now written by guys.
Mine has a new perspective – fresh eyes.
I was encouraged by your validation
So I took the leap – planned a “working vacation.”

I crossed my fingers and booked my two nights
I rented a car and I booked my two flights.
Then I waited and hoped, on the edge of my chair
That you’d write back soon, with the news I was “there.”

But I waited to long – Cheyenne Mountain Resort
has a 7-day policy (that’s not so short).
So I’ve missed the window for refunds – oh no!
I must make a choice now, to stay or to go.

I hope that you’ll give me a place at the table.
I know that you’ll find I am worthy and able.
You won’t regret it, I promise I’ll prove
My posts and my stories will only improve.

My enthusiasm is great, my dedication is strong
Please oh please tell me you think I belong.
I’ll listen, take notes, and learn more than most
Then I’ll go home and write super quality posts.

I hope you can see that I’m not at all fakin’
And soon give me news that you’ll let me in BACON!

In other words….

Hi, Randy. It’s me again!

*(featured image by JohnAckerley)