Juice 2.0

Juice 2.0 is probably what most people are hearing me talk about these days. Not the great ads A2 has been creating for clients or websites recently posted. I promise to highlight those soon. But Juice is upon us, 2 days and counting.

I got involved with Midcoast Magnet (creator of Juice), a midcoast networking organization working to attrach, connect, and retain creative workers in the midcoast, about a year ago. I went to Juice 1.0 reluctantly, hearing about the creative economy and wondering how I, a technology centered person, was creative and fit it. Over time it has become abundantly clear that technology can be or is creative. Through my affiliation, even though reluctant at first, I become involved with Juice 2.0 and pulling the program together while working with our collaborators. With the help of the Departmetn of Economic and Community Development, the Maine Arts Commission, and Realize! Maine an amazing program of keynote speakers, dance performances, and breakout sessions has been created. It is a well rounded program for everyone: artists, entrepreneurs, technologists, futurists, state leaders, and more. Even A2, who asked me originally why she should go, has enthusiastically registered and signed up for sessions on Social Media and Pottery Making. How is that for diverse?!

I have spent a LOT of time on Juice 2.0, but so have others. And overall it has connected with leaders in the state, brought me closer to my Midcoast Magnet friends, and prepped me for taking over the Midcoast Magnet board. It has also shown that when I am truly focused on something else, not client related, A2 has stepped up a bit, reaching out to clients, meeting her (and my) deadlines, and getting a new site up for LHT.

Life before Juice has been fun, interesting, tough, time consuming. Life after Juice.... probably the same but I will be the better for it!