Here’s my recap of IDEA Conference 2009 from a non-UX perspective:

1. I met a lot of great people. UX people are shockingly fun. I say that with all the love in the world. I thought they’d all be uber nerdy. Lucky for me, I was TOTALLY wrong.

->1a. Everybody should hire a UX professional to review their website for usability, function, and beauty.

2. I discovered that there are lots of things about Toronto I haven’t experienced. But walking around for miles kilometers in 4″ heels? Yes, I’ve done that. (See photo of my feet wincing in pain, courtesy of @russu.)

3. The dollar store across the street from the nail place we went to on Yonge Street sells flip flops with the word “babe” (not “bebe”) embossed in rhinestones. They’re $1.49, so not an actual dollar, but worth every penny over the $1.00. (See #2.)

4. Apparently, bribing people with cupcakes from Miss Cora’s Kitchen (69 Kensington Avenue, Toronto, ON, CANADA) is enough for them to create their own cult Social Media Fan Club for Patrick Swayze.

Thanks for hosting us, Toronto, and thanks for inviting me, IDEA09! You’re a bunch of beavers.

-Mari

P.S. If you’re interested in a fo’ rizzle recap of #IDEA09, check out blogs by Whitney or Luke.