I originally started this blog to keep my family updated with my new life away from home, yet over the years blogging has turned into so much more than that.

Firstly, I didn’t expect my writing and photograpghy skills to improve the way they have (both are still very dodgy haha!). Yet more surprising than anything; I didn’t expect the network of friends I would build as a result from the blog – which still to this day I find mind blow-ingly amazing. I have been fortunate enough to meet some of you in person, and that is surely the best thing to come out this adventure.

Most people find it hard to quit things, especially good things, yet I’ve come to the conclusion now is the right time to stop this blogging business. It’s the right time for me. Let’s break down the reasons:

You need something interesting to share

Ironically enough, with limited time, I find updating the blog while on the road a lot easier than updating it when I’m based somewhere. When I’m on the road and have just come back from a great day out, it’s fun to sit down and go through the images I’ve taken, re-size them and write a quick post about the adventure. When I’m based somewhere, enthusiasm goes out of the window; I’m a lot more social in the real world and I’m not so keen on writing about stuff that every-day people get up too.

Content goes stale quickly

I started blogging when I had just opened up my first company and office in Bangkok. Mentally, I was still a kid. I don’t agree with half of the stuff I published back then. Dear I say it, I think I’m a little more grown up and mature now. There’s also a few guides I have written, which are also out of date. This is why travel guides, both online and offline, are so shit; everything changes so quickly.

My focus and priorities have changed

This time last year I was an affiliate marketer who traveled a lot with aspirations of getting into physical goods. Today I’m a guy who has a bunch of affiliate sites, is totally addicted to getting fit, has been shattered from losing 2 of he’s best buddies and is now looking to settle down and build a family. Oh’, and I can’t ignore that I’ve just inherited a telecoms data company that has over 600 staff.

Unexpectedly, you could say I’m now moving into what I’m calling the “next chapter” of my life. And this is why I’m announcing I’m quitting blogging today; I’ve decided to keep the next chapter of my life private.

I will keep semi-active on Twitter, publish foodie photos to my Instagram account from time to time (I love this app!) and may even guest post on other blogs (or start a new non-personal blog) in the future. But as for keeping My Egg Noodles alive, I’m done.

I just want to end this chapter by expressing heart-warmed thanks to everyone who has left a comment or reached out to me since I started this blogging adventure. 85,000 visitors so far this year and 2,269 approved comments – that’s a lot of you to thank!

I’m really excited to announce that I have finalised and confirmed both the venue and the speakers for the first and only Asian Sourcing Event, and tickets are now on sale!

It seems like such a long time ago I was at the Hong Kong Mega Show, thinking to myself how cool it would be to have an event like this that I could personally attend and learn from. It feels great that it’s finally a reality, and I’m happy to announce the following details:

The Speakers

I’m really pleased the 2 speakers I was hoping to speak at the event saw the value and committed straight away. Both have heaps of experience in the sourcing business. They share the same vision as me: that one can learn more in a 2 hour face to face conversation versus reading through hundreds of sourcing blog posts.

Mike Bellamy will cover “The fundamental principles of sourcing in China: Common pitfalls and best practices” and Renaud Anjoran will cover “Quality control tips, tools and templates for audits and inspections”. Head over to the site for more background info on both Mike and Renaud.

The Venue

I visited tens of hotels and meeting rooms while on my inspection trip to Hong Kong earlier this year and got a good feel of what venues were not suitable, ones that would make do and a select few that were perfect.

As I kind of expected, the 3 hotels and function rooms that ended up on my short list were the most expensive, yet it’s never been my aim to skimp and save. I’ve always envisioned this event to be high quality; from the speakers, to the food, networking, learning, service… even to the ambiance.

This is why I chose the Grand Hyatt Hotel – the only hotel attached to the Hong Kong exhibition and convention centre (where the Hong Kong Mega show is held). The decor, food, service and view (oh’ my god – the view over the skyline is mind blowing!) is guaranteed to blow all of the attendees away.

Who should visit

If you want to learn more about the opportunities of sourcing products in China, this event is for you.

If you want to learn from experts in the know and want to network with like minded businessmen people, this event is for you.

If you want a great meal in Hong Kong with unlimited alcoholic beverages for a very reasonable fee, this event is for you.

I really believe that if you operate an online business and have a targeted audience you can sell physical products. The profit margins available on the products showcased at these sourcing fairs are mind blowing. Likewise, if your an affiliate marketer, you already know that the key to growth is being on the other side of the chain; to have hundreds of affiliates promoting your goods and earning a profit from each sale.

Considering the cost for a nice meal at a high end restaurant in Hong Kong, I think the rates we have set are very reasonable. I can’t put a price on the networking and education aspect, but would guess the value from not making a critical mistake could potentially save thousands of dollars.

Here’s a $50 discount code!

If you want to attend, use the code myeggnoodles for a $50 discount off the ticket price. There are only a few early bird tickets remaining.Click here to get your ticket now.

Earn 20% commissions

If you have a website or mailing list and think your users would be interested in learning more about the event, sign up for our affiliate program here. We are offering 20% commissions on both the early bird and standard tickets.

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If you have any questions regarding the event, booking tickets or plan to attend, please let me know in the comments below!