Canadian Special Events Magazine Fall 2017

RHOT's

Roxy Earle's ULTRA WHITE B'day Bash FLEXIBILITY: The Future of

EVENT SPACE

5

Questions You Need

TO ANSWER

After Each LIVE

BRAND Experience

Canada's Corporate

Holiday Event

PLANNING

GUIDE SEPT/OCT 2017

contentcontributers

1. HA LA BISSA DA , CFR E Hala, President of Hala Inc., is a ten-time international award-winning event-producer, one of Canada’s foremost event fundraisers and an industry thought-leader. Her distinguished honors include 2012 Event Professional of the Year (CEIA), 2013 Best Industry Contribution (ILEA) for establishing Ryerson University’s Event Certificate Program and the Alumni Award of Distinction from Ryerson University. Follow her on twitter at @HalaEvents.

2 . ER IN HENDERSON Erin is the co-founder of the sommelier services and wine events firm The Wine Sisters. Based in Toronto, Erin and her team of certified sommeliers and entertaining experts help clients take their events from Standard to Sparkling with customized wine tastings, parties and wine tours. For more information visit thewinesisters.com or follow them on Instagram @The_Wine_Sisters.

3 . EMILY LYONS Emily is the founder and CEO of one of North Americas top event staffing agencies. From ideation to creation, the WBE Certified agency executes and staffs award-winning marketing campaigns and events across Canada and the United States. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the agency’s event staffing roster is made up of over 4,000 staff members across North America. A long list of accolades has made its home with Femme Fatale Media Group, receiving over a dozen agency awards. Follow her on instagram at @emilylyoness.

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4. MILENA SA NTORO CMM CMP PIDP CWP Milena is an author, international professional speaker, educator, award winning certified meeting and special events professional who has, for the past 25 years, earned many accolades managing events for corporations, international associations, social clients and not-for-profit agencies. Since 2000, Milena has been constantly molding the future, as an educator, instructor and consultant at major educational institution across Canada.

Follow Milena on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @santoromilena or search #followtheleader.

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5. JA NICE CA R DINA LE Vision. Boundless Creativity. Excellence. THIS IS JANICE CARDINALE. Janice's rare yet natural ability to spot up & coming young, urban talent and abstract trends is a testament to her lineup of exclusive acts.

Janice's passion and commitment to mentoring and building the careers of young performers across Canada & the US is undeniably in demand as she continues to reinvent the audience experience. Follow Janice on Instagram at @theideahunter.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 3

CANADA’S

MOST RECOGNIZED

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PROVIDER

Our elite team collaborates with top designers, producers and set managers creating and managing all levels of design, production and installation of soft goods, to help you provide an unforgettable event!

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IN THIS

ISSUE

31

11 40

36

16

27

55 3 CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS 7 EDITOR’S LETTER 9 THINGS WE LOVE 11 FLEXIBILITY: THE FUTURE OF EVENT SPACE 16 EVENT REPORT: THE DAFFODIL BALL IMAGINE THE BEATLES & BEYOND 27 TO CERTIFY OR NOT TO CERTIFY?

28 READING ROOM: SELF-EDUCATION BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ

45 #INSTALOVE: CANADA'S TOP EVENT CATERERS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

31 EVENT REPORT: 34TH BIRTHDAY BASH, REAL HOUSEWIVES STYLE

55 EVENT REPORT: ILEA LIVE

36 MARKETING: 5 QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ANSWER AFTER EACH LIVE BRAND EXPERIENCE 40 EVENT TECH: AURA, A LUMINOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF NOTRE-DAME BASILICA

59 ARTIST PROFILE: ADRIENNE FISH 61 CANADA'S 2017 CORPORATE HOLIDAY EVENT PLANNING GUIDE:

featuring 126 pages of BIG holiday event ideas, wine & dine, ways to give back and so much more...

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 5

GET

F E ATU R E D

I N

magazine CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS DIGITAL ISSUE

SEPT/ OCT 2017 EDITION

editorialteam FO UNDER & EDITO R IN C H IE F Sta cy Wyatt DIRECTO R O F SA L ES

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Ja son Koop ACCO UNT MA NAG ER Derek Fi nlayson PRO DUCTIO N MA NAG ER Veroni ca Mi cha lcza k WEB DESIG N Helena Poll CL IENT CO MMUNICATIO N S Oli vi a Stratton O F F ICIA L O F F ICE CUDD LE RS Ja ke, Pri ya a nd Baylee

Canadian Special Events Magazine has thousands of readers who are interested in what you have to say. An article submission is a great way to generate exposure for your company, client or brand. We look for all kinds of relevant informational articles on the business of special events and meeting including stories on recent projects, company news, videos, new products for events, destinations and photo coverage of your amazing work.

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PU BLI SHED BY NATI ONA L EV ENT M A RKE T IN G GROU P IN C. WWW.CA NA DI A NS PECI AL E VE N TS .COM info@ canadianspecialevent s .com tel. 204- 415- 3976 Published by National Event Marketing Group . All materials that appear in Canadian Special Events Magazine are protected by Canadian copyright laws and can only be reprinted with written permission from the publisher. All material is printed at the discretion of the publishers, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. We endeavor to maintain a high standard of accuracy in the quality of articles published and our articles are intended to promote the businesses and services of event and meeting suppliers to offer education and information relevant to event and meeting planners. Readers are advised to always use their discretion when hiring any product, service or supplier. National Event Marketing Group Inc. can take no responsibility for individual outcomes of any such choice.

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editor'sletter

R

ight about now, almost every editor’s letter or publisher’s note is going to start with a comment about the leaves turning colours, the chill in the air, pumpkin spice everything and kids getting back to school.

I admit it when I sat down to write this letter, that’s where I also started because it’s the obvious place to go.

The weather is cooler and the colours of the fall leaves are beyond stunning... But then I began digging a little deeper into why I hold this season so dear and why it truly is my favourite time of year. Spring may be about renewal and rebirth, summer about getting outside, but the fall both transports and inspires me to a time of innocence and a time where life hadn’t yet become complicated.

I grew up on a street dominated by massive oak and maple trees that formed a canopy over the road and sidewalks. In the fall, these trees would literally explode with colour blotting out the blue sky and covering the ground. Jumping into a pile of leaves was an escape that I embraced even before I truly understood why.

Years later and long after I had left home and moved across the country, my dad sent me one of those leaves secured in a Ziploc, then into the fold of a birthday card. Suddenly, I was 7 years old again. I kept that big orange maple leaf and to this day it is safely tucked away in a chest along with high school yearbooks, gymnastics medals and letters from first loves. It’s nothing more than dust and stem now, and even

though time has broken down its skin, that leaf kept me strong and grounded in the memories it represents; fall, home, hearth, warmth, innocence.

All grown up now with my own garden of leaves to rake, fall tells me it’s time to take stock of my life and goals, both personally and professionally, while there still time to affect them. That first kiss of cool air in the morning signals much more than just a transition from the hot humid lazy days of summer. It creates a sense of purpose that fuels my inspiration and creates urgency to achieve.

This is important because fall is also one of my busiest seasons. At CSE, the Regional Awards are a week from launching, EventTech Canada is finally going live after a year and a half of development and the CSE Live show season begins again.

Personally, we just bought a new home, we have a new puppy (that makes 3 to chase after) and we, like everyone else, juggle the demands of family and work, friends, health, kids, parents and life. The clock doesn’t slow down, but the seasons are supposed to be our guide and if we follow their pace it makes managing all the details that much easier. Fall tells you it’s time to pause, to reflect, to re-set and regroup. Fall is about getting back to the things that matter, slowing down and settling in for a few months of winter’s gift of stillness.

If you have a chance, I highly recommend letting yourself fall gently into a huge pile of soft autumn leaves. You are never too old to enjoy it.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 7

thingswelYve

1

SWEET & SALTY

Bees Knees Salted Honey Fragrant wildflower honey from the Hudson Valley is infused with fresh sea salt to create this addictive and wonderfully unique flavor. Guaranteed to add incredible flavour to your dishes, we like to drizzle it on vanilla ice cream use it in green tea for a one of a kind sip. Buy it now.

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SOAP FOR YOUR PHONE?

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DESIGNER DISHES

PhoneSoap UV Sanitizer & Phone Charger

Designed by Elan McPherson these glossy

Think about how many things you do while you are on the phone; from eating, to driving to using the bathroom. Your phone is a walking germ factory. This little gem is the answer to get your favourite accessory shiny and sparkling clean in no time. The UV sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs, includes a universal charger and fits the largest of phones.

Archful Arrangements arches give us foodies the power to create beautiful food presentation right in our own kitchens. Toothpick holes take the guesswork out of creating artful arrangements.

CALM YOUR MIND

Check it out.

The Prasad Method

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CLEVER TECH

Evapolar Personal Air Cooler + Humidifier

If you find yourself fighting for control of the thermostat at work or at home, this little beauty could be your salvation. It is a personal air cooler that allows you to create your own micro climate. It cools, humidifies and cleans the air directly around you. Now no one else in the office needs to wear polar fleece in July!

The busyness of an event professional is never-ending. In today’s world, between all the noise and distractions we seemingly continue to chase our mind around all the thousands of thoughts it is bombarded with daily. Learn how to calm your mind effectively and efficiently with this inspiring and calming guided meditation. Slowing your mind will impact your success. Try it.

5

THE HOLY GRAIL OF WORK BAGS

Handbag of Holding

This is a a miracle bag designed for people who need to lug a lot of stuff to an event site! Carry it by the handles, throw it over your shoulder or wear it cross-body style - it's up to you. With 15 pockets to keep you organized and on-task. Laptop? No worries, it has a protected pocket. Water bottle? Just slip it in the side pocket where it cant spill on anything. This is THE bag we have all been waiting for.

eventspace

FLEXIBILITY THE FUTURE OF EVENT SPACE

By Hala Bissada, CFRE

Hotel X Rendering

As an event producer, I’m always excited when a new venue opens. Moving an event to a cool new venue is an easy way to refresh it, more so if the space is flexible so you can think outside the box. According to the International Association of Conference Centre’s (IACC) recent report “Meeting Room of the Future” which surveyed venue operators and suppliers the most important element in venue selection will be flexible meeting space. Similarly, an earlier survey of meeting planners found that 47% thought that flexible meeting space would be more important than in the past with access to

interactive technology being the most important element in venue selection. This applies to other styles of events whether they are product launches or charitable galas.

What is contributing to this trend? With respect to galas, event formats are changing. The traditional sit-down dinner is becoming a thing of the past. People want to engage more socially and are enjoying more interactive experiences.

An example of this is the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s Moonlight Gala. It took place on the spectacular grounds which were transformed into a glamorous indoor and SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 11

AGO's Massive Party 2017.

Theme: Machine Age Massive.

outdoor party for an evening of gourmet dining (over 20 food and beverage stations), intermittent curated entertainment and dancing under the stars. They raised over $700,000 without having to sell tables.

Other great events with a relaxed event format and using multiple spaces in the same venue to create a multi-sensory experience include Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery Power Ball (2017 theme: Sterovision), SickKids Foundation’s Scrubs in the City (2017 theme: Marrakech) and AGO’s Massive Party (2017 theme: Machine Age Massive).

McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s Moonlight Gala.

Moving an event to a cool new venue is an easy way to refresh it, more so if the space is flexible so you can think outside the box.

Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery Power Ball 2017. Theme: Sterovision.

In terms of conferences, the growing need for flexible meeting space is to accommodate the variety of content which is not just plenary sessions, breakout sessions and traditional trade shows. Conference planners are incorporating more interactive elements, showcasing vendors in more innovative ways, shortening formats, making sessions more participatory etc. In fact, some conferences today are more like rock concerts.

So what is flexible event space? For conferences and meetings it means space that accommodates both traditional meeting setups, i.e. theatre-style for things like plenaries or classroom/lecture style for sessions, as well as more dynamic formats where the configuration can change on the fly. Furniture is moveable and stackable and not your typical classroom or round tables or regular chairs. Think creative lounge seating, communal tables, bean bag chairs, high-tops, and creative partitions to create interesting spaces.

For fundraising galas, flexibility comes in the form of having multiple spaces to house various elements of the event, whether it is auctions or a variety of activations including food and beverage, art, sponsor, or custom activations to connect people to the cause.

It could also be offering different types of entertainment in each space. It means as a planner your world is your oyster in terms of how to configure and use each space.

Technology does play a role in flexible space. This could mean moveable screens, wireless projectors, interactive whiteboards, video conference capabilities, portable charging stations, gaming equipment, audience response systems and special lighting.

The key to flexible spaces include offering larger open spaces, moveable furniture, and variety of room options in terms of look and feel and technology advancements.

three buildings: The Hotel Tower, TEN X TORONTO and the historic Stanley Barracks.

The multifunctional venue has over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space to choose from and is an event planner’s dream. The space includes:

A new venue that is a showcase for flexible venue space is the new Hotel X by Library Hotel Collection opening this fall in Toronto. I was invited to take a hard hat tour of the space, and I was wowed and excited by what I saw.

My tour guide explained that the strategic thinking behind the hotel was to create a resort environment for guests and I think they have succeeded. This 30-story lakefront urban resort brings together the most cutting-edge mix of hospitality, sports and entertainment options ever assembled in a Canadian urban setting. It is divided into

Hotel X by Library Hotel Collection: Falcon SkyBar rendering.

Stanley Barracks: The Parades Gardens and Stanley Gardens on either side of the historic Stanley Barracks both offer beautifully landscaped park space for 4,500 attendees, ideal for large, private outdoor events.

“

“

This 30-story lakefront urban resort brings together the most cutting edge mix entertainment options ever assembled in a Canadian urban setting

The Conference Centre (2nd Floor) has 6,271 square feet of meeting space and 2,859 square feet of pre-function space, with access to a garden-view balcony and the cinema.

Falcon SkyBar is 10,000 square feet of space and possible to have up to three events simultaneously on the rooftop: • The Nest: Ideal for a small VIP gathering with dramatic, high ceilings and unparalleled views (27th Floor).

• The Perch: Adjacent to The View, The Perch is an ideal location for private events and receptions, pre-dinner gatherings and fashion shows.

• The View: 1,600 square feet of indoor and outdoor space located on the 28th floor, with a spectacular view of the Toronto Skyline and Lake Ontario.

Hotel X by Library Collection: Victory Ballroom

Hotel X by Library Hotel Collection: Falcon SkyBar lounge rendering.

The Ballrooms: The 3rd floor has two ballrooms, each divisible with Skyfold® drop-down ceiling partitions, share 10,024 square-foot pre-function hall and a garden-view balcony. The Victory Ballroom has spectacular south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a 995 square-foot balcony overlooking the lake.

High Park Terrace: On the 4th floor is a 6,720 sq. ft. outdoor garden terrace located on the roof of the Victory Ballroom, partially fitted with a retractable canvas enclosure, full bar, trellis and panoramic views of the Hotel X Toronto Gardens and Lake Ontario.

The Cinema: 1,500 sq. ft. with 243 stadium-style seats.

Screening Room: 56 seats.

TEN X TORONTO: An inspired athletic facility featuring 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space including four decor turf indoor tennis courts, nine glass back squash courts, Fitness Centre with 50 machines, Hot yoga studio, Pilates studio, spinning studio, fitness studio, full-service spa, state-of-the-art golf simulator, Children’s Play Centre and Lifestyle Centre.

Other great features to note include: • Dedicated event elevators.

• A VIP reception lounge.

• The Pearl Room (bridal suite), that has a floor-toceiling 3-side mirror and Hollywood lighting at the make-up table.

• The Bowtie Room (groom suite) has a pool table and large monitors for watching sports.

• The wedding suites could double as green rooms.

In addition, all the restaurants and event catering will be managed by renowned Toronto catering company byPeterandPauls.com, leaders and innovators in the hospitality and entertainment industry for over 35 years.

Creativity has always depended on openness and flexibility… so here’s hoping to more flexible venue space in our future.

For more creative event solutions from Hala Bissada, follow her on

twitter and facebook at @HalaEvents.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 15

eventswithpurpose

the

Da ffodi l B a ll I M A G I N E

t h e B e at l e s & B e yo n d

Concept and Creative Director: Alison Silcoff Events Technical Design and Production: Total Events | Decor: Decor & More Inc. Centrepieces and Floral Arrangements: Yves Chénier | Rental Equipment: Location Gervais Catering: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth | Entertainment: Paul Chacra & T Skorman Projection Surfaces: eXtension concepts | Staging and Drapes: Scène Scapin Staging | Audio: Jesse Leveillé

John Lennon would have been proud to witness the spectacle created in his famous band's name to celebrate the 24th annual Daffodil Ball.

IMAGINE: The Beatles & Beyond was held April 20, 2017 at Windsor Station in Montreal. Produced by the uber talented Event Designer Alison Silcoff and her team at Alison Silcoff Events, this production is touted as the most successful cancer-related fundraising gala in Canada.

The inspiration for the event was based on the emergence of the iconic band and their influence on music and the cultural shift they created for an entire generation. Their powerful presence liberated England from the dreary, tradition-bound regime of decades gone by. They epitomized freedom – freedom from dress codes, freedom of expression, freedom from all the old rules, freedom to live a whole new life. The Beatles changed the landscape of music, changed the conversation and opened up a whole new world. That influence and appeal live on today.

3-dimensional wall with Beatles-inspired graphics applied to the surface, including many of the best-known Beatles record album covers.

Photo courtesy of Chantale Lecours.

An ebellished Volkswagen Beetle with 4 Queen’s Guard sentries in traditional uniforms and busby hats.

Photos on this page courtesy of Stéphane Poirier.

Bed-In for Peace with John and Yoko in entrance lobby.

IMAGINE: The Beatles and Beyond took guests on a visual and thematic experience, back to the Sixties to a time of artistic impression, but also continued beyond to a world where imagination has no limits where technology provides visual effects beyond all possibilities known at that time in history. It was total immersion executed in extreme detail.

The experience began even before guests entered. A Volkswagen Beetle, the car of the Sixties embellished with Union Jacks and flower-encrusted peace signs was parked outside the Windsor entrance. Just inside, waiting to be discovered was a familiar Bed-In for Peace scene, complete with John and Yoko look-alikes and the sounds of “Give Peace a Chance” and “Imagine”.

Guests were greeted by volunteers at Beatle-themed registration desk.

Photo by Stéphane Poirier.

Design highlights included: • Costumed staff and volunteers in theme apparel such as peace sign tattoos, John Lennon glasses and black turtlenecks.

• Queen’s Guard sentries in uniforms and busby hats.

• Mini-skirted welcome models (photo on right).

• An 8ft diameter peace sign made of 3,000 daffodils.

• Black plexi registration desks backed by five towers with Warhol-inspired images of the Beatles’ faces.

• Union Jack umbrellas hung from the ceiling gave a playful nod to the British weather.

• Abbey Road and Penny Lane road signs at the entrances to the dining-room and about a million more tiny details that together created this great tribute to the most famous band in the world.

Making up the main stage, an exploding psychedelic daffodil was centered on ribbon walls that created the illusion of multi-coloured waves with different lighting effects. The vinyl dance-floor mirrored the kaleidoscope daffodil design from the invitation. Even the washrooms continued the design treatment with over-the-top floral creations.

Mini-skirted models from DULCEDO Management welcomed guests in the entrance staircase, overlooked by an 8ft diameter peace sign, composed of 3,000 daffodils. Photo by Stéphane Poirier.

Projections of iconic Beatles images and psychedelic designs.

Photo by Chantale Lecours.

This year's Daffodil Ball added $1,734,000 to the $31.8 million raised in the past 24 years.

The girl with kaleidoscope eyes projected onto spandex ribbons suspended from the ceiling and cascading down the far-end wall.

Photo by StĂŠphane Poirier.

A total of 26,000 daffodils were used in the design and execution of the gala. The most striking design piece was a 40ft long by 16ft high “Mondrian inspired" 3-dimensional wall which divided the cocktail area from the dining-room. The wall was composed of 35 individual, different-sized rectangular blocks weighing more than 3,000 lbs in total. On the cocktail side, each block had a Beatlesinspired graphic applied to the surface, including many of the best-known Beatles record album covers. On the dining side, each block was used as a video-mapping surface.

intervals along the entire length of each rod, with 20 LED mini-lights. At the base of each arrangement 3 vinyl 45 records with Apple labels, a fibre optic light and mini-containers of daffodils were arranged on turquoise metallic paisley print or raspberry textured silk linens. Rich everchanging hues and special effects lit the giant ceiling ribbon treatments, tables and dance area.

Aside from the decor being a focal centerpoint to the event, the entertainment was just as integral in creating this Beatles sensory experience.

Projection visuals were coordinated with the entertainment and themed dinner courses at key moments of the evening.

A total of

Total Events designed and implemented a new approach to the event's decor putting focus on engaging and exciting senses through the use of dynamic projectionmapping technology on a variety of 3-dimensional surfaces, rather than just static decor. This allowed the room to evolve, adapt and coordinate with each key moment of the evening. The video-mapping projected ever-changing visuals onto ribbon-like spandex structures suspended from the ceiling and cascading down the far wall, as well as onto the back of the Mondrian wall. Familiar Beatles icons – portraits of the Fab Four, yellow submarines, kaleidoscope eyes, strawberries, Abbey Road, marmalade skies and many more – were all integrated with psychedelic images into the constantly evolving scenes.

26,000

daffodils were used in the design and execution of the gala.

The centerpieces were 6ft long corkscrewshaped metallic rods reflecting the spandex ribbon waves overhead. Fuchsia and hot-pink gerberas were attached at

Ensemble Tryade, a string quartet, played renditions of popular Beatles songs when guests first sat down for dinner. REPLAY, Canada’s most popular and authentic Beatles tribute cover band performed two sets during the evening – one in costumes from the Ed Sullivan era, the other in the colourful Sgt. Pepper costumes. The Rock n’Rollers, world-famous roller-skaters Ryan Carrillo and Candice Heiden from California, performed a high-energy acrobatic roller-skating routine which was choreographed by award-winning threetime Emmy nominee Fred Tallaksen. Fred has choreographed for Madonna, J Lo and Enrique Iglesias as well as many other specialty performers and shows from Modern Family, the Grammy Awards and Rules of Engagement.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 21

Top left to bottom right: Dining room tablescapes, photo by Stéphane Poirier; The Rock n’Rollers performance, photo courtesy of Allen McInnis; Love and Peace video mapping projection in dining room and REPLAY – the Beatles Tribute, photos courtesy of Stéphane Poirier.

22 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

The dance party was brought to life by none other than celebrity DJ Abeille. This was the first time in 24 years that The Daffodil Ball has had a celebrity DJ. No event would be complete without a Master of Ceremonies and this year’s event was hosted by the beautiful television and radio host Isabelle Racicot.

Known for working with the chefs to create unparalleled menus, Alison did not disappoint. Caterer Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth created a menu inspired by Beatles song titles and iconic British dishes, with novel presentations, including: • Yellow Submarine & Octopus’s Garden (a seafood salad).

• Imagine (an appetizer of quail and foie gras, looking exactly like a green apple).

• The Iconic British Pie (steak and kidney pie) with Give Peas a Chance.

• Strawberry Fields (dessert).

• Marshmallow Pies.

Cocktails didn’t miss the memo and turned out with insanely creative mixes such as imaGINe & Tonic.

Food service was just as imaginative with hors d’oeuvres served on vintage Apple vinyl records or “Abbey Road’ platters and included celery with Stilton, oysters and stuffed quail eggs. What British themed event would be complete without British fish & chips, served in newspaper cones?

The dance party was brought to life by celebrity DJ Abeille.

Photo by Stéphane Poirier.

THE NUMBERS The Daffodil Ball looks like a million-dollar event, but costs are dramatically reduced by the many generous donations of goods and services, including decor, design, the venue, lighting, AV equipment, prizes, gifts, advertising and many others – a total of $1,032,000. The financial success of The Daffodil Ball would not be possible without these contributions.

The mission of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with the disease. To achieve this goal, CCS leads the fight on several fronts: research, support for people living with cancer, prevention, information and advocacy. CCS funds more cancer research and has more impact on cancer in this country than any other national charity. Major progress has been made in the fight against cancer, yet the battle is far from over. More than one in three Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime. No-one is safe from this disease, but together we can beat it.

Supporting The Daffodil Ball is yet another step towards helping CCS realize its goals. Follow The Daffodil Ball on social media for the latest updates. @baljonquille #baljonq17 See more of Alison Silcoff's work at www.alisonsilcoff.com.

Make your next event a thrilling underwater adventure

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647 351 3474 ext. 2645 RipleysAquariumofCanada.com Events@RipleysAquariumOfCanada.com

eventeducation

To

Certify Certify? or NOT to

THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION

BY MILENA SA NTORO CMM CMP PIDP CWP

Being a teacher, I’m reminded of one of my introductory event planning classes five years ago.

On the first day of class, students came in unsure if this was the right place or even the right course. After introductions, I would typically enquire “What do you want from this class?”

I thought that this was the fundamental question that would shape the course we would take over the next few months.

But was it the right question to be asking?

Two of the students enrolled in my class that year came in with very differing backgrounds, expectations and needs.

Brittany was a student nurse. Along with a group of other cohorts, she had organized a regional conference. Without any help from an event professional and a great deal of luck, the conference had achieved most of its goals, but Brittany recognized that there must be a better framework for her future work in this area. By contrast, Edie had worked as a volunteer for several non-profit events and through the experience had realized that she loved the work and wanted to explore event management as a career.

After taking a good look at my teaching practice, I came to realize that I was asking the wrong question. So, what was this fundamental question? Here were students with two very different sets of expectations, yet the same question applied to both – Where do you want to be positioned in terms of event planning in three, five or ten year’s time? This question and the responses would not only shape what and how our curriculum was to be delivered, but more importantly, this question would define their future.

I can turn this question over to you, the same way it is now posed to my students. Do you have a three, five or ten-year plan? Do you need to reassess where you are headed and how will you get there? Are you travelling on a planned route and possess the educational requisites to carry you there?

Are you up to date with changing trends and educational requirements in our sector? Do you even know what our sector has to offer you?

Will you have what it takes to be successful not only now, but in the future?

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 25

L

and professional development. It endorses and manages the Certified Special Events Professional Program (CSEP) for members who meet industry standards and have a minimum of three years documented full time experience in the sector. The program is supported by conference sessions, face-to-face opportunities, an on-line program and educational resources.

EVELLING UP

Both Brittany and Edie had enrolled in the course with differing end points in mind. Brittany wanted a certificate for completing the course that would indicate she had acquired a preparatory knowledge of event planning. She would leave this class with preliminary knowledge of the four phases of event planning: research and development, pre-production, production and final post-production. This would give her the basic understanding of planning needs for future conferences. But would she have the competency to be considered an event planner? It would definitely provide a great foundation to start from.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest global meeting and event industry association and has 90 chapters in 19 different countries. It supports both novice and experienced members. MPI offers instructor led on-demand self-paced certificate courses, some of which are in subspecialty areas.

The CMP (Certified Meeting Professionals) certification is acquired through a rigorous application and exam process and is supported by CMI study groups and reference materials.

Complementing the CMP designation is the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM). This certification has a requirement of over seven years of professional experience, 3 years of management experience and 2 years of responsibility for profits and losses. Designed for those in industry leadership roles it focuses on executive decision making and strategic initiatives.

"Edie had asked the question...

Would it be worth the time and effort for her to take courses and prepare documentation to obtain CSEP recognition, as those hours could otherwise be spent building up her business? " Edie, on the other hand, would come to realize that her long range plan would lead towards certification. This would show recognition that she had acquired a thorough knowledge of the industry and had proven skills, experience and capabilities. Fortunately, there are several paths to a recognized designation and certification through several accredited global bodies. Edie could become a member of an organization that would help guide her career development and move her towards an accredited designation.

DESIGNING YOUR DESIGNATION ILEA (International Live Events Association) is the principal association representing current events globally. Imagine the expertise within the 51 international chapters through organizing over one million special events per year! ILEA capitalizes on this rich resource by promoting collaboration, inspiration, education 26 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

UPING THE DOLLARS Edie had asked the same questions that you might have. Would it be worth the time and effort for her to take courses and prepare documentation to obtain CSEP recognition, as those hours could otherwise be spent building up her business? Would the cost of taking courses and attending conferences result in a reasonable return on her investment?

Yes, I had replied. Not only would her profits increase over the long term, but there would be many benefits to belonging to a professional organization along the way. She would find networking and collaboration helping her to make profitable contacts and provide inspiration. She would have access to career centers and job postings as well as the latest industry research. She would have help in developing her resume.

We also discussed the difficulty in meeting the expenses of joining a professional body, attending conferences and taking courses, while establishing a career. I suggested that she explore the Meeting Professionals International Foundation that provides funds, scholarships and research in support of the global meeting and event industry.

The Convene Salary Survey is one of the research tools that tracks changes in our industry. The recently published 2017 salary survey has shown that certified planners earned on average $10,594 more a year than planners without accreditation. Surveys show that employers recognize that planners holding certification have a proven record of holding key competencies hiring decisions easier as it “eliminates the unknown”.

MEETING UP Recently, I met both Edie and Brittany for coffee. Edie talked about having successfully completing her CSEP qualifications.

She especially was enthusiastic about the relevance of her education along the way. It had both inspired her and given her professional advantages such as making her more knowledgable about outsourcing and using the internet more effectively. It had helped her keep aware of changing trends in a rapidly evolving industry. Networking had provided her with like-minded individuals and provided her not only with professional benefits, but a new group of friends.

Brittany talked about planning her first nursing conference five years ago. Her planning group hadn’t done a risk and safety analysis, had insurance cover for liability, developed contingency and response plans, nor had they planned a technical rehearsal. Very luckily they had avoided problems other than with their computer and sound systems. Taking our introductory course in event planning had opened her eyes to all the mishaps that could happen without guidance from an accredited professional. Since then her committee has sought a planner holding a CSEP designation which has helped take stress off her committee and guaranteed success.

UP TO YOU Working towards a designation and planning the next five years is a way of guaranteeing success and increasing the value of the services you are providing not only for your customers but also for yourself. It is up to you as to how you want your career to keep developing. So here is the big question again, “Where will you be in your career in three, five or 10 years time?”

Alphabet SOUP

DESIGNATION INDEX CEM - Certified in Exposition Management An internationally recognized designation for professionals in the Exposition and Events Industry. Learn more.

CFRE - Certified Fund Raising Executives The CFRE International certifies fundraising professionals through an assessment process that measures the knowledge and skills in best practices in ethical philanthropic fundraising. Learn more.

CGMP - Certified Government Meeting Professional Designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the regulations of the federal government managed by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). Learn more.

CMM - Certificate in Meeting Management An intensive three-part executive program runned by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) that packs the highlights of a world-class MBA program. Learn more.

CMP - Certified Meeting Professional Globally recognized badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition and event industry. Learn more.

CPCE - Certified Professional in Catering & Events A nationally recognized certification that increases your standing in the catering and events community by validating your knowledge and experience. Learn more.

CSEP - Certified Special Events Professionals ILEA endorses and manages the voluntary CSEP program that indicates expertise in the preparation and execution of successful special events. Learn more.

DES - Digital Event Specialist Highest honour received from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) showing proficiency in live stream and digital engagement events. Learn more.

DWC - Certified Destination Wedding Coordinator Available to Certified Wedding Coordinators offered by the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc. (WPIC). Learn more.

GTP - Global Travel Professional™ The business travel industry’s only certification program managed by the Global Business Travel Association. Learn more.

READING ROOM

SELF-EDUCATION BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ

THE ART OF THE PART Y

MANAGE YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

FOCAL POINT

RENNY REYNOLDS & ELAINE LOUIE

99U & JOCELYN K . GLEI

BRIAN TR ACY

Art of the Party beautifully illustrates how to achieve perfection in every aspect of event planning presented with a touch of glamour and easy-to-understand directions.

With wisdom from 20 leading creative minds, this book will give you a toolkit for tackling the new challenges of a 24/7, always-on workplace.

The true secret of high achievers is they know how to find their focal points. Learn to develop absolute clarity on what you want and how you can achieve supreme satisfaction, personally and professionally.

SWITCH: HOW TO CHANGE THINGS WHEN CHANGE IS HARD

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN: MASTERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT

THE DISNEY INSTITUTE & THEODORE KINNI

CHIP HEATH & DAN HEATH

SCOT T BERKUN

Exceeding expectations is the cornerstone of the Disney approach. This book reveals the business possibilities and concepts not found in the typical workplace.

Change happens in every ones lives. In this story-driven narrative, Heath bring together decades of research you can use to make changes that matter, whether it’s changing the world or changing your business.

For anyone who manages events or projects on a timeline this is an invaluable resource.

Microsoft vet Berkun shares key strategies and tools you need to have within arm's reach throughout the life of your project.

REWORK WRIT TEN

BY THE BRILLIANT FOUNDERS OF 37SIGNALS JASON FRIED & DAVID H. HANSSON Rework is a playbook for anyone who’s ever dreamed of going solo. Hardcore entrepreneurs, people stuck in day jobs they hate, victims of "downsizing," and artists who don’t want to starve anymore SHOULD READ this book!

BE OUR GUEST: PERFECTING THE ART OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

28 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

HARDCOVER/ PAPERBACK

EBO OK/ KINDLE

AUDIOBO OK/ AUDIO CD

MAKING IDEAS HAPPEN: OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES BET WEEN VISION & REALIT Y

REFLECTIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL WALLFLOWER: LESSONS IN BUSINESS; LESSONS IN LIFE

IDEA TO EXECUTION: OPTIMIZE, AUTOMATE, AND OUTSOURCE EVERYTHING IN YOUR BUSINESS

SCOT T BELSK Y

ANDREA MICHAELS

ARI MEISEL & NICK SONNENBERG

Execution is a skill that must be developed and in this amazing read, Belsky shares the techniques to a systematic approach to creative organization and productivity.

This book is like reading the personal diary of Andrea Michaels, one of the backbones of the special events industry. Its literally a business success road map and a peek into her creative mind.

The authors launched a profitable VA business in ONE day challenging the mentality that every venture requires months of planning and lots of cash. This book follows their journey from idea to execution and proves it can be done by throwing out the rule book.

WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM: THE NATUR AL HISTORY OF INNOVATION STEVEN JOHNSON From Darwin and Freud to the halls of Google and Apple, Steven investigates the innovation hubs throughout modern time and the approaches and commonalities that seem to appear at moments of originality.

SPECIAL EVENTS: A NEW GENER ATION AND THE NEX T FRONTIER

THE ACCIDENTAL CREATIVE: HOW TO BE BRILLIANT AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE

DECLUT TER YOUR INBOX: 9 PROVEN STEPS TO ELIMINATE EMAIL OVERLOAD

JOE GOLDBLAT T

TODD HENRY

S.J. SCOT T

This book chronicles the development, changes and challenges faced by the global event industry. It showcases areas of importance to planners including using tech to improve event's financial, quality, environmental and other outcomes.

Each day are asked to produce an everincreasing amount of brilliance in an evershrinking amount of time. This book is designed to help you find that constant pool of BIG ideas.

Buried under an avalanche of email? This book shares a proven nine-step plan that will help clear the email clutter, no matter how many messages you receive.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 29

Full Service Event Management & Design

ESPINC.CA Full Service Event Management & Design

eventreport

34TH BIRTHDAY BASH REAL HOUSEWIVES STYLE Real Housewives of Toronto co-star, Roxy Earle. Photo courtesy of George Pimentel/Toronto Life

FEATURED SUPPLIERS: Venue: Fifteen Hundred at One King West Hotel & Residence; Catering: One King West, Chef Joe Grado; Floral & Decor: DT Floral & Decor; Entertainment and A/V: Sole Power Productions; Chairs: Detailz Chair Couture; Glassware, linens, furniture: Chairman Mills; Cutlery: Exclusive Affair Rentals

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 31

How do you throw a party for a woman who has everything?

If you are Craig Gruzd Creative Director at DT Floral & Decor, you just ask her the question and then sit back and let her guide your inspiration. And that’s exactly what he did to find the creative direction to design one of the prettiest events of the season; a 34th birthday party for Roxy Earle, one of the stars from the hit show The Real Housewives of Toronto.

“She loves flowers, summer and she is obsessed with white drapery". And that was where the creative evolution of this stunning event design began.

Craig developed a plan to incorporate the hotels striking aesthetic with white as far as the eye could see, complemented by clear glass and Lucite to avoid taking away anything from the clean lines and the impact of the pure white design.

Event design and floral arrangements

by Craig Gruzd, Creative Director at DT Floral & Decor.

“Always push it to the extreme, make it different, don’t make it cookie cutter. Keep it out of the box! Try to use different vendors and give them opportunities to collaborate on ideas to push your boundaries."

-- Craig Gruzd, DT Floral & Decor 32 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

One King West's Executive Chef, Joe Grado serving guests the first course .

Mirror tiles and silver goblets added to the shimmer of the tables and gave Roxy that “sparkle” she is known for. To make this beautiful room even more impactful, giving Roxy what she dreamed of; a summer white garden.

Flowers were everywhere. They were on the tables, standing tall on clear glass tubes around the room, even hung above guests' heads. Every rose used on the table tops were garden roses that were fragrant, creating a blissful garden scent in the air the second guests walked in.

From a logistical perspective, the event was a great challenge with One King West's team of planners and third-party suppliers, including insane move-in timelines due to a booking right before and limited elevator space, as guest elevators were used to move everything in for this particular event due to its location on the 15th-floor penthouse.

Working with traditional hotel suite ceilings, the height restriction encouraged Craig to be creative in hanging the flowers from the ceiling. Just like any celebrity affair, the growing guest list was another concern. With the venue already booked, more and more friends were added in addition to the decor, media and film crew documenting the event for her upcoming TV spin-off Luxurious Roxy’s World.

Fortunately, Craig and his team worked with One King West's in-house Wedding Specialist, Angela De Buono

to ensure guests felt 100% comfortable as they worked to build the event around them.

Before and during the dinner segment of the night, guests were entertained by Sole Power Productions' musical line-up combined of a solo singer and guitarist along with a roaming electric violinist both working with DJ Jason Baum to ensure all acts flowed in and out of the limelight effortlessly.

A custom menu was was prepared all complimentary of One King West in-house catering. The menu was imagined by Executive Chef Joe Grado with Roxy’s creative inspiration and the result was utterly breathtaking in presentation and flavour.

Guests were served a three-course meal, starting with beautifully plated trio of beet salad frisee (see above) with golden, red and candy cane beets complimented with goat cheese. The second course entailed a tuna tartar with avocado followed by the entrée, a duo of 5oz. beef tenderloin and lobster tail served with Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva red wine reduction alongside drawn garlic butter served with summer succotash of spring peas & risotto. An option of Trapiche Malbec red wine and One King West's white house wine pinot grigio complimented the dishes.

Giving in to guilty pleassures, dessert conlcluded dinner with a golden chocolate mousse cake with hazelnuts and raspberries offering a sweet ending to the night.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 33

"Roxy's menu was inspired by her many travels, we married exotic flavours and textures in order to create signature dishes that mirror her vivacious and joie de vivre personality."

-- Chef Joe Grado, One King West Hotel & Residence

Lobster tail served with red wine reduction.

Yellow Pettypan Squash Stuffed with Boursin Cheese & Tomato Bruschetta

Kadaif wrapped shrimp with cedar planked lamb.

Watermelon Margarita.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONE KING WEST HOTEL

Trio of beet salad frisee

5

QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ANSWER AFTER EACH LIVE

BRAND EXPERIENCE

BY EMILY LYONS

Standing under the umbrella of the event marketing profession is experiential marketing, a perspective to marketing that is rapidly gaining ascendency. Without getting too broad, or too narrow, “experiential marketing” can be defined as an event marketing communications strategy which makes use of live, interactive brand experiences to convey brand messages to a given target audience.

These are not, by the way, just “events” in the ordinary sense of the word. Instead, they are events which are carefully designed to ignite a firestorm of positive, compelling emotions in the hearts and minds of the 36 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

attendees making such events an experience which endures in their memories (precisely because of this emotional aspect).

When the concept of experiential marketing first emerged several decades ago, the traditional, “mass advertising” community of marketers took little notice. It was only after the power of experiential marketing had been demonstrated over and over again (in an age where consumers were drawn to extraordinary emotional experiences) that it dawned on the marketing orthodoxy that perhaps it was time to take a closer look at this fresh perspective as a way of capturing consumer attention and advocacy.

experientialmarketing The experiential perspective to marketing was not without its early critics, and one of the foremost arguments that is still levied against it is the claim that it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of such experience-based campaigns. Such criticisms are without merit, as they fail to understand that the traditional KPIs of mass advertising are simply not relevant to experiential marketing. Instead, other metrics are important.

Still, it needs to be stressed that experiential marketers must take a rigorous approach to live brand experiences using a deft blend of science and art. Data must be compiled throughout the brand activation, and specific, measurable objectives outlined before the live brand experience must be decided upon. The impact of each and every live brand experience must be consistently measured, for only in this way can experiential campaigns with greater and greater effect be reliably created.

As an experiential marketing practitioner at Femme Fatale Media Group, I have learned that the following are just some of the useful questions to ask (and answer) after each live brand experience.

How Effectively Did The Live Brand Experience Reach The Target Audience?

This can be determined through a “headcount” of all event attendees (through guest sign-up lists and so on). With this number in hand, one can learn whether or not any pre-experience marketing used to generate awareness about the upcoming experience was successful.

How effectively were attendees involved in the experience?

To answer this question, several methods can be used. One of the most popular metrics here is the rate of “engagement,” or the percentage of attendees which interacted with brand ambassadors for a given amount of time.

What messages about the brand did the attendees receive?

Experiential marketing can be dramatically effective at conveying complex brand messages; however, it is important to determine if the live brand experience actually succeeded in succinctly delivering the intended brand messages to the audience. Thus, post-experience questionnaires, surveys, and interviews are useful for tackling this question.

How likely are attendees to recommend the brand to their friends and network?

Experiential marketing is the most powerful driver of word-ofmouth marketing, a cornerstone of successful brand communication in The Information Age where people have little trust for anyone except their friends. So measuring the word-ofmouth reach of any live brand experience should be of paramount importance; a first step to capturing this information is to ask attendees how likely they are to recommend the brand (or talk about the experience) to their friends and network.

What were the attendees doing throughout each aspect of the experience?

Embedded within most live brand experiences are “subexperiences” in which attendees can immerse themselves. For example, they may choose to spend most of their time or energy at a particular game or challenge instead of a photo booth.

Collecting this kind of data tells you what aspects of the experience the target audience finds most compelling. But just gathering data here is not enough: go one step further, and seek to understand why the target audience preferred certain components of the experience over others (this can be asked during a post-experience questionnaire). The answer to this question is useful in designing future experiences which have even higher levels of impact.

Again, these are just some of the questions to ask after a live brand experience. There are more, and some of them depend on the exact objectives of the brand activation. Either way, regardless of the specific questions you ask about your activations, take note that experiential marketers who are experts at their craft know that the collection of deep data before, during, and after the live brand experience goes a long way towards generating powerful insights which can be leveraged to create the greatest experiences yet.

For more tips from Emily Lyons, view Femme Fatale Promotions &

Media blog, or follow her on instagram at @EmilyLyoness.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 37

When you reach the top, set new goals.

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Your smile is your logo, your personality is your

business card,

and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your

trademark.

A LUMINOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF THE BASILICA

eventtech The Notre-Dame Basilica, located in Old Montreal is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of Canada’s most iconic buildings, attracting more than 700,000 people each year. In addition to being an active place of worship, the church has hosted some of Canada’s most famous events from Celine Dion's wedding to the funerals of Montreal Canadiens superstar Maurice Richard to our longest-serving prime minister Pierre Trudeau. The building is sacred for many regardless of religion.

In a space so rich in heritage and so dearly loved by it's community, it was no wonder that when the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal approached Moment Factory to create a new multimedia experience for 2017, they immediately stepped up to take on the challenge.

The experience incorporates sound, light, and video that allows visitors to experience the Notre-Dame Basilica in a whole new way. The task for the design was to plan a universal experience that captivated, touched and inspired visitors from all backgrounds; a show that highlighted the Basilica’s many artworks and architecture while respecting the religious heritage and activity of the cathedral.

The solution took shape with inspiration from Moment Factory’s mission of creating live experiences where a diverse group of people can visit together, experience and interact with one another.

“We don’t want to impose a story that we write like a play, we want people to have their own moments and emotions… With an audience as diverse as Canada’s, we wanted to reach the broad public and the focus was not to do a religious show, but to attract everyone, no matter their religion as well as newer generations in a unique and out of the box way. “ AURA began as a self-led tour to explore the basilica at their own pace. Multimedia installations showcase some of the basilica’s most cherished artworks. Projected animation and creative lighting gave life to static works of art allowing for a completely unique experience, one that embraced the vision of the original mast. Painting’s moved, light burst from the heart of a statue and a hologram cloud could be seen from a confessional.

The 18-minute mapping show that followed used projectors and lighting to complement and highlight the natural beauty of the church. This is one of the largest and most complex mapping projects Moment Factory has done because of the size and the complexity of the environment’s surface on which to project.

Multimedia installation. Click button below to see the painting come to life.

Their approach was not to overwhelm the existing architecture but to compliment it; to bring to life this spectacular space where visitors could experience the grand building in an entirely new way. While It was critical to tell a story, Jonathan St-Onge, Producer of AURA felt it was equally as important to allow for emotional space for guests to interpret their own experience.

“We don’t want to impose a story that we write like a play, we want people to have their own moments and emotions."

Watch The Video

Jonathan expressed the importance of telling a story with this show, dividing it into three segments: (1) Creation of The Light – starting with a single light that is multiplied and transformed the space into a green dream-like forest taking the audience through a journey of the four seasons, (2) The Obstacles - the big force of nature represented by a large storm and floods followed by (3) “A Ciel Ouvert”, in translation essentially means Open Sky – to rebuild, to reconstruct, represented by laser lights and mirrors; a look towards the future.

The project used various technologies including: • 3D mapping projection • Standard lighting equipment • Laser technology in combination with mirrors Rendering of projection mapping.

• Surround sound system playing original pre-recorded scores made up of 30 musicians and 20 vocalists in addition to soundscape layered on the score.

“The soundscape was crucial to the experience, as it created an ambiance, where people could walk around and explore the installations before the show, creating an ambience”, Jonathan shared.

Moment Factory is one of the industry’s leading innovators in multimedia experiences. We asked them their vision for how today's planners could make use of all the different tech available today.

Jonathan shared; “For us it is not a matter of being tech savvy… it is to integrate the technology into the environment. When you are in the Notre-Dame Basilica, the key is to make the technology seamless and give space to the audience's experience." He continues, 'You want to use technology to support your concept, your purpose. You will notice that you will touch people more through this approach of putting the user experience first, rather than if you feature technology and view it as an added component. When you have a big budget, it can be fun, but if you don’t have the budget it doesn’t mean that you cannot have anything.”

The AURA can be experienced until the end of December 2017. To see what other projects Moment Factory has in the works, visit them at www.momentfactory.com/work.

Multimedia installation.

A comparison of the Notre-Dame Basilica's original setting and how it looks during the show. Click on the button below to go behind the scenes with Moment Factory's team throughout the production.

Watch the Show

instalove

#InstaLOVE

Canada's Top Event Caterers to Follow on Instagram Our first collection of favourite Instagram catering shots was so popular, we thought we would make it a regular thing. So here is our first regular column of Insta-Love.

This collection features a fresh new list of mouthwatering ideas from the Rocky Mountains to Atlantic Canada. With these gorgeous gourmet creations, it's no wonder we are addicted to scouring Instagram for food po..n Don't forget to add these to your Insta-list for ideas and inspiration to give to your next event caterer. Starting from the West‌

Culinary Capers Catering, Vancouver, BC Satisfying the cravings of Vancouverites since 1986, Culinary Capers Catering has the most incredibly talented talented roster of chefs in Canada. Their diversity and innovation have won them dozens of into awards. We can see why.

Photo (above): Culinary Caper' Amuse Bouche BC Spot Prawn and Seaweed Salad. #local #sustainable #spotprawns #yvreats Follow them at @culinarycaperscatering.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 45

Toque Catering, Victoria, BC Winner of this year’s Best Overall Catered Event at the Canadian Event Industry Awards, this Victoria based event catering empire shares their flavour rich confections from the vision of Chef Nicholas Waters.

Photo (right): Family style grilled vegetable presentation at a recent wedding at @AffinityGuestHouse!! Featuring Cider Beets, Heirloom Carrots, Peppers, Green Beans, Potatoes, Chanterelles, Watermelon Radish for @frenchkissevents @trenddecoreventdesign @bashspecialty #toquecatering #verbenafloraldesign #fairelafetelinens #fleurtacious Follow them at @toquecatering.

Drew's Catering & Events, Vancouver, BC From petite ganache bar to matcha shortbread pastries, Vancouver’s award-winning Drew’s Catering & Events shares an array of fresh sweet and sour delights racking in hundreds of insta-likes.

Photo (below): DC's smores. Desserts #pastry #cheflife #baking #chocolate #catering #events... follow them at @drewscatering.

Great Events Group Catering, Calgary, AB This locally owned Calgary catering company shares their love for quality food with buffet platters and inspirational dessert stations sure to wow event guests.

Photo (above): Each bite is a piece of #gastroart @chefdarylyyc #yyc #yycliving #yyceats #yycevents...

Follow them at @greateventsyyc.

Mercers Catering, Edmonton, AB With over 25 years of experience, this caterer boasts their ability to take fresh ingredients and create artistic and wowmoment experiences.

Photo (top right): Mercers sweet tart with berry coulis and fresh fruits for a tasty way to wind up summer. #tuesdaytreat #dessert #yegwinter #winterblues #sweettreats...

Follow them at @mercerscatering.

SproutCatering, Regina,SK Founded by two locally born and raised sisters with a breadth of knowledge and passion for food, Sprout Catering does chocolate like no one else.

Photo (bottom right): Chocolate Vanilla Cake with Creampuffs. Imagine what they can do with a wedding cake? #cake #baking #bake #sweet #yum#chocolate...

Follow them at @sproutcatering.

Diversity Catering, Winnipeg, MB This unique local catering company is focused on organic, fresh local produce from farmers surrounding the city of Winnipeg.

Photo (right): Butter chicken bite capanpes, served for the opening of Leatherdal hall look absolutely gorgeous. #butterchicken #bites #wpgeats #catering #204 #chefathome #chefatyourworkplace...

Follow them at @diversity_catering.

10tation Event Catering, Toronto, ON Bringing dream events to life, the Instagram feed at 10tation Event Catering is full of food and event shots to jolt the imagination.

Photo (bottom): One of our favs is this one of their exquisite dessert #panna cotta. #dessert# delicious #foodontario #torontocaterer #eventfood #strawberries #torontoeats #10tationeventcatering Follow them at @10tation_event_catering.

Food Dudes, Toronto, ON Holding the title of 2017’s Canadian Event Industry Awards Caterer of Year, Food Dudes has been slaying their instagame with dozens of unique gourmet food creations and behind the scenes shots racking in likes by the hundreds.

Photo (above): This Octopus with squash creation @chefadrianniman is a perfect example of their stunning presentation and innovation. #torontoeats #torontochefs #fooddudes Follow them at @fooddudes.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 49

Seventh Heaven Event Catering, Toronto, ON Led by the dynamic Spano brothers, Seventh Heaven Event Catering's Instagram page will have you OMG-ing and commenting with heart emoticons with their line-up of appetizers, entrĂŠes, food/ drink pairings and desserts.

Photo (right): A gourmet spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich dish with a touch of floral. #backtobasics #newyear #newyearsame Follow them at @seventhheavenec.

Daniel et Daniel, Toronto, ON Combining their array of skills and culinary experience from around the world, Daniel et Daniel is renowned for setting trends with innovative dishes and unique menu designs.

Photo (left): Dessert combined of Pistachio daquoise, blackberry custard, verjus gel and marscapone creme. Photo courtesty of @eventsbyonefineday. #dessert #dessertporn #torontoeats...

Follow them at @danieletdaniel.

George V Traiteur, Ville de Québec, QC Chef George V Traiteur is notorious for his out of the box catered presentations, especially desserts.

His creations combine absolutely brilliance with state of the art culinary technique in infuse WOW into his food experiences.

Photo (left): A delectable dessert in the shape of an apple touched with perfection. #G5traiteur #traiteur #chateaulaurierqc #foodie #pomme Follow them at @georgevtraiteur.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montréal, QC Winner of Most Creative Catering Presentation at 2017’s Canadian Event Industry Awards, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth houses a catering department known for its multi-award-winning food presentations and experiences.

Photo (right): Colorful, creative, delicious... just a few words to describe this creative lobster entree. Photo by @fahriyavuzphoto. #momentsQEH...

Follow them at @fairmontqueene.

Olive Orange, MontrĂŠal, QC Serving the Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec region, Olive Orange is a full-service catering company led by Chefs Adam and Pascal specializing in diverse and unique food presentations and stations.

Photo (above): Abstract version of swiss chard with cashew saffron sauce, elegantly prepared sliced salad and their Reggiano cheese and thyme popsicles.

Follow them at @oliveorange_mtl.

52 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

La Distinction, Joliette, QC Putting the chic in catered food, La Distinction is a fullservice event management and catering company for some of Quebec's most luxurious corporate events and weddings.

Photo (right): Filled to the rim delicious lobster tacos #homard #lobster #ĂŠtĂŠ #summerfood Follow them at @la_distinction.

Mint Catering Halifax Catering, Halifax, NS Based in the Atlantic, Mint Catering Halifax Catering is a full service catering company offering rustic contemporary food for all occasions.

Photo (below): Lobster & shrimp #seafood #seafoodlover #atlanticcity #maritime #novascotia #halifax #halifaxnoise @fishermans_market_1948...

Follow them at @mintcateringhalifax.

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905.366.6900 PRG.COM

eventreport Grammy-nominated songwriter and former INXS lead Singer, Ciaran Gribbin entertaining @ the closing party.

ILEA LIVE Highlights of the event included the Search Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Opening Party hosted by the amazing team at the Calgary Stampede, Author Srinivas Rao’s riveting session on the importance of being “the only” instead of being “the best” and Johanna Blakely’s talk, encouraging attendees to let creativity drive their businesses further.

Grammy-nominated songwriter and former INXS lead Singer, Ciaran Gribbin gave the closing session and then if that wasn’t enough, he blew guests away with his interactive performance at the closing event.

It wasn’t all fun and games (although we hear it was pretty darn fun). President Ingrid Nagy, CSEP was sworn the new International Live Events Association, the ILEA chapters from around the world met for their AGM and lots of exciting awards were handed out including the Spirit of Excellence awards recognizing outstanding leaders and chapters and the ILEA Esprit Awards.

“

ILEA Live 2017 goes down as one of the most attended events the International Live Events Association has ever hosted. And how fitting, as ILEA celebrates our 30th anniversary.

It’s energizing and encouraging to see so many live event professionals come together to collaborate, exchange ideas and advocate as the voice for the special events industry.

“

Nearly 500 attendees from around the world gathered in Calgary last month to attend ILEA Live 2017. Boasting an inspiring theme — “Creativity. Innovation. Collaboration", the program and events lived up to their name.

-- Ingrid Nagy, CSEP, ILEA President

A number of Canadian companies took home an Esprit Award, including Bright Ideas Events, Leblond Studio Inc., Timewise Event Management, PM GIGS Inc, OneWest Event Design & Logistics, Eclectic Events International Inc., Boom Goes the Drum Inc. along with Foundry Conferences & Events. Click here to see a full list of 2017's ILEA Esprit award winners.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 55

Dustin Westling, the team at OneWest Events and event attendees at the opening party by Calgary Stampede.

Kevin White, CSEP, Founder and Chief Strategist of XPL at opening session.

Photo by Kate Pope Photography.

Ciaran Gribbin, recording artist, most recent lead singer of INXS.

Cause it's Calgary, so why not have a pink cow, right?

White hat ceremony at the Stampede with Left to right: Cindy Good, JC York, Neil Adams, Kevin White and Ingrid Nagy CSEP.

Sponsors and production partners: FMAV, CORT Furniture, Giants Enterprises, Rock and Roll Team Building, The Slow Motion Booth, VisitScotland, ProShow Audiovisual, Calgary Stampede, Canadian Special Events Magazine, Instant Imprints, ATOMIC! Events, ILEA 2017 Board of Governors: Ingrid Nagy CSEP, Mary Baird-Wilcock CSEP, Jennifer Trethewey CSEP, Judy Brillhart CSEP PBC, Sara Grauf CSEP, Dana Macaulay, Alex Gorriaran CSEP, Tanya Posavatz CSEP, Morgan Doan CSEP PWC, Gwen McNutt CSEP and Corinne Kessel CSEP.

bluemedia, Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Calgary Zoo, Etc Event Styling and Decor, OneWest Event Design & Logistics, Concorde Group Entertainment, Decor & More Inc., Hyatt Regency Calgary, Explosion

The incomparable singer Jen Beaupre WOWED guests with her incredible range and stunning voice.

Sportswear, Interactive Apparel, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, Orange Frog Productions Inc., SOS Charging Solutions Inc., WestJet, CrowdCompass by Cvent, Fairmont Palliser, Burnett Photography, Corporate Event Organization, fuze Entertainment Solutions, EventCurious, LETHRBAR, About Entertainment LLC, BLUE INK, Bravo!

Entertainment, Go2 Productions Inc., Goldner Associates, Inc., Kate Pope Photography, Mount Royal University, Studio Bell National Music Centre, Original Vancouver Photo Dioramas, Photos With Finesse, PM Gigs Music and Entertainment, Red Events, Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc., ignite, Neil Zeller Photography

Sharon Bonner, President, Bright Ideas Events, Vancouver celebrates her wins at the Esprit Awards.

Morning yoga before the busy day.

ARTSCAPE

Event Venues TORONTO’S MOST CREATIVE VENUES

ARTSCAPE SANDBOX ARTSCAPE GIBRALTAR ARTSCAPE POINT SANDBOX ARTSCAPE

DANIELS SPECTRUM ARTSCAPE DANIELS WYCHWOOD SPECTRUM BARNS

ArtscapeVenues.ca

artistprofile

Adrienne Fish

COMEDIAN & EMCEE CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT DESIGNED TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD

Known for her beautiful and endearing afro and her love of pulled pork sandwiches, Adrienne Fish is one of Canada's most colourful and hilarious female comedians and is making a meteoric rise to celebrity.

Based out of Toronto, Adrienne has just finished recording her second nationally aired TV show and has added some pretty impressive titles to her list of achievements. She just appeared on CBC's The Debaters, was nominated by NOW Magazine as Toronto' Best Female Stand-up and her debut album went #1 on iTunes. For corporate events, Adrienne is trending on the hot list as the "emcee you most want for this year's event" What makes Adrienne so darn charming? Her charismatic big energy. She is a firecracker with a quick wit, easy going attitude and ability to adapt to any situation. That’s probably why she is a top choice for clients across Canada.

Using her experience and success as a comedian and emcee, Adrienne has started sharing her skill set to those needing an extra "push" into the spotlight. In her interactive workshops on how to overcome one's fear of public speaking, she shares a combination of quick-fix tricks and, more importantly, useful tips and solutions that get to the heart of why so many fear public speaking.

Her dance card is filling up as she continues to grow her devoted fan base and SM following so we suggest booking her now before Hollywood whisks her away.

Adrienne Fish; Loud, playful, professional and the perfect addition to your event. To learn more about Adrienne Fish or to book her for your next event, visit at www.adriennefish.com.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 59

CO R P O R ATE

R E TR E ATS

AT

TH E

C ROS S I N G

great think ing happens in great spaces

Just an hour from downtown Calgary, The Crossing at Ghost River has the natural, inspirational spaces your team needs to really connect and engage.

Call our event planners and book your customized corporate retreat today.

(403) 932-3392 | 62129 Hwy 40, Cochrane, AB crossingexperience.ca/corporate

WHERE PATHS CROSS

F O O D , FA S H I O N , B E A U T Y & D E S I G N F O R E V E N T S

magazine

Canada’s 2017

Corporate

Holiday Event Planning Guide

BC Event Management’s Candy Girls.

STAR AWA R D S WINNER BEST OPENING EVENT IN CANADA 2011.WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2011. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2009. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2008. WINNER BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION IN CANADA 2008. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2007. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2007. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. WINNER OUTSTANDING LOGISTICAL ACHIEVEMENT FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. GAL A AWARD S WINNER BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT & EXECUTION IN THE WORLD: $25K - $100K USD 2009. TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING SPECTACLE IN THE WORLD 2005. TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION 2005.

ESP R IT AWA R D S TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR BEST CORPORATE EVENT OVER $200K USD 2009. WINNER FOR BEST CORPORATE EVENT IN THE WORLD OVER $200K USD 2008. WINNER ISES BEST TEAM EFFORT IN THE WORLD 2005.

STAR AWA R D S WINNER BEST OPENING EVENT IN CANADA 2011.WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2011. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2009. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2008. WINNER BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION IN CANADA 2008. WINNER MOST

POP IS DOING SANTA’S HOLIDAY PARTY. OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2007. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA

WE’D LOVE TO DO YOURS TOO. EVEN IF YOU’VE BEEN NAUGHTY.

2007. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. WINNER OUTSTANDING LOGISTICAL ACHIEVEMENT FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. GA L A AWARD S WINNER BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT & EXECUTION IN THE WORLD: $25K - $100K USD 2009. TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING SPECTACLE IN THE WORLD 2005. TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION 2005.

ESP R I T AWA RD S TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR BEST CORPORATE EVENT OVER $200K USD 2009. WINNER FOR BEST CORPORATE EVENT IN THE WORLD OVER $200K USD 2008. WINNER ISES BEST TEAM EFFORT IN THE WORLD 2005.

STAR AWA R D S WINNER BEST OPENING EVENT IN CANADA 2011.WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2011. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2009. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2008. WINNER BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION IN CANADA 2008. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K IN CANADA 2007. WINNER BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION IN CANADA 2007. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300K FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. WINNER OUTSTANDING LOGISTICAL ACHIEVEMENT FOR AN EVENT IN CANADA 2006. GA L A AWAR DS WINNER BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT & EXECUTION IN THE WORLD:

USD 2009.

P 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING

INFO@POPHASEMAIL.COM | POPHASAWEBSITE.COM

SPECTACLE IN THE WORLD 2005. TOP 3 EVENT IN THE WORLD FOR BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION 2005.

holidayguide

SEASON ' S

GR EETINGS

Summer is over, fall wedding season is in full swing and holiday party planning madness is just around the corner.

What a perfect time to share our first annual GIANT holiday planning guide.

We spent the summer getting inside the creative minds of dozens of Canada’s most successful planners, caterers, designers, entertainers and influencers in order to bring you this epic collection of BIG holiday IDEAS jam packed with tons of brand new just out of the box concepts, mixed in with some tried and true party must haves.

The collection covers everything you need to plan a successful and stressfree holiday event, including catering, decor, branding, entertainment venues, games, novelties and even event crafting. It’s a compilation of the very best all time holiday party ideas.

I truly enjoyed writing this e-guide and I hope it helps you create magical events and meaningful memories for your clients, friends, colleagues and community.

Here’s to a season of happy holiday planning.

64 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

holidayguide

BIG IDEAS

FOR 2017 HOLIDAY EVENTS

By Stacy Wyatt

Whether you are a professional who has been hired to plan holiday events for your clients, or you have been tasked with planning your office holiday event, you have a mountain to climb in the next 60 days. With endless ideas and options for entertainment, venues, food, décor and gifts, the hardest part often is making the big decisions.

It’s always a good idea to start with the basic questions that will frame your party experience.

What style is your party going to be? Formal, casual, seated, buffet, interactive?

What do you want it to look like? Do you want it super posh with high end décor and formal table settings or are you opting for a low-key vibe with lounge seating and chill zones created to encourage intimate conversations?

Do you want a theme party like “a night at the museum” or Hollywood Vintage” or do you just want to use color as your inspiration? Think silver and gold or red and green? The combinations are limitless.

What about your venue? Is it going to be a traditional banquet hall or a hotel ballroom? (always nice so guests can stay over) or are you opting for a totally one of a kind spot like the Vancouver Aquarium or Aga Khan Museum (Toronto).

To help you traverse your ascent to event success, I have curated a list of the all-time best holiday ideas. From DIY event ideas to high end luxury concepts, this epic collection will give you the inspiration you need to get your creative mind headed in the right direction toward your very best holiday party.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 65

THE SEASON'S

BIG GE ST TR ENDS

This season’s event style is on opposite ends of the spectrum. Formal is back but casual is in. This means it’s extreme in either direction. Half your clients will be asking for traditional, formal suit and tie sit down dinners with all the classic trimmings like red floral centerpieces, Christmas crackers, champagne, party dresses and dancing. The other half will be on the hunt for fresh, modern, interactive concepts with bold colours and Instagram worthy food presentations. These parties are as much about social media as they are the experience. There is no in between this year and it’s not generational. Don’t be surprised if your 29-year-old client asks for “it’s a wonderful life” sit down dinner party for 500 and your 50 something wants a room full of arcade games and moving food stations.

Personalization is everything this year. From customizing their own cocktails to interactive food stations, to using several variations of seating areas where guests can create their own dining experience, this year’s events are all about letting party goers make it their own.

Themes are back in, but only as a way of framing the event’s personality. Designing your event to replicate a movie or an era or a comic book is out…. Way out.

66 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Customizing and designing your event around your company’s personality or paying homage to it’s priorities is more in line with today’s style. For example, one of Vancouver’s largest manufacturing companies threw a party last year that was hyper focused on ensuring their employees from every division had a chance to meet, chat and spend time getting to know each other. The theme was “integration” so they had the planner and designer create as many interactive activities as possible and build food stations that mimicked the office cafeteria with long communal tables so guests had to sit together. Each guest got a colour when they entered that matched a given table.

This and many other unique nuances gave this organization an event, custom designed to meet both its social planning goals and fulfill a corporate pillar, which was fostering greater employee collaboration.

Another big trend this holiday season is the digital detox.

Later on in this list we feature the most cutting edge tech you can add to your event, but there is a flip side to that.

One big trend we are hearing about this year is the concept of a digital detox. Give your staff the gift of unplugging.

Imagine an entire night to unplug. You read that right, we are

suggesting a technology-free celebration which means leaving your phones at the door for a night of good, clean, holiday party fun. One up side is… there will be little to no evidence of what went down. Everyone can disconnect and start actually getting to know each other. What a novel idea!

Time shifting is HUGE this year. Many companies are rejecting the idea that a holiday gathering of staff and clients needs to be in the evening or even during the week and are saying “its TIME” for a change” (notice my pun).

Saturday afternoon child friendly events where employees can bring their kids or an elegant Sunday brunch in a rustic location or charming hidden gem are fantastic options seasonal celebrations. Plus, everyone is so busy at this time of year they will really appreciate not having to dress up, find a sitter and go to yet another evening event.

Playing with the idea of hosting your event with a totally different feel and concept opens up a whole new world of possibility. Honestly, who even made the rule that a holiday party needs to be in a big ballroom at 7:00 with a buffet, party hats and a band? Its time to flip the script and give guests an event they were never expecting but will absolutely love and appreciate.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 67

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World.

TO THEME OR

NOT TO THEME? THAT IS THE REAL QUESTION There is always the BIG question when planning any corporate holiday party or gala for that matter. Do you theme or do you not theme? A theme for the purposes of this article is something obscure like Light Up the Night or a nautical theme, Hawaiian theme.. you get the idea.

Going back to the idea of objective, it’s important to clearly identify why you are throwing the event and what message you want to convey to your audience. Even though it’s a holiday event, you may still have certain messaging or goals you hope to achieve and those will guide your decision about the look and feel you want your event to take on.

68 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

A theme may not be suitable if you want your event to be equal parts business and party and you want an opportunity to express a very important business message; on the other hand if your goal is strictly to create an environment of fun and comradery, then a theme is a great way to break the ice and give staff a welcome break from reality. When done right, themes can boost morale and be a tremendous team bonding experience, especially if you build in some fun, easy interactive ways of having guests get involved like Christmas Karaoke or Secret Santa Even if there is no “activity” a theme can be a creative way to set the stage for a successful event.

holidayguide: decor

If you decide to go that direction, here are five planning tips that will help ensure an event win.

Avoid anything too quirky or odd, you don’t want to push the borders of embarrassment.

Do not insist on costumes especially at the holiday party. It’s a time of year where people like to get dressed up, particularly women. Asking them to forgo that new party dress for an eccentric costume will not make for a fun night.

Stay within the holiday realm and opt for themes that relate like “it’s a wonderful Life” or the Santa’s Workshop, Nightmare Before Christmas. Holiday parties are not really the best time for “Vegas Baby” or “Under the Sea”.

Choose your tagline, design around it but keep it clean.

Once you have your “theme name”, in mind create your invites, collateral and design pieces with this theme in

mind but avoid overkill. Not every single component of the event needs to be incorporated. Sometimes less is more and a theme can be implied through subtle design pieces, colors and food rather than in your face massive décor installations.

Even if you decide not to theme your holiday event, you will still need to come up with some way to tie it all together. You have to set the tone and design the look and feel. This is where a good decorator or designer can come in. Theme or no theme you are still going to need furniture, rentals, decorations, lights, florals or centerpieces and some kind of colour palate or “look” to work from. The following section on décor and design is packed with some great ideas and inspiration, followed by a list of Canada’s top designers, rental companies and décor suppliers who can help you create the perfect environment for your guests… theme or no theme.

Corporate & Private Event Planning

info@ideationevents.ca www.ideationevents.ca Elisa & Ricky 416-274-9306 416-525-6597

Stardust Decor & Events www.stardustevents.com (905) 479-7000

‘Tis the Season to Shine. Let the decorating begin

Create an unforgettable event with Spectacular DĂŠcor, Draping, Centre Pieces, Creative Floral Arrangements, Linen and Chair Covers, Furniture, Entertainment and Activities.

Everything you need for a memorable party.

For expert decorating of your corporate holiday event, contact us at (905) 479-7000. www.stardustevents.com

holidayguide: decor DECOR & RENTAL COMPANIES BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

A&B Party Time Vancouver abpartytime.com

Infinity Event Design Vancouver infinitydecor.ca

Big Top Tent Rentals LTD Edmonton bigtoptentrentals.com

Grand Design Event Edmonton granddesignevent.com

All in 1 Party Rentals Vancouver Island allin1partyshop.com

Lonsdale Event Rentals Vancouver lonsdaleevents.com

Creative Decor Events Calgary creativedecorevents.com

Great Events Rentals Calgary greateventsrentals.ca

Bespoke Decor Vancouver bespokedecor.ca

LoungeWorks Inc. Vancouver loungeworks.ca

Decor & More Inc. Calgary decorandmore.com

OneWest Events Calgary onewestevents.com

BLD Decor & Scenery Inc Vancouver blddecorscenery.com

Millennium Tents Vancouver millenniumtents.com

Designing on the Edge Calgary designingontheedge.ca

Red Events Design Inc. Calgary redevents.com

Celebration Party Rentals Vancouver celebrationpartyrentals.ca

Over the Moon Wedding & Event Rentals Vancouver overthemooneventrentals.com

Elegant Earth Event Details & Decor Inc. Edmonton elegantearthdecor.com

Special Event Rentals Calgary, Banff, Red Deer & Edmonton specialeventrentals.com

PartyArt Design Vancouver culinarycapers.com/partyart

Exquisite Affairs Wedding & Event Design Edmonton exquisiteaffairseventdecor.com

Stagecoach Design & Event Rentals Edmonton stagecoachdesignmyevent.com

Exquisite Creations Edmonton exquisitecreations.ca

Visual Concepts & Design Ltd Calgary visualconceptsevents.com

Chair Decor Vancouver chairdecor.com Christopher J Design New Westminster christopherjdesign.com Custom Event Rentals Vancouver customeventrentals.com Designer Weddings & Special Occasion Rentals Victoria designerweddingsvictoria.com Elizabeth Stanley Event Design

Vancouver elizabethstanley.ca

Party Mood Vancouver Island partymood.com Pedersens Event Rentals Victoria pedersens.ca Relay Event Rentals Vancouver Island relayevents.ca

Good Time Party Rentals Calgary goodtimepartyrentals.com

Triple J Party Rentals Ltd. Vancouver Island tripletparty.com Wild Coast Productions Vancouver wildcoastproductions.ca

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 71

SASKATCHEWAN A1 Rent-Alls Regina rent1.net Handy Special Events Saskatoon sohandy.com

MANITOBA Hub City Event Rentals Saskatoon hubcitydisplayweddingand specialtycenter.com Occasion Event Rentals Saskatoon occasioneventrentals.ca

Bel Ayre Rentals Ltd. Winnipeg belayrerentals.com

Events By Emma Winnipeg eventsbyemma.com

C&T Event Rentals Winnipeg ctpartyandevent.com

Loungeworks Inc. Winnipeg loungeworks.ca

Dream Day Decor and Specialty Linens Winnipeg dreamdaydecoratorsonline.com

Unique Events Winnipeg uniquevents.com

ONTARIO A Night to Remember Hamilton anighttoremember.ca

Chair Covers Plus Concord chaircoversplus.com

D&D Party Rentals Toronto ddpartyrental.com

Ettridges The Studio Inc. Toronto ettridges.com

A&B Party Rentals London a-bpartyrental.com

Chair Decor Toronto chairdecor.com

Detailz Couture Toronto detailzcouture.com

Event Decor Direct Toronto eventdecordirect.com

Alamo Party Rentals Toronto alamopartyrentals.ca

Chair-man Mills Inc Toronto chairmanmills.com

Divine Furniture Rentals Toronto divinefurniturerental.com

Event Rental Group Toronto eventrentalgroup.com

Annie Lane Events & Decor Toronto annielane.ca

Cody Party Rentals & Balloon Design Ottawa codypartynepean.com

Decor-Rent Toronto decor-rent.com

Fiesta Ottawa Ottawa fiestaottawa.com

Dina Party Rentals Toronto dinaparty.com

FOS Decor Center Toronto fosdecor.com

Dream Party Decor Toronto dreampartydecor.com

Gervais Party & Tent Rentals Toronto gervaisrentals.com

Artam Design Inc. Toronto artamdesign.com Around the Table Toronto aroundthetable.ca Aura Effect Illuminated LED Furniture & Decor Event Rentals Toronto furnitureglowing.com

Complete Rent-Alls Hamilton completerentalls.ca Contemporary Furniture Rentals Inc. Toronto www.cfrentals.com Covers Couture Inc. Toronto coverscouture.com

Babylon Decor & Much More Toronto babylondecor.com

Crystal World Inc. Toronto crystalworld.lighting

Chair Cover King Toronto chaircoverking.com

Dance Floor DĂŠcor Toronto dancefloordecor.com

72 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

DT Floral & Decor Toronto dtfloralanddecor.com Decor & More Inc. Toronto decorandmore.com Decor With Grandeur Toronto decorwithgrandeur.com Elite Party Rentals Barrie elitepartyrentals.ca

Glowmi LED Furniture & Decor Toronto glowmi.com Higgins Event Rentals Toronto higginseventrentals.com Imagine-it 3D, Inc. Toronto imagineit-3d.com

ONTARIO

holidayguide: decor

continued

Stardust Toronto stardustevents.com

Ottawa Special Events Ottawa ottawaspecialevents.com

Regal Tent Productions Stoney Creek, regaltent.com

theweddingshoppeexpress.com

LUX Event Rental Ottawa luxeventrental.ca

Paras Events Brampton parasevents.ca

Sitra Furniture Rentals Toronto sitrafurniturerentals.com

Wedding by Ardenian Toronto weddingsbyardenian.com

LUXE Modern Rentals Toronto luxerentals.net

Party Time Rentals Ottawa partytimerental.ca

Tent Share Inc. Toronto shop.tentshare.com

WEDECOR Ottawa wedecor.ca

Mastermind Event Rentals Ottawa mmecanada.com

R5 Event Design Toronto r5e.ca

The Gathering Event Company Ottawa thegatheringeventco.com

Westway Tents Inc. Barrie westwaytents.com

QUEBEC

The Wedding Shoppe Kingston

NOVA SCOTIA

Baccino Events Montreal baccinoevents.com

Groupe Bravo Montreal bravoparty.com

Final Touch Party Rentals Stellarton finaltouchrentals.ca

Party Time Rentals Truro partytimerentalstruro.ca

Casa D'eramo Inc. Montreal casaderamo.com

Groupe Festi-Fêtes Montreal festifetes.ca

MacFarlands Rentals Halifax partyrentals.macfarlands.com

The Ultimate Party & Event Store Lower Sackville

Celebrations Group Montreal celebrationsgroup.com

Happening Events + Rentals Montreal happening.ca/en

Chant-O-Fêtes Quebec City chantofetes.com/en

LUXE Modern Rentals Montreal & Quebec City luxerentals.net

DX Design Quebec City dxdesign.ca/en

Tenue de Soirée Montreal tenuedesoiree.ca/en

Glam Location & Décor Montreal glamlocation.com

theultimatepartyandeventstore.com

NEW BRUNSWICK Bob Lee Productions Dieppe bobleeproductions.com

Peak Rentals Moncton peakrentals.com

Lloyd's of Moncton Moncton lloydsofmoncton.com

Unico Decor Inc. Dieppe unicodecor.com

M&R Tent Rentals Moncton mrtentrentals.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Caseley's Bridal Boutique Kendington caseleys.com

Campbell Rent-Alls LTD St John's campbellrentalls.ca

Woodgroup Stratford woodgroup.ca

Gail's Elegant Touch Decorating Spaniard's Bay gailseleganttouch.ca

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 73

4 HOLIDAY TREES FOR THE OFFICE

We are obsessed with these four adorable and unique ideas for this years office holiday tree. Instead of traditional, try these uber modern versions that lets everyone get involved. From top left; BookWorm - ask staff to bring in a favourite book starting Nov 1 and build the tree day by day until its done. Picture Perfect - same as the books but buy an office polaroid and take daily snaps around the office and pin to the tree. Collectables - get everyone involved in contributing office drawer essentials like sticky notes with holiday messages or daisy chained paper clips. Finally bottom left, Dress Tree- this is just a cute and unique way to dress your holiday tree, I’ll admit this is more suited to offices with a lot of ladies.

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 75

Cevovus Holiday Party.

101bigeventideas

Photo courtesy of FMAV-

TECH THE HALLS

THE AUDIO VISUAL APPROACH TO EVENT DESIGN Digital decor is becoming increasingly popular as rapid advances in audiovisual create opportunities to design incredibly creative event spaces without the use of massive sets and props that take up a ton of real estate, require days of setup and installation, not to mention the shipping and trucking costs. Props and sets can now be created digitally using holograms and special video fx.

76 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Not only can you project your dĂŠcor, it can be interactive and come to life. Companies like AtmosFX have some really super cool products that transform any environment into a dynamic animated experience. You can project any scene onto a window or monitor or cover any wall with their special holograph fabric and presto you have a projection surface that brings the video to life. Imagine this on a ballroom with a full wall of windows?

holidayguide: tech

Projection and projection mapping are also highly effective and creative ways of decorating a space. Projection mapping for those who are not familiar with the technology is the ability to project objects onto surfaces. It can be as straightforward as projecting on screens or more complex like projecting interactive 3D displays onto buildings, people, food, objects. You can use this tech to create décor or ridiculously creative entertainment (see entertainment section for more on this). You can make anything come to life and the possibilities are limitless.

Here are some insanely cool videos that show the capability of today’s projection mapping.

If you want to get festive, take a look at this creative projection mapping on a rotating triangular structure resembling the shape of a christmas tree with images of a snowy forest and wolves.

Some suggestions for agencies that specialize in creating the digital shows include Go2 Productions, Moment Factory, TKNL, FMAV, PRG and Derooted.

For those wanting something a little less complex and more affordable but still with tremendous impact try AtmosFX’s holiday animation line of videos you can project right onto a monitor, tv or even a wall. Using their special holographic material you can transform any ballroom wall into an epic animated experience.

If you want to go with a traditional projection that’s another great option for creating décor in your event space. One of the best things about going this direction is the ability to cover large surfaces. Today’s high powered projectors allow for almost crystal clear images so sharp you would almost think they are art. For more information on projection, options read Hala Bissada’s article on lighting and projection.

Another fun way to use Audio Visual to create excitement and wow at your holiday events is a customized indoor light show like the kind you see on houses; where the lights are timed to music. These are fun and affordable ways to instill some holiday spirit into any event. They can actually get super intricate and really cool. Ask your favourite AV/Lighting supplier for ideas.

Westjet’s Midnight in the Park Christmas Party. FMAV used widescreen projection to set the park scene.

Westjet’s Midnight in the Park Christmas Party. Projection Mapping done by FMAV.

AUDIO VISUAL COMPANIES BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

All Star Show Industries Vancouver allstar-show.com

Galactic Entertainment Vancouver galactic.ca

AV Strategies Calgary avstrategies.ca

Phoenix Show Services Calgary phoenix-shows.ca

AV Strategies Vancouver avstrategies.ca

Kettner Creative Vancouver kettnercreative.com

Calgary Show Services Calgary calgaryshowservices.com

PK Sound Calgary pksound.ca

Blue Green Productions Vancouver bluegreenproductions.ca

Proshow Audio Visual Vancouver proshow.com

Event Technology Solutions Edmonton eventtech.ca

Production World Edmonton

Clark's Audio Visual Services Vancouver clarksav.com

Sharps Audio Visual Vancouver & Victoria sharpsav.com

Evolution AV Calgary evolutionav.ca

Proshow Audio Visual

Showmax Events Vancouver showmaxevents.com

FMAV Calgary & Edmonton fmav.ca

Sharps Audio Visual Edmonton & Calgary sharpsav.com

Sole Power Productions Vancouver solepowerproductions.com

Freeman AV Calgary, Banff & Edmonton freemanav-ca.com

Sound Art Calgary soundart.com

Stagevision Inc. Vancouver stagevision.com

Invert 720 Productions Edmonton invert720.com

Urban Audio Calgary urbanaudio.ca

SW Audio Visual Kelowna, Burnaby, Victoria, Naniamo, Penticton sw-online.com

Orange Frog Productions Calgary orangefrogproductions.ca

Evolution Audio Visual Vernon evolution-dance.ca FMAV Vancouver fmav.ca/contact-all-offices Focus AV Vancouver focus-av.com Freeman AV Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria freemanav-ca.com

productionworld.ca Calgary proshow.com

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SASKATCHEWAN

MANITOBA

Barn Dog Productions Saskatoon barndog.ca

Pro AV Regina proavltd.com

Avent Pro Winnipeg aventpro.com

Q1 Show Technologies Winnipeg stagelite.ca

Freeman AV Saskatoon freemanav-ca.com

Pro Plus Production Saskatoon proplusproduction.com

Real Time AV Winnipeg realtimeaudio.ca

GV Audio Regina gvaudio.ca

Sharps Audio Visual Saskatoon sharpsav.com

Evolution Presentation Technologies Ltd. Winnipeg evolutionav.ca

Inland AV Regina inlandav.ca

Freeman AV Winnipeg freemanav-ca.com PSAV Winnipeg canada.psav.com

Sound Art Winnipeg soundart.com SW Event Technology Winnipeg sw-online.com

ONTARIO AV Canada Toronto & Ottawa av-canada.com

EPiQVision Inc Toronto epiqvision.com

Baldwin AV Ottawa baldwinav.com

FMAV Toronto & Ottawa fmav.ca

BB Blanc Toronto bbblanc.com

Freeman AV Ottawa, London & Ottawa freemanav-ca.com

Bespoke AV Toronto bespokeav.ca

Hamilton AV Hamilton hamiltonav.com

Bounce Entertainment Toronto bounceentertainment.ca

Pandor Productions Toronto & St. Catharines pandor.com

Centre Stage AV Toronto centerstageav.com

Phase 3 Production Inc. Toronto phase3av.com

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PRG Canada Professional Resource Group Toronto prg.com/ca/en Q Productions Inc. Toronto qproductions.ca Quest Audio Visual Toronto questrental.com Westbury National Toronto, Ottawa & Kingston westbury.com S4 Entertainment & Audio/Visual Toronto s-4.bypeterandpauls.com

Scotia Events Inc. Toronto scotiaevents.ca Sharps Audio Visual Toronto & Ottawa sharpsav.com Sole Power Productions Toronto solepowerproductions.com Stagevision Inc. Mississauga stagevision.com

holidayguide: tech QUEBEC

NEW BRUNSWICK

AV Pro Montreal av-pro.ca

PSAV Montreal canada.psav.com

Ferguson Audio Bathhurst fergusonaudioproductions.com

Signature Sound Fredriction signaturesound.ca

AV-Solutions Montreal av-solutions.net

SES, Special Event Services Montreal votreevenement.ca

Freeman AV Fredericton freemanav-ca.com

SSI Audio Moncton ssiaudio.com

Eventure Montreal event-ure.com/tech

Sharps Audio Visual Montreal sharpsav.com

FMAV Montreal fmav.ca

Sole Power Productions

Freeman AV Montreal & Quebec City freemanav-ca.com

Stagevision Inc. Montreal stagevision.com

Montreal solepowerproductions.com

Le Groupe Spectre Sonore Montreal spectresonore.com

NOVA SCOTIA Advanced Systems Halifax advancedsystems.ca FMAV Halifax fmav.ca Freeman AV Halifax & Dartmouth freemanav-ca.com

Sharps Audio Visual Montreal sharpsav.com Tour Tech East Dartmouth tourtecheast.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR Canadian AV St John's canadianavinc.com

Event 360 St John's event3sixty.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Freeman AV Throughout province freemanav-ca.com

Points East AV Throughout province peisoundandlights.ca

WWF Canada Pandamonium Doom & Bloom Fundraiser.

Guests portrait through augmented SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 81 photobooth. Photo courtesy of Moment Factory

UP UP & AWAY

BALLOON DECOR MAKES A COMEBACK 82 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

holidayguide: balloons Photo Courtesy of Balloon Corporate Events.

We don’t know exactly when it happened but balloons have made their way back into high-end event design. Think huge, over the top creative balloon installations; colourful entry ways and over hanging art deco designs. Today’s balloons go way beyond the birthday variety. Luxury event designer Melissa Andre is famous for her use of balloons and overhead hanging decor. Her stunning creations are leading the trend in bringing back the much-loved inflatable.

The balloon of your childhood is long gone. Technology has integrated with these colorful beauties to create movement and add music and allow for simulations. Imagine the entire ceiling filled with baby blue balloons creating a sky and pops of white ones shaping billowy clouds and then having them move, overhead, slowly and effortlessly gliding as guests mingle below. Yes, balloons are making a comeback and you should use them for holiday 2017.

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Toronto’s #1 Direct Source for Corporate Children’s Holiday Parties!!!

Providing: • • • • • • • • •

Beautifully Gift Wrapped Toys & Lootbags Professional Santas, Elves & Staffing Creative Craft Stations Photobooths & Photography Services Exciting Entertainment Options & Shows Fun Party Rentals & Holiday-Themed Props A Variety of Breakfast & Lunch Menus, Fun Foods & Candy Carts Full Service Event Planning 12 Years Extensive Experience in Children’s Holiday Events

Make Pop! your first call to ensure your holiday event is a massive success!

416-665-3594 www.popevents.ca info@popevents.ca

holidayguide: balloons BALLOON DECORATORS BRITISH COLUMBIA

SASKACHEWAN

ONTARIO

NOVA SCOTIA

Balloon Place Richmond balloonplace.ca

Balloonatic & Co. Saskatoon balloonaticyxe.com

Balloon Celebrations Toronto ballooncelebrations.ca

Giant Promotions Ltd. Halifax giantpromotions.ca

Balloon Studio Vancouver balloonstudio.ca

Sky’s the Limit Baskets & Balloons Saskatoon skysthelimitbaskets.com

Balloon Corporate Events Toronto ballooncorporateevents.com

The Ultimate Party & Event Store Sackville ultimatepartyandeventstore.com

Cool Balloon Guy Vancouver coolballoonguy.com CSA Balloons New Westminster csaballoons.com Inflated Ideas Inc. Vancouver inflatedideas.com

ALBERTA Balloon Blast Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere & Foothills theballoonblast.ca Balloon Imaginations Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge & Medicine Hat balloonimaginations.ca Trixtan Entertainment, Calgary & Edmonton trixtan.com

Tee Breeze Entertainment Regina & Swift Current party-entertainment.ca

MANITOBA Balloon Bouquets Plus Winnipeg balloonbouquetsplus.com Melo’s Balloon Winnipeg facebook.com/Melosballoon Balloon Empire & Floral Design Winnipeg facebook.com/balloon. empire.floral.design Gags Unlimited Inc. Winnipeg gagsunlimited.com Balloon Bouquets Plus Winnipeg balloonbouquetsplus.com

Balloon Planet Canada All of Ontario balloonplanet.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Stewart’s Baskets & Balloons Alliston stewartsballoons.com

Balloons & Bow Tie Paradise facebook.com/BalloonsAndBowTies

Sugargirlee & Co. Woodbridge sugargirleeco.com

NEW BRUNSWICK

QUEBEC

Just Balloons & Party Supplies Wassis justballoonsandpartysupplies.com

Balloon Bar Montreal balloonbar.ca

Lloyd’s of Moncton Moncton lloydsofmoncton.com

Balonik Montreal balonik.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Party Centre Montreal halloweenpartycenter.com

The Ultimate Party & Event Store Sackville ultimatepartyandeventstore.com

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holidayguide: venues

5

HELPFUL TIPS

TO VENUE HUNTING

TIPS TO SELECTING THE PERFECT VENUE

National Gallery of Canada Event Space Ottawa, ON

If you are reading this, you are likely in the beginning or mid stages of planning your company or client’s holiday party. If you have not already found that perfect venue and are still on the hunt, then before you sign that contract or fall too far in love with the Penthouse restaurant that only has one elevator, I encourage you to read this chapter on the 5 top things to consider when booking an event venue. Then, if you still want to tackle the stairs because 78 people are in line for the elevator, all the power to you.

Follow these 5 simple tips to help you make the right venue decision.

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Scena Event Space, Montreal, QC

SIZE

A F F OR DA BILIT Y

You have to know how much space you need before you can do anything else. The space can be too small, making guests feel crowded and uncomfortable or it can be too big, detracting from an intimate feel and cause your beautiful decor to disappear. Make sure you think about everything you need the venue to do in terms of capacity. Check on adequate reception space, enough washrooms, parking, room for dancing or entertainment and most importantly be sure the room seats enough guests with all your decor and staging because these items can eat up a lot of real estate and bring the “advertised” capacity way down.

Know your budget and don’t waste time visiting venues that aren't willing to work with you. Seasoned event planners have a wealth of knowledge on how to negotiate with venues to bring costs down or include additional services. This is one of the perks of hiring a professional planner. Be certain to take the time to make a list of everything you may need and check if it is included or is an added cost. Things like premium china, silverware, table rentals, linens, coat check staff, security, parking attendants, audio visual, early set up times. All these items can add up to as much as your rental sometimes. Also, check for exclusive suppliers. Many venues only let you bring in approved vendors for food, linens, entertainment, etc. You don’t want to get stuck unable to work with your favourite supplier because the venue has restrictions. Finally, ensure you know the cancellation policy.

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holidayguide: venues R E STR ICTIONS It happens all the time. You book your perfect venue, start your planning and then learn that you either can’t do what you planned to do or you have to live with restrictions you hadn’t even thought of. Make sure you take your entire event plan with you and ensure that all the things you want to do can actually be done, like playing music past 1:00 a.m. or hanging chandeliers from the ceiling.

SUITA BILITY It’s easy to get drawn in by the aesthetic of a venue, but just because it's stunning or you love it doesnt mean it's right for your company event. It still needs to check all the boxes.

Make that list and stick to it. Be sure it’s the right fit, feel and tone for your event. Some of the things to consider are obvious, like if your guests are over 55, then maybe the hottest new club isn’t the right venue, or one with a lot of stairs may also not be the best choice; does your group smoke? If so is there a smoking section outside? Also, be sure it has the right layout for your event. Do you have plans for a pre and post reception? Does it have green rooms for prepping and staff production, is it child friendly? All important points that can have huge impact on your event.

CATER ING Not only is it important to know which caterer you have to use in a particular venue, it’s also essential to know what they offer and what their limitations are. Not all catering companies offer the same service or quality. You want to be sure that the vision you have for your event and food service is within the scope of their capabilities. For example, if you found incredible food shots on social media, they may not have the ability to create this or may require additional funds to rent materials or hire specialty food providers. Other important points to consider are if they will do a tasting for you so you can try and see the meal; can they accommodate special dietary requirements? We did an event recently at a venue that said they make only one meal different than the ordered meal, so our vegetarian, lactose free and gluten free guests were going to have to eat the same meal. We were horrified, but we didn’t ask in advance and we were stuck.

If you are planning to have a specialty bar, inquire about bar staff, the price of specialty drinks and minimum bar charges. These all add up.

Finally, ensure you sit down with the venue you do select and work through every detail of the program and make certain it works with your design, set up schedule, vendors needs, parking, allergies etc. so there are no surprises and most importantly no stress on the day of your party so you too can enjoy the experience.

Cambium Farms, Caledon, ON

Unique Multipurpose Art Gallery in the Heart of Toronto

JESSGICA GORLICKY DESIGNS We host events to suit your functions and celebrations making it one of a kind in this unique space. The gallery is 2400 sq ft and can accommodate 200-250 people, standing.

JESSICA GORLICKY

CLICK HERE TO SEE HER IN ACTION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D9LpfAKZ6A

An unforgettable setting for celebrating the season!

With fully heated, spacious interiors on two of the largest ships in Toronto and holiday packages that take care of all the details, we make holiday party planning easy!

mariposacruises.com

90 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

jessgo333 www.jessgo.com LOCATION 660 Caledonia Road, unit 105 M6E 4V8, Toronto

holidayguide: venues

TOP VENUES COAST-TO-COAST CANADIAN VENUES FROM BC TO P.E.I.

Choosing a venue for your holiday party can be the best part of the planning process. From one of a kind venues like Vancouver Aquarium or Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum to hidden gems like B Town Sound, to BIG conference halls and arenas to boutique venues and rooms with a view, Canada has some of the world’s most spectacular event spaces and finding the perfect one for you should be a piece of cake. Here is a list of top Canadian venues ideal for the holiday season starting from British Columbia and ending in Prince Edward Island.

Aperture Room by Oliver & Bonacini Events - Toronto, ON. Photo courtesy of Mango Studios.

BIG SCREEN. BIG SOUND. BIG HOLIDAY PARTY.

Planning for 2018? Our theatres are the ideal venue for sales presentations, product training, state-of-the-union addresses, AGMs and yes, Holiday parties too.

Book your next event with us.

Visit Cineplex.com/CorporateSales ™/® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license.

ONE OF A KIND SPACES

holidayguide: venues

BRITISH COLUMBIA Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Burnaby centre.nikkeiplace.org Painters Lodge Campbell River painterslodge.com Crown Isle Courtney crownisle.com Bird’s Eye Cove Farm Duncan birdseyecovefarm.com Vancouver Island Conference Centre Nanaimo viconference.com Morningstar Farm Parksville morningstarfarm.ca Swaneset Bay Resort Centre Spotlight Pitt Meadows swanesetevents.com/weddings

Poets Cove Resort & Spa Poets Cove poetscove.com 130 West Vancouver loungeworks.ca/130-west Black and Blue Vancouver glowbalgroup.com/blackblue Jewel Ballroom Vancouver jewelballroom.com Soundhouse Studios Vancouver soundhousestudios.com Steamworks Vancouver steamworks.com Tea House in Stanley Park Vancouver vancouverdine.com/ teahouse/private-events Terracana Ranch Resort Valemount terracana.com

The Ancora Waterfront Dinning and Patio Vancouver www.ancoradining.com

vanartgallery.bc.ca

The Belmont Vancouver belmontbar.com

Waterview Special Event Space Vancouver waterviewvancouver.com

Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver vancouverconventioncentre.com

The Deely Exhibition & Conference Facilities Vancouver deeleyexhibition.ca

The Emerald Supper Club Vancovuer emeraldsupperclub.com

The Iron Works Vancouver theironworks.ca

Church and State Wines Victoria churchandstatewines.com

The Parlour Vancouver theparlourrestaurants.com

Hatley Park Victoria hatleypark.ca

The Refinery Event Space Vancouver therefineryvancouver.com

The Empress Victoria airmont.com/empress-victoria

Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver vanaqua.org/plan

The Grand Victorian Weddings and Events Destination Victoria

Vancouver Art Gallery Vancouver

grandvictorianpei.com

ALBERTA Art Evolution Events Calgary artevolution.com

Bourbon Room Calgary bourbonroom.ca

Genesis Centre Calgary genesis-centre.ca

Kensington Riverside Inn Calgary kensingtonriversideinn.com

Arts Commons Calgary artscommons.ca

Bow Valley Ranche Resort Artisan Gardens Calgary bowvalleyranche.com/ artisan-gardens

Glenbow Museum Calgary glenbow.org

MacEwan Conference & Event Centre Calgary macewancentre.com

Belgo Calgary belgo.ca

Hudson Calgary oliverbonacinievents.com/ Venues

Meadow Muse Pavilion Calgary meadowmuse.ca

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ALBERTA

continued

Model Milk Calgary modelmilk.ca

The Hanger Flight Museum Calgary thehangarmuseum.ca

Osteria Calgary osteria.ca

The Lake House Calgary lakehousecalgary.com

Telus Convention Centre Calgary calgary-convention.com

The Living Room Calgary livingroomrestaurant.ca

The Calgary Stampede Calgary calgarystampede.com

Theatre Junction Calgary theatrejunction.com/rent-us

The Calgary Zoo Calgary calgaryzoo.com

Treatro Calgary teatro.ca

The Commons Calgary Calgary

Georgian Hills Vineyard Clarksburg georgianhillsvineyards.ca

thecommonscalgary.com/events

The Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre Calgary glenmoreinn.com The Hangar Flight Museum Calgary thehangarmuseum.ca

The Crossing at Ghost River Cochrane crossingexperience.ca/ Edmonton Expo Centre Edmonton edmontonexpocentre.com

Egge's Barn, Fort Edmonton Park Edmonton fortedmontonpark.ca/ facility-rentals Foundry Room Edmonton foundryroom.com Mirage Banquet Hall Edmonton mirageedmonton.ca Muttart Conservatory Edmonton edmonton.ca/attractions_ events/muttartconservatory.aspx Studio 96 edmonton studio96.ca Telus World of Science Edmonton telusworldofscienceed monton.ca The Majestic Palace edmonton themajesticpalace.com

The Quarry Edmonton thequarryedmonton.com The Royal Glenora Edmonton royalglenora.com University of Alberta, Botanic Garden Edmonton botanicgarden.ualberta.ca Yellowhead Brewery Edmonton yellowheadevents.com The Rec Room Edmonton (South) therecroom.com/southedmonton/groups The Rec Room Edmonton (West) therecroom.com/westedmonton/groups The Gathered Venue Kathyrn thegathered.ca The Rocking R Guest Ranch Strathmore rockingrguestranch.com

SASKATCHEWAN Fireside Bistro Regina firesidebistro.ca Mackenzie Art Gallery Regina mackenzieartgallery.ca Queensbury Convention Centre Regina evrazplace.com/facilities queensbury-convention-centre

Saskatchewan Science Centre Regina sasksciencecentre.com The Royal Regina Golf Clud Regina royalregina.com The Willow on Wascana Regina willowonwascana.ca

94 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Wascana Centre Authority Regina wascana.sk.ca

TCU Place Saskatoon tcuplace.com

Candle Lake Gold Resort Saskatoon candlelakegolfresort.com

The University Club at the University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon uclub.usask.ca

Saskatoon Station Place Saskatoon saskatoonstationplace.com

Elk Ridge Resort Waskesi elkridgeresort.com

The Lake House Event Space, Calgary, AB. Wedding by Lynn Fletcher Weddings.

Photo by Alan Maude photography.

MANITOBA Rivers Edge Resort Elma riversedgeresort.ca

Mosaic Event Center Winnipeg mosaiceventcentre.ca

The Rustic Wedding Barn La Broquerie, therusticweddingbarn.com

Provisions at Lower Fort Garry

Pineridge Hollow Oakbank pineridgehollow.com

Ralph Connor House Winnipeg universitywomensclub.ca/ ralph-connor-house

The Lake House Riding Mountain staylakehouse.ca 500 Shaftesbury Winnipeg 500shaftesbury.com Academy Lanes Winnipeg academylanes.ca Fort Gibraltar Winnipeg fortgibraltar.com FortWhyte Alive Winnipeg fortwhyte.org Le Cercle Moliere Theatre Winnipeg cerclemoliere.com/en Lower Fort Gary Winnipeg pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/mb/ fortgarry Manitoba Club Winnipeg manitobaclub.mb.ca Manitoba Theatre for Young People Winnipeg mtyp.ca

Winnipeg provisionslowerfortgarry.com

RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg wcc.mb.ca The Gates on Roblin Winnipeg thegatesonroblin.com The Manitoba Museum Winnipeg manitobamuseum.ca The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre Winnipeg themetwinnipeg.com The Park CafĂŠ Winnipeg assiniboineparkzoo.ca/parklanding/home/explore/ restaurants The Winnipeg Art Gallery Winnipeg wag.ca University of Manitoba Conference & Catering Winnipeg umanitoba.ca

ONTARIO Aga Khan Museum Toronto agakhanmuseum.org Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Bowmanville canadiantiremotorsportpark.com

Cambium Farms Caledon cambiumfarms.com Chatham Kent Convention Centre Chatham ckcc.ca Aquatopia Conservatory Ottawa aquatopiaconservatory.com St Brigids Centre for the Arts Ottawa saintbrigidscentre.com The Centurion Conference and Event Center Ottawa centurioncenter.com

Arcadian Court Toronto oliverbonacinievents.com/ venues/arcadian-court.aspx

Propeller Coffee Toronto propellercoffee.com/public/ events

B Town Sound Toronto btownsound.ca

Reptilia Zoo & Education Facility Toronto reptilia.org

Beanfield Centre Toronto beanfieldcentre.com Canoe Toronto oliverbonacinievents.com/ venues

Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto ripleyaquariums.com/canada

The Jessgo Inc. Toronto jessgo.com The Jewel Event Space Woodbridge thejewel.ca The Rec Room Toronto therecroom.com/torontoroundhouse/groups

Toronto rom.on.ca/en

The Sultan's Tent & CafĂŠ Moroc Toronto thesultanstent.com

Casa Loma Toronto casaloma.ca

Spin Toronto Toronto toronto.wearespin.com

Toronto Congress Centre Toronto torontocongresscentre.com

Design Exchange Toronto dx.org

St Joseph's Banquet & Conference Centre Toronto sjucchall.ca

Toronto Marriott Markham Toronto marriott.com/hotels/travel/ yyzmr-toronto-marriottmarkham

Distillery Events Toronto distilleryevents.com

Tudor Hall Ottawa tudorhall.net

District 28 Toronto 28events.ca

3030 Dundas West Toronto 3030dundaswest.com

Graydon Hall Manor Toronto graydonhall.com

Academy of Lions Toronto Toronto academyoflions.com/rent

Mariposa Cruises Toronto mariposacruises.com

Airship 27 Toronto berkeleyevents.com/venue/ airship37

Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto mtccc.com

Aperture Room Toronto oliverbonacinievents.com/ Venues/Aperture-Room.aspx

Palais Royale Toronto palaisroyale.ca Playdium Toronto playdium.com

96 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Royal Ontario Museum

The Burroughes Toronto theburroughes.com The Carlu Toronto oliverbonacinievents.com/ Venues/The-Carlu.aspx

Toronto Public Library Toronto venuerentals.tpl.ca Uptown Lofts Toronto uptownloft.com

The Eglington Grand Toronto eglintongrand.com

Vantage Venues Toronto vantagevenues.com

The Estates of Sunnybrook Toronto estatesofsunnybrook.com

York Mills Gallery Toronto yorkmillsgallery.com

The Fifth Inc. Toronto thefifth.com

Grand Hotel and Suites Toronto grandhoteltoronto.com

The Hangar Toronto hangarsportevents.com/ view/thehangar

Grand Luxe Event Venue Vaughan grandluxe.ca

Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg, MB

QUEBEC Cabaret du Lion d’O Montreal cabaretliondor.com

Forum De Montréal Montreal forum-montreal.com

New City Gas Montreal newcitygas.com

Scena Montreal scena.ca

Cirque Éloize Montreal cirque-eloize.com/en/events

My Private Loft Montreal myprivateloft.com

Oval Room Montreal ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ canada/montreal

Society for Arts and Technology

NOVA SCOTIA Art Gallery of f Nova Scotia Halifax artgalleryofnovascotia.ca Banook Canoe Club Dartmouth banookcanoeclub.com Blomidon Inn Garden Wolfville blomidon.ns.ca Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Halifax pier21.ca Cunard Centre Halifax rcr.ca/catering/venues/ cunard-centre

Montreal sat.qc.ca/en

NEW BRUNSWICK Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Halifax pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax Halifax Convention Centre Halifax halifaxconventioncentre.com Waverley Inn Halifax waverleyinn.com World Trade and Convention Centre Halifax wtcchalifax.com/en/home/ default.aspx

The Algonquin Resort Andrews by the Sea algonquinresort.com

Moncton Golf & Country Club Moncton monctongolfclub.nb.ca

New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame Fredricton nbsportshalloffame.com

Days Inn & Conference Centre Oromocto Oromocto daysinnoromocto.com

Riverside Resort & Conference Centre Fredricton riversidefredericton.com

Lily Lake Pavillion Saint John lilylake.ca

Maverick's Restaurant & Grill Moncton mavericksrestaurant.ca/ private-dining

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holidayguide: venues NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADO Bella Vista St John's bellavista.ca Memorial University of Newfoundland St John's mun.ca The Bowring Park Bungalow St John's redoakcatering.ca Johnson GEO CENTRE St John's geocentre.ca

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The Railway Coastal Museum Confederation Centre of the Arts St John's Charlottetown railwaycoastalmuseum.ca confederationcentre.com/en The Rooms St John's therooms.ca The Fluvarium St John's fluvarium.ca Yellowbelly Brewery & Public House St John's yellowbellybrewery.com

Johnson GEO Centre St John’s, NL

PEI Brewing Company Charlottetown peibrewingcompany.com Clinton Hills Clinton www.clintonhills.ca Dalvay by the Sea Delvay dalvaybythesea.com

Stanley Bridge Country Resort & Conference Centre Kensington stanleybridgeresort.com

LIBERTY GRAND • CASA LOMA • BLUEBLOOD STEAKHOUSE ROSEWATER

• SPICE ROUTE • CIBO WINE BAR | KING ST. W • YONGE ST. • YORKVILLE

TORONTO’S PREMIER HOSPITALITY COLLECTION

LIB E RTY G RO UP.CO M TORONTO • MIAMI

MIAMI CORAL GABLES COUNTRY CLUB • LIBERTY CAFFÉ • CORAL GABLES ATHLETIC CLUB CIBO WINE BAR | SOUTH BEACH • CORAL GABLES

holidayguide: venues VENUE GROUPS Artscape Ontario & British Columbia artscapeeventvenues.ca

Eatertainment Ontario eatertainment.com

Berkley Events Ontario berkeleyevents.com

Edge Hospitality Ontario edgehospitality.ca

ByPeterandPauls.com Ontario bypeterandpauls.com

FAB Restaurant Concepts Ontario fabrestaurants.ca

Cineplex Entertainment National cineplex.com/ CorporateEvents

Ink Entertainment Ontario inkentertainment.com

Dynamic Hospitality Group Ontario dynamichospitality.com

Liberty Entertainment Group Ontario libertygroup.com

Oliver & Bonacini Events & Catering Ontario oliverbonacinievents.com Pearl Hospitality Ontario pearlehospitality.ca Pegasus Hospitality Group Ontario pegasushospitality.ca Seventh Heaven Ontario seventhheaven.ca

The John Doe Group Ontario johndoegroup.com The Social Group Ontario thesocialgroup.ca RCR Hispitality Group Nova Scotia rcr.ca Residence & Conference Centre Ontario & British Columbia stayrcc.com

The Hanger Flight Museum Calgary Event Space

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IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME

Interactive Holiday Food Stations Earlier we touched on personalization and nowhere is this more evident than in the area of food and food service style. Buildable food stations are pretty much THE hottest item at this year’s holiday events. Guests love being able to create their own custom dishes and the possibilities for DIY stations are endless. Here are some tasty ideas to add to your holiday party.

GR ILLED CHEE SE /PA NINI BA R Get toasty with a grown-up grilled cheese/ panini bar that will make your guests melt. Equip the station with an assortment of cheeses known for melting such as Gruyère, cheddar and Fontina and stock up on artisan breads. Spice things up with an array of sophisticated toppings like turkey and traditional bacon, sliced pickles, jalapeno’s mini tomatoes, basil and don’t forget the condiments.

Have a few grilled cheese makers at the end of the station for easy, low risk frying. We especially love this "Snoopy & Woodstock Character Grilled Cheese Maker” perfect for the festive season.

WOOD F IR ED PIZZA BA R This is THE most popular station at any event. Give guests a warm pizza flatbread and let them create their own gourmet pie, then hand it back to the chef who pops it into the mobile oven to melt that gooey cheese and blend those delish toppings. 2.5 minutes and its back on their plate, warm and ready for a sprinkle of more toppings like parm or chilli flakes, some siracha and presto, instant luxe craft pizza for one. Imagine giving guests a fresh hot out of the oven pie to top with their favourite gourmet.

holidayguide: catering

HOT CO COA BA R Ideal for guests of all ages, the late night hot chocolate bar will keep guests cozy and warm on cold winter nights. We love to bring this station out toward the end of the event and encourage guests to make themselves a to go version so they have something special for the drive home. Add in specially toppings and beauty ingredients like marshmallows and lollipops, cinnamon sticks or candy canes for stirring. Instead of making a hot cocoa mix from scratch or packets, consider using Keurig K-Cups for a fresh brew each time. This isn’t limited to hot chocolate, there’s no reason you couldn’t add in cider, teas, coffees.

IN VENT YOUR OWN MO CKTA IL/ CO CKTA IL BA R Whether an alcohol-free celebration or an open bar, you can create a place where everyone can join in the fun of mixing up their own drink. Write out a few different recipe options for guests to try and experiment. For those that need to stick to smartserve regulations, get trained bartenders to take requests while they juggle and toss ingredients together or bartending robots if the budget is there.

Want to tie the station into new year’s theme?

GINGER BR E A D

HOLIDAY COOKIE MAKING STATION Nothing says the holidays without sugar. This is an interactive station everyone loves. Don’t be fooled into thinking it's cheesy or youthful, you will be amazed how adults indulge in this opportunity to let their inner child get a little creative. I once did this station at a medical school holiday party and the lineup of doctors and nurses in white coats snaked all the way to the door. By the end of the event the gingerbread man table was picked clean. It’s a very simple station; just some cookies shaped like holiday ornaments, bells, trees or the traditional chubby little man. Add a variety of toppings, piping tubes of colored icing and sugary decor like candy canes, cinnamon hearts, gummy bears, M&Ms, Starburst, Smarties, sprinkles, icing, and of course, gumdrops. It's sure to be one of the most popular activities at your holiday event.

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One-of-a-kind spaces and inspired cuisine will elevate the senses.

From meetings to galas, our historic cobblestone lanes will transform your event

Distillery Events Catering Now Available!

Now you can bring a taste of the Distillery to your own event. Distillery Events Catering is now available for any of your catering needs from intimate dining to corporate events and festivals. Contact us at inquiries@thedistillery.ca to have one of our event specialists design a package to meet your needs.

Located in the heart of the Historic Distillery District - 51 Mill Street, Suite 202, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 For more information, visit www.distilleryevents.com 416.203.2363

inquiries@thedistillery.ca

S’MOR E S ROASTING STATION No need to build a big fire pit. Instead create a s'more centerpiece from chafing-dish heaters, pebbles and a fire-resistant planter box. Dress it up to make it feel more outdoorsy by adding tiny Christmas trees, artificial grass table runners and a giant “s’mores bar” sign. If you don’t want it on the table, design a late night mock firepit; give guests comfy lounge seating areas with several indoor fires spead throughout and add in smore making materials beside each one. You can add a unique spin by using flavoured marshmallows with a broad selection of chocolate bars. Take it to another notch by adding brownies to the mix for a delicious s’more brownie.

MA K E A HOLIDAY CR EPE BA R If you are hosting a daytime event or even better a holiday brunch why not include a build your own Crepe Bar. One of the nice things about crepes is it appeals to most guests. With gluten free shell pastry options and fillings that range from savory to sweet, crepe bars offer so much variety that there is something for everyone.

holidayguide: catering

NITRO WHAT?

LIQUID NITROGEN EDIBLES YOU HAVE TO TRY Liquid nitrogen used to be something you only saw at a science fair, but today its mainstream in the kitchens of Canada’s best creative catering companies. It has a boiling point of -196°C and will freeze everything it touchesin 60 seconds, resulting in delicious ice cream every time. This process is also widely known as flash freezing. It is the same method used in the food industry for items such as fruits and vegetables.

Is it safe? The air we breathe consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% of oxygen. Nitrogen is all around us. Even though liquid nitrogen is a non-toxic substance, you will not actually have any liquid nitrogen in your food. It will completely vaporize before your spoon even touches your mouth.

Caterers use it to create fantasy food with incredibly

unique textures and presentation and… well simply put guests go crazy over it. Want to ensure an Instagram moment at your event? Use Nitro for a food station or special dish and you can be sure to rack up the likes.

Here are some of the trending ideas we found for cryogenic catering.

DR AG ON BR E ATH POPCOR N BA LLS “Dragon Breath” popcorn balls are ice cream rolls sprinkled with whatever candy your heart desires or mini-bite desserts dipped into a bowl of liquid nitrogen to give it that fresh from the oven steamy look. Make an even better impact by adding explosive cocktails to the mix.

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NITRO CR EPE S Recently, Toronto’s Café Eative began offering "Dragon Breath Crêpes", which are ice-cream filled crêpes dipped in liquid nitrogen. The process creates a spectacular "smokebreathing" effect in eaters of the treat. Check it out and yes they cater.

F R EE ZE TASTINGS Not yet doing outside catering, this venue is a little jewel called 77k Freeze that can hold about 20 people in their ICE*Burg Lounge. They offer the "Freeze Xperience", 90minute freeze tastings that might be of interest to those smaller corporate holiday outings. What a cool venue (there’s that pun again).

NITRO CHEETOS For those who have a love affair with Cheetos, yes, I am talking about that cheesy sticky snack food that leaves you with deliciously orange fingers, your nitro dreams have come true. Now Cheetos can be made with Nitro. Cool N2 Ice Cream Canada based in Toronto and Markham, Ontario offers these treats with all kinds of Nitro inspired versions.

Watch the video below to see more but be careful, this will lead to you buying a bag of Cheetos by the end of the day.

Watch The Video

NITRO ICE CR E A M BA R Not only is it the most visually dramatic station you can offer, but there are infinite options with flavours and ingredients. Because Liquid Nitrogen is so much colder than the conventional way of making ice cream, you can use ingredients that wouldn’t normally freeze – namely, liquor!

Imagine tequila vanilla, Prosecco Cinnamon, Jack Daniels Godiva or bacon chocolate, sirachaa lemon… literally anything you can think of.

Want a DIY unit for your event? Check out these little nitro pods that create instant ice cream right in front of your eyes. These machines are perfect selfcontained pods of deliciousness that look lovely and can cater for 100 people upwards.

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NITRO POP COR N This delicious frozen popcorn is a hit at parties and events.

Toronto’s Double Chocolate Fountain serves it up from a mobile unit and guests are always lined up out the door. Its smoky and unique and the tastes are amazing! DCF’s unit lets you customize the flavours.

NITRO BEVER AGE S Another fun way to shake things up at your event is to offer nitro box infused frozen party drinks, shakes and smoothies.

Liquid nitrogen is cold enough to freeze alcohol, allowing really fun frozen-slushy-like cocktails. Add this to the bar area of the event, allow guests to participate in the cocktail making and this becomes a super fun, super tasty adult activity. If its a family party, nix the booze and just add tons of different flavour syrups.

NITRO-FOOD VENDORS BRITISH COLUMBIA

ONTARIO

Mister Artisan Ice Cream Vancouver madebymister.com

Double Chocolate Fountain Nitro Popcorn & Ice Cream Toronto doublechocolatefountain.com

77k Freeze Freeze Tastings in Venue Vancouver 77kfreeze.ca Bearfoot Bistro Whistler bearfootbistro.com/catering

ALBERTA The Nice Cream Nitro Ice Cream Calgary thenicecream.com

Eative Film Café Nitro Crepes & Ice Cream Toronto www.eative.ca Labsense Ice Cream Nitro Ice Cream Toronto labsensecanada.com CoolN2 Canada Nitro Cheetos & Ice Cream Toronto & Markham cooln2canada.com Ice Volcano Nitro Ice Cream Mississauga icevolcano.ca

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While Foodertainment isn’t new, this past year it has exploded into dozens of mini mash ups offering the craziest of edibles and entertainment. We are OBSESSED with these amazingly creative concepts planners can use to wow their guests and feed them at the same time. Here are some of the most innovative ideas popping up Foodertainment this year.

holidayguide: catering Watch The Video

FOODERTAINMENT

THE ART OF COMBINING FOOD AND PERFORMANCE CULINA RY CRUISER Fresh off Micheal Cerbelli’s Hot list is the concept of moving food stations with built in entertainment. Think cirque performers or beautiful contortionists riding on the back of giant tricycles pulling food carts filled with... just about anything from gourmet pizza slices to flutes of champagne to gourmet desserts. What you use this unique food service piece for is limited only by your imagination. The Canadian version of this little contraption is the Culinary Cruiser. Don’t take our word for it, contact A2D2 ~ Aerial Dance Cirque Company in Toronto for theirs, pictured above.

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EDIBLE FRAGRANCE FACTORY Choose from a selection of hand crafted edible scents to spray, sniff and lick with the Lick Me I'm Delicious' edible fragrance bar. Will you leave in a cloudburst of cool mint, pure berry or orange blossom? There's only one way to find out.

Sounds kind of crazy but apparently a super popular edible invention. I mean come on, who doesn’t want to smell like bacon right?

Watch The Video

The fragrances can be sprayed onto the skin for a lasting delicious aroma or onto edible scent strips so you can find your fragrance match. The machine can be wheeled into your event and set up in under an hour, no power needed. From fresh watermelon, to pirate rum, hot cinnamon, unicorn tears to caramel apple, peach pie or bbq you can now smell... edible.

LASER DE SSERT DE SIGN BA R The Laser Desert Design Bar adds a delicious handson creative kick to events. Guests are greeted by MakeLab’s design ambassadors and guided through five-minute, one-on-one creative experiences on design tablets. They can design free form or use custom branded/themed templates designed in advance to suit your event. When ready, guests get to watch and capture their dessert as it’s lasercaramelized with their custom design. The laser cutter is sleek and brandable, and creates a toasted marshmallow aroma as desserts are lasered. Treats are ready to eat and tweet right away.

116 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Watch The Video

Watch The Video

Watch The Video VAPORISING EDIBLE MIST ORBS These bizarre futuristic orbs offer inhalable micro mists in delicious flavours. Using Ultrasonic Vaporisation, the Edible Mist Orbs produce a floating cloud of micro mist which you suck up through a straw. Mists come in a range of over 200 flavours from chocolate to coffee, apple pie or even smoked bacon.

THE EDIBLE BUBBLE VOLCANO Straight out of the World of Willy Wonka, this wonderous machine from Lick Me I'm Delicious creates a cascading volcano of edible bubbles for you to bite right out of the air. Yes, crazy cool. They come in an assortment of flavours including milk chocolate as well as strawberries and cream. Did we mention they can also be alcoholic? Think Pina Colada bubbles. Yum!

holidayguide: catering

CREATIVE

COCKTAILS BUBBLY RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY NOW

Cocktails and libations continue the “personalization” theme of Holiday Season 2017. Today’s modern drink smiths are creating bevies for every kind of guest. Low calorie is at the top of the list as new generations are much more health conscious than previous. But health conscious cocktails don’t need to be boring. Move over diet coke, your days as the only mixer in town are over. New sugar-free versions of almost every flavour allow health conscious guests to indulge in the fun and flirty beverages without veering off course. From Skinny Bitch Cosmos to sugar-free Margaritas to sugar free champagne like NV Ayala Champagne Brut Nature no one has to miss out on the bubbles this year.

Speaking of Champagne, no real celebration is complete without bubbly so we put together a collection of our absolute favourite holiday party perfect variations.

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Champagne poured over smooth and sweet cherry sorbet? What more can we ask for?

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 1 cup sugar 1 cup coconut water 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted juice and zest of 1 lime 1 champagne split (187ml)

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. In saucepan over low heat, combine sugar and coconut water. Stir until dissolved, remove from heat and cool completely 2. Transfer sugar water to blender, combine with cherries, lime juice and zest. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into prepared ice cream maker, process according to manufacturer instruction.

4. Transfer to freezer safe covered container, freeze several hours.

5. Serve one large scoop into glass or small bowl, pour champagne over and top with fresh cherry.

CHER RY SOR BET CHAMPAGNE FLOAT

BLACK

VALVET This vintage cocktail dates all the way back to the 1800s. The London gentlemen’s club Brooks’s created it to commemorate the passing of their prince. It’s made of buttery stout beer paired with a pour of bubbly.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 4 oz. Champagne 4 oz. chilled stout

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Pour the Champagne into a beer mug, pint glass or Champagne flute.

2. Slowly pour the stout on top.

A crushed candy cane rimmed flute of your favourite champagne with white chocolate and peppermint stir sticks.

Simple and festive, these little touches sparkle up your toast.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 1 bottle chilled Champagne White Creme de Cocoa Candy canes

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. In a ziplock bag, crush 1 whole candy cane with a rolling-pin or something sturdy until you are left with a semi fine powder.

2. Dip the rims of champagne flutes in a small dish of White Creme de Cocoa and then in the crushed candy cane.

3. Fill champagne glasses 1/3 full with White Creme de Cocoa and then the rest of the way with chilled Champagne.

4. Garnish with a whole candy cane.

WHITE PEPPERMINT

XMAS

APPLE CIDER

MIMOSA

A wintery version of your favourite brunch beverage a little extra kick.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 1 oz. Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack Tennessee Cider 1 oz. Apple Cider 1 oz. Korbel® Champagne

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Fill glass with 1 part of each ingredient into a Champagne flute or stemless wine glass.

2. OPTIONAL: Top with peeled sliced apple

Watch The Video

For a sparkly and fun-non alcoholic choice try filling a glass with cotton candy then pour sprite or Perrier over it. Shimmer and spark with no hangover!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED Strawberry-Flavored Cotton Candy PERRIER (330 ml)

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Fill a highball glass with cotton candy and serve alongside a bottle of Perrier.

2. Ideal for entertaining, invite your guest to pour the Perrier over the cotton candy and watch it disappear.

MAGIC

PERRIER

BARTENDING SERVICES For more great ideas on holiday cocktails check out some great ideas on one of our favourite event bartending Instagram pages “Drink Smith” and here is a list of bartending services across Canada who can add some real flair and excitement to your holiday event.“Drink Smith” and here is a list of bartending services across Canada who can add some real flair and excitement to your holiday event.

Straight Up Bar Services Vancouver straightupbarservices.ca

Drink Smith Toronto drinksmith.ca

Lavish Liquid Vancouver www.lavishliquid.com

Bartendo Toronto bartendo.ca

Joe The Bartender Victoria joethebartender.com

Bartender One Toronto bartenderone.com Flair Co. Toronto flairco.com

Notie Bartenders Calgary notiebartending.com Cheers Calgary Calgary cheerscalgary.com

Hire A Barman Montreal hireabarman.ca Brahmmauer Montreal brahmmauer.com

Elite Bartending Martensville elitebartending.ca

A place where Couples can find every resource they need to plan their lives together. To STAY Together!!

BarNuts Regina Regina facebook.com/BarNutsYQR

www.canadaweddingnetwork.ca (403) 988-0999

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5

TOP

CATERING IDEAS

FOR HOLIDAY 2017

Wellness is in like never before and guests want healthy, fresh foods that don’t make them feel weighted down.

According to Pinterest, there is a 336% increase in the word veggies being used in comfort food searches. If you are hosting a stand up cocktail menu or buffet, there are so many wonderful, waist and heart conscious menu options that can easily be holiday themed. It is still possible to serve a fun and treat filled holiday menu without the need to add Rolaids to everyone’s gift bag.

holidayguide: catering

CRUDITE S Crudites are back big time. Instead of trying to disguise veggies or cook them till they have no food value, try serving them in the raw. Serve them as they are in beautiful presentations with accent dressings to preserve their natural flavors and remind people the deliciousness that can come with eating vegetables in the raw. Ask your caterer to do a high-end veggie station on your buffet.

CROSTINI BA RS According to Truffles Catering in Victoria, BC, these little beauties are shaping up to one of the “truly tastiest catering trends this year”. The little crisps start as a blank canvas for guests to create their own gourmet piece of culinary art.

Truffles uses an assortment of cheeses, chutneys, fresh herbs, cured meats, and viscous drizzles paying homage to the crostini’s Mediterranean lineage. See more of these gourmet trends at www.trufflesfinefoods.com.

FER MENTED & PICK LED F OODS There has been an explosion in the desire for fermented and pickled foods and the trends continues into holiday 2017. This may be influenced by wellness trends fuelled by a younger more health conscious generation but whatever is spurring the movement to pickled, its not slowing down. From cauliflower to kimchi any non traditional standing holiday meal will contain at least one if not more options like the odd sour Kombucha and pickled vegetables served with rice or cold noodles as a side with spicy sauces like siracha.

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Shake and serve: Warm sugar and cinnamon donuts dipped in caramel and packed to take home

by PeterandPauls Event Catering.

FLAVOUR ED WATER BA RS Water Bars are going to be popping up at receptions and interactive feasts this year. Flavoured water is not normally something one would go to the trouble of serving as a stand alone item but the desire for customization is driving the demand. Fresh, creative water vessels share the table with rosemary extract, concentrated berry infusions, fresh cucumber, watermelon puree and citrus fruits for guests to add to their flat or sparkling, spring or artesian H2O.

UNE XPECTED SPECIA LTIE S According to the award-winning chefs at Vancouver based Culinary Capers Catering, some of the best menu ideas for this season are the unexpected specialties that your guests will certainly appreciate. Surprise guests after dessert is served by: having your team bring out cocktail infused cupcakes and macarons to pass at midnight; handing out mini mac + cheese in takeout containers for guests on the way out the door to savor on their way home; have a roaming cheese cart serving housemade Fromage Blanc and artisanal toppings.

See more of these gourmet trends at culinarycapers.com.

CO CKTA IL CUP CA K E S AN ALCOHOL INFUSED DESSERT

These little beauties are based on classic cocktail combinations. Think butter cream, red velvet and chocolate fudge and then add your favourite liquor and you have a sinfully decadent dessert sure to please your most discerning guest. Caterers across Canada are getting in the trend that started in Vancouver as one of Culinary Capers Catering’s best are meal, late night secrets. Well the secret it out! If you are in Ontario, Tipsy Treats xo, based in Brampton, specializes in alcohol infused sweets for any occasion. Want more ideas? check this amazing collection of adults-only recipes for indulgent sweets from DIYS.com: 50 Liquor Infused Cupcakes That Will Take Make Friday Night Much More Fun!

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WHAT'S ON THE

MENU

DELICIOUS HOLIDAY LINE-UPS My team and I scoured the internet and researched like mad to narrow down our ABSOLUTE favourite holiday menus for 2017. We chose from hundreds of gorgeous options from dozens of award winning Canadian caterers. Whether you choose these for your party guests or try to recreate them at home (watch my Instagram to see how well I do) these are our top picks. All I can say is… I’m hungry.

TURKEY MENU THE LAZY GOURMET, VANCOUVER

APPETISER

Holiday Caesar Salad cranberry croutons and spiced parmesan crisps

ENTREE

FESTIVE BUFFET 10TATION EVENT CATERING, TORONTO

Holiday Herb Rubbed Turkey Port, Grape, and Cranberry Reduction Cocoa and Pale Ale Stuffing Buttermilk Mashed Yukon Potatoes House Made Baguette limoncello butter

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

APPETISER

Braised ontario lamb shank served in rosemary barolo jus with vegetables

Cornish hen stuffed with sausage served in a cherry and port sauce

Homemade lobster ravioli in a tarragon lobster bisque

ENTREE

Braised fennel Heirloom beets Cauliflower, black truffle and parmigiano reggiano gratin Assorted specialty breads & 10tation flatbread served with olive tapanade, hummus and sweet butter

DE SSERT

Seasonal berries with 10tation grand marnier zabaglione Ginger bread and short bread cookies Classic creme caramel

red apples and walnuts

Lazy Gourmet Classic Gravy

DE SSERT

Holiday Baked Goods

SEATED DINNER FORK & FARM CATERING, CALGARY

APPETISER

Roasted wild bc mushroom veloute with shaved winter truffle, whiskey cream, boar bacon lardon

Pan roasted pei “u/10” scallop with roasted cauliflower, pistachio, caper raisin emulsion

ENTREE

72 Hour braised spring creek short rib

FOOD STATIONS

LOUIS GERVAIS FINE FOODS, VANCOUVER

with brown butter celeriac puree, brussel “salad”, sweet sour chioggia beets & sauce bordelaise

DE SSERT

Sugar pumpkin crème brûlée

APPETISER

Candied pecan, brie cheese & blueberry crostinis Beet Dice golden beet stained with red beet juice, filled with chevre cheese & drizzled with a honey thyme syrup

Winter mint cured gravelax served on pao de casa crouton

ENTREE

Provençale Lavender Lamb with a sea salt & fresh rosemary rub

Firecracker Prawns with coriander nutmeg dip

Sweet spiced pecan chicken skewers with a cranberry crema

Petite pork Tourtiere served with ketchup vert

Red wine Braised Beef served in peppercorn polenta cups

Two bite “turkey dinner” Yorkshire bites cranberry crema drizzle

DE SSERT

White chocolate croissant pudding demi tasse drizzled with a black currant syrup

Christmas spice Crème Brule Spoons Assorted sweets and cookies shortbread, ginger snaps, snowballs, sugar cookies, eggnog cheesecake bites

with highwood crossing oat + cranberry biscotti, candied hazelnuts

holidayguide: catering CATERERS BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

All Spiced Catering Vancouver firstserviceshospitality.com

Party Catering Vancouver Vancouver butlerdiditcatering.com

A Cappella Edmonton acappella.ab.ca

Fork+Farm Catered Events Calgary forkandfarmcatering.com

Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events Vancouver culinarycapers.com

Peake of Catering Vancouver peakeofcatering.com

All Beef Catering Calgary allbeefcatering.com

Great Events Catering Calgary greateventscatering.ca

Savoury Chef Vancouver savourychef.com

An Affair to Remember Calgary anaffair.com

Mercers Catering Edmonton mercerscatering.com

The Lazy Gourmet Vancouver lazygourmet.ca

Distinctive Catering Calgary distinctivecatering.ca

Red Seal Dining Calgary redsealdining.com

Toque Catering Victoria toquecatering.com

Devour Catering Calgary devourcatering.com

Simply Elegant Calgary simplyelegantcorp.com

Truffles Fine Food Vancouver trufflesfinefoods.com

Ela Euro Catering Edmonton elaeurocatering.com

Special Event Catering Edmonton specialeventcateringinc.com

Vancouver Wedding Caterer North Vancouver

Food Works Craft Catering Calgary food-works.ca

Urbane Culinary Calgary www.urbaneculinary.ca/

Drew’s Catering Vancouver drewscatering.com EdgeCeptional Catering Vancouver edgecatering.ca Elizabethan Catering Services Ltd. Edmonton elizabethan.com Emelle's Catering Vancouver emelles.com Forage Catering Vancouver foragecatering.com

louisgervaiscatering.com

Truffles Fine Foods Catering + Kitchens, Vancouver, BC.

SASKATCHEWAN

MANITOBA

Charlotte’s Catering Moose Jaw charlottescatering.net

Pick Nic’s Catering Saskatoon saskatooncatering.ca

All Seasons Catering Winnipeg allseasonscatering.ca

Les Filles Winnipeg lesfilles.ca

Emco Finer Foods Saskatoon emcofinerfoods.ca

Sprout Catering Regina sproutcatering.ca

Diversity Food Services Winnipeg diversityfoodservices.com

Naleway Catering LTD Winnipeg nalewaycatering.com

Evolution Catering Regina ecff.ca

Super Meats Catering Moose Jaw supermeats.com

Urban Prairie Cuisine Catering Winnipeg urbanprairiecuisine.com

Fresh Dish Catering Saskatoon freshdishcatering.ca

Valley Girls Catering Regina valleygirlscatering.ca

Fried Green Tomatoes Catering Winnipeg friedgreentomatoes.ca

Karlo Hospitality Saskatoon karlohospitality.com

Wallnuts Expressive Catering Regina wallnuts.ca

G.J. Andrews Winnipeg gjandrews.ca

ONTARIO A La Carte Kitchen Toronto alacartekitchen.ca

Enville Catering Toronto enville.com

Paintbox Catering Toronto paintboxbistro.ca

Taste Culinary Inc Toronto tasteculinary.ca

CaterTrendz Culinary Production Toronto catertrendz.com

Food Dudes Toronto thefooddudes.com

Parts & Labour Toronto partsandlabour.ca

The Food Studio Catering Toronto foodstudiocatering.ca

L'eat Catering Toronto leatcatering.com

Peter & Pauls Event Catering Vaughan

The Urban Element Ottawa theurbanelement.ca

Mad Mexican Toronto madmexican.ca

peterandpaulseventcatering.com

Toben Food by Design Toronto tobenfoodbydesign.com

Citizen Catering Toronto citizencatering.com Culinary Conspiracy Ottawa culinaryconspiracy.ca Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events Toronto danieletdaniel.ca Encore Catering Toronto encorecatering.com

Marigolds & Onions Toronto marigoldsandonions.com McEwan Catering Toronto mcewan.mcewangroup.ca Grenfell Catering Ottawa grenfellcatering.com

134 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Presidential Gourmet Toronto presidentialgourmet.ca Rose Reisman Catering Toronto rosereismancatering.com Seventh Heaven Event Catering Toronto seventhheaven.ca

Tulips and Maple Catering Ottawa tulipsandmaple.ca Wild Thyme Catering Toronto wildthymecatering.ca ZB Hospitality Group Inc. Toronto zbcaterers.com

holidayguide: catering NOVA SCOTIA

QUEBEC Agnus Dei Montreal agnusdei.ca/en

Marc-André: Le traiteur Montreal marcandreletraiteur.com/en

Certainly Cinnamon Catering Halifax certainlycinnamon.com

Rudy's Catering Service Halifax rudyscatering.ca

Bernard & Fils Traiteur Inc Montreal bernard-et-fils-traiteur.com

Miss Prêt à Manger Montreal misspretamanger.com/en

D'Aubin Family Meats Catering

Eventure Group Montreal event-ure.com

Olive Orange Montreal oliveorange.ca

Gini Catering Montreal ginicatering.com

Paola's Catering Montreal paolasmontreal.ca

Kitchen Door Catering Company Bedford kitchendoor.ca

Sebastien's Gourmet & Catering Yarmouth sebastiensgourmet.ca

La Petite Mangue Montreal lapetitemangue.com

Robert Alexis Traiteur Montreal robert-alexis.com/en

Le Kitchen Montreal breathekitchen.wordpress.com

Simply Wonderful Catering Montreal simplywonderful.ca/en

Maître & Chef Montreal maitreetchef.com

Traiteur Beso Catering Montreal besomontreal.ca

Bernard & Fils Traiteur Inc.

Bridgetown daubinfamilymeats.com

NEW BRUNSWICK Chef's Table-Dobbelsteyn Dutch Valley chefstable.ca Fork & Spoon Catering Moncton forkandspoon.ca

Three Olives Catering Saint John threeolivescatering.wixsite. com/threeolivescatering

LJW Catering Fredricton ljwcatering.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR A Taste of Class St John's atasteofclass.ca

Wedgewood Café & Catering St John's wedgwoodcafe.com

Red Oak Catering St John's redoakcatering.ca

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Green Island Catering All of P.E.I. greenislecatering.com

JP Cuisine by Chef John Pritchard Charlottetown john-pritchard-cuisine.pei.xpei.ca

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THE ART OF

ENTERTAINMENT SELECTION

BOOKING THE RIGHT PERFORMANCE ACT There are literally hundreds of corporate event entertainment acts and dozens of agencies in most major cities to help you choose the perfect fit for your event.

It’s always best to have a baseline idea of what you are looking for when going to meet with an agent or setting out to find your own talent, but if you are starting at zero, then a good talent manager should be able to help guide you through the myriad of choices and suggest the appropriate options.

The first place to start when choosing your performer is to consider that your entertainment will set the tone of the event. Think about what kind of interactions and experiences you want your guests to have. Is it a sitdown show you imagine or an audience participation act like hypnotists or magicians? Do you want everything to be on a stage or would do you envision a room filled with unique strolling entertainment? Do you want a low-key chill vibe or an upbeat, energy filled party?

experienced this first hand and let me tell you, it’s not fun. Once we once hired a very popular radio host duo (and I mean bordering on celebrity) to emcee a local real estate awards gala. Two of the most popular and successful agents in the room had recently been in the media for minor infractions. We wrote the script, we reviewed, we rehearsed and even made a point to restrict any mention of the recent issues. The event date comes and BOOM. Within ten minutes, the emcees were are making jokes about these agents, both of whom were in the room. The event was ruined, the agents livid and I lost a 7 year client. I was young then but let me tell you... Lesson learned.

Timing is critical. Do you want performances during the cocktail hour or would you like to skip the distraction and lets guests focus on networking and mingling?

Needless to say, you cannot always be sure when you let someone on stage what is going to happen so a word to the wise, be very cautious that you know who you are giving the mic to. Take the time to tell them all about your guests, your expectations and know exactly what they plan to say, sing or do once they grace your stage. What seems amazing for your friends, may not work for a client.

Age is another big consideration. The last thing you want is someone being uncomfortable with the choice of language a comedian may use or the base coming from the beat of your band affecting your elderly guests. It sounds so basic and obvious but even the most seasoned planners have been duped. I, unfortunately have

Ask around and get referrals. When you do your homework and you use recommended vendors and suppliers who are well known and trusted, you can rest easy knowing that your entertainment will do whats it's supposed to do and your guests will be happily entertained.

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holidayguide: entertainment

Performance by A2D2 ~ Aerial Dance Cirque Company

holidayguide: entertainment FK13 Productions's Nutcrackers.

UNIQUE HOLIDAY

ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS OUR TOP CANADIAN PICKS There is almost nothing you can imagine in terms of event entertainment that someone out there can’t find you and I think over the past 20 years we have worked with or written about almost every one of them. From fire eaters to burlesque dancers, classical harpists to comedians, from soccer shows to magic shows, from vocalists to violinists. There is nothing more challenging in my opinion than finding the right act, pairing it with

the right audience and making sure it goes off well.

After all, no matter how seasoned someone is you cannot control what happens once they take the stage.

To help you choose the right performer and take the worry out of picking right, we are sharing some of our favourites with you. The entertainers on the following pages are tried, reviewed and have the CSE stamp of approval.

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DAN DUNN'S PAINTJAM Need entertainment for your next corporate event? Look no further! Dan Dunn’s PaintJam is a family friendly and HR approved performance that never fails to impress and excite audiences of all ages. We’ll take care of the set-up, the clean-up and of course the performance – and we promise not to get paint on your co-workers or your floor!

Watch the Video

CHRIS FUNK THE WONDERIST Winnipeg's Chris Funk The Wonderist provides amazing entertainment to professional/corporate events throughout Winnipeg and across the country. His unique combination of Intuition, Influence and Illusion mixed with witty humor makes for the perfect show! See why companies like Boeing, Monsanto, Bayer Crop Science and other large corporations choose the magic of Chris Funk, time and time again.

NUTCRACKERS The magic of Christmas with a modern touch.

Watch these Nutcrackers come to life in a musical act revisiting one of the oldest and most acclaimed Toy Story. Collaborating with D-Line Drumline, FK13 Productions offers a classic spin with spot on choreography and drum rolls.

Watch the Video

Watch the Video LIVE 3D HOLO GRAM ACTS Neweb Labs uses artificial intelligence, holography, and motion capture to provide cutting-edge experiences. They create and combine 3D animated assets with interactive technology for use as holograms at events if you want to create an unforgettable experience and build an emotional connection with your audience, this is it. The future has arrived. Scrooge, Santa, The Wise Men‌ heck even John Lennon can attend your event.

HIPS DON'T LIE DANCE COMPANY A colourful, contemporary kind of freestyle dance, every performance is developed to tell a unique story through graceful movements. A contemporary routine is a mix of techniques that often includes elements from other distinctive styles, such as ballet, folk, or belly dance. This international dance company led by Lyana Khatatba provides a one of a kind performance option for your holiday events and is sure to please your guests of any age.

Watch the Video LIT DRUMS FK13 Productions presents Lit Drums, a unique, show stopping musical where theatre meets tech performance. This high energy, thrilling entertainment will be an Instagram worthy investment for any event.

ACRES AND ACRES Acres and Acres, a completely original and unique group from Halifax, Nova Scotia. With engaging and beautiful performances, they are everything you’d want a band to be – highly skilled artists and really wonderful, friendly people. This is a band worth flying across the country for your event. They are one of our TOP suggestions for this for the year.

Watch the Video SCRAP ARTS MUSIC

Created by percussion virtuoso Gregory Kozak Scrap Arts Music excites the senses with intricate rhythms, raw energy, athletic choreography and the most beautifully inventive instruments on stage today. Scrap Arts Music offers a highly physical, wildly theatrical and thoroughly entertaining pop percussion experience.

MINI MILITIA This is street dance at its finest. The Idea Hunter introduces this premier urban dance troupe comprised of kids, teens and young adults of all backgrounds and ethnicities. Mini Militia specializes in a variety of dance styles including breakdance, hip-hop, house dance, popping, dance hall and krump.

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LED DIGITAL WONDERLAND

Watch the Video

Two futuristic shows that have taken the corporate scene by storm are ZOOM and KALEIDOSCOPE. These LED show are the visions of The Idea Hunter and are tightly choreographed and customized to music. The Digital Wonderland is composed of LED hoops, poi, cubes, staff and wands can also include your branding or messaging.

Exclusively at The Idea Hunter.

TORONTO VICTORIAN CAROLERS A Yuletide sound with a yesteryear look from K+M Productions in Toronto. The Toronto Victorian Carolers are the original Christmas Carolers with over 30 years experience and hundreds of satisfied clients throughout the GTA. Add the magic of festive live music to your holiday corporate event or private party. From secular to sacred they boast a repertoire of over 100 classic songs.

Watch the Video

TRACY BELL Award winning international entertainer Tracey Bell impersonates exceptional women celebrities, changing in seconds seamlessly from Liza Minnelli into Cher, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe and more in her high-energy shows. She inspires your guests to play along with her unique style of improvised comedy and diverse musical performances.

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holidayguide: entertainment ENTERTAINMENT AGENCIES ACCESS Entertainment Alberta accessentertainment.com

Direct Entertainment Quebec directentertainment.ca

Agency 13 Quebec agency.fk13.ca

Farco Entertainment Ontario farcoentertainment.com

Alberta Comedians Alberta alberta-comedians.com

Fusion Events Ontario fusion-events.ca

Ballyhoo Entertainment Alberta ballyhooent.com

Groove Academy British Columbia themusegroup.ca

BC Event Management British Columbia bceventmanagement.com

Hollywood Heaven Entertainment Inc. Ontario, hollywoodheaven.ca

Booking House Inc. British Columbia bookinghouse.com Bounce Entertainment Ontario bounceentertainment.ca Calgary Musicians Alberta bestcalgarymusicians.com CallBack Corporate Entertainment Inc. Alberta & Northwest Territories www.callbackent.com Carol Priest Entertainments Ontario carolpriestentertainment.com City Pro Entertainment Alberta cityprodj.com Corporate Entertainers Saskatchewan corporateentertainers.ca

RSDivas Creative Entertainment Agency Ontario rsdivas.com RĂŠsonances/PS ParĂŠ Quebec agenceresonances.com Safire Dance Event Entertainment Alberta safiredance.com Scarlett Entertainment International scarlettentertainment.com

Integrative Parties British Columbia interactiveparties.ca LaRouge Entertainment Ontario larougeentertainment.com MCP Talent Agency Saskatchewan mcptalent.com Morris Entertainment Manitoba morrisentertainment.ca Noteable Entertainment British Columbia noteable.net Peiree Gravel Quebec pierregravel.com PM Gigs Alberta pmgigs.com

TDC Entertainment Toronto event by Eclectic Events Inc.

Siegel Entertainment British Columbia siegelent.com Talent Source Nova Scotia talentsource.ca TDC Entertainment Inc. Ontario tdcentertainment.ca The Idea Hunter Ontario theideahunter.ca Total Entertainment Network British Columbia tenbc.com

Utilizing A Unique Combination of Electric Harps & Electric Violins, Elena’s Music is the Perfect Addition to

Your Special Event!

PERFECT FOR...

Wedding Ceremonies, Cocktail Receptions, Gala Dinners, Anniversaries, Engagements, Proposals, Private & Corporate Functions

C L I C K H E R E TO SEE A PREVIEW

Toronto Wedding and Corporate Events Entertainer elenamusician.com

647.832.1515 | elena@elenamusician.com

Ha r ps Vi o l i n s Pi a n o s Acca pe lla

Creativiva Inc, international performance agency, Toronto, ON.

SPECIALTY PERFORMERS 416BEATS Percussionists Group Ontario 416beats.ca

Anthony Roach Steel Pannist/Vocalist Quebec anthonyroach.ca

586 Event Group DJ Entertainment Ontario 586eventgroup.com

Banger Bingo Novelty Alberta www.bangerbingo.com

A2D2 ~ Aerial Dance Cirque Company Acro/Cirque Ontario a2d2.ca

Beauty and the Beats Singer & Drummer Duo British Columbia bceventmanagement.com/ entertainment/dance-bands

christinathecrazyhooper.webs.com

Double Vision Magic Magic & Comedy Saskatchewan doublevisionmagic.com

AcroFire Entertainment Fire Performers British Columbia acrofireentertainment.com

Bill Peterson Corporate Magician New Brunswick aneveningofcloseupmagic.com

Circus Orange Acro/Cirque/Novelty Ontario circusorange.com

Dueling Pianos Show Singing & Pianists Duo Alberta duelingpianokings.ca

Adagio Djay Entertainment DJ Entertainment Ontario adagiodj.com

Bob Cates, Comedy in Motion Comedy Show Ontario www.comedyinmotion.com

Elena Musician Violin/ Harp/ Piano/ Acapella Ontario elenamusician.com

Adam Graeme Hypnotist Ontario adamgraeme.com

Caravan of Creeps Bizarre Spectacles/ Aerial Arts/ Striptease/ Juggling British Columbia facebook.com/caravanofcreeps

Cirque Pacifique Acro/Cirque British Columbia bceventmanagement.com/ cirque-pacifique

Adrienne Fish Comedian/ Emcee Ontario adriennefish.com

Carisa Hendrix Magic/ Sideshow Stunts/ Circus Acts, Fire Performances Alberta carisahendrix.com

Chekia - Island Breeze YWAM Manitoba Cultural Performance Group Manitoba ywamislandbreeze.com/chekia Chris Funk The Wonderist Illusionist Ontario chrisfunkmagic.com Christina The Crazy Hooper Hoola Hoop Artist Manitoba

Creativiva Aerial Acts & Ground Acts Ontario creativiva.ca Dan Froese Violinist / Fiddler Nova Scotia danfroese.com

Diamond Dancers Showgirls/ Samba/ Ballet Ontario diamonddancers.ca Digital IPad Art Digital Media Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ digital-ipad-art

EMiMOTION Contemporary Dance Ontario emimotion.org Flashpoint Productions DJ and Photobooth Services DJ Entertainment Ontario flashpointpro.com

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WE BRING THE ART OF FIGURE SKATING TO PLACES YOU LEAST EXPECT TO SEE IT. PORTABLE ICE SURFACE, TALENTED PERFORMERS & CUSTOMIZED SHOWS FOR YOUR EVENT.

647.402.7274

chantal@glisseonice.com

www.glisseonice.com

glisseonice

Specializing in Magic, Mentalism & FullProduction Grand Illusion corporate shows.

Titled “Entertainer of the Year” at the 2014 Canadian Event Industry Awards.

Mega Magic www.MegaMagic.ca 416.910.2674

Fraser Blues Flying Formation Team Private Air Shows British Columbia fraserblues.com Frozen Fingered Magicians Magic & Balloon Shows Northwest Territories ykmagician.blogspot.com G-Pinto Violinist Ontario gpinto.com GirlOnWax Entertainment DJ Entertainment British Columbia girlonwax.com Glisse on Ice Indoor Ice Acts Ontario glisseonice.com

Gravity Still Works Fire Spinning, Juggling, Glow Spinning Manitoba amazingentertainment.ca/ services/gravity_still_works. html Gregertainment Impersonator/ Mentalist Alberta gregertainment.com Hadlen’s Entertainment Hypnotist/ Mentalist/ Magician Saskatchewan hadlen.com Hamlet The Clown Clown Alberta hamlettheclown.com

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Hypnotist Corrie J Hypnotist Saskatchewan corriej.com

Joanne Jordan Harpist Ontario joannajordan.com

Incredible BORIS Hypnotist Ontario comedywood.com

Jody Peters Stand Up Comedians Alberta corporateentertainers.ca/

Illegal Sound DJ Entertainment Ontario illegalsound.ca

rosters/jody-peters

Impact DJ DJ Entertainment Ontario impactdj.ca Jacene Mind Mystique Female Mentalist Saskatchewan mindmystique.ca JayDee Hypnotist Comedy Hypnotist International jaydeehypnotist.com Jenn Beaupré Vocalist Alberta jennbeaupre.com The Jesse Lewis Hypnotist Show Manitoba facebook.com/ JesseLewisHypnosisShow

Kaleidoscope LED Props Acts Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ kaleidoscope Karen Rokos Harpist Nova Scotia karenrokosharp.com Keith Facey Soloist of Celtic, Maritime & Original Folk Music New Brunswick keithfacey.com Lacey Lucidity Contact Juggler Ontario laceylucidity.ca Legends Entertainment DJ Entertainment Ontario legendsdj.com

holidayguide: entertainment Little Circus on the Prairie Comedy Contortion & Juggling Manitoba amazingentertainment.ca/ services/little_circus.html

MZ Laser Lazer Show Performance Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ mz-laser

Scott Jackson Beat Boxer/ Emcee Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ beat-box

The Illusionist Lucas Wilson Illusionist & Stunt Shows Ontario lucaswilson.ca

Olga Pankova Live VR Painting/ Canvas Artist Ontario artevolution.zone

Signature Entertainment DJ Entertainment Ontario signature-ent.ca

Mac & Hawes Acoustic Duo Nova Scotia macandhawes.com

Oracle 3D Video Mapping Projection Show Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ oracle

Soul Drums Ltd. Teambuilding Drum Circles Ontario souldrumsltd.com

Madame Buskerfly Comedy/ Cirque Ontario buskerfly.com Magic Box 3D Video Mapping Projection Show Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ magic-box-projectionmapping-performance Magic Moments DJ Entertainment Ontario magicmomentsdj.ca Mega Magic, Mike D'Uzro Magic Show Ontario megamagic.ca Matt Johnson Magician & Entertainer British Columbia urbandeception.com Mini Militia Dance Acts Ontario theideahunter.ca/the-hunt/ mini-militia

Out of Our Heads Productions Novelty Alberta outofourheads.ca Picasso Painters Body Painting & Metallic Live Statue Ontario picassopainters.com

Spidey Magic Magic Ontario spideymagic.com

The Rising Circus Acro/Cirque British Columbia therisingcircus.com The Sentimentalists Ground Act Ontario thesentimentalistsmagic.com The Underground Circus Circus Acts & Productions British Columbia undergroundcircus.ca TI Bots LED Robots Ontario tibots.ca Toronto Dance Company Dance Acts Ontario torontodancecompany.com

Star Productions DJ Entertainment Ontario starproductions.com Street Circus Acrobatic Duo, Fire Juggling National thestreetcircus.com

Quality Entertainment DJ Entertainment Ontario qualityentertainment.ca

Throw2Catch Acro/Cirque Quebec throw2catch.com

RS Divas Dance Show Ontario rsdivas.com

The Dance Company Dance Performances Ontario thedancecompany.ca

Ryan Lalonde Magician/Comedian Quebec ryanlalonde.net

Evansons Mentalists Ontario evason.com

Scott Hammell Magic/ Stunts/ Speaking Ontario scotthammell.com

The Funny Waiter Show Comedy Show Ontario johnparkcomedy.com

TriXtan Entertainment Magician Alberta trixtan.com Vincent Ellin Bassoonist Manitoba vincentellin.com Wayne Lee Hypnotist & Magician Alberta waynelee.com West Coast Contortion & Acrobatics Acro/Cirque British Columbia westcoastcontortion.com Yan Markson Magician Ontario yanmarkson.com

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holidayguide: entertainment

The Dreamboats in Ontario presented by The Idea Hunter.

DISCOVER YOUR

OFFICE ROCK STAR PARTY BANDS TO SPICE YOUR EVENT UP Didn't you know Sally in accounting played in a band? A fun and entertaining way to engage your team is to invite your home-grown talent to perform at your party. You can do this in several ways such as holding your own branded version of America’s Got Talent, using your Executives as judges (or as competitors) or you can simply send an interoffice memo inviting your most talented team members to take center stage for a show. If you are instantly thinking that this is cheesy, think again. There are always hidden

gems in every company who truly can sing or perform to a professional level but just don’t choose to do it as a fulltime career. This is not only a way to create conversation long after the event ends but it can also provide a bonding experience as people get to see the “non-work” side of their colleagues.

Here is a list of party bands throughout Canada that you can book for your next holiday event.

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The Rain City 6, British Columbia.

CANADIAN PARTY BANDS BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

Abra Cadabra mooncoinproductions.com

Five on the Side fiveontheside.com

Men Without Shame saskbands.com

Dr. Strangelove Band drstrangeloveband.com

Flamin’ Fiddler & Friends flaminfiddler.com

Rock Candy saskbands.com/rock-candy

Famous Players Band famousplayersband.com

Rock Garden rockgardenband.com

The Milkman’s Sons milkmanssons.com

March Hare marchhare.bc.ca

Side One sideone.ca

Ten Souljers tensouljers.com

SpotLight Entertainment spotlightband.ca

The Executives youngexecutivemusic.com

The Derina Harvey Band derinaharvey.com

Banned & Outlawed facebook.com/ BannedNOutlawed

The Neurotics theneurotics.com

The Dino Martinis pmgigs.com

Danny Kramer Dance Band dannykramer.com

The Phonix Dance Band thephonix.ca

The Two Bit Bandits twobitbandits.com

Snake Oil Sinners morrisentertainment.ca

The Rain City 6 theraincity6.com

Uptown uptown780.com

That 70’s Band morrisentertainment.ca

MANITOBA

The Holly Davidson Band facebook.com/ thehollydavidsonband Water & Wood gigsalad.com/water_wood_ winnipeg .340 Magnum facebook.com/340Magnum

Uptown, Alberta.

NOVA SCOTIA Donair Supply donairsupply.com Laughing Freemen laughingfreemen.com The Fine Tuners thefinetuners.ca The Mellotones themellotones.ca

Wannabe - Spice Girls tribute group, Ontario.

Watch The Video ONTARIO

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR Newfoundland The Band newfoundlandtheband.com

QUEBEC

The Spirit of Newfoundland spiritofnewfoundland.com

7Sould 7sould.com

Soular soular.ca

After Hours Band afterhoursband.ca/en/

All Request Live fusion-events.ca

St. Royal stroyalentertainment.com

Baby Boomers Band babyboomersband.net

Bongo and B bongoandb.com

Stereo Flavour stereoflavour.ca

Boogie Wonder Band boogiewonderband.com

BPM Krew bpmkrew.com

St. Kitts Music stkittsmusic.ca

Dance Knights Orchestra danceknights.ca

Countermeasure theideahunter.ca/the-hunt

The DNA Project thednathing.com

Le Vent Du Nord leventdunord.com

Electric Blonde electricblonde.com

The Digs digsevents.com

MazBand mazband.com

Gravy Navy by Willer Music willermusic.ca

The Dreamboats theideahunter.ca/the-hunt

Off The Wall Live Band otwliveband.com

Gadelle facebook.com/rootsmusic

God Made Me Funky godmademefunky.com

The Intentions Party Band intentionsband.com

Preville Big Band preville.qc.ca

The Atlantic String Machine atlanticstringmachine.com

ONQ Live onq-live.com

The Marc Joseph Band themarcjosephband.ca

The Directors Showband thedirectors.ca

The Wannabeez wannabeez.ca

Saturday Night Jive saturdaynightjive.com

The Sound Parade thesoundparade.com

The Fundamentals fundamentalsmusic.com

Saturday Night Superstars saturdaynightsuperstars.com

The Universal Boogie Band magenboys.com

Tonic Band tonicband.ca

Shugga shugga.ca

Wannabe - Spice Girls wannabespicegirls.com

NEW BRUNSWICK 8 Track Mind www.8trackmind.ca Mac and Hawes macandhawes.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

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talentspotlight

ELENA MUSICIAN Entertainer Extraordinaire Musician, Wedding Specialist and Corporate Entertainer

W

here is that music coming from?

That’s what guests always say when people enter the event space and are caught by the pure and melodic sounds of Elena’s music.

A master of three dazzling instruments, Elena’s musical style is as breathtaking as her image, with her versatile and unique live performances. From her stunning LED dress, LED violin and Swarovski electric violins to her angelic white harps and large snow globe. Elena’s versatility allows her to engage audiences from white tie formal galas to downtown millennial cool to sophisticated corporate events.

“

What’s wonderful about Elena is that she is 100% distinctive and there is no other act that compares her in Canadian corporate entertainment. It’s her uniqueness and ability to mesmerize guests with her beauty and music that creates an enchanted entertainment experience.

When guests watch her floating harp glide seamlessly across the dance floor while she sings and plays in her first full-length LED “northern lights” gown, cell phones light up and cameras flash. Elena is always one of the most talked about and photographed parts of the program.

“

“

A master of three dazzling instruments, Elena’s musical style is as breathtaking as her image...

“I’ve always enjoyed doing things a bit different and loved the Hollywood meets Vegas style of performing. The work that goes into designing my unique elements means that I can truly and confidently offer so many choices of performance."

Everything I do is played live with wireless, cableless technology so I can perform just about anywhere and clients love that!

If you have not seen Elena, click one of the videos on this page. To learn more visit www.elenamusician.com or connect with her at elena@elenamusucian.com.

Watch it

LUXERTAINMENT ULTRA CHIC ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS Definitely not suitable for every event budget, this new concept in live event entertainment would be best reserved for your elite clientele and high-end, ultraluxury events. For those with the budget to afford them, these uber-chic, once in a lifetime experiences are sure to thrill even the most discerning client. Some of these companies are not Canadian but for Canadian planners with big budget clients, we think you should know about these exclusive gems.

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E XCLUSI VE DIA MOND R ECEPTION Deliver a sparkling experience and wow your guests with real diamonds. One lucky guest will have the REAL diamond at the bottom of their champagne glass. Sparkling stones will be viewed by on-site diamond inspectors who set up a stone inspecting stations inside the reception. Caution please don’t try this without proper direction on how to secure the stones to the bottom of the flute so no one swallows it.

BU Y YOUR CLIENT PER FECT WE ATHER Your Holiday party in December may not be outside if you plan in Canada, (unless its at a ski resort), but planners who may be coordinating a destination wedding over the holidays (or anyone for that matter) can now BUY good weather! A French company offers a ‘cloud-bursting’ service that can 100% guarantee fair weather and clear skies. Currently only available in France (though they are expanding), the service employs the talents of pilots and meteorologists and takes over three weeks to plan. They use silver iodide to ‘seed’ the clouds – essentially giving the water vapour something to condense around to produce rain which then clears the air and voila, a bright sunny event day. The cost starts at £100,000, which is pretty penny but then again, you can’t put a price on perfection right?

It may sound like science fiction, but cloud seeding was developed in the 1940s by US chemist Vincent Schaefer.

Cloud bursting (AKA cloud seeding) is a form of weather modification, causing clouds to drop rain and dissipate quickly. It works by dispersing substances into the air, containing super-cooled water in an attempt to cause them to disappear, modify their structure, or alter the intensity of their phenomena. Once seeded, the clouds will be gone over a period of 24 hours. The project itself will take around 3 weeks all in all. The company guarantees success however if a natural disaster such as a hurricane were to occur then all bets are off. The strangest part of this is that occasional rows break out between countries over who “owns” the rain from clouds, however, nothing has ever been proven. Click here to learn more

BLACK LIGHT CONFIDENTIA L IN VITATION Why give a simple paper invite when you can send light? The black light invitation is created using invisible ink, the glowing text of this invitation is revealed only under black light. Send them along with special miniature branded black light keychains so guests can discover the secret message and your private invite information. Perfect for exclusive celebrity events and ultra-private affairs.

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PRO JECT ON PASTRY You know all about projections on walls, cars, buildings and even tables but now, you can buy projection on your wedding cakes pastries and food items. Custom projections can be designed to create mind-blowing expressions and make a stunning statement at your exclusive event. Imagine Santa Clause on the cake at a December wedding?

R ENT A N ISLA ND Did you know Canadian private islands are available to rent for events? You don’t need to jet all your guests to the Caribbean for a private party, instead you can rent an island on the magnificent St-Lawrence river and throw an exclusive holiday party evening or weekend, depending on capacity. Access in early winter will depend on the island but nothing says rich like a destination event.

BLUE WINE Close your eyes. Try for a moment to pretend you know nothing about wine. Forget the protected wine designations, the things you know tannins and clarity and everything that sommelier said your last tasting session. Now open your eyes, what do you see? A sweet and blue drink with 11.5 degrees of alcohol. That’s Gïk. Gïk is born for fun. To shake things up a little and see what happens. To create something new. Something different.

Why a blue wine? you wonder. And why not? Not sold in Canada, the exclusivity and rarity of letting your guests be the first of their friends to access this makes it a top winner on our LUXURY event ideas for Holiday 2017. Better yet, gift each guest a bottle.

holidayguide: entertainment

B OX OF ROSE S THAT LAST A YEAR

These make a stunning holiday gift for your very best clients or are perfect for take-aways at a high end luxe event. The eternity rose boxes can be customized and branded with any message and artwork. These specially cultivated roses are picked at the ideal stage of bloom then coated to preserve their natural colour and scent. They can last up to a year. Toronto’s Royal Flowers specializes in boxed eternity roses, as does Mfleurs in Montreal.

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Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com

CASINO & ARCADE

GAME RENTALS BREAK THE ICE WITH GAMING CASINO GA ME S Yes, that’s right, the old-fashioned kind of games where you slide up the table, pull up a stool and settle in for a mean game of black jack or Texas Holdem are back. For holiday parties, this kind of entertainment is well worth the investment because it not only entertains your guests, it encourages engagement and interaction with each other not machines or apps. These days you can rent uber cool looking tables that light up, are themed and come in an assortment of colours and fabrics. Make it a competition by creating either a point system or fun money guests can use to buy prizes at the end of the night. A nice way to add a little charity to this is to let 160 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

guests “donate” their wins (to a limit) to a charity of your choosing and have the company pay the donation. It’s a win-win for everyone. You can entertain your staff AND get a tax receipt for it.

A RCA DE GA ME S Why not go a little retro? Maybe the millennials won’t be able to remember playing space invaders or Pacman or pinball but I guarantee they will love them. Great games never go out of style. If you love the idea of a gamey holiday party you could always go to a gaming venue like Playdium or Dave & Busters or you can let the games come to you.

holidayguide: entertainment ARCADE & GAME RENTALS These companies can help you with your gaming needs and provide bonus ideas for your holiday parties like snack shacks, retro foods and other fun kitchy party perks.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ONTARIO

Houle Games houlegames.com

Hart Entertainment Party Rentals hartentertainment.com

Party Works partyworks.bc.ca Angels Events angelsevents.ca Bonkers Games bonkersgames.com Frazer Party Rentals fraservalleypartyrentals.com

ALBERTA

Superior Events Group superiorevents.ca Checkers Fun Factory checkersfunfactory.com

Mira Amusement miraamusement.com PRĂŠT-A-PARTY pretaparty.com Location Festi-FĂŞtes festifetes.ca Amuz Inc amuz.ca

NOVA SCOTIA

Bounce Events & Party Rentals bounceevents.ca

Hyper Amusement Rentals hyperamusements.ca

Redline Promotions redlinepromotions.com

bouncekingdompartyrentals.com

maineventfun.com

Access Entertainment accessentertainment.com

SPIRIT Entertainment spiritentertainment.ca

I Play Mobile Play Theatre iplaygametheatre.com

Event Direct Inc eventdirect.ca

Tee Breeze Entertainment party-entertainment.ca

Toronto Coin Machine Exchange pinballexchange.com

SASKATCHEWAN

POP! Events Group popevents.ca

Prairieland Rental & Sales prairielandrental.com

Nemesis Video Game Lounge nemesislan.ca

Abbey Road Entertainment abbeyroadentertainment.com

Alliance Entertainment Services greatparty.ca

Blue Chip Casino Rentals bluechiprentals.ca

QUEBEC

The Main Event Fun Games Inc

Bounce Kingdom Party Rentals

Central Amusement Ltd. centralamusement.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR Sky High Amusements Ltd skyhighamusements.com Golden Ticket Party Rentals goldenticketnl.ca

N ew B runswick Asperule Event asperule.com Par-T-Perfect par-t-perfect.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PEI Inflatables peiinflatables.com

Glow The Event Store glowparties.ca Giant Promotions Limited giantpromotions.ca

Ontario Inflatables and Event Rentals inc. ontarioinflatables.com

Pac-Man Battle Royale from Abbey Road Entertainment.

SAY CHEESE PHOTO BOOTH YOUR EVENT

We recently wrote a major piece on photo booths and it had some great ideas and suggestions for modern day versions of this popular event activity. Here are some highlights. The new super charged versions are high-tech, self-serve, interactive, diverse and fully customizable. Integrated with mobile apps, they come with features like laser, greenscreen, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. While some may think a photo booth is old school, actually the photo booth rental market has exploded.

VIRT UA L R E A LIT Y/ AUGMENTED R E A LITY If you ever played the video game “The Sims� then this augmented reality photo booth will reassemble a similar interface. You can try on a variety of hats, sunglasses and other novelty props and interact and control the experience using hand gestures to switch through random props by raising your right hand above your head. Once photo ready, simply raise your left hand to select either camera or video and voila!

Photo courtesy of Fotomaster Ltd.

Watch it

GIF PHO TO B O O TH For your holiday party this year try the GIF photo booth. GIFs are a series of consecutive still photos taken within seconds which are then magically stitched together to make an animation. Simply tap on the photo booth screen, keep changing your poses and share the file where ever you want; email, facebook, twitter. Perfect for an instant social share.

162 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Photo courtesy of Event Circle.

SL O-MO VIDEO B O O TH Another cool option is the slow-motion video booths that turns a 6-second video into a 19-second ultra slow motion clip. Capturing video at 240 frames per second, guests can jump, flip coins, blow glitter, “make it rain” with money, the list goes on… These go well with props that disappear in seconds like bubbles, confetti pops, falling balloons or sparklers. Once the video is recorded, guests can have the option to email yourself a copy or share it to social media platforms like facebook, Instagram and snapchat.

Watch it

36 0 DEGR EE SL OW MOTION Abbey Road Entertainment offers a spin on this with their 360 Slow Motion Video Booth where attendees can stand on an elevated circular platform while a slow-motion video camera rotates around them as they primp and pose. This installation requires no backdrop and if placed strategically can reveal a stunning 360 view of your event.

Watch it

MIR ROR ME Another photo booth worth mentioning is the Mirror Me photo booth you've likely seen popping up at brand activations and event activities. As you walk up to the mirror, colorful animations and voice guidance invite you to engage in a magical, interactive “selfie” experience presenting a photo keepsake. You can choose to include voice guidance, gesture and movement detection, vibrant animations displayed on the mirror, touch screen photo-signing and fully customizable emoji stamping, an interactive “Screaming Contest”, social games and a colorful photo countdown.

Photo courtesy of Fotomaster Ltd.

PHOTO BOOTH VENDORS BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

MANITOBA

Butter Studios Photography & Photobooth Victoria/ Tofino butterphotobooth.ca

Hoot Booth Calgary hootbooth.com

Armed with Harmony Saskatoon armedwithharmony.ca

Mojo Photo Inc. Edmonton & Calgary mojophoto.ca

Freeze Framez Saskatoon freezeframez.ca

4squareFOTO elite portable photobooth Winnipeg 4squarefoto.com

Neat Photo Booth Calgary neatphotobooth.ca

Photobooth Central Saskatoon photoboothcentral.ca

Ready, Set, Booth Edmonton readysetbooth.com

Revolution Entertainment Inc. Saskatoon revolutiondj.com

Tap Snap Calgary, Edmonton & Lethbridge tapsnap.net

Tap Snap Saskatoon & Regina tapsnap.net

BuzzBooth Photo Video Booth Vancouver buzzbooth.ca Flashpoint Photobooth Kitchener fpbooth.com Le Studio Vancouver Vancouver lestudiovancouver.com/ photobooth Modern Romance Productions Vancouver modernromanceweddings.com Pixperience Vancouver pixperience.com Picture & Color Media Vancouver pictureandcolor.com Silly Booth Port Moody sillybooth.ca So Slow! Productions Edmonton soslow.ca Touchbox Photo Booth Vancouver touchboxmedia.ca

Tubby’s Party Rentals Calgary tubbys.ca Twisted Image Creations Edmonton & Calgary twistedimagecreations.com WACKY Shots Lethbridge wackyshots.ca We Image Calgary weimage.ca Xpressbooth Calgary xpressbooth.ca

Vancouver Flipbook Vancouver vancouverflipbook.com

164 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Bob’s Photo Booth Winnipeg bobsphotobooth.com Happy Booth Winnipeg Winnipeg happybooth.ca Pixels and Giggles Winnipeg pixelsngiggles.com

holidayguide: entertainment

ONTARIO 2D House Toronto 2dhouse.com

Party Impressions Inc. Toronto mypartyimpressions.com

Abbey Road Entertainment Toronto abbeyroadentertainment.com

PartyPix Toronto & Ottawa partypix.ca

Event Circle Toronto eventcircle.ca

Pop Interactive Party Rentals Toronto popevents.ca

Flow Photo Toronto flowphoto.ca

Soapbox Photo & Video Booths Toronto www.soapboxbooths.com

Go Booth Ottawa gobooth.ca MARIPA Media Ottawa maripamedia.yolasite.com MDRN Photobooth Co. Ottawa

Snapshot Photobooth Toronto snapshotphotobooth.com Snapz Photo Booth Toronto snapzphotobooth.ca

Snapshot Photo Booth by Flow Photo Toronto.

mdrnphotoboothcompany.com

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

QUEBEC

Memories2Go Moncton, Saint John & Fredericton

Tap Snap St. John’s tapsnap.net

memories2go.ca

St. John’s Photo Booth St. John’s stjohnsphotobooth.com

Frenzy Booth Montreal frenzybooth.com

Le Selfie Booth Montreal leselfiebooth.com

Hartistic Photobooth Montreal hartisticphotobooth.com

Méga FUN Montreal megafunanimation.com

Instaslomo Inc. Montreal instaslomo.com

Laugh It Up All of Province laughitup.ca Klik Pics Photo Booth All of Province newbrunswickphotobooth.com IBooth Party Photobooth Fredericton iboothpartyphotobooth.com

NOVA SCOTIA Applehead Studio Halifax appleheadstudio.com

Tap Snap Halifax tapsnap.net

That Photobooth Fredericton picturethatphotobooth.ca

Fotobox Rentals Annapolis Valley fotobox.rentals

True North DJ Services Ltd. Halifax nsphotobooth.com

Get In Touch Fredericton newbrunswickphotobooth.com

The Party Booth St. John’s thepartybooth.ca

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Laugh It Up All of Province www.laughitup.ca Instabooth Stratford instaboothpei.com

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EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS BRITISH COLUMBIA Brian Dennehy Photography Vancouver briandennehyphotography.com Coast Mountain Photography Vancouver coastphoto.com Dean Kalyan Victoria deankalyan.com Geoff Howe Vancouver geoffhowe.ca Lydia Nagai Vancouver lydianagai.com/event Raymond Chou Photography Vancouver raymondchou.ca

Julie Vincent Photographer Calgary julievincentphotography.com

Joel Ross Photography Winnipeg joelross.com

Grayson Lee Toronto bygrayson.com

Leblond Studio Inc. Calgary leblondstudio.com

Manuel F Sousa Winnipeg msousa.com

Kayce Photography Toronto kaycephotography.com

Moments in Digital Edmonton momentsindigital.com

Prairie & Pine Winnipeg Laugh It Up prairieandpine.ca

KS Studios Toronto ksstudios.ca

Photos with Finesse Calgary photoswithfinesse.com

Robert Lowdon Winnipeg robertlowdon.com

Living Face Photography Toronto livingface.com

SASKATCHEWAN

Rygiel Photo & Video Winnipeg rygielphotovideo.com

Mary Pics Toronto events.marypics.com

ONTARIO

Melanie Sheilds Photography Ottawa melanieshieldsphotography.com

424U Photo & Video, Henry Lin Toronto 424u.com

Nathan Lelievre Photography Ottawa nathanlphotography.com

APPL Photo Saskatoon applphoto.com Gina's Portraits Saskatoon ginasportraits.com

Thorpe Vancouver jonthorpe.com

JLW Photography Regina jlwphotography.ca

Two Peas Photogaphy Vancouver twopeas.ca

Reinbolt Photography Saskatoon reinboltphotography.com

Vision Photo Vancouver visionphoto.ca

Shawn Fulton Photograpy Regina shawnfultonphotography.com

ALBERTA

Twelth Year Regina twelfthyear.ca

Avonlea Photography Edmonton avonleastudio.com J&J Lawrence Photography Calgary jandjlawrencephotography.com

MANITOBA Artistic Impressions Winnipeg aiphotography.com

166 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Biz Photo Toronto bizphoto.ca Byfield~Pitman Ottawa byfieldpitman.com Caryn Silverstein Photography Toronto carynsilverstein photography.com

Phot-O-Holic Imagery Markham photoholicimagery.com

QUEBEC Ali Kay Photography Montreal alikayphoto.com Bonnallie Broduer Montreal bonnalliebrodeur.com

Dan Abramovici Toronto danabramoviciphotography.com

CEP Photography Montreal cepstudio.com

DeBane Photography Ottawa debanephotography.com

Julian Haber Photography Montreal julianhaberphotography.com

holidayguide: suppliers Nadia Zheng Montreal nadiazheng.com

Michelle Doucette Photography Halifax

Preston Photography Moncton prestonphotography.com

Pictures by Sally LeDrew St John's picturesbysallyledrew.com

Studio Iris Photography Montreal studioiris.ca

michelledoucettephotography.ca

Sean McGrath Photography St. John seanmcgrath.ca

Wayne Thornhill Photography St John's waynethornhillphoto.com

Valerie Rosen Photography Montreal valerierosenphotography.com Barndoor Studio Windsor barndoorstudio.ca

NOVA SCOTIA Bruce Jollimore Photogaphy Dartmouth bjphotography.ca Ellner Photography Halifax ellnerphoto.com Jill Roberts Photography Halifax jillrobertsphotography.com

Roman Buchhofer Photography Cheticamp romanbuchhofer.com

NEW BRUNSWICK Kandise Brown Fredricton kandisebrown.com Leelynn Bardsley Moncton lbardsleyphotography.com Miranda Oleary Photography St. John saintjohnphotography.ca Philip Boudreau Dieppe philipboudreau.com

Winner 2016 Best Event Photography, Canadian Event Industry Awards Photos With Finesse, Calgary, AB

Shannon May St Andrews shannonmayphotography.com

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR DM Photography St John's donnamcmullin.com JP Mullowney St John's stjohnsweddingphotographer.com

Nate and Nicole St John's nateandnicolephoto.com

Zach Wheeler St John's zachwheeler.ca

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Buffie Boily Photography Summerside bboily.com Cheryl Perry Photography Harrington cherylperryphotography.com Sand Piper Studios New Glasgow sandpiperstudios.ca

The Event Storyteller Bringing creative ideas to life!

expert planning • decor & design • event animation

Call: 416-970-2044 I events@creativetwist.ca www.CreativeTwist.ca

holidayguide: suppliers SPECIALITY SUPPLIERS 2nd Wind Oxygen Bars Vancouver, BC oxygenbars.ca Boo La La Costumes Vancouver, BC boolalacostumes.com

Picatic (party rsvp platform)

Saskatoon, SK picatic.com

Creative Twist Toronto, ON creativetwist.ca

Rent Frock & Repeat (rental gowns and dresses)

Nightlife Entertainment

Toronto, ON rentfrockrepeat.com

A Good Day, Inc. (Invitations) Toronto, ON agooddayinc.com

Toronto, ON nightlifeinc.com

Aromachology

Givergy

(branded promo products/

(try on perfume bars for events)

(fundraising, auction services)

gifts & swag)

Massage in Motion Vancouver, BC massageinmotion.ca

Toronto, ON myaromachology.com

Toronto, ON givergy.com/fundraise

Toronto, ON twocrazyladies.com

Arrowonics

Incredible Novelties

Sandalwood Promotions

Pamper Your Soul Vancouver, BC pamperyoursoul.com

(drone show)

(branded promo products/gifts &

(branded promo products/

Toronto, ON arrowonics.com

swag)

gifts & swag)

Watts Costume Rentals Vancouver, BC wattscostumes.com

Axe Media Group

Toronto, ON incrediblenovelties.com

Toronto, ON sandalwoodpromos.com

(signs, banners, event printing)

Lip Labz

Sticker You

Toronto, ON axemediagroup.com Brash Avenues

(lip gloss station)

(stickers for anything)

Toronto, ON interactivia.ca

Toronto, ON stickeryou.com

(branded promo products/

Over the Edge Global

The Wellness Edge Toronto, ON massageonwheels.ca

CinemaZoo (animal agency)

Vancouver, BC cinemazoo.com

WestCoastAuctions.ca (fundraising, auction services)

Vancouver, BC westcoastauctions.ca Mallabar Apparels Winnipeg, MB mallabar.com Wild West Ranch Mechanical Bull Rentals Winnipeg, MB wildwestranch.ca Spark Rentals Inc. Winnipeg, MB

gifts & swag)

Burlington, ON brashavenues.com Hot Paws Talent Mississauga, ON hotpawstalent.com Coyote Promotions (branded promo products/ gifts & swag)

Toronto, ON coyotepromos.com

(Do it Yourself Karaoke, Projector and Audio Rentals)

Theatrix Costume House Toronto, ON theatrixcostumehouse.com Two Crazy Ladies Inc.

(rapelling)

Toronto, ON overtheedgeglobal.com

Waters Shoe Care

PC Name Tag

(mobile shoe shine)

(party id /unique nametag service)

Toronto, ON theperfectshine.shoes

Toronto, ON pcnametag.ca Peter & Paul's Gifts Toronto, ON peterandpaulsgifts.com

Marquee Letters (large custom letters)

Pointe-Claire, QC marqueeletters.ca

(Specialty equip from foam machines to black light)

sparkrentals.ca

SEPT/ OCT 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 169

Dance floor vinyl by Event Graffiti, Toronto, ON.

SPECIALTY DECOR RENTALS & PROPS Canam Importique

Wrap Champs

(prop house)

(Vinyl graphics, floors, walls, decor)

Burnaby, BC canamimportique.com

Surrey, BC wrapchamps.com

Greenscape Design & Decor Burnaby, BC greenscapedecor.com

Peter the Plantman Calgary, AB petertheplantman.com

Eclipse Productions Associates Inc.

Accessible Elegance Event Rentals Winnipeg, MB accessibleelegance.com

(sets, specialty staging, custom builds)

Vancouver, BC eclipse-design.com Paradise Events (Vinyl graphics, floors, walls, decor)

Creating a Scene (decor and props)

Winnipeg, MB creatingascene.ca

Amherst Greenhouses Clairmont, ON amherstgreenhouses.com Hamilton Scenic Specialty Inc. Hamilton, ON hssi.ca Greens Galore London, ON greensgalore.ca Creative Club Inc. Toronto, ON creativeclubglobal.com Curtain Call Creative Fabrics Inc. (drapery and event fabrics)

Event Graffiti (Vinyl graphics, floors, walls, dĂŠcor)

Toronto, ON eventgraffiti.com Imagine it 3d Toronto, ON imagineit-3d.com MOJO Props & Set Dressing Inc. Toronto, ON mojoprops.com Ready Set Recycle Toronto, ON readysetrecycle.com Joe's Prop House: New & Now (props)

Vancouver, BC paradiseevents.com

House of Silk

Scene Ideas Inc.

Winnipeg, MB houseofsilk.ca

Dance Floor Decor

Lets Celebrate Rentals Winnipeg, MB letscelebraterentals.com

Toronto, ON dancefloordecor.com

Planterra Montreal, QC planterra.ca

Display Arts Toronto, ON displayarts.ca

Backdrops Canada Online Ordering backdropscanada.ca

Etteridge Design Toronto, ON ettridges.com

Lollipop Drop Shoppe Online Ordering lollipopdrops.ca

(Custom staging & Scenic rentals)

Vancouver sceneideas.ca Thomas Fx (props, sets, scenery, decor)

Vancouver, BC thomasfx.com Vancouver Prop + Costume Vancouver, BC vanprop.ca

(silk plants)

Peachy Green Events & Rentals (vintage rental products)

Winnipeg, MB peachygreenevents.com

170 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Mississauga, ON curtaincallinc.ca (Vinyl Graphics, floors, walls, decor)

Ville Mont-Royal, QC, oesprophouse.com

holidayguide: suppliers EVENT FLOWERS AND BLOOMS Flowerz Vancouver, BC flower-z.com

Beyond Flowers Winnipeg, MB beyondflowers.ca

Fredricton Flower Fredricton, NB frederictonflowers.com

Silver Rose St Johns, NL silverrose.ca

Roa Luxury Floral Event Design Vancouver, BC roaluxuryfloraleventdesign.com

The Floral Fixx Winnipeg, MB thefloralfixx.ca

Crocus Designs Halifax, NS crocusdesignsbylaura.com

Island Meadow Farms Charlottetown, PEI islandmeadowfarms.ca

U Floria Winnipeg, MB ufloriawinnipeg.com

Props Floral Design Halifax, NS propsfloraldesign.com

Paul’s Flowers Charlottetown, PEI paulsflowers.ca

Vivio Flower Gallery Port Moody, BC vivioflowers.ca Cory Christopher Edmonton, AB corychristopher.ca Dahlia Floral Design Calgary, AB dahliafloraldesign.ca Fabloomosity Edmonton, AB fabloomosity.com Flower Artistry Calgary, AB flowerartistry.ca Flowers by Janie Calgary, AB flowersbyjanie.com Mandala Floral Calgary, AB mandalafloral.com Studio Bloom Floral Design Edmonton, AB studiobloom.ca Virginia Rose Floral & Event Design Edmonton, AB virginiaroseevents.com Flower Essence Regina, SK floweressence.ca

Ashton Creative Toronto, ON ashtoncreative.ca Berries & Blooms Toronto, ON berriesandblooms.ca DT Floral & Decor Toronto, ON dtfloralanddecor.com Opening Night Flowers Toronto, ON openingnightflowers.com Royal Flowers Toronto, ON royalflower.ca Fleurs Design Laval, QC fleursdesign.ca Florist La Quenouille Le Loft Montreal, QC floristlaquenouille.com Le Bouquet St.Laurent Inc. Saint-Laurent, QC lebouquet.com Le Rouge Fleuriste et Cadeaux Saint-Laurent, QC lerouge.ca

Floral by Berries & Blooms, Toronto, ON.

holidayguide: suppliers SPECIALTY EVENT FOOD & BEVERAGE Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts Vancouver, BC blisscupcakes.com Cake n Sweets Coquitlam, BC cakesnsweets.ca Divine Delicacies Vancouver, BC divinedelicacies.ca Seniorita Margarita (mobile marg machines & services)

Rybchuk's Mobile Catering & Event Services

Oysters XO

(specialty catering)

Toronto, ON oystersxo.com/toronto

Tiny Tom Donuts Toronto, ON tinytomdonuts.com/ cateringinfo

Quench Buggy Toronto, ON quenchbuggy.com

Water on Wheels Toronto, ON wateronwheels.ca

Rodney's Oyster House

The Wine Sisters

Regina, SK rybchukscatering.com Aquaholics Ottawa, ON aquahaulics.ca

(oyster catering)

BBQ Party in a Box

(oysters catering)

(wine tours, tasting and events)

(bbq catering in a classic car)

Toronto, ON odneysoysterhouse.com

Toronto, ON thewinesisters.com

Sixty-Six Bricks

Chocolata Blainville, QC aquahaulics.ca

Shannonville, ON bbqpartyinabox.com Bite Me Bakery

(Craft maple syrup on ice

(cupcakes & branded desserts)

Toronto, ON bitemebakery.ca

& maple gifts) Toronto, ON sixtysixbrix.com

Double Chocolate Fountain Toronto,ON doublechocolatefountain.com

Succulent Chocolates Woodbridge, ON succulentchocolates.com The Scotch Experience

Mervs Pitchfork Fondue Saskatoon, SK mervspitchforkfondue.com

Misty Stix (dry ice cocktail sticks) Toronto, ON mistystix.com

Pure Sweetness

Mr. Wilson Ice Cream Co

The Wandering Bean

(Luxury gourmet craft ice

(mobile coffee)

cream on site)

Toronto, ON wanderingbeancoffeeco. blogspot.ca

Edmonton, AB senoritamargarita.ca Double D's Cheesecake Winnipeg, MB double-ds-cheesecake.com The Pretzel Place Winnipeg, MB thepretzelplace.ca

(event specialty gourmet popcorn, smores, snowcones)

Regina puresweetness.ca

Toronto, ON misterwilson.ca

(scotch tastings and events)

Express Kafeh (mobile coffee)

Montreal, QC expresskafeh.com Sizzle Popcorn Saint-Laurent, QC sizzlepopcorn.com

Toronto, ON thescotchexperience.com

Craft maple syrup on ice by Sixty-Six Bricks, Toronto, ON.

EVENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Fabulous Limousines Richmond, BC fabulouslimousines.ca

Blue Sky Limos Calgary , AB blueskylimos.com

LA Limos Concorde, ON lalimos.ca

The Ottawa Limo Company Ottawa ON ottawalimo.org

Pearl Limousine Vancouver, BC pearllimousine.com

Checker Ambassador Limousine Calgary, AB thecheckergroup.com

Erin Mills Limousines & Luxury Coaches Toronto, ON erinmillslimo.com

Limo Daniel Inc. Montreal Laval, QC limousinemontreal.com

Legends Limousine Ltd Edmonton, AB aclimos.ca

ecoRIDES Toronto, ON EcoRides.com

Prestige Transportation Ltd Edmonton, AB edmontonprestigelimousine.com

Gatsby Valet Toronto, ON Gatsbyvalets.com

Montréal Classique Limousine Montreal, QC montreallimo.com

Carpe Diem Limousine Saskatoon, SK cdlimo.com

Luxury Coach Toronto, ON luxury.to

Groupe Limo Québec Quebec, QC limoquebec.com

Living Skies Limo Saskatoon, SK livingskieslimousine.ca

Millennium Limousine Service Ottawa, ON millenniumlimousines.com

Maritime Luxury Limousine & Sedan Servicez Charlottetown, PE peilimo.com

Royal Limousine Service Vancouver, BC royallimo.ca Star Limousine Service Vancouver, BC starlimousine.com VanCity Limos Vancouver, BC vancitylimos.com Ambassador Limousine Calgary, AB mylimos.com Black Car Executive, Calgary, AB blackcarexecutive.ca

London Limos Winnipeg, MB londonlimos.ca

174 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

Limoselect Montreal, QC limoselect.com

EVENT SECURITY/ ON-SITE MEDIC SERVICES Genesis Security Group Vancouver, BC genesissecurity.com

Calgary Security Services Calgary, AB calgarysecurityservicesltd.ca

Garda World Winnipeg, MB garda.com

Sword Security Toronto, ON swordsecurity.ca

Guardteck Security Co Vancouver, BC guardteck.com

CIS Event Security Services Calgary , AB cisprotection.com

IGS Security Montreal, QC igssecurity.com

ICM Security Vancouver, BC icmsecurity.com

MacCon Security & Medical Calgary, AB macconpublicsafety.com

Toro Security & Event Services Winnipeg, MB torosecurity.com

Odyssey Vancouver, BC odysseymedical.ca

Initial Security Edmonton, AB initialsecurity.ca/specialevent-security

Medix Victoria, BC medixbc.ca

Montreal Elite Security Montreal, QC montrealelitesecurite.com

Orion Security Toronto, ON orionsecurity.ca Sentinel Security Plus Toronto, ON sentinelsecurityplus.com

Shadow Group Security Halifax, NS shadowgroup.ca East Coast Security Charlottetown, PEI eastcoastsecurity.ca

EVENT STAFFING & BRAND HOSTS BBW International Inc. Vancouver/ Toronto bbwinternational.com

Crew Supply Toronto, ON crewsupply.ca

Maple Leaf Staffing Toronto, ON mapleleafstaffing.org

Garcon RSVP Montreal, QC garconsvp.com

Nasco Staffing Solution Vancouver/ Toronto/ Winnipeg nasco.ca

Femme Fatale Media & Promotions Toronto, ON femmefatalemedia.com

Pineapple Eventworks Inc. Toronto, ON pineappleworks.ca

Stagecrew Halifax, NS stagecrew.ca

Prestige Staffing Montreal, QC prestigeeventstaffing.ca

City Models Halifax, NS citymodels.ca

Core Staffing Toronto, ON coreeventstaff.com

Iris Blue Toronto, ON blunationstaffing.com

EVENT ICE & ICE DECOR Ice Decor Langley, BC icedecor.ca

Iceworks Edmonton, AB iceworks.ca

Ice Culture Hensall, ON iceculture.com

BlizzArt Sculpture Montreal, QC blizzartsculpture.ca

Cool Creations Vancouver, BC cool-creations.com

Arctic Glacier Winnipeg, MB arcticglacier.com

Ice Sculptures Montreal, QC icesculpturesmontreal.com

Halifax Ice Sculptures Halifax, NS a1icesculptures.blogspot.com

Frozen Memories Calgary, AB icesculpture.ca

Fire & Ice Creations Saskatoon, SK fireandicecreations.ca

Ice Boy Toronto, ON iceboy.ca

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wine&dine

Wine Makes Your Holiday Party

Merry & Bright

by Erin Henderson

Is it just me, or did 2017 fly by faster than usual? It seems like just yesterday I took down the decorations and literally last month I was sending out "Save the Date" invites for my annual tree trimming in December.

focus on something almost everyone loves‌ Wine!

Well, if there's one thing I've learned over the years, the early bird gets the worm... or maybe, in this case, the early holiday party planner gets the tinsel.

Customized, bespoke wine events with wine-tasting stations keep people mingling, relaxed and engaged. It also increases the buzz and energy of the event. It's perfect for gatherings where guests may come from different departments or maybe even different cities, and don't necessarily know each other.

The other constant I've come to know is that busy event planners will get even busier during the holidays, juggling new clients and requests from regular clients for this year's party to be "new and different." To help save some time in conjuring up something new and creative, here are some ideas on how to easily put a fresh spin on classic favourites - blending something old with something new to with a

One theme we recently created is proving very popular for events. It's called "Discover Your Wine Style," and it is a unique tasting where guests try wines to discover what their wine personality is. For example, Sweet & Fruity, Rich & Nutty, Fresh & Racy or Bold & Enticing.

With personality stickers guests can wear on their clothes, it's a terrific ice breaker.

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Another fun wine option is to shake things up and get out of town. Wine tours are a perfect way to throw off the stuffy suits and ties and relax in the beauty of wine country. Boots, parkas and flannel allows the team to see each other in a new light, and there's an ease and beauty to walking through a snowy vineyard with a glass of something delicious in hand. Just remember to provide shuttles or ubers for them to get home safely from the drop of point.

If you find you can't get away, look up local tours through your city to discover new places you wouldn't normally visit.

Toronto drinktoronto.ca offers wine, beer and cocktail tours to thirsty explorers. Perfect for corporate clients looking for a different way to have some fun with the team.

But what's a party without gifts? Every fall, we host a wine tasting for a client who has the team vote on a favourite white and red. The company then gifts each employee a case of the winning wines. It's a generous and fun way to reward the team for all their hard work.

178 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SEPT/ OCT 2017

For the wine lovers in your life, go beyond the basic bottle, and consider a wine subscription: we like to use kwäf (kwaf.ca), a Canadian wine company that works with leading wineries to deliver wines not available in your local wine store. With national delivery, their "Club K" members receive a surprise box of top-notch bottles approved by their staff of leading sommeliers.

Right around now is when they offer some terrific gifting promotions, so keep an eye out and take advantage while you can.

Of course, your own location and timing may mean you are handling things on your own. If that's the case, I've listed some splurge and steal wines that are perfect for parties or gift giving on any budget.

If you have questions picking out wines for your next event, drop The Wine Sisters a line at drinkwithus@thewinesisters.com.

Gift & Taste SPLURGE

Sparkling

SAVE

$30

MUMM CUVEE NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE

MUMM CORDON ROUGE

Napa Valley, California USA

France

The American holding of the famed Champagne house, this traditional method bubbly offer flavourful notes of apple and pear with toasty brioche.

An excellent stand in for the real deal.

Full bodied and rich with notes of fresh green apple and lemon balanced by warm pastry flavours.

BRUT CHAMPAGNE

Red

SAVE

$61 SPLURGE

FRESCOBALDI "CAMPO AI SASSI" ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

FRESCOBALDI "CASTELGIOCONDO" BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

Tuscany, Italy 2014

Tuscany, Italy 2014

Rosso di Montalcino is considered the baby brother of Brunello and can be an exceptional value. Made of Sangiovese grapes (just like Brunello), there's notes of red cherry, wild herb and spice.

A lovely indulgence, Brunello is one of the iconic wines of Italy. Intriguing and seductive with dark berries, black olive, bay leaf and thyme, this is affordable luxury worthy of impressive gift giving.

$22

SPLURGE

SAVE

White

$53

LOUIS JADOT CHARDONNAY

LOUIS JADOT MEURSAULT

Burgundy, France 2015

Burgundy, France 2013

Rich and ripe with a creamy palate and flavours of peach, yellow apple and slight flint. A snappy, green apple finish offers vibrance.

Meursault is an illustrious wine growing region in Burgundy producing premier, age-worthy Chardonnays that are typically rich, full bodied and buttery.

This is a classic example that offers the ripe fruit and creaminess but with a fine mineral streak.

$21 *Prices in Ontario; may vary from province to province.

$80

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Where Are The

Role Models?

By Janice Cardinale

Traveling halfway around the world on a mission to help heal those less fortunate, I took a journey rooted in compassion, fuelled by the memory of my parents who taught me that helping others also helps you.

It’s a prevalent topic of conversation lately amongst major donors, charities and non-profit organizations. Today’s youth are not showing interest in yesterday’s model of philanthropy.

Young people are conceptualizing giving in different ways which are challenging organizations to rethink how they talk about their work and how they appeal to donors. So what does this really mean for the future of giving?

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I have spent a great deal of time in my life around people who give and people in need. I grew up in a different era when giving was uncomplicated. There was a need, you gave and it was done. It wasn’t what it is today with massive organizations turning it into a trend for entire generations. Not that these giant gestures of giving are bad, quite the opposite, they are having huge impact, but to me it begs the question, who

are the role models and what are we teaching and most importantly how do we ensure the kind of giving I grew up with isn’t lost in the big flashes of light and stadium filled charity concerts live streamed in 100 countries. How do we ensure the values of remains a foundational value of our youth?

Let me share my story and why I decided to take my first mission to East Africa this summer.

As a young girl growing up in a Jewish family, I remember when we would come together during Passover to celebrate the holiday and every year my grandmother would put a wine goblet filled with sweet red wine on the table for Elijah. The prophet. She said she did this because no matter how many guests attended our Passover Seder, there was always room for one more. This simple act of kindness was ingrained in my memory and to this day I think about the fact that my family told me that no one should be alone during the holidays.

Fast forward ten years when my father who was very active in an organization called B’nai Brith and his group would take the children from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to Center Island. I remember tagging along and having to push the children up the ramp in their wheel chairs. I can still see their smiling

faces and I remember their excitement about leaving the property to go on adventures. I also recall my mother working with the Leukemia foundation to plan events to raise money for what was then a disease that the medical world knew very little about.

These experiences made an incredible impact on me and instilled a sense of obligation give back. Over the course of my life I have always ensured that I stayed true to that and I have always done so in one form or another, be it a fundraiser or event specific act of charity. But then last year something changed in me. As I listened to these conversations about youth today taking a much more me- centric approach. I was inspired to turn the giving‌ to me.

Last year, instead of sending my cheques out, my children and I decided to go out

onto the streets of Toronto on Christmas eve and hand out lunch boxes filled with healthy sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, snacks and water. This act of kindness was different than anything I had done before. It felt incredible to see people smiling and thanking us for giving them something to eat. I realized that night that part of my mission in life would have to include helping others while teaching my children and a younger generation of people that experiencing giving would be valuable to them and the people who they are choosing to give to.

This brings me to this past summer when I gave the biggest personal gift I have ever given to both myself and others. I participated in a dental and optometry mission organized by a periodontist I had met who had been volunteering 4 times a year to help people all over the world.

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“

The mission took me to East Africa, Zanzibar to be exact. Here I met dental and optometry specialists, young volunteers who were studying to be assistants, hygienists, nurses and doctors.

time to step up and make a difference, not unlike an event of the heart.

The mission took me to East Africa, Zanzibar to be exact. Here I met dental and optometry specialists, young volunteers who were studying to be assistants, hygienists, nurses and doctors. The feeling of love was overwhelming and the experiences we all shared were so life-changing they could be written in a book.

There was nothing that I did not try or help with during my week there. From assisting doctors with their trays of tools and medications to comforting children who were scared and unaware of what they were about to endure. I worked morning to night, and the days passed so fast that before I knew it we had helped 275 children in the time we had to complete the mission. One thing I learned is that no one begs for anything. The people are proud, happy and appreciative of everything we did for them. The love and respect was unexpected and life affirming. The younger generation who attended this mission felt empowered by experience and practical learning opportunities that would be frowned upon in the western world.

“

Why am I sharing this personal story with you in this special holiday issue?

Because it’s an opportunity to jump into that conversation I talked about at the start of the article. To embrace the changing landscape of philanthropy and dig deeper into what it means and how we can get involved.

Through schools, peers, and community youth are learning a variety of ways to be more hands-on and make a difference.

As event professionals, it is our

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givingback responsibility to be role models and mentor our interns and youth as they push the needle on important issues. It seems that in addition to asking who is teaching youth about giving, we can ask what these young people are teaching us.

They want to be more hands-on and involved in the process. They just don’t want to raise money for a cause but become the cause and be there to see it through. They certainly inspired me a Jewish girl from Toronto to travel around the world to Africa to help people in need.

I want to call on our industry to help the younger generation feel invested while recognizing their positive actions now.

Let’s foster meaningful relationships with our younger generation by creating opportunities for engagement. As a charity, you are not only building advocates for your cause, but also your donor base. Not everyone can give monetarily but the faster organizations send youth to destinations where they can make a difference, we might see the world as a better place with less hate and war.

See a video of Janice's adventure in Zanzibar City by clicking the button.

The mission I took was with Global Kindness foundation out of Vancouver.

For me it was life changing and I am happy to share the experience with you on video.

Please join me and lets work together as I continue my journey to other destinations around the world helping to make a difference and make our world a peaceful and a safe place in the future for our children.

Learn more about Janice's adventures at www.theideahunter.ca

Watch the video

The Many Ways of For many people across Canada, the US and around the world 2017 was a tough year. Terrorist events, natural disasters, and political instability have impacted millions in ways that are truly life altering. For some companies, especially those with offices near or in impact zones, this year's holiday season may be filled with mixed emotions and priorities. It’s a time to reflect and be thankful for what remains, to reach out and support their colleagues, community and friends through this season and at the same time to be festive and uplift the spirits of employees.

There are so many people who need help this time of year.

So, in addition to throwing a holiday party which will provide much-needed fun and distraction. If your company is looking for ways to get out there and give back, here are some great options to consider.

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Giving

Volunteer Your Time More than half of Canada’s 161,000 non-profit and charitable organizations have no paid staff and rely solely on volunteers. 12.7 million volunteers contribute close to 2 billion hours annually, helping to improve quality of life for others. Why not give your staff (or ask your boss) to give each staffer a day off to volunteer this holiday season. The employee participates by giving 4 hours of their time to a charity in need and then their company gives them the other 4 hours (assuming the work an eight-hour day). That way everyone wins. There are so many unique ways to give back from spending time volunteering at a local senior home, food bank, or SPCA to offering a local community centre help with an upcoming event. How about setting up a volunteer

givingback tutoring program for refugees who need basic English skills or leading visually impaired through a fun and easy fundraising walk under the stars. You can always create opportunities for staff with 3-4 different organizations and let them choose how they want to give their time.

Alternatively, run a Buy a Gift Challenge. Its the same concept as above but have everyone buy one gift relevant to the charity chosen and have a wrapping station at your holiday get together to wrap gifts before they are donated.

Check Volunteer Canada’s directory for a list of centres which will connect you with causes to which you can donate your time and expertise.Most will offer a group option in their searches.

Throw a Party

Make An Outreach Video About A Social Issue Have the office decide on a social topic that needs more outreach. Do the research on statistics, stories and solutions on what your cause needs and then record and edit a video together to share with clients, friends and family network to encourage others to do the same or donate to a cause.

Run an in Office Donate-a-thon Challenge The stuff gathering dust in your basement or the bottom of your closet can make a difference. Especially now with millions of people losing everything in the recent natural disasters. Organize an office challenge and ask each colleague to bring one second-hand item that they don’t use but know someone else will love. Mix it up by accepting clothing, toys, kids gear, furniture and cell accessories. Have a wall of honour in the office and every time someone donates put a badge on the wall.

Watch it grow and become a friendly competition.

Depending on your company’s budget you can offer each employee a token for each donation. Tokens can be used to buy prizes like Starbucks gift cards. Just make sure ensure the donation box is filled with treasures the needy will actually appreciate.

The Canadian Red Cross is a good place to start to find out what’s needed locally or in disaster relief areas. try Dress for Success, Children’s Book Bank, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Red Door Family Shelter’s moving program, Habitat for Humanity and local women’s or homeless shelters.

Work with a local charity, shelter, non-profit or school to throw a small holiday celebration to either raise money or to lift the moods of your community. Use your business specialties and try to team up with other suppliers to pitch in with areas that would normally be costly. This doesn't replace their annual events, this is your company throwing your own event, selling tickets to your clients and colleagues and giving the funds to a charity. We definitely know lots of people who can help you with your event needs.

Caroling for a Cause Remember those days when carolers would go out and sing to make people feel good around the holidays? Well, maybe it is time to bring the cheer back and get your office friends together for an evening of carol busking. Make a list of 15 – 20 popular songs, send out a PDF of a booklet of song lyrics and set a date and place right after work somewhere busy. Put together a big sign that says where the money is going and have someone collect street donations. You will not only cheer up passersby but will also get to donate the money to a good cause. Hire a busking musician to add to the experience. You can't go wrong!

Brighten Someone's Day by Having a Violet Heart When your holiday event is over, let the Violet Heart Project give them to someone who needs a smile.

The Violet Heart Project collects flowers from the event & restyles them the next morning into smaller arrangements, which fit perfectly atop a table at a hospital, hospice or long-term care facility. Gorgeous flowers arriving at those in need of a smile the day after an event complete with a note from the donor is the core of VHP's special event services.

Why not book them to pick up your poinsettias and hydrangea after your event is over and take them to senior's homes, hospices or hospitals. Once you and your guests have enjoyed them, why not pass them along and let others enjoy them too.

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Have a Party &

Leave Nothing Behind

Tips to a Green Event It may not be the hottest topic in town but reducing your carbon footprint and leaving little behind is still as vital as ever. For example, it’s important to know where your food comes from and to hire caterers that believe in sustainable catering, minimizing waste. Your decorators should be using compostable or recyclable plastics and other eco-friendly materials or wrappings and boxes for shipping items to the event site. Recycling bins for bottles and waste should be used at all your events.

There is nothing more disturbing than being at an event tear down and seeing hundreds of pounds of waste left behind and headed for the landfill. Your guests may not be eco-friendly (we hope they are) but you can counter that and ensure your event is. Try these easy solutions for successful sustainability.

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ILEA Vancouver and the MPI BC's "It's a Wonderful Life" 2016 holiday party.

Combine Events Cut waste in half by collaborating with other partners (even competitors) that you have relationships with. A great example is the award-winning “It’s a Wonderful Life” holiday 2016 event where ILEA Vancouver and the MPI BC collaborated. Instead of two parties, they pulled their resources of sponsors and waste together to host one big party, merging both associations together. This alone probably saved loads of waste and a lot of money.

Choose Energy Efficient Venues Venues have a big role to play in the carbon cost of an event.

By choosing venues with strong sustainability policies, it will be easier to put positive practices in place. From using Energy Star-rated appliances, efficient water fixtures, lowemissions Green Label Plus carpet and motion sensors to control lighting to aligning with eco-friendly vendors and providing service offerings, guidelines and tips to make events more eco-friendly, these are ways venues are trying to differentiate themselves.

Use Social & Digital Platforms as Much as Possible Perhaps it hasn’t dawned on us how much waste social media and the internet has saved. From mailed invitations and bulletins to photobooth prints and post-event thank you cards, using digital alternatives are a fantastic way to lower your event wastage. If you’re creative enough, you can cut your waste down significantly with online registration using ticketing platforms like Eventbrite or independent developers like eventastic, on-site digital check-in software like Boomset, digital signage using LED and tablets, managing silent auctions through mobile app software, sending photobooth shots via emails and uploading them to platforms, etc..

Make it ALL Edible!

Remember that scene in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie when Wonka opens the door to his garden paradise where everything is edible? Where you can make it tasty, you can reduce waste. The key is to merge existing tech with unconventional uses like Branded Bites’ edible invite cookies or an edible selfie photo booth. Think cupcake bouquets, edible table wear and napkins, eatable centerpieces, decor and signage. Can you imagine the possibilities? This is our favourite idea of the year. If you do this event, please send us the pictures, we will cover it in our spring issue.

Photo courtesy of Branded Bites.

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