Canadian Special Events Magazine Summer 2018

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

Inside Look at

e=mc 's 2

Innovative Conference

Design

magazine

Design Inspiration

DINING

AL FRESCO

THE 21ST

CANADIAN EVENT INDUSTRY

AWARDS

LOOKBOOK SUMMER 2018

IN THIS

ISSUE

8

65

53

5

44

79 3 EDITOR’S LETTER 5 CINEPLEX GIVES NATIONAL BANK THE VIP TREATMENT 8 EVENT REPORT: MAYA'S MOROCCAN PARADISE 16 THINGS WE LOVE 19 A LOOK BACK AT CSE LIVE 2018 & THE 21ST ANNUAL CANADIAN EVENT INDUSTRY AWARDS

85 41 EVENT MARKETING: SOCIAL MEDIA MASTER CLASS

TAKE YOUR SUMMER DINING EXPERIENCE OUTDOORS

44 FAST & FABULOUS SUMMER RECIPES

76 EVENT TECH: STORYTELLING WITH AR

51 THE REC ROOM; THIS YEAR'S CORPORATE SUMMER PLAYGROUND

79 EVENT REPORT: TURNING 13 IN STYLE

53 EVENT REPORT: ENERGY DISRUPTORS UNITE 65 DINING AL FRESCO: A DOZEN INSPIRING WAYS TO

85 2018'S CANADIAN EVENT INDUSTRY AWARDS WINNER'S LOOK BOOK

Featuring 65+ pages of event inspiration from the best of Canada's special events industry.

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 1

GET

FEATURE D

I N editorialteam

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

Founder & Creative Director: Stacy Wyatt Vice President, Sales & Marketing: Jason Koop Account Manager: Dustin Yarou Graphic Design: Veronica Michalczak Client Communications: Olivia Stratton, Angelica Kim Website: Helena Poll Team Cuddlers : Jake, Baylee & Priya

storycontributers CieAR Inc Cineplex Entertainment Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group DT Floral & Decor Inc e=mc 2 events Elephant's Remark FOS Decor The Rec Room

+

.

Calling designers, photographers and event stylists, Canadian Special Events Magazine is now accepting submissions for styled shoots. Get amazing exposure, position yourself as an industry leader, generate new business and show off your talents. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity. Each submission selected will be featured in a minimum 6 page layout.

PU BLI S HED BY 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.

WWW.CA NA DI A NSPECIAL E VE N TS .COM info@ canadianspecia levent s .com tel. 204- 415- 3976

Here’s the scoop on how to apply.

SUBMIT NOW

2 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

@canadianspecialevents

@canadianspecialevents

@cdnspecialevent

Canadian Special Events Magazine

editor'sletter

E

Every issue of Canadian Special Events Magazine is filled with great examples of inspiring events, brilliant ideas, gorgeous food, planning advice and pages upon pages of spectacular design work.

Our team spends hours sifting through submissions and viewing hundreds of pictures to find the perfect stories and the most striking images to build each edition, and we do it with love.

I know I’ve said this before, but every day I continue to be amazed by how much the event industry keeps evolving and pushing the boundaries of innovation, design and guest experience.

I am always honoured to do this for a living, but the best part of publishing this magazine is that I get the privilege of digging into your stories to uncover the inspiration behind the people and the passion that drives these masterpieces.

Canadian Regional Event Awards. The portal opens in September, with awards presented in November. Finally, in December it’s time for planners and vendors to start plotting their strategy as they vie for top honours in the premier industry awards program in the country; the Canadian Event Industry Awards (CEIA). Entries close in February and the winners will be announced in March 2019. One thing for sure, we won’t be short on content in the coming months.

Speaking of content and awards, this is the perfect opportunity to tell you about the 65-page editorial feature in this issue on page 85, showcasing the winners of the 2018 CEIA along with amazing video footage of most entries. Watch and read about the incredible work crowned the best in Canada at the Gala last March (which by the way we also recap on page 19).

In addition to all of the exciting awards news, there is so much As I write this, I am already getting more in this issue, like my favourite excited to read the entries coming summer recipes; Things We Love, our way this fall as event award a collection of fabulous summer season gets underway in Canada. I finds currently topping our love can’t wait to see what event profs list; an outdoor design pictorial Armando Arruda, Caterer of the Year have accomplished in 2018. called Dining Al Fresco; a social August kicks it off with our newest media masterclass, three amazing award program, Canadian Event Venue Awards (CEVA), event reports featuring e=mc2 events, DT Floral & Decor Inc, celebrating Canada’s finest event venues. This competition FOS Decor, Eglinton Grand, Heidi Greunspan and many more. will highlight not only venue excellence in business but also This might be our biggest edition yet so don’t expect to the venue's location, features, team and creativity. After get through it in an hour. My suggestion? Pour yourself a CEVA we bring the celebration closer to home, recognizing glass of your favourite wine, find a cozy spot to curl up the best in local event excellence with our second annual and savor every fabulous, eye candy-filled page. Enjoy.

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 3

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THEVIP TREATMENT CINEPLEX GIVES NATIONAL BANK

National Bank executive says holding event at a movie theatre was “a vast departure from the corporate boardroom environment.”

By Garry Murdock It’s June, 2017 and Philip Leger, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Development for National Bank of Canada, has a challenge on his hands. In the fall he’s planning to host a half day kick-off event for his sales force, to announce strategies for the new fiscal year. The event needs to include 130 employees scattered throughout Ontario and Western Canada.

The kick-off was nothing new as Philip had organized the event on four previous occasions. But this time, he wanted something different.

Philip explains, “I was tired of the typical hotel conference set up and was looking to elevate the experience of all participants”.

Philip’s wish list was not a small one. Rather than spend time travelling to each team, he wanted to address audiences simultaneously in multiple locations. Each location needed to offer convenient access, parking, catering and be able to meet his simulcast audio visual needs. He also wanted something unique that would allow the event to expand on the experience of previous years. In short, he wanted his team wowed by the experience.

“I happened upon Cineplex as an option,” Philip says, “It was an out of the box environment, which I appreciated for its creativity and comfort. A vast departure from the corporate boardroom environment.”

fresh mixed salads and crispy spring rolls to mini samosas and chicken and tofu wraps. In addition to bottled water and juices, beer and wine were also offered as options.

Philip ended up booking his event at three Cineplex VIP theatres in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. Each of the auditorium’s over-sized, extra wide seats would provide a new level of comfort for attendees, and Philip would also have the ability to showcase his presentation on the big screen, using the auditorium’s immersive sound system. He saw all of this as an opportunity to help him engage his audience.

he had one lingering question – would the simulcasting from Toronto to Ottawa and Vancouver work well?

Philip also had one additional challenge. As host of the event, he needed to focus on prepping his presentation, not worrying about the details.

“Their in-house Event Planner took care of everything,” says Philip.

‘Everything’ also meant taking care of food. The Event planner worked with the in-house catering department to offer Philip a wide variety of menu options that ranged from

The day of the event came and although Philip was confident,

“The event went exactly as planned,” Philip told me, “No surprises, which from an organizer’s standpoint is exactly what I wanted. Cineplex provided flawless execution.”

Philip’s team enjoyed it, and so did Philip, who was so impressed that he’s returning to Cineplex this fall for his next event.

“Cineplex was able to look after my needs from that first phone call and support me throughout the planning process with proactive solutions. They delivered the ‘WOW’ factor I was looking for.”

Add impact to your next meeting. Explore the possibilities with 164 available theatres across Canada at www.Cineplex.com/BusinessEvents.

Philip Leger of National Bank of Canada

“

“

Cineplex was able to look after my needs from that first phone call and support me throughout the planning process with proactive solutions.

They delivered the ‘WOW’ factor I was looking for.

Photography by Cliq Creative 8 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

eventreport

Maya's Moroccan Paradise EGLINTON GRAND PLAYS HOST TO THE MAGIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST

On Sunday June 17, 2018, party planner Heidi Gruenspan joined forces with Craig Grudz, DT Floral and Decor Inc, Aaron Schacter, Bounce Entertainment and the team from the Eglinton Grand to design and produce Morrocan Paradise for Maya, as she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah.

The client had their heart set on an event that would showcase the wonder and beauty of Morocco and an evening filled with all the colours and mystery that one finds in this amazing middle eastern city. Steeped rich in history and filled with ancient traditions, the theme gave the design team a plethora of ideas and inspiration to build from. They first enlisted Craig to develop the creative vision and Aaron to enhance the guest experience with interactive and live entertainment.

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 9

Guests were welcomed into the venue through the Eglinton Grand’s iconic marquee sign displaying “Maya’s Morrocan Paradise”.

As they continued inside the venue to the preceremony cocktail reception they entered into a Moroccan marketplace complete with flowers growing out of bicycles and mirrors, Persian carpets on the floor and draped through the bottom foyer, candles were inset into cabinets and guests signed in on a massive embossed mirror.

Wooden barrels used in place of cruiser tables added to the enviroscape; it was almost like being transported to the Morrocan markets one could practically smell the spice filled air.

Bounce Entertainment provided a wonderful variety of activities that kept guests engaged like the henna tattoo vendor, stationary photo booth and a unique pajama pants station where guests were asked to pick a slogan of their choice or their name and have it hot pressed on the pants in front of them to take home. They even had a portable selfie photo booth that moved with guests so they could snap a picture where ever they were and send it to themselves instantly.

10 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIQ CREATIVE SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 11

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIQ CREATIVE

“

“

The objective was to create an outstanding, authentic Moroccan inspired experience for guests using colour, texture, props, florals and cultural decor.

-- Craig Gruzd - DT Floral & Decor Inc

12 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

Cocktails took place on the 2nd-floor mezzanine which provided the perfect separation from the ballroom. Once the room was revealed from behind the venue's 20’ vintage movie theatre curtains, guests were treated to a wonder of Moroccan colours expressing the country's diverse history and symbolism through detail, texture and geometry. Floor to ceiling drapery enveloped the space while grand centerpieces provided bursts of brilliant colour.

The designers found creative ways to weave the theme into the entire guest experience such as the vibrant dance floor which was a replica of the invitation sent to guests; the

table cards which were tied to colorful lanterns; the bar area draped in rich jewel-toned fabrics, so it resembled a tent and the entertainment which featured a performer on stilts made to look like he was riding an ostrich. The DJs' were dressed in Moroccan inspired apparel while mystical snake charmers roamed the space.

The theme was carried through to the custom designed menu featuring local delicacies like warm olives & hummus, chopped carrot salad, spiced salmon on Israeli salad, Moroccan spiced chicken thighs with tomatoes and couscous salad with vegetables.

Photography by Cliq Creative

Desserts included traditional inspired treats, like brandy snap baskets with a trio of mango, lemon & raspberry sorbet, individual cupcakes with a fuschia coloured “M�, a spectacular cake and a sweets table with candy floss and sparkling gold donuts.

Featured Vendors: Venue, lighting & catering: The Eglinton Grand On-site planner: Heidi Gruenspan Wedding & Party Planner Decorator, furniture & linen rentals: DT Floral & Decor Inc Photobooths, DJ, ground ent.: Bounce Entertainment Henna and PJ Pants station: Little Miss Henna Bat Mitzvah cake, donuts & cookies: The Artsy Baker Candy Floss: Kosher & Natural Make-up: Olena Make-up Art & Beauty Hair: Lila Sassoon Security: 4 security-XL Valet: Valet Pro Photographer: Cliq Creative

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 15

thingswelYve

Summer Finds Summer is here and it’s time get outside. Whether you are headed to the cottage, the campsite or your own backyard, check out our favourite picks designed to kick your summer fun into high gear.

SAY CHEESE

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera Anyone can take photos on an iPhone, but how good are they really? Try this

retro camera and snap some super shots that come out Instagram ready.

Bonus, it comes with a selfie mirror on the front, so you can strike the perfect pose every time.

SELF IMPROVEMENT

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Summer Reading? You have to pick up this book. With a refreshing, no-B.S. approach, this super raw self-help guide suggests a new and honest strategy for obtaining happiness. This number-one, New York Times best-seller, has sold three million copies. We read it…

FRESHEN UP

Organic Grape Mist Water Planning an event outside this summer or just running from meeting to meeting in the blistering summer heat? This little spray bottle is a summer beauty game-changer. Organic grape water is a fine mist you can carry in your purse and use to cool down instantly.

Pro tip: Place it in the fridge for 10 minutes for an extra cold kick!

go read it !

CHIC EYES

Micro Glasses You know that saying, these aren’t your mothers… well these ARE your mothers glasses. Flashback to 1968 when these retro glasses were en vogue and get ready to flip it forward. Micro or cat

glasses should be on top of your new season style list. Whats cool about these peepers is that they fit any type of face so anyone can wear them. Ok so they may not be for everyday but who says you always need to be practical. Sometimes you just need to be fabulous.

SNACK ON IT

RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar, Chocolate Sea Salt We all want to be healthy and we all want food that tastes great. Introducing RXBAR. This is the holy grail of protein bars. It's simple, it's good for you and it tastes like it can't possibly be good for you. We LOVE these bars so much we are putting them in our top ten all-time list.

GO get one today.

LIGHT IT UP

Party Perfect String Lights These inexpensive string lights are a planner's best friend when it comes to outdoor evening events. Just string these sphere lights together (they come in sets of 25) from tree to tree, through the branches or over the fence and instantly create the perfect ambiance. $15 USD for 25 lights.

HANDY

Dot Hydration Tracking Water Bottle Are you drinking enough water? Now you can be 100% sure by using a bottle that tracks how much water you are drinking. Using dots instead of numbers, Joseph Joseph's Dot tracks and displays your hydration meter. A single dot = 600ml, two dots for 1.2 liters‌ you get the picture. With each refill, the bottle continues to track your sips making sure you are never dehydrated again.

GET FROSTY

Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker On a hot summer day who doesn’t love an icy treat? Kids adore them and, if the mood strikes, why not spike that cherry bomb and let the adults enjoy them too. This slick little

snow cone maker shaves 4 to 5 cups of ice in under a minute. Ice Ice Baby!

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 17

BEYOND CONVENIENT

BEYOND COMFORTABLE

BEYOND PREPARED

BEYOND DELICIOUS

Toronto’s True Centre With our $120 million renovation, we spared no expense to create an unforgettable experience.

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel boasts luxurious guest rooms, more than 130,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting space, a spectacular Club Lounge and an unparalleled location in the heart of downtown Toronto.

For reservations and more information, please visit sheratontoronto.com or call 416-361-1000.

GO

BEYOND

123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2M9

A LOOK BACK AT

CSE Live is Canada's Premier event designed exclusively for people who plan live experiences. The 3-day gathering draws creative professionals from across North America to network, learn and discover. CSE Live features bold speakers sharing ground-breaking ideas and forward thinking concepts planners can use to make their events more powerful, more innovative and ultimately more successful.

Save the date for March 25-28, 2019 and bring your team to Toronto for CSE Live. Join the conversation, connect with people who think like you, and elevate your planning process with education that moves you to change the way you think about live events. Let everyone else put on a conference. THIS is the celebration of creativity and innovation.

THANK YOU TO THE 2018 SPONSORS

SUMMER 2018 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 19

OPENING NIGHT

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Delegates could not stop talking about the Opening Night Kitchen Kiki, produced by POP Kollaborative Live Experience Agency and hosted by The Addisons Residence; an uber cool venue in downtown Toronto owned by the John Doe Group. The event’s theme was based on the iconic kitchen party and was inspired by the hit song by Scissor Sisters - "Let's Have A Kiki".

Producer, Meghan Hird, Director of Live Experiences at POP, made sure it lived up to its name by creating a super chill vibe for delegates to get comfortable, connect and unwind with great tunes and low key, throwback entertainment like 70’s table games Jenga and Trivial Pursuit. The venue is already designed to replicate a highend residence so that Decor & More Inc was able to add a few finishing touches to complete Meghan’s vision.

What made this event distinctive and so well received by attendees was the way that every detail was crafted to consider engagement and guest comfort. From fabulous cocktails and a custom designed menu to the “less is more” concept that allowed everyone to effortlessly move through the space, guests were able to relax, unwind and enjoy a really good party.

Food was the real centerpiece of this affair. Meghan collaborated with Gourmet Cuisine to design a menu that would tell the story of the event and shape the guest experience.

The innovative dishes ignited fond memories of late nights at the kitchen counter. Guests dined on comfort food with a twist like "Not Your Tomato & Grilled Cheese”, Blue Corn Pogos, Pineapple Pizza Shots, Little Mac Ramen Slider (with a Vegan “Beef” Patty, and vegan Mac Special Sauce), Jackfruit Crab Cakes and Mini Mexican Nachos. Desserts included End of the Bowl Bites” (Mini Lucky Charms Marshmallow Milk Jam, Cereal Crust) and Inside Out Joe Louis. The entire menu was designed to bring us home and that it did. In addition to Gourmet Cuisine, Rodney's Oyster House provided fabulous freshly shucked oysters and POP sponsored a Frosé (Frozen Rosé) provided by John Doe Group.

Relax and enjoy the summer!

Let US get a jump on your fall events Rentals, Installations, Sales & Special Event Services • Staging • Set Design • LED Wall • Lighting • Audio • Video • Computers • Webcasting • Videoconferencing

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Toll Free: 1-888-808-4699 | Fax: 416-335-6469 Email: sales@questaudiovisual.com

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QUEST AUDIO VISUAL 90 Nugget Ave. Toronto, ON M1S 3A7

CONFERENCE All sessions were held on a spectacular main stage designed and produced by Quest Audio Visual with all graphics by Canadian Special Events' in-house design team.

Planners from Paradigm Events and Canadian Special Events Magazine worked with Essential Event Rentals, sister company Chairs Galore, Eden Planning Inc, Stardust Events and Airstar Canada to build one of a kind learning spaces, unique break spaces and interactive areas like the design lounge to keep delegates busy and entertained throughout the day. From the morning coffee house and DJ to the fruit carving competition, guests were engaged and well fed.

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO 24 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

eventreport

The education was standing room only during back to back power sessions.

From Entertainment Trends to Experiential Catering, Crisis Management to Vendor Negotiations to BIG Ideas for 2018 and Creative Concept Building, this year's line-up hit it out of the park.

Speakers from Vancouver to Las Vegas shared their experiences, strategies and secrets with hundreds of independent and corporate planners. Highlights included: Julius Solaris, Editor at Event Manager Blog who shared his Global Trends Report, Thought Exchange who led delegates through the process of Idea Harvesting, Janice Cardinale and Hailey O'Bright from The Idea Hunter talked entertainment and personal branding, renowned Toronto event designers Eric Aragon and Chad Brincheski discussed design conceptualization, Sebastien David from SĂŠnik Events got everyone thinking hard about money, the team from ILEA that ran Event Wars 2.0 and Ken Kristoffersen and Meghan Hird from POP Kollaborative Live Experience Agency presented two sessions; one on strategy and other on using food as an experience. Many others wowed the audience with expertise, ideas and inventive ways to build better events.

PHOTO BY EVENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Delegates made their own portrait cookie with Selffee.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch catered by the Sheraton Centre Toronto's talented culinary team and snacked all day on creative break stations designed by Paradigm Events, like make your own trail mix, smoothie bars and fun foods to keep those energy levels high. The conference program came to a close on a grand note with a fabulous wine and food pairing class

by Erin Henderson of Wine Sisters aptly called "the Wine Down."

PHOTO BY AGI STUDIO

PHOTO BY QUEST AUDIO VISUAL

WATCH CSE LIVE '18 FROM HOME All delegates received a pass to Event Leadership Institute for three months to watch CSE Live sessions PLUS all 140 of their online courses. If you missed CSE you can still access the classes by clicking to the right and signing up for a temp membership.

PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Watch Now

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

eventreport

TRADE SHOW Canada's premium event vendors brought their "A" game to CSE Live 2018 to create a one of a kind experience for everyone who walked through the door.

The interactive show floor was designed for delegates to discover something new around every corner. Innovative and unique vendors showcased products, performers, food, design, technology and affordable solutions in a way that made attendees feel like they were exploring ideas rather than attending a trade show.

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

The latest in gaming and photo tech showcased one of a kind experiences like a mini curling rink to a VR Rollercoaster to insane displays of indoor tenting. Performers roamed the aisles and pop up conversation pods lined the floor creating just enough quiet space for a chat but not far enough to miss any of the action.

Food took center stage with the GIANT Tasting Lounge.

This fresh element of CSE Live was a massive hit with attendees who lined up all day to sample products served by local purveyors of specialty food and drink.

Patricia's Cake Creations, Edible Balloons, Lab Sense, Dixons Distilled Spirits, Leslieville Cheese Market, Rodney's Oyster House, Mad Mexican and Cotton Wood Agency Wines & Spirits were just a few of the Tasters at CSE Live 2018.

Oliver and Bonacini showcased their edible dirt salad experience and epic take on food presentation, while Gourmet Cuisine, Succulent Chocolates and Sixty Six Brix shared their unique and innovative food ideas.

PHOTO BY AGI STUDIO

PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Vendors and attendees gave rave reviews about this year's event calling it the best show they have experienced with CSE. After 21 years that's quite the compliment. The success of this year's show was due in part to the incredible event partners (found on page 39).

Media partnerships and strong industry relationships make CSE Live thrive and allow the show to continue to evolve. Huge kudos to all the partners who took ideas, inspiration and their passion for events and created a valuable experience for everyone who participated.

Save the date for CSE Live 2019, March 25-28 in Toronto.

“

“

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Idea Hunter designed magical and imaginative entertainment to complement not only the event theme but also the stunning esthetic of Hotel X Toronto.

32 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

eventreport

AWARDS GALA Hotel X Toronto was the setting of the 2018 Canadian Event Industry Awards Gala, where hundreds of the country's most elite planners, producers, and designers came together to celebrate their success and cheer on their peers.

The event was quite the experience with stunning decor, exquisite cuisine, a fabulous venue and a team of professionals who worked together to build a night that would inspire the most discerning event planner... and it did just that.

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Produced by Corey Mandell, President, Mandell Entertainment Group, the Xperience theme played off the Hotel X logo and was a nod to the level of service and experience one Xpects at a Library Collection Hotel. Thanks to the breathtaking designs by Decor & More Inc and entertainment by The Idea Hunter, the arrival space was striking. Set in front of a towering topiary wall, one of Hotel X Toronto's signature visuals, guests walked into a scene somewhere between ethereal and architecturally ideal. A colossal magical bird greeted guests, as models in natureinspired costumes led the way through the beautiful hotel lobby to the 3rd floor Victory Ballroom for the reception. The CEIA Gala is known for its Xquisite food and this year was no exception. Peter & Pauls Event Catering, is the in-house culinary team for Hotel X Toronto and led by their Director of Catering Laurie Bernardi, went to extreme lengths to plan and serve an Xceptional high-end menu.

The event began with host Ben Mulroney speaking from backstage via hologram, courtesy of his new company ARHT Media Inc introducing an unexpected presenter. The presenter, impersonating the President of a newly formed “event association� gave a provocative speech designed to stir controversy and get the audience rattled. Just as he started to get the crowd riled up, off came the glasses and with a slight hair tussle, the mystery man's true identity was revealed as he broke into song and was joined on stage by his castmates from none other than the hit Broadway sensation the Jersey Boys. The crowd went wild.

Other highlights of the night includes performances

by DATU, one of a kind performance group presented by The Idea Hunter and special appearance by Sean Jones and Miles Raine. By the end of the night, 48 awards were handed out to talented companies and individuals who truly embody what it means to be an award-winning event professional in Canada. 21 years in the making this gala was a brilliant success. Thanks to Mandell Entertainment for their unmatchable creativity and all the partners for their incredible collaboration.

Watch the Video

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

Catering was the highlight of the night. Peter & Pauls Event Catering, the in-house caterer at Hotel X Toronto created a custom designed menu that took things to new heights. Below is just a taste of what guests found while exploring the venue.

HORS D’OEUVRES Thai Salad Roll Beet Rounds w/ Goat Cheese Mousse and Crushed Pistachios Mini Curried Waffle Cone Devilled Fresh Figs Beluga Lentil Salad in Cucumber Cup Soya Ginger Citrus Sesame Crusted Salmon on Soba Savoury Mushroom Crepes Lemongrass Chili Chicken POST CEREMONY ACTION STATIONS Risotto w/ Wild Mushrooms, Leeks & White Truffle Oil Grilled Cornish Hen w/ Lemon Herb Sauce on Roasted Root Vegetables Braised Short Ribs over Truffle Mashed Potatoes w/ Oyster Mushrooms Authentic Salmon Poke Bowl SALAD STATION A variety of salads served in individual mason jars, including Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Roasted Yam, Lentil & Walnut Salad Baby Arugula & Fennel Salad Thai Mango Salad DESSERT STATION Mason Jar Dessert w/ Fruit Cheesecake & Caramel Pretzel Brownies CXBO Signature Chocolates Apple Cinnamon Donuts with Dulce De Leche Homemade Apple Donuts Nutella Banana Empanadas Orange Liqueur Macerated Strawberries w/ Coconut Whipped Cream

eventreport

THE PARTY Food, music, art, design, poker, luxury games, cocktails, custom cookies‌what more do you need to throw the party of the year?

The Idea Hunter provided world class entertainment and touches to create success for the 2019 Gala. Thank you to Made to Measure, Avery Raquel (reception vocalist), Dueling DJ's, Les Chasseurs De RĂŞves, DATU (featured performer), MAC Cosmetics, Branded Bites, Vito Piacente, Emily Carriere, Marina Billinghurst, Tropicana Queens and Artam Design.

ALL PHOTOS BY AGI STUDIO

The reception space was beyond impressive.

Stefani Dunn of Decor & More Inc designed a luxe, modern environment playing off the hotel’s natural esthetic while bringing in pops of colour from the CSE brand. Gorgeous white and chrome furniture accented with glowing candles, shades of pinks and magnificent flowers made an already beautiful space into a room that complemented the event and the brands involved.

Abbey Road Entertainment created an uber chic gaming lounge complete with casino tables and the latest in VR and adult games. The entire event was flawless. From Ben to the holograms, the recipient speeches, the comradery, humor, pride and amazing partnerships.

Congratulations to Mandell Entertainment for their creative vision and to all the generous event partners for their wonderful collaboration. We cannot wait to see what happens in 2019, stay tuned.

CELEBRATING CANADA'S FINEST EVENT VENUES Canadian Special Events Magazine is proud to announce the launch of the Canadian Event Venue Awards (CEVA). This exciting and groundbreaking awards program is designed to showcase, recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in event venue management, innovative venue design, venue marketing, in-house catering and planning and customer service. The competition will highlight venue excellence not only in business but also the venue's location, features and creativity.

ENTRY PERIOD ENDS SUNDAY OCTOBER 12, 2018

Frances Morenc y

o

AWARD CATEGORIES From spectacular wedding venues to modern warehouses, conference rooms to charming lofts, interactive venues to intimate locations, hotels to banquet halls, the Canadian Event Venue awards will recognize the places and the people behind the country’s most incredible and successful event spaces.

Best New Event Venue in Canada

Best Hotel Event Space in Canada

Best Wedding Venue in Canada

Best Museum/Gallery Event Space in Canada

Best In-House Catering Department

Best Country/Rural Event Venue in Canada

Best Venue Event Planning Team in Canada

Most Tech-Savvy Event Venue

Best Historic Venue in Canada

Best Restaurant Event Space

Best Academic Event Space in Canada

Best Interactive Event Space in Canada

Best Conference Venue in Canada

Most Intimate Event Space

Most Creative Event Space in Canada

Best Event Venue Salesperson of the Year

Most Eco-Friendly Venue in Canada

Best Venue Marketing Team in Canada

Best Canadian Event Venue Management Group

Canada’s Most Outstanding Event Venue of the Year

LEARN MORE AT CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM/CEVA

Creating unforgettable moments.

espinc.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA MASTER CLASS HOW US ING SOCIAL M EDIA DURING YOUR EVENT C AN GUARAN TEE FUTURE SALES, GENERAT E SPONSO RSHIPS & ATTRACT NEW VENDOR S

eventmarketing This article is the first of a new three part series designed to get you current, progress your feeds, build your following and understand the newest SM strategies and what they can and cant do for your brand.

Advertising is no longer a ‘build it, and they will come’ opportunity. Event marketers are speaking to consumers online in a way that resembles a conversation between friends as opposed to a sales pitch. Straight promotion will always have its place but today, it's content communication that garners the highest ROI. Want to sell next year’s event? Start talking about it now.

FORWARD-THINKING: FUTURE SALES By the time an event rolls around and the doors open, the tickets have been sold, the vendors have been solidified and the sponsors have made their contributions. So now would be the worst time to put social media on hold. That’s where your greatest opportunity lies.

Think about next year’s event today. Create content that is shareable and promotes your attendees, vendors and sponsors and then tag them. People will always share posts that are about them to their audience so cast a wider net to reach even more potential customers.

Content creation is also a fantastic way to show your vendors, sponsors, and attendees that you value them, and are taking every opportunity to thank them and promote them for being a part of your show. This type of recognition gets major points when the ‘sign up for next year’ email comes along.

Here are your MUST POSTS for every event:

Welcome to Social Media Master Class. A 3 part series aimed at helping companies truly benefit from the investment of time and money funneling into SM usage.

Social media trends and strategies are constantly evolving based on analytics, user patterns and content demands. It’s easy to think you know how to use SM to engage readers, buyers and clients, but with the rapidly changing landscape of tools and platforms you could be missing out on huge opportunities to reach your market.

1. Featured Vendors 2. Highlight Sponsors 3. Speaker Bios/Photos/Video clips/Quotes 4. Images of Key Presentation Slides 5. Vendor/Sponsor Product Demonstrations 6. Entrance to Event 7. Walkthrough of Show floor (busy areas) 8. Swag Bag Promotions (with people, behind a table, flat-lay) 9. Attendee Testimonials 10. Set-up/tear-down photos (transformations)

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Sharing posts about your vendors makes them feel they were beneficially promoted to your entire event audience and they see more value in the price they paid for their square footage.

Additionally, sponsors will feel as though their marketing dollars have gone beyond the on-site branding at your event and have stretched into a solid online reach. Attendees will have an entirely new platform (beyond the physical) to engage with the show. Day-of-event social media engagement can help with this.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: TESTIMONIALS & WORD OF MOUTH Showtime is also judgment day. It is the time that people are already deciding if they will be back next year. As any planner knows, the show could go off without a hitch, and someone may still find a reason to complain. Day-of social media is your solution.

People are rarely silent about their doubts. If they have a question or a concern, they will voice it – usually in a way that garners support. Use the tools below to monitor the conversation throughout the day so you can quickly react and respond.

• Branded hashtags • Mention

COMMUNICATION: UPDATES, SCHEDULES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION If you do not have an event app (and sometimes even if you do), social media is the primary way attendees will reach out to you.

It is also the broadest way to share new information with your attendees (vendors and sponsors included). Things like speaker changes, the location of live demos, emergency information, content winners. These are all things you want to shout out loud. Think of it like the trumpeting of an elephant’s trunk.

EACH DAY, EVERY DAY: SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Experiential marketing cannot just rely on people’s physical experiences. It is important for people to be able to share those experiences and having a social media program in place to manage.

It can’t be an afterthought. By using companies like Elephant’s Remark you take the pressure off your team and let them focus on the event and put your SM into the hands of professionals.

Do not underestimate the need for your attendees to share their experiences. Having all of your bases covered (online and offline) will ensure the best likelihood of returning sponsors, vendors, and attendees to your next big event.

• Social mention • Searching event name manually • Event name as a hashtag (and misspelled branded hashtags) Not all engagement is crowd control. Many people want to share what they love as well. By ignoring social media during the day of your event, you are missing out on engagement opportunities and brand loyalty nurturing.

Hiring a SM management company for the day of your event to monitor 24/7 helps ensures negative public feedback is taken to a private platform (direct message) as quickly as possible and managed in a friendly, professional way. Positive feedback, which often goes unrecognized, gets positive appreciation too, and can even lead to brand advocates taking on naysayers for you on a public platform.

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ABOUT ELEPHANT'S REMARK Content provided by Sarah Kirkpatrick, lead matriarch, Elephant's Remark, an on-site, day-of 'Live Social Engagement Company' specializing in social media management and engagement at business-to-business and business-toconsumer events.

For more information about what exactly they do, visit their website at www.elephantsremark.com

Quotes from keynote speakers Testimonials from guests or vendors

TWITTER

Photo burst walkthrough Entertainment performances

INSTAGRAM After party/ award show attendees Stunning and unique trade show booths or table displays

“The calm before the storm” Images and quotes from speakers Sponsor and Speaker profiles

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE Red carpet or ‘Photo Booth’ samples Emergency updates Scheduling changes Key vendors

Live event updates Emergency communications Contests

IDEAS FOR GREAT POSTS

#foodporn Goofy candid moments 15-second clips of non-feature booths

INSTAGRAM STORIES Images of the audience in seminars Candid shots of attendees engaged Prizes or swag bags

Evergreen content Favourite moments from Event

FACEBOOK COMPANY PAGE Bonus content Video testimonials/reactions Before/after quotes from keynote

FACEBOOK LIVE Contest Winners Product Demonstrations FOMO moment

Album for all Red Carpet and ‘Photo Booth’ images

FAST & FABULOUS

SUMMER RECIPES ADD SOME COOL RECIPES TO YOUR SUMMER EVENT FOOD LINE-UP Summer’s here and no one wants to be stuck inside cooking over a hot stove! Time to switch it up and instead of cooking, use the oven for extra shoe storage till the fall and make your outdoor grill your go to for fabulous summer meals.

Try out these three, easy and quick recipes for fast and fabulous warm weather dishes that are sure to please everyone at your summer table.

5-Minute Creamy

Mango Ice Cream

This 5-minute creamy mango ice cream is made with four simple ingredients, is healthy and low in added sugar, and can be made in your Bullet or food processor. It's ready instantly-no freezing required plus its vegan and gluten free.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

HOW TO MAKE IT

3 cups mango chunks, frozen ½ cup coconut milk, canned 2 tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup 1 pinch salt ½ tsp vanilla extract

1. Place all ingredients in your bullet or food processor.

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2. Process until smooth, and there are no more mango chunks. Do not over process, or it will begin to melt.

3. Serve immediately.

Maple Cinnamon

Grilled Pineapple WHAT YOU'LL NEED

HOW TO MAKE IT

½ cup honey ½ stick butter 1½ tsp thick maple syrup Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of salt Chili flakes (optional)

1. Slice pineapple into short strips.

2. Place pineapple in a large resealable plastic bag and add all ingredients. Seal bag, and shake to coat evenly.

3. If you don’t want it too sweet add some chili flakes.

4. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate. Grill pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.

Campfire Grilled

Chicken & Veggie Packet This super easy meal takes ten minutes to prep and 35 minutes on the grill.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED Tin foil One chicken breast ¼ cup baby carrots 1 fresh ear corn, on the cob ¼ cup mushrooms, fresh or canned 1½ red potatoes, small and cut 1 small tomatoes 1 small Sweet onion Lemon juice Choice of seasoning

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Season your chicken breast with your favourite seasoning. We like fresh garlic and onion powder.

2. Tear off two large pieces of tin foil and lay them across one another like a cross. Place your chicken on the foil then follow with all your veggies on top of the chicken.

Cut the corn in half and place on top of the vegetables.

Season with salt and pepper and a dash of lemon juice.

3. Pull the foil up to close one side and then the other.

Ensure the packet is closed but leave a small vent for steam to escape.

4. Place on the grill for about 35-40 minutes. Check to see if the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove from grill and transfer to plate or place foil packets on the plates and serve al fresco.

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HOST BETTER EVENTS Redefine the meaning of fun when you plan your next event at The Rec Room. With up to 60,000 sq. ft. of entertainment space, Canadian-inspired dining, and gaming options ranging from shuffleboard to the latest virtual reality, it’ll be like nothing you’ve hosted before. With our onsite professional event planner always ready to assist, you’ll have everything you need to pull off your best event yet.

LOCATIONS · South Edmonton (AB) · West Edmonton Mall (AB) · Toronto (ON) · Calgary (Deerfoot, AB) · Coming Soon: London (ON), Mississauga (ON) + Vancouver (BC)

Take the hassle out of planning your next event.

For a preview of our offerings visit

TheRecRoom.com

TM

® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license.

THE REC ROOM THIS YEAR’S CORPORATE SUMMER PLAYGROUND

As the weather gets milder, many of us intuitively gravitate towards the outdoors, while others tend to cling to the crispness of well air-conditioned lounging grounds.

When one of Canada’s leading financial institutions began coordinating their summer employee appreciation event for 3,000 to 4,000 honoured staff members, they had to take a range of preferences into consideration. “Our group is always looking for different experiences and variety, so The Rec Room was a clear choice for us,” they said. “We are incorporating every section of the venue into our event, in addition to Roundhouse Park for our outdoor barbeque.”

With over 40,000 square feet of event space for up to 1,200 guests, The Rec Room Roundhouse in Toronto boasts an upscale, Canadian-inspired restaurant as well as a quick service restaurant with a custom-donut bar, a selection of 24+ draft beers and unmatched wine and cocktail options, more than 80 display screens, 90 amusement games, an immersive virtual reality experience, and one of Toronto’s most stylish patios.

As if that wasn’t enough variety, Roundhouse Park is just steps outside the venue with the capacity to host 4,500 more event goers.

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But don’t let The Rec Room’s magnitude and social features seem misleading. With retractable, sound-resistant walls and dedicated, attentive staff, the vibrant venue is also the ideal space to gather for a more intimate team huddle, board meeting or theatre-style presentation.

“The magic of The Rec Room is not just the uniqueness of the space but what you can do with it,” she explained. “My job at the end of the day is to put on my creative hat and make sure the venue is transformed spot-on into whatever my client envisions for their event.”

Since officially opening its doors less than a year ago, The Rec Room Roundhouse has been home to more than 625 events of all types and sizes. The environment was designed to enable a premium corporate event experience. Since the venue is not raw space, event planners needn’t be concerned with decor arrangements. However, Karleen Toyne, the Roundhouse’s resident Sales Manager and creative partner, prides herself in the art of space transformation.

In preparation for any event, The Rec Room team walks prospective clients through the entire space and run of show regularly to allow for finessing of each event. The team’s creativity, passion for execution excellence and desire for customer satisfaction plays a key roll in the meticulous planning.

The Rec Room has locations in Calgary, Edmonton and London. Visit www.therecroom.com for more details on how to Host Better Events this summer.

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Energy Disruptors Unite The team at e=mc2 events landed a dream event when their client came to them with dreams of their own. Ones that would immediately set their brilliant minds spinning with imagination and big, bold, out of the box ideas. This wasn’t just any client, this group of disruptors was charged up and looking for a partner to build a conference like no one had ever seen before.

The “e” Team Sales: Kathy Randle & Jocelyn Flanagan; Creative Director: Keri Miller; Producer: Dwayne Maurer; Coordinator: Briar Cardiff; Manager: Sue Summers

Featured Vendors Venue: The Big Four Roadhouse At Calgary Stampede; Decor/Design: Decor & More Inc; Production Mgmt & Design: E3 Production + Event Services; Lighting: Orange Frog Productions; Audio: FM Systems; AV: Proshow Audiovisual; String Backdrop: Curtain Call Creative Fabric Inc; Graphics: West Canadian and PixelXpress; Video: Kelly Brothers

The fact that CEO Jocelyn Flanagan met the client on a squash court would be indicative of the experience that would set the stage for this epic collaboration and allowed the team at e=mc2 events to get clear that there would be nothing status quo about this project. Every action, every movement, every creation was breaking down walls and building new frontiers. As any good planner would do, the team took great care and time to get into the heads and hearts of the instigators at Energy Disruptors Unite and dive into their strategies; to understand the purpose behind each speaker, industry, and sponsor so that they were building a program that would resonate. The entire leadership team at e=mc2 are from Calgary and grew up amongst oil and gas, so they understand how changes to energy and the oil and gas industry impacted their families and their businesses. Energy Disruptors Unite (EDU) was created alongside a massive provincial recession, so while it seemed bold to some, to locally based e=mc2 it was exciting to be part of this global movement, to create and produce something that will change the world.

The very first Energy Disruptors Unite took place over two days in May with a bold ambition: to accelerate pragmatic and profitable solutions to the world’s most significant energy challenges by igniting a global movement of gamechanging energy technologies.

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The project, led by e=mc2 producer Dwayne Maurer and a robust internal and external team, united over 1500 participants including 200 VIPs at The Big Four on Stampede Park to rally together to ignite a global movement.

This collaborative movement founded by three risk-taking instigators offered education presented via curated main stage keynotes and panels, disruptive conversations in breakouts and an innovative and energized networking space.

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ALL PHOTOS BY BLAKE CHORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Featured speakers included Sir Richard Branson, Michael Liebreich, Susan Cain, Roz Savage and many others, with the main stage hosted and moderated by the magnetic Holly Ransom.

No change comes without discomfort and this experience was proof of that. The educational program was diverse and intense with speakers talking about managing the change, moving it forward and inspiring people to ignite action. It was clear that this content would not only provide thoughtprovoking content, but at the same time, the disruption attendees would become a part of would be uncomfortable. e=mc2’s creative team saw this as an opportunity to create an environment that spoke to human ingenuity and technology and placed a focus on the diverse delegate experience during the two days. They are staunch believers that technology has a place at events, as a tool for human to human interactions, not just because it's new and shiny and stepping into the shoes of guests is the best medium for

“

Sponsors included ATB Financial, Tesla, Shell, IBM and Calgary Economic Development, EY and Enmax. A great example of how e=mc2 used strategy to create connections was with two principal event sponsors; EY and Enmax that engaged “e” to create and design their activations.

For EY, the goal was to provide an environment where guests would linger long enough to meet with their team and to show their innovative strengths while giving guests comfort amongst the disruption. In essence, a space where one could cancel out the noise and discomfort of some of the content in a safe environment. e=mc 2 created a space for them that included an EY branded and identifiable location with a 60' diameter EY carpet and multiple entry points to a central hub where

Keri Miller, e=mc2 events

We created a space of play and comfort

“

a lounge where guests could recharge their technology while recharging themselves. Charging stations, a hammock hub, spa water and energy balls drew guests to interact within the brand.

successful experiences that matter. That philosophy led them to create an analog stage design reflected in massive metallic spheres, along with a custom soundtrack, curated scents, and expert programming to truly create an experience attendees have never seen before.

A creative networking/ trade show area called “Collision Hub” hosted guests in innovative and strategically crafted sponsor activations, designed to showcase brands involved in the energy movement. To maximize sponsor value through interaction rather than in “booths” the e=mc2 team worked with multiple brands to customize how attendees would act and interact in their space. The vision was that attendees would engage with each other and the sponsors in an unstructured collaborative environment.

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a traditional candy bar was set within touch screen demo stations. Hanging above them were three tilted screens, surrounding them were various seating options including, inflatable chairs, bean bags, and rocking chairs all focused upward. Guests were provided noise cancelling earphones for the main stage live feed as well as EY custom branded content fed to the headphones during breaks, along with music and announcements.

“There is a vulnerability and a sense of discomfort learning about disruptive energy, being hugged in your own environment provided a great level of comfort” – quote by Keri Miller. The headphones being used throughout the space allowed guests to pretty much drop themselves anywhere to work, or to just "be".

ALL PHOTOS BY BLAKE CHORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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The other example of a fantastic event strategy was Enmax, a consistent and trusted partner in energy that wanted to support their position as a friendly face amongst the disruption. Enmax is a utility provider and a brand that is over 100 years old. It has a reputation for being traditional and a bit expected and their team quickly identified with this and used it to their advantage. Using the tag line "Disruption requires energy," Keri and the client, alongside design partner Stefani Dunn from Decor and More Inc created a space that

focused on Enmax as the core of connection and energy. It was a lounge of connection and comfort with digital trees displaying playful, disruptive content, seating areas that included "people-powered" teeter-totters and hammock swings and a spa water and energy ball station. To fully promote them as a connecting sponsor, over 40 co-branded table top phone chargers were distributed in the Collision Hub, in the VIP lounge and in speaker rooms and small branded "check out" mini chargers could be borrowed. In a

radical departure from conservatism, they broke free from their main brand and pantones, selecting their ancillary pastel and friendly shades to create a playful, comfortable networking lounge where many business deals were made and connections happened.

The main stage changed multiple times in the design process. After many iterations the design team of Keri, Stefani Dunn at Decor & More and Andrew at E3 Production + Event Services and Curtain Call landed on a simple layout with disruptive, analog components with great lighting and transformative seating for panels. The string installation on the stage was designed for speakers to walk through and for site lines to be skewed and different in each session, panel seating was moved on stage by dancers for each discussion, local entertainers provided musical entertainment and the stage graphics provided excellent eye candy for cameras. 6 giant reflective balls were shuffled around and placed in positions where guests could see their reflection, symbolically seeing themselves as catalysts for change.

The featured main entrance wall was developed with the securing of the Roborace car, the fully autonomous race car! The goal was to create impact upon entry to the conference, providing a cool digital experience for attendees to use as a shareable location while enhancing the car right beside it.

“

Our featured entrance wall was a hit during the event. A shareable, digital experience that was only made better by the brilliant addition of the fully autonomous Roborace car.

--Whizbang

The team wanted to create a non-corporate environment and knew that if they wanted to ignite change and encourage a movement, they needed to provide an experience that was creative and distinctive. The event held all the typical elements and did not overkill in technology to take away from the actual content. Integrating the Collision Hub and the main stage environment had its challenges, but the holistic approach to always having access to the speaker content no matter where you were in the space was key to keeping the energy up and the purpose of collisions and disruption top of mind. The sponsors were given activation opportunities that allowed for real connections and conversations and the attendees are still talking about the movement.

The speaker content was curated by the client and handled carefully and the panels were created so purposefully that it provided an opportunity for everyone to feel as though their voice was being heard and debated.

“

The host, Holly Ransom was brilliant and knowledgeable while being humble, witty and engaged. She is youthful and vibrant and female leading tough conversations about a previously male-dominated environment. The client's goal from the very beginning of the process, and before it was "expected" focused on an equal amount of male and female experts on stage.

Many things set this conference apart, the content, the creativity, and the message, but according to Miller, “we think what mattered was that the instigators, our clients knew what their objective was. They were firm and unafraid and stayed true to their vision. They were the risk takers, they reported to no one and therefore could build a disruptive change making conference their way. They allowed us to do what we do best, trusting us every step of the way, something we will rally again to do in 2019 in September when Energy Disruptors Unite takes on the world again”.

I was blown away by the 'eclectic' mix of speakers expertly hosted by the tour de force of holly ransom, the almost unbelievably cool main venue and the subject matter discussed and debated.

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“

--Jim Kelsall, Attendee

ALL PHOTOS BY BLAKE CHORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

THE RESULTS

ABOUT

Since 2001, e=mc² events has led the production of an extensive portfolio of fundraising galas, awards banquets, product launches, conferences, exhibitions, company openings and other high profile events. With offices in Vancouver and Toronto, and our head office in Calgary, e=mc² events is considered one of the leading conference and event management companies in Canada.

Visit www.emc2events.com to view more events and projects by e=mc² events.

Watch the Video

Dining Al Fresco

By Stacy Wyatt

A Dozen Inspiring Ways to Take Your Summer Dining Experience Outdoors

There is something magical about eating outside. Whether it’s a beachside table for two, a dreamy dinner party on a candlelit terrace, a rustic wedding reception in a country field or a moonlight picnic in your own backyard; dining al fresco has never been more on trend and more inviting to try.

To celebrate the many beautiful ways to dine under the stars, we curated this collection of inspiring outdoor table designs.

If you decide to try and replicate one, please send us your snaps so we can share it with our readers. All we need is the shot and one or two lines about your inspiration.

IN THE WOODS It all started with glamping; designing and building luxury environments among the roughness of the wilds and since then has become a top trend with wedding and event planners. The more unique and obscure the location, the more appealing it can be. One of the best things about setting up dinner in the woods is it comes with built-in hanging points, the trees.

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IN THE BACKYARD It only takes a few small, simple touches to turn your backyard into a fabulous outdoor dining space. A few patio lanterns or some string lights, elegant, colourful linen and a great set of dishes and voila, dinner is served. Forget about making it matchy-match, opt for an eclectic mix of linens, plates and glasses. It will still look perfect. Boho is tres chic right now so the more assorted, the better.

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AT THE BARN Hosting dinner in a field or a barn allows you the luxury of doing as much or as little design/decor as you want and still having a naturally beautiful built-in atmosphere to host your guests. You can create a luxury white glove dinner which artfully juxtaposes the rustic setting or maybe try country chic with haybales, wildflowers, and tree trunks; either way, there is no wrong way to do dinner in the field.

ON THE GRASS These pretty pillow party inspired dinners are so hot right now and easy to create in any space. Start by making sure your grass is clean fresh and well... (un-dogified). Then, grab an assortment of pillows and colorful throws to create your inspired seating design. You can use just about anything you have in the yard for the table; try a barn door or a sheet of sanded wood propped up on cinderblocks... add low key linens over sides of the table (Indian saris or colourful madras fabrics work great), toss some flowers with the stems down the center, add some candles and a few bottles of wine and presto, you have a gorgeous space to share.

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NEAR THE WATER There is something magical about the water that draws us in and provides an instant sense of calm and serenity. What could be more special than hosting a dinner on the beach and sharing a great meal with people that matter to you. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and celebrate in a ready-made stress-free zone. No matter what you do, from candlelit tables for ten to a blanket, cheese and a bottle of wine, dinner on the beach is always going to be a great idea.

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eventtech

Storytelling With

AR

By Carolyn Archambault, CieAR Inc

Going to the movies is a favourite pastime for many.

Everyone loves a night out at the cinema or a Saturday evening rolled up on the sofa with a rental. While strides in digital tech have ensured the experience is always pushing new boundaries and finding ways to engage the viewer, what is happening today is actually turning the stuff movies are made of into reality. Cutting-edge technologies are taking this storytelling artform to new levels, transporting ‘participants’ to the center of the action in brave new 360-degree mobile immersive cinematic worlds Ěś a new narrative form that invites us to bring our body along for the ride.

Using a smartphone, tablet or AR glasses, participants of any age can interact in augmented reality film experiences in real space and time with life-size 3D characters. AR in effect offers a combination of characters and other objects that have been computer-generated combined with the real world to offer an augmented reality. The emerging medium of augmented reality offers filmmakers the tools to provide fully 76 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

immersive and interactive films in and across multiple different venues, including the home, that are believable, engaging and nonlinear (participants can unlock any object in a specific room/scene in any order) in format.

Event organizers, cities, theme parks and film studios can benefit from new revenue streams enabled by these types of novel augmented reality film experiences. They can turn their locations into any genre of film that provides guests with a new experience; perhaps debut in their first acting role within a lifesize augmented reality environment. Augmented reality has the potential to change the way participants interact and communicate during an event and allow them to engage at a deep level with other participants. Best of all, augmented reality is affordable.

The technology propelling these immersive film experiences is meant to be seamless for the participant who wants to experience the emotional responses they would normally

connect with during the story, but as a more profound, visceral experience. In fact, the entire traditional film workflow is disrupted when creating an AR film experience with lifesize 3D characters.

There are however challenges that come with using this technology. Some of these involve…

• working inside and outdoors with markerless tracking

While there are already augmented and virtual reality films available as attractions, only a small handful offer integration with life-size 3D characters. Event managers should oversee that all the technical and R&D work was carried out upstream to create a seamless experience for the intended audience and that the storyline is engaging, makes sense and offers high quality 3D animation.

• creating seemless transitions across multiple locations

The fascinating thing about interacting with virtual characters in a real world is that the technology allows the characters to always know where participants are in a given scene and can approach them, walk around them, watch them dynamically or even whisper things to them behind their back. It’s really important to make the interaction between characters and physical objects realistic to keep participants fully engaged.

In addition to this paradigm shift in filmmaking, integrating realistic life-size characters with limited resources can be a massive challenge, but well worth the pain.

With virtual reality the possibilities are endless and this is just the first stage in the development of AR. Imagine what events can look like in 5 years?

• the various constraints of smartphones and tablets • creating a film with a linear story from one scenario to another while maintaining a non-linear storyline within each scene to allow the viewer some control over the experience and move forward in the narrative at their own pace

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Turning 13

In Style

When Michelle Garber and Tamara Niyazov from Fab FĂŞte Event Planning Boutique joined the team from FOS Rental Group for their first client meeting, it was clear this project was going to be a labour of love.

The goal was to create an epic celebration for a young girl in love with fashion, music, and celeb style. Shelley wanted a fun and festival themed event but she also wanted glamour and of course her favourite colours tiffany blue and lilac. So what better way to put those things together than to throw her an upscale version of her very own Coachella, aptly called Shellchella for Shelly Altman.

As guests entered, they were greeted by 8-foot tall floral mannequin ladies while a towering unicorn stood proudly next to colourful balloons cascading from the grand piano.

This magical wonderland created a stunning entryway. Custom signposts boxwood walls, draping, and florals accented the look while 1,000 balloons floated effortlessly over the dance floor.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANGO STUDIOS AND 424U PHOTO & VIDEO

The tables were dressed in lilac dupioni linen adding a little texture with tiffany blue napkins and silver accents.

Inspiration for the centerpieces came from flower crowns, synonymous with Coachella. An ombre wreath of florals in pink tones dripping with floating crystals surrounded the base of one design while the other, boasted a floral ombre crown in purple tones with lilac, silver and tiffany blue ribbons with sparkling diamantes in the center.

Over the monogrammed dancefloor, varied sized white balloons formed a canopy, from which tiffany blue, lilac and silver tassels hung, allowing guests to dance under their custom designed sky. Life size food truck facades were built on site inspired by the food being served. Bars were vinyled showcasing the theme of the evening, “Shellchella”. A swing lush with florals provided the perfect photo opportunity for guests at the side of the dance floor.

To see more from the companies involved in this event visit FOS Rental Group or Fab Fête Event Planning Boutique.

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While the client wanted a fun and festival theme. she also wanted glamour and of course her favourite colours - tiffany blue and lilac.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANGO STUDIOS AND 424U PHOTO & VIDEO

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Canadian Special Events Media Group is a niche publishing and communications agency focused on supporting the special events and marketing industry in Canada.

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HONOURING THE BEST IN CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS

Best Experiential Marketing Event Mandell Entertainment, Toronto, ON Roots Northern Lights

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Instead of the traditional holiday gift guide, Canadian lifestyle brand Roots changed the game with their Holiday 2017 event, Northern Lights.

The experiential event took place in Toronto on November 21 and combined live music, technology, art, and fashion, with guests being able to shop the collection as they were seeing it walk down the runway using the “Roots Live� mobile app.

Best Brand/ Product Launch Citizen Relations, Toronto, ON SickKids VS Limits Media Launch

On September 29, 2017, over 2,000 guests including corporate sponsors, private patrons, athletes, celebrities, and patients descended upon Mattamy Centre at Ryerson University to recognize donors and launch the new fundraising campaign. Featuring an All-Star Parade, and a kabuki drop of donor banners hung from the rafters, this incredible event was capped off with the unveiling of a campaign video paired with live appearances from the SickKids patients that starred in it. The event garnered over 20 million impressions and kicked off the public campaign with over $570 million in philanthropic donations and pledges.

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Best Audio Visual Design for an Event POP Kollaborative, Calgary, AB and Proshow Audiovisual, Calgary, AB for Onward Challenge assumptions, Challenge thinking, Challenge everything at Onward. This two and a half-day summit was an immersive, innovative experience that brought together some of the smartest minds in business, technology and creativity.

When speakers represent IMB Einstein Artificial Intelligence, Hyperloop Technologies and Dark Trace Immune Based Cyber Defense to name a few, one must raise the game and raise it they did. The 100’ x 20’ screen provided a unique experience for their attendees and the challenging task of AV content design, spanning 10 hours of programming. It was a daunting show of “LET TECHNOLOGY RULE”.

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Most Innovative Use of Event Technology Westbury National, Toronto, ON WestJet Desert Lights

90 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

Relying on their vast in-house technological, knowledge, and human resources and a well established network of trusted suppliers across North America, Westbury National helped ReThink Communications deliver a one of a kind, larger than life experience for WestJet and its customers. They worked on an incredibly tight deadline and overcame several unique challenges given the massive physical scope of the project, the remote desert location, and the necessity to work with the FAA to incorporate an active passenger aircraft into a live event. As they so often do, they helped a client turn a radical vision into reality, accomplishing something spectacular that had never been done before.

Best Trade Show/ Exposition aNd Logistix Inc., Toronto, ON Ontario Centres of Excellence Discovery Conference

Discovery is an annual showcase of innovative technologies, best practices and applied research from sectors including health, manufacturing, ICT, digital media, energy, environment, high-performance computing, transportation, aerospace, and fintech. More than a tradeshow, Discovery is designed to connect industry, academics, students, entrepreneurs, government, the financial community and other key stakeholders across sectors, the province, Canada and internationally to encourage and facilitate knowledge exchange, networking, cross-sector collaboration and commercial opportunity. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Discovery 17 attracted 3,600 attendees. The theme innovation was implemented in every aspect of the 200,000 square foot tradeshow.

Best Show Booth/ Brand Display or Pavilion Citizen Relations, Toronto, ON Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks Experiential Campaign Shoppers Drug Mart created an experiential program at CF Sherway Garden to promote their 2017 Top Picks. It was important that the experience was crafted in a way that positioned SDM as a health, beauty and convenience influencer while generating buzz, excitement and shareable content. The results were amazing. Engaging close to 8,900 consumers with free samples, an AR experience, beauty makeovers and thank you bags loaded with coupons/ samples which is why the event was outstanding. With a 92.5% shop rate achieved on the text offer, the event was a true success. The Top Picks House generated an atmosphere that people could relate to and interact with, creating an experience that allowed them to achieve their objectives.

Best Event for a High Profile Charity Event Strategy Partners (ESP) Inc., Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) & Seneca College – Event Management, Toronto, ON Bloor Street Entertains 2017 94 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

On the eve of World AIDS Day, Toronto’s luxury retailers opened their doors to host Bloor Street Entertains, the only Canadian fundraising gala in support of life saving HIV and AIDS research. Close to 650 guests enjoyed dining at 15 venues, thanks to the collaboration of 15 chefs, 13 florists, Seneca College’s Event Management faculty and students and ESP Inc. The evening continued with an After Party at the Four Seasons Hotel for drinks, dancing and a silent auction. BSE 2017 raised more than $600,000 for AIDS research.

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Best Entertainment Production A2D2 Inc and Jet Entertainment, Toronto, ON Cirque Cabaret

96 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

On Thursday, October 12, 2017, A2D2 Inc and Jet Entertainment co-produced a one of a kind show collaborating multi-talented musicians and entertainers mixed with an array of stunning visuals, imagery, and technical production. It was a night honoring and celebrating the many Canadian milestones achieved by Joy Main International, a top China-based health and wellness brand. Recognizing the language barrier between the performers and the attendees was crucial in developing how the storyline would be portrayed and ultimately understood and took months of revising and refining to perfect. CIRQUE CABARET became an international production meant to touch, move and inspire audience member no matter their age, language or gender. Turning an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience was their goal, and that is precisely what they did!

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The Event Storyteller Bringing creative ideas to life!

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

Best Event for a Private Individual/ Group/Cause OneWest Events Inc., Calgary, AB The Great GatsBEA

GatsBEA was an opulent and extravagant 90th birthday party thrown for Bea Sheftel by her daughter Marilyn. The evening’s Roaring ‘20s theme was incorporated into every aspect of the experience, which unfolded in three distinct phases throughout the evening. Décor for the Welcome Reception, designed in a black-and-gold palette, pulled inspiration from the era of underground prohibition lounges. The Gatsby Dinner was set in a luxurious silver palette. During the dinner, the reception area was transformed into the final phase of the evening – a grand reveal of the photobooth experience, cigar lounge, and dessert display on the patio.

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Best Event Produced by an Association, Board or Committee ILEA Vancouver, MPI BC Chapter, and PCMA Canada West, Vancouver, BC for Through The Wardrobe: The Vancouver Event Industry Holiday Party 100 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

Through The Wardrobe: The Vancouver Event Industry Holiday Party for ILEA Vancouver, MPI BC Chapter, and PCMA Canada West transported over 450 guests directly into the wonderful world of Narnia. The event brought together 34 of Vancouver’s best and most creative planners, audio-video suppliers, lighting designers, decor and design companies, photographers, entertainers, and industry sponsors to create an over the top, engaging and completely immersive celebratory holiday experience for the Vancouver event community. 100% of funds raised directly fund the respective association scholarship programs.

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Best Public Event/ Fair or Festival (TIE) Fifth Element Group, Toronto, ON, RECESS – Ronald McDonald House

Watch the Video On April 2nd, 2017, their team created and executed the 1st Annual Recess in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto.

The festival-like atmosphere for families merged retro entertainment, games, and activations in a playful experience that transformed the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens into a home away from home – an inspiration that is the basis of Ronald McDonald House’s existence.

With Sponsors like McCafe, Discount, McCain, and TD, sponsors came together to ensure families have a place to go in time of treatment.

Best Public Event/ Fair or Festival (TIE) ParlĂŠview, Toronto, ON Ontario 150 Festivals

Ontario 150 Festivals was a series of four unique summer festivals at Ontario Place in 2017 that helped the province of Ontario celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Culinary Ontario, Heritage Ontario, Art and Music Ontario and Active Ontario festivals offered a total of 16 days of free, public activities, that celebrated local Ontario talent and culture through exploring our music, art, sport, food and beverage, and history. 80,000+ guests experienced 300+ unique and diverse entertainment programmers.

From idea conceptualization to management and deployment, ParlĂŠview re-launched Ontario Place as the summer festival destination!

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Best Event Photography Photos With Finesse, Calgary, AB Stephanie & Arnold’s $98,000 Dream Wedding

Calgarians submitted videos to Virgin Radio to vie for a $98,000 wedding at Deerfoot Inn and Casino, with products and services donated by some of the top wedding and event professionals in town. Arnold surprised Stephanie with the contest entry, pulling together a video that was convincing enough to be crowned the winner.

As the donor of the wedding photography package, Photos With Finesse rose to the challenge of showcasing Stephanie & Arnold’s love, the event and the vendor’s passion and hard work. Suzan was the only photographer on the wedding day and had less than 15 minutes from the end of the ceremony to shoot family & group shots, and under 75 minutes to head to a local park, shoot bridal party and couple shots along with the videographer, and return in time for the start of the reception.

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Best Event for a corporation Cantrav Services Inc., Vancouver, BC Electric Surge

106 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

Called Electric Surge, it was a neon spectacle designed for 2,500 entrepreneurs; a night filled with high style, interaction, and jaw-dropping performances blending contemporary dĂŠcor design, unique styling, electrifying entertainment, stunning lighting and cutting-edge technology.

The event included five different stages, including a DJ tower, cirque platforms, central stage for contemporary dance linked with video mapping and an after party band zone. Neon styling was used predominantly through tape installations on all structures, bars, spray painted mannequins and out of the box decor.

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Best Event Produced for a Community Based Charitable Organization Hala Events & Communications Inc. Toronto, ON McMichael Canadian Art Collection Moonlight Gala

The sixth annual Moonlight gala took place on the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s spectacular grounds which were transformed into a glamorous indoor and outdoor party for an evening of gourmet dining and dancing under the stars.

Emceed by CTV News Toronto co-anchor Ken Shaw, guests enjoyed rare performances by guitarist Rik Emmett of Triumph and an exceptional performance by five of Canada’s world-renowned guitar makers to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and the museum’s Group of Seven Guitar Project. Proceeds from the event go toward the conservation and preservation of 6,000 artworks in the gallery’s permanent collection.

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The concept of a family residence, injected with the personality of The Addisons, creates a true feeling of a house party. The residence is 4500 sq. . 400 person capacity venue with 3 fully functional bars.

Modular furniture throughout each of the house inspired rooms, Kitchen/Dining Room, Living Room & Den are separated by glass doors and can be fully customizable to suit your every need.

State of the art DJ booth, outfi ed with complete audio setup help make your event more enjoyable.

The 5000 sq. . 400 person outdoor patio is a beautiful backyard oasis in the heart of downtown. A hidden gem equipped with 2 fully functional bars, communal seating, outdoor kitchen and life size games.

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Best Event Produced By an In-House Team at a Venue or Corporation Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC All About Me

Guests at this special weekend event hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler became the center of attention as they spent 3 days focused on nothing but themselves. They discovered new liberating mindsets, re-connected with their playful inner child and unleashed their graceful goddess through a dynamic range of interactive workshops, paradigm shifting presentations and expanding experiences. It was an opportunity for women to unwind, relax, and experience total luxury among the warm welcoming company of amazing like- minded woman.

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Best Corporate Team Building Event Eventology Canada, Vancouver, BC The Big Picture – MTU Maintenance Core Values 2017

Eventology’s Big Picture event brought 400 employees from MTU Maintenance, BC together to create an enormous, interconnected, multi-canvas masterpiece of art. The design of which incorporated the companies branding, vision, values, culture and goals. The completion of the MTU masterpiece required team creativity, collaboration, strategic communication and detailed planning to ensure the 120-canvas came together in just two hours, with all lines connected and all colours “matching”.

Best Conference (TIE) aNd Logistix Inc, Toronto, ON Mortgage Professionals Canada National Conference 2017 This compact dynamic 2-day conference featured keynote sessions, breakouts, lunch on the expo floor, and closing Awards Dinner. Held for the first time in Niagara Falls, with delegates leery of this 70’s honeymoon destination, marketing was more important than ever. The improved agenda carved out more spare time, offered winery dinner excursions and welcome reception with entertainment. Being the only group in the intimate convention centre with hotels steps from each other, the destination soon became a favourite for delegates exclaiming it was the best conference they had been to in years!

The post-conference survey rated format 85% excellent/ very good.

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Best Conference (TIE) Tap Resources, Ohsweken, ON; Six Nations Polytechnic and AV Canada, Toronto, ON World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE)

The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education was a five-day global extravaganza. The conference hosted over 3000 Indigenous delegates from across the globe and consisted of a full day of Opening Ceremonies, a day of community tours to Indigenous communities and agencies between Toronto and Niagara Falls. MTCC held 3 days of education with 30+ workshops delivered hourly for a total of 800+ workshops. A two-day youth stream delivered focused on creating an opportunity for youth self-discovery and personal development in leadership. The closing gala was an open-air event set among the backdrop of lights, trees, teepees, and seating for over 3000 delegates held at Fort York celebrating new friendships, relationships, and comradery.

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Best Fundraising Event (TIE) Fondation du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Bal des Grands Romantiques

114 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

The “ Bal des Grands romantiques ” is the flagship fundraising event of the Fondation du CHU de Québec. The Foundation supports its five hospitals financially to humanize health care, provide a better quality of medical services and contribute to research all the while remaining on the cutting edge of technological innovations.

The Bal attracts a prestigious clientele from Québec’s medical and business communities. On March 17, 2017, the 23rd edition was held at the Videotron Center, and a net profit of $505,000 was raised for the cause.

This event has become the most important of its kind in Québec City.

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Best Fundraising Event (TIE) Solutions with Impact Toronto, ON Montreal Culinary Showdown

On October 29, 2017, foodies gathered to watch Celebrity Chefs, Ivan Raca, Michael Smith, Mark McEwan, Tyler Florence and Kimberly Lallouz lead amateur cooks in a live cook-off during the 1 st Montreal Culinary Showdown developed and executed by our company. Former Bachelor Canada Brad Smith hosted the event. After a day spent one - on - one with the participants, the celebrity chefs, acted as coaches and led their teams in the preparation of three courses in a gala setting, competing in a judged event to bring home the trophy and bragging rights.

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best mutiple day incentive Cantrav Services Inc Vancouver, BC Amway A high end, multiday incentive program in Vancouver for an International group of VIP’s.

Fifty vintage cars transferred guests to the historic Stanley Park Pavilion, dozens of golf carts used for the public parkade rooftop Hollywood Back lot party and one dazzling lavish spectacle at the Commodore Ballroom. One custom 5 km Fun Run, over a dozen helicopters and float planes took guests to Victoria for the day and over seven hundred vehicle transfers between the airport, activities and dine arounds. Fiftythree local staff had to know each of the 259 guests by name on this“never-done-before,” out of the box, custom program.

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Best Event Design/ Decor Concept $0 – $30,000 Fab Fête Event Planning Boutique and DT Floral and Decor Inc, Toronto, ON Chantelle & Leon’s White Garden Wedding

Chantelle & Leon’s White Garden Wedding, planned & designed by Fab Fete Event Planning Boutique and DT Floral & Decor, was truly a wedding to remember. The eclectic and modern decor radiated a whimsical, yet extremely elegant vibe. The stunning plexiglass chuppah, adorned with a multitude of white flowers, was captivating and unique. As well, the combination of various all-white flowers, such as hydrangeas, roses & orchids, along with the subtle touches of gold, transformed the reception space into a beautiful and romantic garden.

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Best Event Design/Decor Concept $30,000 -$80,000 (TIE) OneWest Events Inc. Calgary, AB WestJet Holiday Party Steampunk Express Steampunk Express was an unusual and unexpected theme for Westjet’s corporate holiday event that demanded an immersive and avant-garde design solution. Historical props were brought in from across North America, ferns were grown to size in the months before the event, and custom features were designed from scratch, all to capture the essence of the theme and the unique aesthetic of the steampunk genre. A subtle nod to Polar Express and clever uses of colour and texture added just enough holiday essence to put a festive spin on the memorable theme.

Best Event Design/Decor Concept $30,000 -$80,000 (TIE) Bright Ideas Events Ltd, Richmond, BC A Christmas Carol Celebration A Christmas Carol Celebration, the theme chosen by the client for their annual holiday staff party, was set in a customized european village.

The overall strategy in designing this tailored event was to create a Christmas village setting that related to the movie.

Bright Ideas alternated shop front surfaces between brick, stucco, and wood and varied the designs to make the shops look realistic. In the courtyard center, they installed a metal three-tiered working fountain, surrounded by five globe lampposts and wrought iron park benches. It was a place where guests could gather, greet one another and get acquainted with the layout.

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Best Event Decor $80,000 + Creative Twist Inc., Canadian Tire Corporation, Decor & More Inc. and Pamler Audio, Toronto, ON A 1922 Welcome This welcome event celebrated Canadian Tire’s 95th Anniversary by transporting guests back to the era that it all began... 1922. The design for this event was a true collaboration of vision, design, and story all brought to life through the creative use of both tactile and digital decor. The modern interpretations of vintage design elements evoked the 1920’s aesthetic and flair with contemporary energy that reflected the brand they were celebrating. The design team worked seamlessly to create a cohesive look and feel across various mediums and successfully transformed the space in memorable ways.

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Most Creative Table/ Centre Design Christopher J Design, Vancouver, BC Step into Spring

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The table centerpiece design was on trend and precisely what was promised to the client at conception. The flowers in vases created a stunning colourful canopy overtop of guests heads, while the spring and summer garden elements created the feeling of an alfresco evening in the chalet. The dark wood of the chairs and tables complemented the space while the bright bold colours of the giant flowers, the fresh elements and unique summer garden touch added a pop of colour on the table .

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Best Wedding Creative Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Calgary, AB My Home

Creatvity in design was evident in the abundant forals, gorgeous furniture and gilded details that glittered beautifully against the stunning Lake Okanagan backdrop, but the real achievement of creativity here was bringing this celebration of love HOME. Extensive logistical creativity was required to make this family home not only a workable but a wow-worthy wedding venue. From finding solutions to create more space (like covering pools, and building stages on scaffolding) to turning obstacles into opportunity with a “mobile feast” format, the planning team approached the challenge with a "planning from a place of anything is possible" attitude and in the end made this couples wedding day dreams a reality.

Love is our HOME, Family is our HOME, we are each other’s HOME

Audio Visual Services | Event Production | DJ | Live Entertainment

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Best Wedding Under $75,000 RSVP Event Management, Saskatoon, SK Northern Romance The couple’s desire for a romantic northern Saskatchewan themed wedding was achieved by creating an indoor forest with prairie - sourced food, wine and decor. The remote location posed many logistical challenges, but also offered a unique and breathtaking backdrop that gave RSVP the opportunity to bring the beauty of Northern Saskatchewan indoors, if just for one night.

Best Wedding Over $75,000 Celebrate Events, Whistler, BC Giesbrecht Gill Wedding

One wedding, three days, four locations. The planners were tasked with creating a fluid ‘brand’ design that spoke to the couple’s aesthetic over four different events while managing the logistics of all offsite outdoor locations.

Creating a unique design, providing a ‘WOW’ experience for the guests, and managing budget presented challenges long into the planning process.

The beauty of the chosen event locations was as much of the design decision process as the actual event design and not being afraid of different and rising to the challenge is what elevated this event. Each event was a unique design yet the cohesive components made them blend seamelessy.

Most Creative Catering Presentation Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Outside Catering, Montreal, QC Imagine: The Beatles & Beyond, The Daffodil Ball The theme of The Daffodil Ball was IMAGINE: The Beatles & Beyond. The gala recreated the Beatles’ liberating music, styles and iconic Sixties images, but took guests beyond that to a world where imagination had no limits, where modern technology provided visual effects impossible in the Sixties. The menu was inspired by Beatles song titles and iconic British dishes, with novel presentations. Each hors d’oeuvre and dinner course brilliantly conveyed the theme, with colorful and original presentations, using decorative elements and extraordinary attention to the minutest details.

Best Overall Catered Event Toque Catering Inc., Victoria, BC Dedicated to David: A Legendary Evening Honouring David Foster

Dedicated to David : A Legendary Evening honoured Canadian Music Legend, David Foster. David’s accomplishments are an inspiration to all Canadians and to the students of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia where the event took place. This event featured some of David Foster’s greatest hits, performed by acclaimed graduates of the college.

The evening included a gourmet 3 - course plated dinner, live auction, and great music; as well as the presentation of the inaugural "Legend Award" to David Foster.

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Most Outstanding Event Up to $200,000 Corporate/Business/ Association/Non-Profit Providence Healthcare Foundation, Toronto, ON 17th Annual Cuisine & Cuvée

Cuisine & Cuvée is one of Toronto’s best parties, featuring the latest in culinary trends at 30 gourmet food and beverage stations. In its 17th year, more than 1,000 guests delighted in our smorgasbord of savory and sweet, accompanied by sommelier - selected fine wines, beers, and modern twists on classic cocktails.

Guests at Cuisine & Cuvée experienced tasty morsels prepared by top chefs in the city, followed by a massive party with one of the city’s top DJs accompanied by live musicians. Also, an auction and raffle with many rare ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences let guests take home something special.

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Most Outstanding Over $200,000 Corporate/Business/ Association/Non-Profit Solutions with Impact, Toronto, ON Montreal Culinary Showdown

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This is the gourmet philanthropic event of the year: The Culinary Showdown! The JGHF & QBCF partnered up together to fight against breast cancer. This event helped fund research and initiatives at the Jewish General Hospital which will benefit breast cancer patients from Montreal, Quebec and beyond. They successfully raised over $1.4 million dollars and had an immense amount of media and awareness for the foundation.

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Most Outstanding Over $200,000 Public/Festival/ Sporting/Cultural BRANDLIVE Group, Vancouver, BC Honda Celebration of Light

The Honda Celebration of Light is the world’s longest running offshore fireworks competition and the largest public event in British Columbia.

Held off the spectacular shore of English Bay, this natural event site stretches over 3.5 kilometers of beach and parkland. The 2017 festival featured world-class pyrotechnical performances from international teams showcasing their talents to a record-setting audience.

2017 saw the launch of a new festival brand identity, the expanded festival site including a live music stage and activation area featuring BC-based artists at Second Beach in Stanley Park, enhanced hosting, improved public safety initiatives, reinforcing the positive impact the event has on the city and its residents.

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Emerging Industry Leader Amy Nelson, Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Calgary, AB Amy Nelson knows a thing or two about patience. Passionate and committed to becoming a planner in her own right, she worked diligently on the Lynn Fletcher Weddings casual set up crew for two years before boldly asking Lynn for the opportunity to be a planner.

She had watched, worked, listened and paid attention to everything the senior planners did, studying her colleagues and mastering her skills. When a senior member of the team moved away from Calgary, the door opened, and Amy took her place as a lead planner with the busy Calgary planning firm. Smashing every single goal right from the start, Amy’s clients, colleagues, and vendors love her and have nothing but great things to say. Amy is all business with just the right amount of humour to handle the crazy world of brides and weddings. At the beginning of her career, Amy Nelson is one to watch a true Emerging Leader.

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Stacy Wyatt Spirit of the Industry Award Chad Brincheski, Event Strategy Partners Inc, Toronto, ON Throughout his career, Chad has managed, produced and won awards for some of the best events in North America. Chad graduated from the Hospitality and Tourism program at Ryerson University before spending ten years in catering and conference services with some of Toronto’s greatest hospitality landmarks including the flagship Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. For seven years, Chad was Director of Event Marketing at with one of Canada’s premier event management and promotional marketing firms, before establishing in 2011, ESP Inc., a client-focused agency specializing in creating spectacular events.

His professional career has been filled with amazing success and once in a lifetime experiences, having had the opportunity to work with some of the top business leaders and celebrities in the world. For every blessing he receives, he gives back, whether its supporting non-profits to teaching to mentoring young professionals to sharing his experiences with industry peers. Always acting with integrity, kindness and consideration for others, Chad Brincheski embodies what it means to be a true professional.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Danny Kramer Dance Band, Canada The Danny Kramer band are not just musicians; They are ENTERTAINERS. With a repertoire of over 1000 songs this high energy wows guests with its expansive collection and passion for performing. Based in Winnipeg Manitoba, Danny Kramer along with the Danny Kramer Dance Band has entertained audiences across Canada for many years.

2017 was the best year yet for the Danny Kramer Dance Band. They performed more than 50 Corporate and Wedding events; highlights included performing at an event which was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, playing with Ben Folds (The Luckiest) and being chosen to play at one of the city's most talked about weddings; Leon & Rob's Vintage Hollywood Big Gay Wedding as well as the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Black and White Gala.

CATERER OF THE YEAR Armando Arruda, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, QC Armando Arruda started working in the hotel industry at the age of 15 after moving to Montreal from the Azores Islands in Portugal. He quickly found a position as a busboy at the landmark Queen Elizabeth hotel.

The year was 1969. By 1995 he had built the hotel food and beverage dept into the leading caterer in the city, and it has retained this position ever since.

2017 was a huge year for both Armando and the hotel. In one year he Armando organized more than 100 major events in addition to donating time and services to support important local causes.

Armando Arruda’s achievements reached an all-time high last year, an accurate reflection of all hard work and hours he unselfishly spent developing unique concepts, running event, coaching his staff, and helping his colleagues. He and his devoted team received one nomination at the Special Event Gala Awards in LA and won for Best Catered Event for MAC Bal. He also received three nominations in three categories at the Canadian Event Industry Awards in April in Toronto and won Most Creative Catered Event (2017).

Armando rises to every occasion and does not shy away from flamboyant, eccentric or challenging themes to please his clients. They unanimously applaud his exemplary ingenuity, his knowledge of culinary preparation and presentation and his insatiable desire to come up with an outstanding performance of creative menus. Year after year, Armando Arruda consistently raises the bar and embodies what it means to be Caterer of the Year.

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Wedding Professional of the Year Julianne Young, Julianne Young Weddings, Calgary, AB Julianne says weddings is what she was put on this earth to do. After years of volunteering at events, and working as a florist while completing a degree in entrepreneurship, she started her company in 2011. Since then, she has won & been nominated for multiple National awards, worked internationally and had over 100 happy clients.

In 2017, JYW produced 26 luxury weddings, a 25% increase from 2016 and 7 styled shoots in Canada and internationally. When the event industry in Calgary saw a downturn due to challenging economic conditions, her business saw growth. Julianne believes that a rising tide lifts all boats, so in 2017 she also 148 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

opened her doors to share her learnings by launching a mentorship program to new wedding planners, to coach them through pricing, service offerings, branding, and processes in place for a sustainable business in the wedding industry.

With over a decade of experience, Julianne is known for her timeless & elegant design style and an impeccable attention to detail, that when coupled with her background in floral design, pushes all of her weddings beyond mediocrity. Julianne’s energy and passion is contagious; and her love for her work is shown through her genuine desire to go above and beyond for her clients.

Event Professional Of The Year Brent Taylor, Timewise Event Management Inc., Edmonton, AB 2017 was a tremendous year for Brent Taylor both personally and professionally. His Edmonton based AV company Event Technology Solutions delivered over 65 events across Alberta and in September, his sister company, Timewise Event Management completed its 18th year in business with the production the Edmonton and Calgary Event Awards.

If that wasn't enough, they launched a new event for Western Canada called GO West.

In addition to building his businesses, Brent is passionate about volunteering and giving back. In 2017 he sat on various events and meetings

industry boards and committees, supported Global Meetings Industry Day and The ONE Conference in Calgary with AV services. Brent also gave his time to ILEA, MPI and other local industry initiatives.

The Greater Edmonton Chapter of MPI recognized Brent in 2017 as Supplier of the Year and his team won an Esprit Award from ILEA for the Edmonton Event Awards initiative. His year ended with a 3 year appointment to the International Board of Director’s for MPI, Brent say’s this is by far the greatest honour and opportunity he has been given and an excellent way to move into 2018.

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