CSEisthelargestcommunityofeventprofsinCanada, followedbymorethan57k+corporate,non-profit,academic, association,tourism,marketing,planning,andhospitality professionalswhoengagewithusthousandsoftimesaday acrossmultipleplatforms.
WeproducetheCandianEventAwards,theCanadian EventVenueAwards,publishCanadianSpecialEvents Magazine,andproduceCSELive,theannualshowfor CanadianeventprofessionalsinTorontoandVancouver.
Wearestorytellers,offeringscriptandwritingservices fromfull-service,ideationandcontentproductiontooneoffconsultation.
We’reatrustedvoiceintheindustryandCanada’sleading socialmediainfluencerwithanunrivalledabilitytoconnect yourproduct,brand,message,orservicewiththecoreof theCanadiancorporateeventcommunity.
Founder&Publisher
StacyWyatt
VicePresident,Sales&Marketing
JasonKoop
AssociateEditor
JaniceCardinale
Director,Sales&StrategicPartnerships
VickiZeppa
Marketing&Design
VeronicaMichalczak
Production&Administration
IanGadot,Web&Digital ArlenMirandela,ExecutiveAsst.
ScottMcCallister,VEMM,BrucePlayfoot, ChadBrincheski,MaggieBaird,CMP, MelissaDeslauriers,HeatherReid, TrishKnox,AndrewRoby, MahoganeyJones,CMP,DES,HMCC-EWD TonyChapman,JoelOlandesca
reflect the publisher's opinions. Our articles are intended to promote the businesses and services of event and meeting suppliers and offer education and information relevant to event and meeting planners. Readers are advised to use due diligence and always use 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.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM cse@canadianspecialevents.com tel. 437 984-1650
It’sbeenanunprecedented,once-in-alifetime test of our country, our communities,andourselvesandherewe aretoday,abouttoemerge,almostfreed fromthechaosandconfusionandonthe precipiceofwhatmaybethenextgold rushfortheeventindustryinCanada.
Fueled by two years of event cancellations,newtechnologiesanda thirstfornewexperiences,wearea countryreadytogather,andourindustry isreadytotakeoff…andsoarewe.
Forthelasttwoyears,we’veorganically built the biggest, most engaged communityofeventprofessionalsin Canada. We’ve established new relationships,creatednewmarketing vehicles,andbecomeatrustedvoiceto 57K+Canadianeventprofessionals. CSEhassomuchgoingonthatI’m burstingwithexcitementandwantto shareallthenews.
CSE is thrilled to be the official engagementpartnerforOttawaMeet Weekforthefirsttime.OMWisamustattendeventhappeningApril4-7that includesDestinationDirectCanada, REVEALSocial,TÊTE-A-TÊTE,PCMA CELunch’n’Learn:Economorphicswith LindaNazareth,SpringintoNICEGlobalMeetingsIndustryDay,andthe MPISpringHasSprung–Charity AuctionandDinner.
The25thAnniversaryCanadianEvent AwardsGalaisfinallyhappeningin personthisJulyatCSELiveandpromises tobeanEPICcelebration.Theearly-bird deadlinetoenterisApril10th.
Oursignatureevent,CSELive,isback, biggerandbetterthanever,withanew Festival-Esque format aptly called EventFest.It'shappeningJuly11-13at thevenuesofLibertyEntertainment GroupinToronto.
Lastly,wearegrowinglikecrazy,andI wanttoofficiallywelcomeVickiZeppa,our new Director of Sales & Strategic Partnerships,JaniceCardinale,ournew AssociateEditor,whoIamoverthemoon tobeworkingwith,ArlenMirandela,who isbusykeepingusallorganizedandtoIan Gadot,workingwithmetodesignthe spectacularCSEdigitalexperiencesetto debutatCSELive.Welcomebackto VeronicaMichalczak,andaspecialthank youtoJason,whohaskeptusconnected, built powerful bridges, and created amazingopportunitiesthroughthelast twoyears.
2022willbeaBIGyear,andI'mso gratefultobehere,stillabletoshareyour ideas, tell your stories and design experiencestohelpyousucceed.Ican't waittoseeyouagainsoon.
Thankyou,Stacy,forsavingspaceinyour magazineformyvoice.ThepassionIhave forwritingcontinuestoevolveasleaderslike yourself gift me the opportunity to share creative,mindfulandactionablecontentwith Canadianeventprofessionals.
Thingshappenforareason,andwhileIhave knownyouforalmost25years,youleadwith integrity,determinationandlove.Youhave fulfilledapurpose,andIseepossibilitiesto growandgiveyouraudienceavoice.
Thecreativecontentthatreaderscanexpect from me will target trends, mental health, travel,entertainment,design,intereststories, technologyandmuchmore.
I welcome engagement, commentary and opinionstoopenconversationsonsubjects thatmattertoCanadianeventprofessionals nowandinthefuture.
VirtuallyYours,
I am happiest when I am being creative. My getaway is Cabo. I'm a sushi snob. Currently reading Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield. My go-to buzz is a Brown Sugar Iced Oat Espresso. We have three rescues and are adding a fourth.
The event industry has taught me so much. My getaway is anywhere my husband is.
Favourite dinner is dessert.
I am reading Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. My coffee cup is filled with pens, paper clips and cards. I am obsessed with my granddog Brody.
Ilovemyjobbecause designistheessenceof “branding”itself,thereis alwayssomethingtolook forwardto.
GetawayisBoraBora. DinnerisChickenCurry. Currentlyreadingabout CryptocurrencyTrading. Mygo-tobuzzis BroodCoffee.
I admire the creativity and innovation in special events. My getaway is a beach by the ocean.
I am reading The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. Dinner is anything Italian. My go-to buzz is mint hot chocolate.
My driver is connecting people and opportunity. My getaway is Whistler. Favourite dinner is a rare steak with nothing but S&P. I'm reading The Practice by Seth Godin (audio). My go-to buzz is Tim's black. I'm happiest on Sunday morning with my wife and three pets (all in one bed).
I love this industry because the people are creative, passionate & fun! My ultimate getaway is anywhere hot.
Favourite dinner for me is really good sushi. There's always a true crime novel on my nightstand. My go-to buzz is Mint Tea.
I love my job. It has a transparent culture, and I feel valued by CSE. My ultimate getaway is my hometown. Dinner is Samgyupsal with Kimchi and Nori. My go-to Buzz is strong black coffee. When not working I am planning my wedding.
This curated collection of things we love features fabulous products designed to keep you healthy, safe and in style wherever you go.
Theperfecthoteldooralarmandtheft deterrentforyournextvacation.Feel safeandsecureinanyhotelorVRBO whereothersmayhaveaccess.
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Aminitechkitwith8must-have accessoriesincludingearbuds,charging cable,USBcharger,phonestand,vegan cleaner,apasswordhintlist&more.
From spectacular outdoor green space to funky urban lofts to modern music venues here are a few of our favourite Canadian event spaces.
TheJardinRoyalmountisanexquisitelydesignedeventtheatregardenlocatedintheheart ofMontreal.Thisbeautifulvenueconsistingofan18,000sqftopen-airgarden,8,000sqft coveredpavilion,and3,000sqftgrove,isaversatilespacethatoffersasophisticated backdropforhostingweddingscelebrationsandcorporateevents.Thevenueislocatedin midtown,tenminutesfromLaval,theWestIslandanddowntownMontreal.
www.jardinmtl.com
Jardin Royalmount is a unique space, unlike anything else in Montreal. This event theatre will immerse your guests in a modern garden oasis.
HISTORYmightbethebestlivevenueinCanadatoday. Designed to elevate every event experience, this 2,500personstate-of-the-artlivemusic,entertainment,andevent spacesetsanewstandardforfans,VIPS,entertainers,and speakersalike.LocatedintheBeachesneighbourhoodof Toronto’s east end, HISTORY offers a variety of flexible seating options from general admission to full-service reservedseating.Thespaceisintimateandupscale,and perfect whether you're planning a holiday reception, innovativeproductlaunch,oranelectricprivateconcert.
Theirfull-serviceeventproductionteamwillsetyouupfor successwithstate-of-the-artlighting,A/Vequipment,and sound. Toast to your company’s accomplishments with customculinaryofferingsandhandcraftedcoc
www.historytoronto.com
TheKentisacool,inspired,oneofkindthree-leveleventspace locatedat534CambieSt.Vancouver,BC.Featuringinteriorsby CanadiandesignerWendyWilliamsWatt,prestigiousworksof art,customfurniturealong,professionalstudio-qualitysound system,commercial-gradekitchenandmuchmuchmore.The topfloorisa3,000squarefootsprawlofItalianfurniture,open kitchenandamicrobar,floodedwithnaturallight.Themain floor features an intimate dining room, a state of the art commercialkitchen,impressiveoriginalartandspacetodance.
www.thekentvan.com
Thecountryisopeningup,masksarecomingoff,andwe aregettingreadyforwhatmanyarepredictingtobethe busiestandmostlucrativeperiodinthehistoryofthe eventindustry.Aswetransitionbacktoin-personevents, corporations and organizations alike are looking for supporttomanagetheirclients'andstakeholders'needs forpersonalinteractionand face-2-faceexperiences. Event management companies are popping up everywhere.Therehaveneverbeenmorejobsofferedfor in-houseplannersasorganizationsrecognizetheneedto investinprofessionalanddedicatedplanners,nolonger lookingfortheirassistantsorHRteamstodothiswork offthesidesoftheirdesks.
Sowhatdoesthismeanforyou,theeventprofessional?
Itmeansyouneedtobeaware,strategicandpurposeful inyourapproachtothisneweraofevents.Yourclients arenotexpectingthesameexperienceasbefore,staffing expectationsandoptionshavechanged,andtheentire landscapeofourindustryhasmadeadramaticshift.As aplanner,managerorbusinessowner,it'scriticalthat yourecognizeandactionchangeinyourspacesoyou dontgetleftbehind.Theseareexcitingtimes,butonlyif youareready.
WeaskedsomeofNorthAmerica’stopprofessionals. foronepieceofadvicetheycanofferourindustryaswe moveforwardandgetreadyforthereopening.
Be prepared for tremendous growth in the decade ahead as remote and hybrid working will exponentially increase the need to bring people together.Rememberthatfirstandforemost,youare in the humanity business. Your purpose is to stage events to cultivate culture and collaboration that bring people together, face to face, to inspire, educate,celebrate,innovateandmotivate.
Expert event professionals weigh in
the most important things to be mindful of as we reopen our industry
You're going to wear many hats over the coming years, so my best advice is never to stoplearning&bepatientandalwaysbekind. Wecanallhelpeachotherbebetter.
MahoganeyJones CMP,DES,HMCC-EWD Founder&CEO,EventSpecialists
JoelOlandesca
CEO&Co-Founder
SOSChargingSolutions&
SOSWeb.AR
One piece of advice for our industry - stop using the "it's always been done that way" as a crutch. If we've learned anything from the pandemic is that while the fundamentals are the same, the execution can be modified to fit the new expectations.
Be kind to yourself because it's one thing you havefullcontrolof.We'veallbeenchallenged to the highest of degrees lately, which means self-compassionneedstobeatthetopofour priorities right now. Self-compassion: selfkindness, feelings of common humanity, and mindfulness. As professionals in what we do, we normally jump to fix issues right away for others - we can and should do the same for ourselvesaswell.
Leavethemalone!
Neverhastheabilitytonetworkbeenmoreimportant aswegetbacktoin-personeventsafteranalmost two-yearhiatus.
Infact–weknowthatnetworkingisoneofthe numberonereasonsattendeesindicateforchoosing toattendanevent.They’vemissedhavingthose authentic connections. They’ve missed human interaction!Thatiswhywe’rerecommendingthat clientsgoeasyontheheavyschedulingandleave ampletimeforaudiencestoreconnect,engageand networkwiththeirpeersandindustryleaders.
Let’scallitthemostplannedpartofthe‘unplanned’ portionofyourevent.Ican’twaittoseeallthe happyfaces.
Don't be afraid to engage your production/build partners when producing concepts for your clients. Not only can they give you additional creative ideas, but also valuable insight on size, portability, ‘WOW’ factor...it’snotabadideatohavesome“good - better - best” options as budgets today are unpredictable.
HeatherReid
ARCTMScDES
The IMPOSSIBILITY clause is top of mind right now. However, CANCELLATION terms that strategically protect the group may be even more important movingforward!
Founder&CEO,PlannerProtectInc. TrishKnox Owner,TKEventsInc.
I am looking forward to tech becoming an essential part of every event. Before the pandemic, the events industry as a whole was relativelyslowtoadapttotechnologyinallareas.Let’sbehonest; we do projection mapping or use slido and consider it a real technological achievement. But now, it's an essential part of the job.Ifyou’reaneventprofessionalwhohasyettolearnaboutand exploretech,nowisthetime.Learneverythingyoucan:allaspects of virtual and hybrid events, basic coding, applications, privacy andmore.It'snowarequirementandI’mreallyexcitedaboutthat.
One thing is for sure, people have discovered how easy and comfortable it has been for us to do the same thing over and over that everyone else is doing. As we continue to get out of this pandemic, it will be imperative that we all figure out who we really are and use that to not be the same as anyoneelse.Clientsarelookingforpeoplewhoare unicorns, so make sure you’re not like every other person that does what you do. Embrace that and reachyourgreatness.
Aftertwoyearsofaverydifferentpace,the shiftbackto"busy"willmeanrethinkingourold patternsanddiscoveringwhatournewnormal willbe.Howhaveyourpersonalandbusiness prioritieschanged,andwhatadvicecanyou offereventprofessionalstoensuretheyare managingtheirownandtheirteams'wellness andwork/lifebalance?
Emailusyour.onepieceofadviceandwewill shareyouropinionwithourreaders.
Future-proofingyoureventcareerstartsby acknowledgingthatoursocietyhasgonethrough amassivedisruptionthat’schangedalmost everythingwedo,fromthewayweshoptothe waywegather,celebrate,meet,andmarket.
Absentourusuallybusydays,wewereforcedto takeahardlookatourselves,ourcareersand ourchosenpath.Confrontedbythefragilityof life,we’veevolvedourvaluesandtoday,“quality oflife”ismoreimportantthancapturingevery dollar,chasingeveryopportunityormissingyour childrengrowingup.
Thosecorevalueswilldeterminethepeopleyou workwith,thepartnersyouseekoutandthe brandsyouengagewith. Thisisimportant learningbecausethecommunity,themarketand yourclientsfeelthesameway. Theyaren't interestedinattendingevents,supportingcauses, orworkingwithindividuals,companies,orbrands thatdon’talignwiththeirvalues.They’relooking atyoursocialmediacontentandengagement habitstomakethatdecision.
Thenextfewyearswillbearollercoasterridefor theprofessionaleventindustry,makingitmore importantthanevertostayrelevanttothe experiencesthemarketdemands.
Still,inmyopinion,future-proofingisnotabout technology, digital event experiences, virtual reality,orthemetaverse.
It'saboutyou,oratleastthedigitalyou.
Thetruthisthatthedigital'personality'youcraft today will determine whom you work with tomorrow, how much you can charge, and ultimatelyhowsuccessfulyouwillbe.Itwilllimit you or position you to take advantage of opportunitiesyoucan’tpossiblyseetoday.
Thisisn’taboutcancelculture;it’saboutbeing responsibleforthethingsyousay,thewordsyou choose,andthewayyoutreatpeople;it’sabout you,yourreputation,expertise,creativity,and thenetworkofpeoplewhosupport,endorseand ultimatelyvalidateyou.
Youmighthatesocialmediaseeitasintrusive, fake,ordangerous,buttheseplatformsarehere tostayandwhoyouareonlineiseverybitas importantasthequalityofyourwork.
Future-proofingyourcareerisaboutcreatinga digital personality that’s smart, open to conversationswithoutagendas,empatheticto others,humblebutconfident,creative,ambitious, andanexpertinyourchosenfield.
Future-proofing your career is about establishing a digital personality that meets your audience long before you do.
ByJasonKoop
Thegoalistocreateapersonalbrandthatattractsclients, onethat’strusted,qualified,andmostimportantly,shares theircorevalues.
Craftyourpersonalitylikeyouwouldacharacterinastory, then build the content around that character but don’t exaggeratetoomuchaboutwhoyouarebecauseeventually, you’regoingtohavetomeet.Ifthephotodoesn’tmatchthe face,that’llbethelastdate,evenifyoudomanageto consummatethedeal.
That’swhyIt’simportanttobeasauthenticaspossible, don’ttalkaboutplacesyou’veneverbeen,thingsyou’ve never accomplished, or skills you don’t have. Instead, highlighttheverybestofyou.Tellusaboutyou,your opinions, and what you stand for, leverage storytelling, sharedexperiences,bragaboutyoursuccess,andbehuman enoughtoadmittoyourfailures.Mostimportantly,listento theconversationsthatarehappeningallaroundyou.
Buildingthedigitalyouisnotjustaboutthecontentyoupost; it’sabouteveryengagement,fromthecommentyoumadeon someoneelse’sposttotheattentionyougivewhenyoulike orsharecontent.
Youmightbereadingthisthinkingyou’retoooldortoooutof touch,butyou’dbewrong.Pastmistakes,failures,age,or littletechnicalunderstandingofsocialmediaarenotbarriers tosuccess.It'sabouthowhardyouwanttowork,howwell youknowpeople,howcreativeyouare,andhowgooda storytelleryouare,andallofthesethingscanbelearned.
Iwas47(53now)whenIfirstdugintoLinkedIn(rightafter Microsoftboughtthem),andtoday,I'vebuiltthebiggest nichefollowingofcorporateeventprofessionalsanywhere. Ihadzeropreviousexperiencewithsocialmedia,andI'm notechie;IworkedhardtobecomeanexpertbecauseI valuedtheinvestment.
Sogetstartedbuildingyourdigitalpersonalitytoday.It'sway moreimportantthanyouknow.
"False expectations will doom the best of intentions in business and love"
Ihavebeenwriting,presentingandinspiringtrendsforthe last 35 years. It is an area of my business that I am passionateabout.Overthelasttwoyears,thetypesoftrends thathavebeenspreadacrosszoom,digital,LinkedIn,TikTok, Facebook,Instagramandinthemediaalldealwiththe technicalsideoftrendsleavingbehindthecreativedesign trendsthatinspireeventprofstopushtheboundariesof ordinary.CreativecontentissodesperatelyneededthatI decidedtobringbackthestyletrendsfor2022tomotivate theeventindustrytothinkoutsidetheboxandrecognizethat whatwepresenttoclientsmustbeofvaluepurposeand
Peoplearebeingcalledtoahigherconsciousnessin2022. Humansarecravingthecomfortoffamiliartimes.However, themesofthepastarenotequal.Eventprofessionalsare lookingforwaystoengagetheirclientsinadifferentworld. Youarenowunderthemicroscopebecauseyourclientshave choices like never before. How do event professionals
Withmentionsof‘nostalgia,’peoplearecravingthecomfort offamiliartimes.Carefullyconsiderwhatnostalgicreference willresonatemostwithyouraudiencetotapintothistrend. ArisingclassofGeninfluencersdesiresauthenticityand transparencytospreadideasratherthanproducts.Wewill seemanycompaniesadoptyoungerpeopletohelpsupport the technical requirements that the virtual and hybrid environmentsdemand.Example:OliviaRodrigobeinginvited totheWhitehousetoencouragepeopletogetvaccinated.
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Biophilicdesignuseselementsofnaturetoproviderespiteandjoy topeopleinman-madespaces.
You’veseenplants.NowmeetLIVINGrooms.Millennialsareturningto plant-firstdesignsolutionsthisyeartoincreasetheirconnectionto natureandenhancetheirwellbeing.Staircasegardens,biophilicinteriors andfloralceilingsarealltrendingup.Anddon’tleavetheofficeout!
Biophilicdesignisallaboutconnectingtonaturewithinourbuilt environment.Humansarecreaturesofhabit,andwithsomany lockdowns,theoutsidehasbecomeasimportantastheinside. Whencircumstancesbeyondourcontrolforceus,weneedour spacestoprovideprivacyorwallseparationswithinourhomesor officespaces.Searchesforverticalplantwalls,livingroomsand biophilicwallsareallontherise.
When nature is built into your event design
Checkersarehavingtheirmomentinallareas of people’s lives—from clothing to rugs to funky flooring. As men upgrade their wardrobes,they’llembracethetiledpattern, too.MillennialsandBoomers,inparticular,are drivingthischeckeredtrend.
The checkerboard revival comes at a time whenwehavecollectivelyexperiencedagreat transcendence in the face of life-altering changes.Forthisgeneration,thecheckerboard isauniversalmotifforfunthatoffersatouch ofsoftnessinanotherwisedullandrigidworld.
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Event and hospitality professionals will want to investinthisshapeandsilhouetteastheyareboth sensuousandinviting.
“Didyouknowthatinarchitecture,thecircleisthe strongestshape”?Straightlinesareagiven,think walls,windowsandtablelegs.Thiscirculardesign lends itself to speaking engagements, panel discussions and audience participation. Millennials, BoomersandGenXaredrivingsearchesbehindthis well-roundedtrend.
GermanywillbeoneofthemarketsdrivingtheCurve appealtrendin2022.Inthismarket,differentdesign eraswillcometogether:searchesfortheglassball lamp—inspiredbymid-centurymodernpiecesfrom the60s—willrise,alongwithsearchesforabentsofa, whichsawadoptionacrossthe80s.Whenaroom has straight and curvy elements, the result is a completeaesthetic.
Lakeswillhavetheirmomentinthesun.In2022, peoplewilltradeintheirbeachfrontgetaways forinlandswims.GenXandBoomersaredriving thisfreshwatertrendthatwillonlygrowinthe yearahead.Lakesideresorts,pontoonboats, kayaking,paddleboardingandcanoeingwillall bemakingasplash.Therearesomanyscenic lakes,riversandpondswhereyoucantakea groupoutforahikeandswimanddiscover naturelikeneverbefore.
Inviteyourteamtoa‘Lakebagging’experience. Asthecountrygetsbacktotravel,theseregional ideasaretopofmindfortravelprofsandDMC’s.
Well,goodnews!2022isgoingtobedefinedbyarangeofnewwellnesstrends settochangethegame,fromhulahoopstopickleballandVR.Lowimpactisthe newhighintensity!Thisyear,peoplewillfallinlovewithmoremellowwaysto movetheirbodies,whichisbeingdubbed“Flexercise.”
Hula-Hoopisthetopsearchtrendongoogle.Thehottestinstructorintowncanbe found@theideahunter.Pickleballisahybridoftennis,badminton,andping-pong andcanbeplayedindoorsoroutdoors,assinglesorasdoubles.VRwillnowmake ittothemainstreamwithGamificationfitness,andthiswillbepopularforvirtual, hybridandliveevents.
Don’tforgettocheckouttheFlexercisebar,anothertrendhittingtheworkout.
Augmented reality has not shown more signs of growth than during the pandemic. Events are going hybrid; social commerce is booming, and metaverse technology will soonbeareality.Brandsmustforgobiases toward less-familiar formats and begin embracing the hybrid approach across programmingtoavoidbeingleftout.
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Parties that are out of this world
Herecomesthesun.Andthemoon.Andthestars. Millennialswillthrowsometotallycosmicpartiesthisyear. IfIhadtocharacterizetheyear2022astronomically,I wouldcallit“TheYearofEclipsesandPlanets.“Thereis somethingexcitinghappeningintheskyalmostevery nightoftheyearifyouknowwhenandwheretolook. Spacestations,NASA,andcelebrity-ledexperiencesfor theadventurerswhocan’tliveuntiltheydoitall.
Creatingexperiencesforyourcorporategroupscould betakingyourgrouptothebeach,renting telescopes andbinocularsandenjoyingthecomraderyofbeing connectedtoagroupoflike-mindedguests.
Catererswilllovecreatingfoodsthatcanbecutinto starsandmoons—popcornincelestialcolours,drinks thatuseblueCaraco.BringaDJwhoplayssongslike “TotalEclipseofthesun”orothercelestialofferings fromthe’60sand’70sandrockouttoacosmicvibe.
Themostmemorableadventureswillhappenaftersundownin 2022.Peoplewillturntothequietoftheafter-hourstoinvestin theirtravelbucketlistsandnatureexcursions.GenZisdrivingthis trend—goodthingourphonestakebetternightphotosthanever. Intothedark,yougo.
Watchoutfortheword“bioluminescenceaesthetic,”whichmeans it’s time to grab your camera and start seeing your fave destinationsatnighttime.Eveningadventureswillgiveadifferent andmagicalperspective,whetherit’sexploringthebeachafter sunsetortakingalate-nightroadtrip.
ON, GET HAPPY
Peoplein2022willpushthroughthe negativeandembraceapositive outlookonlife.Newoptimistsrange fromGenZtoBoomers,butdespite theirbroaddemographic,theyhave manyunifiers–thelargestbeinga vivaciousappetitetoembracejoy.
Watchoutforanewbuzzword: RadicalOptimism.EventandMeeting professionalswillpioneeranew frontier to uplifting, pleasing products,servicesandexperiences thatofferareprievefromthefatigue ofongoinguncertainty.
COME WINTER2022 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 45
Promptedbyculturalshiftsandchanges, peopleseektoreevaluatetheirlifestylesto behavewithmoreintention.Indulgingisan actionableideathatbringsresults.
Totapintothisshifttowardspurposeful behaviours, brands, businesses and organizationsshouldinspireandmotivate peopletotakebackcontroloftheirlives. TakecuesfromanewcampaignfromVisit Dubai,“Abrandnewyou,”thatencourages travellers to rediscover themselves by exploringthecity’sbiggestattractions.
Emotionsaresohotrightnow.Ifyouneedaplace togotofeelallthefeels,there’saroomforthat.The wellnesstrendhasbeengrowingrapidlyoverthe past two years. From spa-like spaces to the wonderfulworldofcolourpsychology.Theimpact hasneverfeltsocurrent.Peoplewillplantheirgreat (indoor) escapes and designate rooms in their homestodecompress,vibeandrage.Thisisalso leadingthewayatconferencesandmeetings.All agegroupsaredrivingsearchesformusic-themed rooms,crystalroomsandevenragerooms.
Emotionalescaperoomsverymuchdowhatthey say - they're rooms to escape from certain emotions.Thiscancomeinvariousforms,whether tounloadstressinameditationspaceorpummel outsomeangerinarageroom.
Thinkinteriordesignmeetswellness. Wherewouldyousetupyouremotionalescape room,andwhatwouldbeincludedinit?
Safe spaces for feel good
EMOTIONAL
Sittingbackisthenewadventuremap.In2022,peoplewanttoget away—tobeautifulescapeswheretheywon’thavetoliftafinger. Millennials,GenXandBoomersareturningtoresortsandallinclusivepackagesforeasygetaways.Anotherdaiquiri,please. Askyourtravelpartnerswhereyoucanfindresortstounplug. Forgetthejammed-packeditinerariesandheadfortheproperties withanoceanview.
What’s an Altbash? It’s something that deserves to be celebrated,evenifitisn’ttraditionallycauseforaparty.Think: youbrokeupwithyourjob,youfoundyourlife’spassion,you haveadoptedapet,oryoufinallysplurgedonabadlyneeded vacation.Thesearecelebrationsofnewchaptersinlifeand important milestones that aren’t covered by the basic celebrationswegrewuphaving,butit’stimetheygottheirdue. Therearemanywaystobringthistrendtolife,sokeepyour eyesonbrightcolours,whimsicalideasandtablescapesthat drawattention.Whenitcomestocorporatecelebrations,“don’t doordinary.”Putyourclienteventinaleagueofitsown.
In 2022, the bubble won’t burst, as people will choose teas made with enhancements over drinks after work. Afternoonteaismorethanameal—it’sa moment,anaesthetic,apose.Searches for “tea party aesthetic” and “drinking teapose”arehugeongooglesearches.
Already a cultural phenomenon across Asia,bubbleteahastakenholdinNorth America–especiallyamongstGenZ.This hasledtotherapidexpansionofbrands fromAsia.Haveyoutriedabubblemilk shot?Whatareyouwaitingfor?
Greece is the word
Nostalgia will go back to its roots in 2022. This year, people will take inspiration from Ancient Greece and invest in traveling there, while inspiration will come from everything Corinthian in décor to Aphrodite-inspired. One of the youngest generations—Gen Z—is embracing this ancient trend more than anybody.
Radical optimism is the new buzzword and part of a greater movement that event profs are adopting. Great creative directors help facilitate your ideas and add to them. Try some new blood on your team or engage graduates from colleges and universities with new ideas. You do not have the time to research like I do, but I can tell you that there is an abundance of talent just waiting to sink their teeth into your event if you give them an opportunity.
In the end, I strongly believe that curiosity and creativity will rule the event industry in 2022
On Thursday, November 25, 2021, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) returned to Bloor-Yorkville for the 25 Anniversary of Bloor Street Entertains. th
By Stacy Wyatt
The evening, which included 16 intimate dining experiences and four after-parties, raised 1.1 million dollarsthankstothegenerosityandsupportofitsdonors, the team at ESP Inc and a host of amazing event partners. Carrying on the decade-long partnershipstudents in Seneca’s Event Management – Creative Designprogramhadtheopportunitytoparticipateinthis incredibleeventbydesigningfivelocations.
ESPInc’sPrincipalChadBrincheskiwasmorethaneager togetbacktoplanningBSEthisyearandfoundtohis delightthatevenafteratenuouscoupleofyears,the majorityofpartnersfrompreviousyearswerealsohappy tojumpinandsupporttheevent.Dealingwithpandemic restrictionsandever-changingguidelines,theteamshad theirworkcutoutforthemandmadesureaplantopivot ifneededwassecurelyinplaceandadaptedthroughout theplanningphase.
Producing BSE during the pandemic meant logistical challengeswouldarise.Theyeachaddedanadditionallayer toanalreadychallengingexecution,whetherbigorsmall.
Theeventplanforthisyearincludedabroadcasttobe shown at each venue so CANFAR could share their messagingacrosstoalltheirguestsandmakeeveryone feelpartofthecommunity.
ThisrequiredAVtobesourcedorinstalledateachvenue, formatting the video for many different screens, a volunteer from the venue to operate it and a dress rehearsalat17venuesthenightbeforetheeventto ensureeveryonewascomfortableplayingthevideos
George Pimentel Photography
Dinner at RIMOWA Bloor Street location
Atatimewhenthiseventwasalreadyscalinglogisticalwalls,theonething nooneexpectedhappened;oneofourvenuesfloodedthenightbeforeBSE!A newlocationhadtobesourcedandsetupwithinhours,includingstaffing, catering,rentals,design,andmanagingtoredirectallguestsanddeliveries.
Toensureguestsafety,thecapacitieswerecappedat50,whichwasthe restrictionatthetimeoftheeventannouncement.ESPsentoutCOVID protocolstoallguestsaheadoftime,includingcontacttracingofall700 guests, double vaccinated guests only, vaccine passports and limited socializingoutsideoftheirtable.
Four unique post-dinner receptions needed to be created as equally as impressiveandimmersiveexperiencestoensureeachfeltlikeitwas“THE placetobe”feelasthoughitwastheplacetobe.And,givencapacitieswere tightlyrestricted,makingsureguestsknewwhichreceptiontheywereinvited tosothatonevenuedidn’thaveaninfluxofguestsposedanotherhurdle.One ofthevenuesevenincludedacarservicetopickuptheguestsfromtheir dinnervenueandbringthemtothepost-dinnerreception.
PlanningBSEisalwaysahighlightoftheyearforESPandaneventdearto theirhearts.Bydesign,itisalogisticalfeatatthebestoftimes,butthis year, it was in a league all its own amid the challenges of the time, uncertaintyandarevolvingdoor.Butafterbeingunabletogatherforthis criticallyimportantfundraiserin2020,Chad,theeventpartners,thevenues, thesponsors,thestudentswereevermorecommittedtomakingitasuccess. Whichindeeditwas.
“With guest safety top of mind and everchanging gathering restrictions, we produced four unique after parties and invited the 800 guests from the 17 dinners to the optimal location.”
-- Chad Brincheski, ESP Inc.
"It's always a pleasure to support this longstanding event & fundraiser. Our dinner brought people together where they enjoyed good company, ate delicious food and savoured amazing wine. Despite COVID with its restrictions, the intimate dinner we created raised incredible funds and awareness to the cause; a true testament that CANFAR continues to be successful against all odds."
-- Corbin Tomaszeski, Corbin Catering and Foods
George Pimentel Photography Dinner at Taglialatella Galleries in Yorkville Village
George Pimentel Photography
George Pimentel Photography Dinner at Harry Rosen Bloor Street location
Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality catering the Dolce & Gabbana Dinner
BloorStreetEntertains,the25thanniversary presented so many challenges for our organization.Inadditiontodealingwiththe ongoingpandemic,wehadtocreateevents spacesthatfeltsafeandwelcomingforallour guestsanddonors.
Wehostedfourafter-dinnerredcarpetevents this year, which presented our event management team ESP with next-level logisticalchallenges.Wewereluckytoidentify fourdifferentlocationsthatcateredtofour differentgroupsofourparticipants.Oneof which required us to transport 140 people fromBloorStreettoKingWest,afirstfor CANFAR;needlesstosay;ourprioritieswere always to keep people safe follow proper protocols,allatthesametimeascreatingan experiencethatwouldbememorableforthe 25thanniversaryofBloorStreetEntertains.
Wearetrulygratefulforthededicationand passionfortheESPteamledbyChadand Jenna;wecouldnothavedoneitwithoutthem.
--AlexFiliatrault,CANFAR
BrunelloCucinelli,ChristianLouboutin, Dolce&Gabbana,FourSeasonsHotelToronto, GardinerMuseum,HarryRosen,HoltRenfrew, LouisVuitton,LUMAS,ParkHyatt,RIMOWA, TaglialatellaGalleries,Tiffany&Co.,TheWebster, VintageConservatory,WilliamAshley
CorbinCateringandFoods,SofiaYorkville, Oliver&BonaciniHospitality,CaféBoulud, FourSeasonsHotelToronto,FoodDudes, PresidentialGourmet,HoltsCafé,Ascari, DanieletDaniel,ParkHyatt,EncoreCatering, VintageConservatory,TobenFoodByDesign
SanRemoFloralDesign,RosePrick,JackieO, OudalovaEvents&Design,SenecaCollege, ArtamDesign,Earthwork,AragonCruz, TheNewLeaf,QuinceFlowers,AubéStudios, FreshFloralsCreations,EmblemFlowers, OpeningNightFlowers,InspireDesignStudio
Junoawardwinnersinger, MollyJohnsonin BloorStreet Entertains2021 teaserreel George Pimentel Photography
Earlyintotheschoolyear,thestudents were put into five teams and appointed a faculty (or alumni) lead, venue, culinary and floral partner, and a rental company. The colours, textures, and style scapes proposed varied with diverse locations from Harry Rosen to Rimowa, the Gardiner Museum to Lumas Gallery, and the newly renovated Park Hyatt. After a site visit to their respective locations, the students created inspirationboardsthataccentuated thevenue’s
ambiance,alignedwiththeirbrand,andutilized productsfromtheirassignedrentalpartners,all whilekeepingCANFARtopofmind.
Thestudentexperiencecontinuedaseachteam compiledarentalordertosupporttheculinary partner’smenuandcoordinatewiththedesign vision.Determiningafloorplan,designingprint materials,selectinganapkinfoldandbuildinga productionschedulewerejustafewofthe additionalresponsibilitiesrequiredateachlocation.
The highlight for the Seneca students is the rush of execution. As with every event, challenges arise. This year, the students received first-hand experience learning the art of flexibility and problem-solving as one of their venues flooded overnight. This resulted in a last-minute venue, menu, and rental change, which needed to be done in only a few hours, including moving product displays and rentals and resetting intimate tablescapes for guest arrival. For most students,thatwastheirfirstexperienceseeing
aneventdesigntranspiresfrominspirationto installation;andtheirenergy,enthusiasm,and excitementwereinfectious.
Withlightsdimmedandcandleslit,theguests arrivedtoenjoytheiruniquediningexperience whilestudentsheadedoffsite.Afterthedinner wascompleteandtheguestsmovedontotheir respectiveafter-parties,thestudentsreturnedto striketheirevents–ensuringthateachspace wasreadyforbusinessthefollowingmorning.
Location: Rimowa
Caterer: Encore Catering
Florist: Quince Flowers
Rentals: Higgins Event Rentals
Linens: Chair Decor
Seneca Lead: Scott McAllister
Location: Four Seasons
Caterer: Four Seasons
Rentals: Four Seasons
Higgins Event Rentals
"Bloor Street Entertains is an absolute highlight of the year for Seneca, a beautiful and glamorous evening for a special cause. And literally at the centre of it all are beautiful creations by our students, led by our expert faculty, transforming stores and galleries and spaces into stunning dining rooms for CANFAR supporters and guests. We are proud to showcase our talented students at this wonderful event with amazing venues, great food and wine, and terrific company."
-- President - David Agnew, Seneca CollegeFlorist: Artam Design Inc. Linens: Chair Decor Seneca Lead: Jenya Hart
Location: Park Hyatt
Caterer: Park Hyatt
Florist: Jackie-O
Rentals: Park Hyatt
Event Rental Group
Linens: Chair Decor
Seneca Lead: Nicole Di Carlo
Location: Gardiner Museum
Caterer: The Food Dudes
Florist: Artam Design Inc.
Rentals: Chairman Mills
Linens: Chair Decor
SenecaLead:BrittanyOckrant
LearnhowyoucansupportCANFARby visitingwww.canfar.com.
ToviewtheworkofESPInc.,visit www.espinc.ca Moreinformationabout theEventManagement–CreativeDesign programatSenecaCollegecanbefoundat www.senecacollege.ca.
Foradditionalimagesfollow #SenecaEventCreativeDesign.
Location: Harry Rosen
Caterer: Presidential Gourmet
Florist: Artam Design Inc.
Rentals: Event Rental Group
Linens: Chair Decor
SenecaLead:JohnMacBride
"Working with BSE and Collaborating with local establishments was so uplifting and creative! What an amazing event to hold, especially during the pandemic and a time when our industry is challenged. Being a part of a great cause such as BSE and CANFAR was justwhattheTorontoeventindustryneeded."
-- Margarita Oudalova, Oudalova Event Design
TheworditselfmakesmethinkofaBlockBuster, producedbyavastnetwork,anticipatedbyan even bigger audience and engages younger generations in buying tickets while the producerssitbackenjoyingthefruitsoftheir labour.Thisisonewayofthinkingaboutit.The crazypartisthat,inreality,theMetaversewill havesuchanimpactonsocietywehavenoidea whatthiswillreallymeanforthefutureofthe eventandhospitalityindustry.
If the recent internet experience is twodimensional—meaning you browse and scroll throughitonascreen—theMetaverseis3D.You’ll be“walking”throughitviaconnectedheadsets. Essentially,theMetaverseisavirtualworld,with virtualassetssuchasland,buildings,offices,cars andcryptocurrencyisusedintheMetaverse.Itis anentireworldwherepeoplecangettogether, congregate,communicate,chatandshare.Think ofitintermsofyouasabusinessowner;needing awebsiteisconsideredessentialnowadays,and youcallityourdigitalrealestate.Owningdigital assetsintheMetaverseisthenextstepintoa3D world,andthat’spotentiallythewayofthefuture.
TheMeta,nowmadefamousbywhistleblower FrancesHaganisthenewlyestablishedbrand nameofFacebook.BecauseitinvolvesMark Zuckerberg,youcanonlyassumethatitwill makehimthatmuchricherasheembarkson thefuturewithavisionthatwiredfuturistsand techieshavestudiedforthelasttwodecades.
FrancesHagensaid,“Theworldshouldfearthe impact of the metaverse.” Why? Because everythingaboutyouwillbeanopenbookfor otherstofeedon.Itisnotasurprise,butFacebook andtransparencyarelockedinanongoingbattle onthesecurityandwell-beingofhumansaround theworld.FacebookknowsthatMetawillforce peopletogiveupmoreinformationbychanging theconversation,whileMarkZuckerberggetsrich andmonopolizestheonlineworld.
Oursafetyasindividualsisathighrisk.To participateintheMetaverse,youwillhaveto add sensors in your home and workplaces. However,youdonothavetheadvantageof choiceifyouremployerdecidestobecomea Metaversecompany.Yourdataisjustasitsays, “personalandprivate.”
MycolleagueAlanSmithsonwhosecompany “Metavrse”hasbeeninbusinessforfiveyears andhasbeenaleadingforcebehindthisnew technology,offeredadviceandfeedbackonthis fascinatingtopicandsharedhowthismight workinourdailyenvironment.
Youcreateyourownavatarmuchlikeanemoji, andyouenterwhatisnaturallyagamer’sworld, whereeveryoneyouworkwithhasanavatar too.Youbegintohavemeetingsasanavatarof yourself,andsoon,youravataremergesasa biggerplayerinaglobalworldwithvirtualand live(hybrid)playersonlineonly.
This will have such an impact on society, and what this will really mean for the future of the event and hospitality industry remains to be seen
ByJaniceCardinale
You’relikelyscratchingyourheadrightnowand askingyourself,whatdoesthishavetodowith me,andhowdoesthisimpactme?Asevent professionals, you have to plan for all demographics,roadblocks,generationalchanges andvirtualworldsthatplaywitheachotherina virtualsandbox.
Understanding the Metaverse is complicated, mainly because it doesn’t exist yet. Since companieslikeEpicGames,Nvidia,Microsoft and Facebook (I mean, “Meta”) won’t stop talkingaboutit,there’sanevolvinglexiconto describe the next iteration of the internet. MicrosoftmeshandFacebookmeetingshave beencreatedfortheMetaverse.
Brandswillbenefitfromthisthemost,asthey produceinteractivevideos,formcirclesofpeople conversingwhilemeetingpeopleinthevirtual world,andcreatepresenceandfellowship.
Thereismuchworkaheadofus,asourchildren arelearningthisataveryyoungage,andthe whole world is playing games online and participatinginthese3Dsettingsinaugmented reality.Itisaddictiveandcanbedangerousif notregulatedfortherealworldofbusiness.
Thecreationof3Dworlds,avatars,and3D assetswillbeconvertedto3Dversionswith superhigh-resolutionkeynoteevents,interactive Roblox-likeworldswithbreakoutsessions,and plenarynetworking.
“The internet was designed to go on and off. Augmented reality allows you to walk into a 3D world that requires a VR headset. In virtual reality, you are blocked out from the real world. In augmented reality, the digital world comes out into the real world.”
-- Alan Smithson, Founder of MetaVRse
It is unclear whether there will be one Metaverse or many different separate metaverses(oranymetaverseatall,really), butthisseemstobetheoneconstant:The Metaverseisanimmersivenext-generation versionoftheinternet,likelyrenderedby virtualoraugmentedrealitytechnologies.
Theexperiencehasyettoimproveinreallife.
Thinkofallthe2Dsocialnetworkstrugglesto eradicateandmultiplythem.Isitevenpractical? Maybe.Ithinkthiswillbehuge,andIwould investnowintheMetaversebecauseyounger generationspursuethefutureatafasterpace thanourchildreneverwere.
AreyoureadyfortheMetaverse?
ThePearleHotelandSpa,situatedonthewaterinBurlington, Ontario,isaspectacularpropertyfromabrandknownfor spectacular. The Pearle Hotel & Spa is inspired by the Cianconefamilymatriarch,GrandmotherPearle,whosework ethicandspiritofhospitalityremaindeeplyadmiredbyher familytoday.Elegantandfreeofformality,Pearle'shospitable spiritishonouredthroughouttheHotelthroughgenuineand thoughtfulattentiontoeveryinteractionanddetail.
A family company, Pearle Hospitality's generational vision, is key to creating some of Canada's most beautiful spaces, places, and experiences, including Spencers at the Waterfront, an iconic eatery in Burlington, the picturesque Cambridge Mill, Ancaster Mill, and Whistle Bear Golf Club. Other gems among their collection include Earth to Table Bread Bar, a seasonally inspired pizzeria & bakery concept with multiple locations and the outstanding fully restored Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, one of the finest destination hotels in Canada.
Long-anticipated,thePearleHotelandSpaisagame-changerforacity shortonVIPaccommodationsandevenshorteroneventspace.It’stheonly propertyinitsclasswhichiswhywhentheCanadianMen'sSoccerteam waslookingforaccommodationstohosttheirworld-classathletes,the Pearlewastheonlyoption.Weliketobelievethatthefantasticnight’ssleep and inspiring environment at the Pearle fueled the team to beat the Americans,bringingthemonestepclosertoparticipatingintheworldcup forthefirsttimein36years.
Fromthemomentyouarriveattheluxuriouslobbydominatedbyadramatic circularstaircase,youknowyou'reinforaspecialexperience.Thatsenseof luxurycontinuesthroughoutthecommonspaces,rooms,andrestaurants.
ThereisgoodreasontobeexcitedaboutthePearleHotelandSpaforevent professionals.Sophisticatedandunique,ThePearle'soffersdiversespaces designedwitheventsinmind.Theirelegantroomsareflexibleenoughto hostanintimategatheringtoanelaborateweddingorfunctionalcorporate event.Theyalsofeaturestate-of-the-arttechnologyandqualitymaterials thatelevateeveryoccasion.Eachspacefeaturesfloor-to-ceilingwindows, premiumfinishingsandthebestviewsofLakeOntario.
Ifyouwanttohostyoureventhere,youbetterhurryandbooknowbecausethis beautifulhotel,spaandeventspacewillbethefirstchoiceofeverylocalplanner.
The hotel is reminiscent of the lake houses of the past, where family matriarch grandmother Pearle spent most of her summers.
"The Pearle Hotel and Spa in Burlington is so light and bright with such uninterrupted water views, you might feel more like you’re in Miami than on the shores of Lake Ontario."
-- HGTV.ca
151 rooms
5 Event Spaces
10536 sq ft event space
650 largest capacity room
7 Breakout Rooms
Electric car parking
wall-to-wall windows
14’ ft ceilings
glass blown fixtures
ample rigging points
In house AV
Valet parking
Pet Friendly Non Smoking property
Learn more about the Pearle Hotel & Spa on their website at www.thepearlehotel.ca
ThewordEventProfessionalisnotajobtitle;It’s adecision,achoice,ajourneyandanexperience. Itisawonderfulcareerchoice,butitisalsoone ofthemoststressfulcareersonecouldchoose, andnoteveryonecandoit.Whyisthat?
Because,aseventprofessionals,weintrinsically takeonstress,anxiety,worry,avoidance,fear andvulnerability.Theindustryisunpredictable, likealightflickeringonandoff,especiallyover theselasttwoyears.
Iwanttofocusonthelasttwoyearsinparticular, becauseinonewayoranother,whetheryou havebeensuccessfulornot,wehaveall experienced a lack of human connection, contributingtoagreaterpandemicofpeople sufferinginsilencewiththeirmentalhealth.
Anyonereadingthiswillagreethatevent,and hospitalityprofshavearighttodisconnectfrom work,asmanyhavesuccumbedtolongerwork hours,nightsandweekends.Thecontinuous lockdownshaveimpactedtheoriginalclient proposalsdoneingoodfaithandhopeofsecuring business.Thesecontinuouschangeshavecaused overwhelmingfeelingsofanxiety,exhaustion,and even depression amongst business owners, employees, and teams. This pandemic has broughteveryonetotheirknees.Businessowners strugglewiththeconstantadapting,employers nolongerknowwhattodotohelptheirteams, andtheemployeesaresimplyburntout.Andthe greatestfearbeingtalkedabouttodayseemsto bethatclients,afterpostponingtheireventsand conferencesseveral.
times,expecttheeventprofessionalsjusttopick upwheretheyleftoff.
Expectationshavegrown,yettheworkfallingon theeventprofhasdoubledandtripledasthey repeatedlytrytonavigatetheever-changing course.WhenIwasrunningtheIdeaHunter,I remembertheexpectationwasthatifaclient calledandneededaproposalthenextday,we wouldhavetostayupallnightorwork throughouttheweekendtopleasethem.Itkilled meforyears.
Doeseveryonerecognizethattherearean overwhelmingamountofpeoplesufferingfrom mentalhealthproblemsbecausethisissueisso prevalentinourindustry?Whenisthisgoingto stop?Ifthepandemictaughtusanything,we shouldunderstandthatwecannolongerhave thesameexpectationsweoncedid.Empathy, mindfulness,andhuman-centricityaredaily actionsthateverypersonmustadopt.
Iamnotblamingeithersideofthisequation,but Iamsayingthatithascometimetotreateach otherwithrespect,trustanddecency.Clients needtostopcallingproducers,DMCs,andteam members,expectingthemtodoallthework againforzerocompensation,andemployers needtostoppassingtheanxietyandpressure ontotheirteams.Asanindustry,wemustadopt human-centricityandachangeofmindsetand listentotheburned-outvoicessufferingfromno work-lifebalance.
In the words of Brene Brown, “To be human is to know sadness. Owning our sadness is courageous and a necessary step in finding our way back to ourselves and each other”.
olya kobruseva
"Hope is a function of struggle - we develop hope not during the easy or comfortable times, but through adversity and discomfort."
Brene’ Brown, Atlas of the Heart
Weareallawarethatbeinganeventprofessionalmeanslatenights andweekends,butthatdoesnotmeanthatyoucanputaside people'srightstogetitnomatterwhattimeofday.Ihavespokento severalwell-respectedprofessionalswhohaveworkedinthisindustry foryears;theyallsaythesamething,thisexpectationneedstostop. Peoplearetired.
So,Iamgoingtosaythisforonceandforall“Stopexpectingevent professionalstojust“getitdone”onyouragenda,forgettingthatthey alsohavealife.”Anyonewhochosetobecomeaneventprofessional tookanunwrittenoath.“Guidethemissionwithintegrity,trustand respect.”Thatmeansbothpartieshaveboundaries,agreetothe timetable, agree to the financial burden, and work with decent timelinessoownersandtheirteamscancommittobestpractices.The industryisgoingtochange;Iamcommittedtomakingthishappenas itaffectstoomanylivestoletitgo.Ifyoufindyourselfonthewrong sideoftheequation,ifyourcompanyisimpactedbythis,orifyour companycultureissuchthatit’snotadheringtobestpractices, respectanddecentemployeemanagement,startaddressingitnow. Theindustrywillbepushingback.Thisisnotathreattoanyoneor anycompany;it’sapromisetopushthismovementtowardsnolonger acceptingthebehaviour.Nojoborgigisworthanyone’smental health,andtheprofitisn’tworthiteither.
Dr.TarynTang,Ph.D.,anesteemedprofessionalinmentalhealth, foundarecentsurveydonebyEventWellintheUKthatreportedone inthreeeventprofessionalsexperiencespoormentalhealthinthe formofanxiety,stress,depressionandburn-outeveryyear.The nationalaverageisoneinfourandeventprofsratetheirwell-being asasixoutoften.Thereportsaysthat42%ofeventprofshave changedjobsleadingtothemuch-discussed,GreatResignation.This year,eventprofsaresixthonthelistofthemoststressfuljobsata whopping51.19%
Thereportalsolooksathowjobdemandsevoke stressandburnout.
Amountoftravel
Deadlines
Physicalandemotionaldemands
Growthpotential
Competitiveness
Overtimehours,nightsandweekends
Nowork-lifebalance
Environmentalconditions
Financialstress
ArecentstudyconductedbyMiguelNeves,editor andchiefofEVENTMB,askedeventprofsifthey suffered from stress & burnout. Of 656 respondents,90%saidyes;anotherinteresting fact showed that 81.2% of freelancers consideredleavingtheindustryinthelast12 months.Peopleareresigningbecauseofthe reputation of the business’s approach to workplacewell-beingandthetopfivereasonsto selectanewemployer.
Withthesestats,everyemployerinourindustry isunderamicroscope,andthecausesarebeing shared in particular amongst younger people whocaremorethanwedidaboutwellnessand balance. So, the steps to creating a healthy journeynowcomeintheformofdiscussion, socialconnectionandcreatingamovementthat changesthewayemployerstreattheirstaff.
Wheredoesoneseekouthelp,supportand advice?Overthelastyear,havingspokento hundredsoffamilies,friendsandcolleagues,I havefoundmyselfperplexedbythelackofpeer supportthatcompaniesandindustryprovideon thisveryinvisibleissue.
Interestingly, re-designing spaces, protocols, liability,safety,andsecurityhastakenafrontrowseattoahumanproblemthathasexisted forsolong.
Event profs are champions at being organized, tech-savvy, educating themselves, adapting, listening, sharing, yet when it comes to themselves,theymasktheirfacesandvoicesasif they are fine. You’re not fine. And it's okay not to be okay. We are all in this together, and we are beginningtoopenconversationsaboutourhealth and well-being. For years, we were great at paying lip service to ourselves and others. Think of all of the conversations you have had over the last two years; I will venture to guess that many ofthemwerechallenging,painfulorsad.
Whetheryoustrugglewithyourmentalwellness ornot,youknowsomeonewhodoes.So,what canwedoasaneventcommunitytodispelthe existingstigma?ElizabethGilbertwrites,“youare afraidofsurrenderbecauseyoudon’twantto losecontrol,butyouneverhadcontrol;allyouhad wasanxiety.”Thinkaboutthatstatementfora moment!Aseventprofessionals,weorganically wanttohavecontrolbecauseourreputationsare atstake,andourlivelihoodsdependonustaking careofbusinessattheexpenseofourselves.
As a community, we must focus on the importanceofhumanconnectionandtheimpact thatconnectionhasonus.Thatconnectionaffects ourhappiness,reducesanxietyanddepression, builds resilience, increases empathy and compassion,strengthensourimmunesystem,and increasesourchancesoflivinglongerby50%.
"As event professionals, we want control because our reputations and our livelihoods depend on us taking care of business at the expense of ourselves"
So, where in this is the opportunity? Creating conversations within the organizationsyouworkfor,associationsyoubelongto,orindividualsyouwork with,isonewayofcreatingpeersupportthatwillultimatelyseeabetter-prepared workforceandamoreengagedoutcome.
LeslieBennettadvocatesforcompaniestodobetterfortheiremployees’mental health.Shespenttheearlypartofhercareerintheeventandmeetingindustry whereshetoowastooafraidtolethersecretout,fearinglosingherjobandbeing shunnedfromtheindustry.Littledidsheunderstandthatdisclosinghermental healthexperiencewouldhavebeenok–herlackofknowledgeaboutherhuman rightsandwhatdutytoaccommodatemeantkepthersilent.
In2007,Lesliemadealife-changingdecisiontobeopenaboutherexperience livingwithbipolardisorder.Hercareershifted,andhercommitmenttosupporting workplacestobecomepsychologicallysafewasdeepenedbylearningasmuchas shecouldaboutwhatitmeanttolivewithandworkwithamentalhealthillness.
She and her partners at Mental Health Innovations focus on supporting organizationsthatprioritizeworkplacementalhealth.Lesliealsovolunteerswith TheStabilityNetwork–agrowingmovementofpeoplelivingandworkingwith mentalhealthissues,sharingtheirstoriestoinspireothersandchangehowpeople thinkaboutmentalhealth.IamgratefultohavebeenintroducedtoLeslieandhave begunworkingwithhertosupportourindustry.
Asaheart-centricentrepreneur,Iknowthatopinions,judgement,andalackof knowledgearetheenemy.Sohowcanwepreventthemfromwinningthewar insideofus?Buildamovement,talkmore,findmoreadvocates,moreeducated speakerslikeLesliewhohavetheresourcestoengageourteams.Weneedtokeep tellingourstoriesand,lastly,showsomeloveandmakestrongerconnectionsto helpreducethestigmathatmanyfeelintheirworkenvironments.
Formypart,IamdedicatingthisnextyeartogettingthismessageoutinCanadaand abroadtotryandchangetheconversation.Ihavestartedataskforceoflike-minded eventprofs,willingtogetvocalandfightforchange.IamstandingbecauseIhave seentheimpactthishashadonpeopleIcareabout,andchangeneedstohappen.
Facts:TheRighttoDisconnectLaw-Bill27 OnOctober25,theOntariogovernmentannouncedtheintroductionofBill27,theWorking forWorkersAct.ThisbillhasseveralramificationsforOntarians.Perhapsnoaspecthas receivedasmuchattentionaswhatisoftenreferredtoastheright-to-disconnectlaw. Clickheretolearnmore.
Todaymarkssevenhundredandfifteendayssince ourworldchanged.
It'sbeensevenhundredandfifteendayssincewe packedupandlefttheofficeforourdens,dining rooms and kitchen tables. Seven hundred and fifteendayssinceweputonmasksandbecame afraidtostandnexttoeachother.Sevenhundred andfifteendaysofwondering,worryingandwaking upinthemiddleofthenightunsureoftomorrow.
Thesewerethestorieswewatchedonabigscreen withpopcorninonehandandaPepsiintheother, ofpoliceinhazmatsuits,swarmingthestreets while people like us frantically stockpile water preparingforthelong“days.Thiswasn'tourreality. Itwasthestuffmoviesweremadeof,notthe storiesofourlives…untilitwas.
Sevenhundredandfifteendaysago,weallwent insideinonewayoranother.
Somerodeitoutatthecottage;somehightailedit toaCaribbeanisland;somelostlovedonestothe deadlyinvader;somewenttoworkeveryday,not knowingiftheywerenext.Somelosteverythingas theirincomesdriedupandjust“wentaway,”while others turned adversity into achievement and profitedbypivoting.Mostofusjustrolledwiththe waves,adaptingasrequiredandkeepingthefaith astherules,restrictionsanddailyresetscameand went.Asthedaysturnedintoweeks,weeksinto monthsandmonthsbecametwoyears;wecame tosettleintoanewnormalthatwedontfully understandyet,evenaswepreparetocomeout theotherside.
Thecollectiveexperiencewehavebeenthroughwill bethemarkofnotonlyagenerationbutthe distinctionofacentury,logged-inhistoryuntilthe endoftime.Notonlydidwelivethroughit,butwe arecompelledtotellthestoryofsevenhundredand fifteendayswhenwefoundoutwhatitmeanstobe isolated, vulnerable and acutely aware that tomorrow is no longer a promise. Future generations, in classrooms, history books and museumsandmovieswillliveonforever,longafter wearegone.Thisweknowforsure.
Willitallbeaboutloss,rights,andsuffering?Or willanyofthestoriesbeabouthopeandheroes? About compassion, caring and human connection? We’ve gone through a dramatic evolutionofthehumanexperience,andthereare thousandsofstoriestotell;storiesoftriumphand tragedy,advocacyandadversity.Asawriter, storyteller,eventprofessional,andhumanbeing, thesearethestoriesIwanttobetold.
Ifyouaresoinclined,Iencourageyoutoemailme andtellmeyourstory;itcanbeaslongorasshortas youwant.I’llshareitonourbloginanongoing columnwherewewillexplorewhatwelearnedas humansintheselastsevenhundredandfifteendays sothatsomewhere,manyyearsfromnow,someone willfinditinadigitalarchive,andtheywillknow yourstory.Whoknows,maybetheywillmakea movieaboutit.
We’ve gone through a dramatic evolution of the human experience and we have a story to tell
ByStacyWyatt
Warner Brothers challenged Rooftop Creative to produce an over-the-top visual experience for the MATRIX movie premiere, and the result was spectacular
Inspired by the Matrix code, known in production circles as green rain, the concept for this event was to light up the front-facing facade of the Scotiabank Theatre, mapping high-quality green rain visuals against the building while lighting the interior entranceway and the four-story escalators to make it look as if guests were entering the Matrix. It was downtown in the busiest intersection in Toronto with installs during rush hour,makingthisalogisticalchallengefromthejump.
ThefolksatRooftopreachedouttotheirtrustedpartnersatEventImagingand SAVISpotlightAudioVisualServicestobringtheirvisiontolife.
Theideawasambitious,especiallyinthemiddleofcovid,andtoaddtothe complexitybecauseitmeantshuttingdowntheNorthBoundlaneofRichmond (andthebelovedbikelane)atoneofToronto’sbusiestintersections.
Logisticalchallengesandcreativesolutionsareeverydayhurdlesformost eventprofessionals,butCityHallrunsatitsownpace,whichbecamethe biggestobstacletheproducersfaced.Thecitytookweekstorespondto trafficmanagementplansonlytocomebackwithseveralissues.
Thatturnedintoanear-constantbackandforthwithgovernmentofficials until,withjust48hourstogo,theplanwasapproved,andtheshowwason butwithafewedits.Thecitywouldonlyallowtheteamtoclosethebike lane. That meant less space than they had planned for, so producers adjustedyetagaintoaccommodatetheregulation.Havingthoughtthey hadasolidandapprovedplaninplace,theyquicklymovedforward.And thenthewindspickedup.
80 km/hr played havoc with electrical tents, equipment, and projectors sittingatopheavy-duty30-footscissorlifts,andsoforthesakeofthe safetyofeveryone,theteamhadtobringeverythingdown,forcingthemto adjusttheeventplanonceagainandrecalibratethegraphicprojectionjust anhourbeforethedoorsopened.
"The concept was to light up the front-facing façade of the Scotiabank theatre with the well-known green coding, or green rain as we called it."
-- Joel Nadel, Event Imaging
Ittook15x32,000Lumen4KHDprojectors creatingatotalbrightnessof480,000Lumens projectingover31Millionpixelsacrossa40’Hx 300’Wsurfaceareacomplimentedby50led fixturesand16movinglightstobringthematrix tolife,makingitraingreenformorethan1500 peoplewhoattendedinperson.
Theeventalsoattractednationalmediaattention and generated millions of impressions online whilecreatingjobsforthecrew,company,and vendors,injecting100softhousandsofdollars intothelocaleventeconomythatneededitjust beforeChristmas.
Congrats to the incredible team at Rooftop CreativeandEventImagingandSIVASpotlight AudioVisualforproducinganoutstandingevent
Anextremewindowforsetupduetothe venuebeingopentothepublic.
Theteampulledoffafive-dayinstallinone andahalfdays,workingovernightwitha teamof40.
Arequesttoshutdownthenorthbound laneofRichmondStreettookweeksfora response,thenrequestedrevisionsuntil twodaysbeforetheevent.
Permitsallowedfortheabsoluteminimum throwdistanceforprojection,requiringa redesignoftheplanswith48hourstospare. 80kmwindsthreatenedtoshutdownthe eventandrequiredtheteamtorecalibratethe graphicprojectionanhourbeforetheshow.
The Jody Litvack VLOG Experience Episode 4: The Making of The Matrix Premiere. Taking you on an exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the largest Video Mapping Projects in Ontario produced in collaboration with production partners at @savi.av @eventimaging Photos courtesy of Event Imaging"The event took us out of our comfort zone, with all the complexities that came with the job. Thanks to the incredible direction put forth by the team leads, we ended up going beyond our expectations and pulled off what was an incredibly successful production."
-- .Avi Yurman Managing Director, Spotlight Audio Visual Industries Inc
