Canadian Special Events Magazine CSE Live 2012 Show Issue

EVENTS | MEETINGS | CONFERENCES | CATERING | DECOR | ENTERTAINMENT | VENUES | LOGISTICS | MARKETING

canadianspecialevents.com MAGAZINE SPRING 2012

The CSE EXPO12 SHOWGUIDE Issue 15th Anniversary STAR AWARD Nominees Rising Stars and the Future of the Event Industry Using Pinterest in Your Business

CONNECTING CANADA’S EVENT INDUSTRY

O C UD SE EX PAR PO T N 12 ER

PR

more than just printing

770 Digital Colour Press

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t: 905.573.2502 1.800.265.0134

Since our inception in 1967 we have embraced the many changes that have affected our industry.

We continue to address our clients needs by merging the timeless value of craftsmanship with leading edge technology.

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SPRING 2012

contents 4

THE CSE EXPO12 ISSUE 2

Editor’s Letter

4

The Fab List

7

Great Places, Amazing Spaces

9

Book Club

11 Venue News 12 Hot Products & Cool Ideas

event: Art of the Party Wedding

14 Rising Stars and the Future of the Event Agency 17 World’s 1st Sustainable Meetings Regions 19 CSE EXPO12 Showguide 30 2012 Star Awards Nominees 34 Where Art and Innovation Collide 35 Catering Corner 36 Click

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40 Using Pinterest in Your Business

canadianspecialevents.com A Division of National Event Marketing Group Inc. Suite 206, 338 Lower Ganges Road Salt Spring Island BC V8K 2V3 Tel: 250-538-5553 Fax: 250-538-5554 Email: info@canadianspecialevents.com Website: www.canadianspecialevents.com

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Copyright 2012 Articles may not be reprinted in whole or in part without permission from the Publisher.

COVER PHOTO: THE DESIGN EXCHANGE, Black & White Fundraising Gala

CO PUBLISHER: Mark Wyatt • EDITOR & CO PUBLISHER: Stacy Wyatt • EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Sara Roxburgh • CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Jessica Sterling • SALES & EVENT COORDINATOR: Rachelle Villeneuve • DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Helena Poll All material that appears in Canadianspecialevents.com Magazine is protected by Copyright and can only be reprinted with prior written permission of the publisher National Event Marketing Group Inc. 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 and 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.canadianspecialevents.com

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

42 Inspiration Board for Spring

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EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s a fresh new season and that means that summer events are soon to be upon us. What a fabulous start to the year!

The past year has brought all kinds of changes for Canadianspecialevents.com. We have a bold new look, a fresh new model for the CSE Expo’s, some incredible new partnerss and are launching three new events in 2012, 012, 2013 each designed to help you make ake your events the most creative and nd inspired as they can be. We also have ve some really BIG news to share with you, u, but you have to come to the show to hear it first –hand!

Speaking of CSE, there is a huge buzz in the air as we get set to showcase the best st in the business at the EXPO12 and celebrate in style at the 15th Anniversary of the Star Awards Gala.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

This year at the CSE Expo, we are breaking down walls and making room for innovative thinking, engaging conversation and inspiring idea sharing. The education features leading innovators and world class industry icons including New York’s Marcy Blum, David Beahm, Dianne Devitt and Jaclyn

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Bernstein, marketing pro Alan Berg, Wedding SOS star Jane Dayus-Hinch and Canada’s own industry super pros Ken Kristoffesen, Jordan Fogle, Grail Noble and Milena Santoro to name a few . have never been more fabulous The parties par with the merging of the CSE Opening Bash and the Distillery’s most exclusive party of the year “Industrial Chic.” Produced by 5th Elements, Contemporary Furniture and the Distillery Events, the Fu Opening Night it promises to be the O party of the year. pa The Crème de la Crème event, the 15th Annual Star Awards Gala will feature perAnnu formances by some of the best talent in forman Canada. Headlining the star studded lineup is the impressionist many consider to be the best in the world – Andre-Philippe Gagnon! Burke Lawrence will host and a selection of the Entertainer of the Year nominees will also perform.

There is some incredible new event talent emerging across the country and we have it in abundance at CSE this year.

Our entire volunteer brigade is made up of students from across the country that are using CSE as either a final project or as a way to make the jump from a new grad to working in the industry. Be sure to stop and say hello and, if they are super helpful and you make a connection, hand them your card because our volunteer could be your company’s next superstar!

Congratulations and thank you to all the nominees, vendors and delegates for making the decision to evolve your professional development and take your business to new levels of success by being a part of Canada’s leading event industry show. We know you have a choice these days… we also know you will discover there is nothing out there quite like Canadianspecialevents!

Pride Toronto TORONTO

Art of the Party VANCOUVER

Pride Week celebrates diverse sexual and gender identities, histories, cultures, creativities, families, friends and lives. The 10 day event is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world with estimated attendance of over 1.2 million people and with media estimates of 1 million in attendance at the Pride Parade, Pride Toronto is happy to be recognized as the largest Pride in North America. Pride Week is one of eight officially designated City of Toronto “Signature Events”.

To fulfill their vision of Old Hollywood Glamour, Art of the Party created an ultraluxurious, all-white cocktail party filled with crystalstudded lounge furniture, white carpet & drape, custom décor and spectacular florals. Nearly 400 guests sipped “Bellini’s” and dined on small plates of everything from lobster and risotto to fish & chips, sliders and late-night tacos. Special details included a Cupcake Lady wearing a wedding dress of cupcakes, make-up bar and crystal ballet slippers to take home.

THE FAB LIST

A SELECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE EVENTS OF 2011 FROM ACROSS CANADA.

BC Event Management, VANCOUVER BC Event Management produced a Gala evening with the goal of creating an original non-stop experience from arrival to departure for the international audience of 5000 guests at the Vancouver Convention Centre. BCEM blended large-scale percussion, cirque, 3 forms of pyrotechnics and BCEM’s signature MegaVideo. Performers maintained the theme in the foyer, for the main show, on the outdoor plaza, and finally during the dance party. The main show was a world class Drums of the World extravaganza featuring over one hundred percussionists, dancers and cirque performers.

SENSIX Communications & Events Inc., MONTREAL

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The Jewish General Hospital Foundation set out to raise record funds for the Segal Cancer Centre and raise awareness of all the lives the Centre touches. Instead of typical dinner speeches, an emotional connection was established between the Donors and the Centre through a poignant on-screen story recounted by patients (who then appeared on stage), and with a touching tribute performance by The McGarrigle Family for the late Kate McGarrigle.

Ballet tableaux and custom Broadway numbers rounded out the story.

AVW Telav & Accucom Corporate Communications , OTTAWA Producer Rick Naylor of Accucom Corporate Communications had a bold and ambitious dream to make the Grand Opening of the Ottawa Convention Centre a larger-than-life spectacle to be seen by guests, passersby and even Ottawa citizens who were blocks away.

Working with Jim Fairhart of Fairhart Productions and AVWTELAV He created outrageous displays of entertainment enhanced by unique staging elements and shocking audio and visual effects, which provided the backdrop and set the stage for Ottawa Convention Centre’s grand arrival.

HALIFAX The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a world-class international, cultural event that stimulates Canadian patriotism, educates youth and recognizes our country’s debt to the Canadian Forces is by far one of the most spectacular events of the year. The Annual Tattoo includes 9 countries performing and 21 acts from Canada. The 2011 Tattoo celebrated dual themes, the reoccurring theme of a Bond of Friendship, as well as Salute to Heroes.

Alison Silcoff Events Inc., MONTREAL The Daffodil Ball. This Russian Romance themed fundraising gala produced by Alison Silcoff Events was inspired by the glamour and beauty of Swan Lake, Dr. Zhivago and Anna Karenina. Highlights were 30 ballerinas on the entrance staircase, a ruby-walled dining-room with ornate mirrors and 16 ft. chandeliers cascading daffodils and gold medallions, a stage backdrop and hand-crafted table centerpieces depicting St. Petersburg’s onion spires and a spectacular Charlotte Russe Pashka dessert. Entertainment featured a Cirque du Soleil contortionist, a trapeze artist singing “Lara’s Theme” and a performance of Kalinka, the Russian folk-dance.

The Design Exchange, TORONTO The DX Fundraising Gala is one of the hottest tickets on the Toronto social calendar. In 2011 the gala, named “Binary”, honoured three of the most influential leaders in industrial and architectural design: Karim Rashid, Hani Rashid, and Lise Anne Couture. IceCulture created spectacular pieces which reflected the work and style of the honorees work. The focal point was a giant 8-foot square wall using Karim Rashid’s iconic shapes in a reverse ice sculpture surrounding an engraved “DX”.

This wedding at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre stands out for its innovative merge of elements typically found in corporate functions, gala dinners and theatrical productions, into a one of a kind wedding.

The concept of the evening was “perception deception”. Everything was designed to morph and keep guests intrigued. A twenty-four foot plexi glass bar was wrapped with a mural of the Bride and Groom was at the base of a stage featuring four plasmas displaying a virtual band. Live food stations with chefs wearing jackets the couples monogram and TV’s playing faux fireplaces kept the seating areas inviting and warm. Tables were arranged in the shape of a flower with the head table on a circular stage that rotated at a speed fast enough to ensure the bride and groom didn’t have their back to guests. The 18-foot long centerpieces had LED lights imbedded and alternated color, pulse and change in light intensity according to the mood and music in the room.

Solutions With Impact, TORONTO Solutions With Impact’s goal with the Chef’s Challenge was to create an event with huge entertainment value, while maximizing fundraising dollars and exposure to a new donor base for Mount Sinai Hospital. Nov 2011 participants, celebrity chefs, and the famed Bobby Flay came together for an unforgettable celebration of food and wine, while providing much needed awareness and support to Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH) Women’s Auxiliary.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Infinity Event Group, BRAMPTON

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GREAT PLACES, AMAZING SPACES

Embassy Grand CONVENTION CENTRE In the heart of Brampton just a short drive from downtown Toronto sits the regions newest jewel, the state of the art Embassy Grand Convention Centre. This impressive new space with accommodation for over 2,000 guests offers a premium facility to host any kind of corporate or social event.

The stunning atriums make grand impression and the centre offers ample space for meeting, greeting and wowing your guests. The Embassy Grand, offers complete in house planning and welcomes planners, along with event hosts who requires custom designed and fully supported event planning.

The Embassy Grand is just one of the amazing venues owned and managed by the Infinity Event Group. For more info, visit www.infinityeventgroup.ca

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa A unique guest ranch vacation experience.

Located in the heart of British Columbia’s “Cowboy Country” Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is truly a conference destination. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa can accommodate up to 50 guests for overnight accommodation with corporate event space for up to 150 people. The ranch provides over 3,000 sq. feet of meeting & event space, exceptional service & facilities along with the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding countryside. Echo Valley Ranch has been awarded as one of the Best for Service by TripAdvisor and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. With North America’s only authentic Baan Thai spa pavilion, the ranch is an exotic fusion of western and eastern influences which won’t be found at other corporate event venues. Thinking outside of the box has never been so inspired. www.evranch.com

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

When you arrive at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa you’ll find horses browsing in the fields, dogs that greet you at the door, wranglers ready to hit the trail with you and your new four-legged friend and most of all a world class conference space to host you and your important guests.

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BOOK CLUB “Magic wand” for Magnificent events

Professor Joe Goldblatt, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Scotland Magnificent events.

Technology and practice of event management

A new book of a recognized expert in event management Alexander Shumovich “Magnificent events. Technology and practice of event management” is now available for eBook readers in 32 countries in a newest interactive Apple format created with the help of iBooks Author This fully interactive book is a great tool for employees of companies that organize events themselves or supervise contractors, agencies offering such services to clients as well as planners and even suppliers.

This book will easily inspire you to create your most magic events.

About the author: Alexander Shumovich is the first event management writer who has issued a book in a special iformat for Apple devices (iPad, iPad2 with iOS5 firmware) available in Apple Store.

Alexander is co-owner of event & PR agency Eventum Premo with over 18 years 18-year experience in event planning.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

I absolutely recommend Alexander Shumovich’s new book on event management and marketing. He is one of the world’s leading authorities in this field and it should become an essential reference to all on your bookshelf.

Practice and experience come together in a way that makes the reading accessible, with real life examples, video and photo explanations and support. The “magic” formulas explores the authors unique view on the standard approaches. His capacious and practical book “Magnificent events. Technology and practice of event management” has everything to hold the event from A to Z examples of documents, calculations, instructions and… humor!

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VENUE NEWS Higgins buys Eventals Inc! Higgins is proud to announce they have acquired Eventals, a boutique rental supplier to many of Toronto’s finest caterers. Along with this transaction, Higgins has been selected as rental supplier to The Carlu. Kudos to both companies.

The Vancouver Convention Centre is pleased to announce the launch of its new mobile website tailored for smart phone users. The mobile site is designed to offer convenient access to the most requested information: floor plans, directions to the facility, calendar of events, video and photo gallery, contact directory and general organizational overview. You can view the new website on any smart phone by visiting www.vancouverconventioncentre.com.

Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim has expanded to offer 12,322 sq. ft. of meeting space and Fairmont Quebec has just finished a $3.2 million renovation; Fairmont Quebec has just completed upgrades to 22,000 sq. ft. of space and Fairmont Victoria added a new ballroom offering over 4500 sq ft of space.

In response to a well-identified need and niche market opportunity, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver has completed construction on a custom-made Chinese kitchen within its banquet and special events services. The demand for thoroughly customized experiences for Vancouver’s influential Chinese community has been increasing for years,” says Robert Cima, General Manager and Regional VicePresident, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. “We are really excited to enhance our offerings to this important group and to meet the expectations expressed as essential for winning Chinese special events business.”

The Grand Metropolitan of Mississauga is a new gem in the Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group’s portfolio; The renowned landmark has completed $2 million renovation. The event venue boasting more than 30,000 square feet of dedicated event space is spread out over two floors with capability of hosting two entirely separate events apart from one another. Special touches include over 40,000 crystals suspended in the art form of a spectacular chandelier centre piece.

photo: Richard Emmanuel

HOT PRODUCTS & COOL IDEAS

Get Ready for Summer Flowrider

Rick Davis Promotions Inc. Tel: 416-201-8300 www.rdpevents.com

Flowrider packages the power, speed and challenge of ocean waves and delivers that package as fast and furious as 250,000 gallons a minute at 30 MPH. The proprietary sheet wave technology uses submersible pumps to create non-stop, flowing and curling waves over a soft-padded surface in an enclosed system measured in square feet, not surface acres. Having a Flowrider at your event provides fun, thrills, entertainment, profit and branding opportunities galore. The FlowRider is safe for any skill level has high appeal to youth and young adults, can be enjoyed on belly boards by the inexperienced yet provides an endless challenge to increase skill levels by progressing to standing then to kickflips and aerials. Competitions in this new sport are springing up around the globe providing another opportunity for extreme sporting events.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Essential guides to the Meetings and Event Planning industry

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B British Columbia and Alberta are uniquely qualified to hold aalmost any meeting, conference, trade show or convention.

MEETING PLACES magazine’s comprehensive editorial coverage M provides advice and insight for meeting planner professionals, p aas well as a comprehensive database of facilities and service providers throughout the province. p

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Please contact Katherine Butler

EVENT-PLANNING RESOURCES

604-608-5158 kbutler@biv.com

â– â– â–

www.meetingplacesbc.ca

â–

Provincewide transportation resources Professional associations Making room dynamics work for you Regional maps

Quench Buggy Happy patrons make for a memorable event that people will want to return to year after year, and with Quench Buggy hydration units providing access to free water you are sure to impress many people at your upcoming event. Generally speaking people don’t like to pay for bottled water when they can have safe access to clean potable water and spend their money in other areas of your event. Quench Buggy makes that possible. Each Quench Buggy unit is staffed by a trained Quench Buggy employee, which means that each unit is kept clean and running properly.

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Reduce your events environmental footprint Reduce clean-up after event Add value for your patrons by providing free water Highly visible advertising vehicle for sponsorship opportunities

Two different styles of units available for rent anywhere in North America.

Quench Buggy, Meaford, ON, quenchbuggy.com

Blofield Inflatable furniture Outdoor furniture that looks extremely chic, shrugs off rain and is easy to transport at only 27 kg for a two seater sofa. These Blofield Inflatable Chesterfields are made from the same material that’s used in life rafts, so in theory they’re difficult to puncture, and they even come with a pump that will have them blown up in just 5 minutes. They’re available in various colours. www.blofield.com

Caged Beauty Caged Beauty is a series of fine detailed birdcages that can serve as lighting or decor for small, mid size and big areas as lobbies, hallways and other open spaces. The cages are made from laser cut sheet metal finished with a powder coating in many different bright colors. Sizes vary from 1.2 to 3.2 meters in height and can be equipped with lighting to fully light the inside. The cages can also be used as actual birdcages with a door to feed the birds or other creative ideas. www.jspr.eu

Not just an event,

an escape.

Rising Stars and the Future of the Event Industry We recently sat down with 3 event industry professionals to chat about their journey through the event world; how they got started, their experiences, what the rising stars of tomorrow can do to prepare themselves for a successful career and finally, their perspectives on the future of the event industry.

Each offered a unique perspective on where the rising stars of tomorrow will shine.

Can you share with us your start in the world of special events?

Mike Granek, Academic Director for the Event Management Diploma Program at the Art Institute of Vancouver originally

Tania Newman General Manager Chair Decor Vancouver

Mike Granek Academic Director

(Event Management) events. She had a conArt Institute of Vancouver nection through her father who connected her to CSE’s Stacy Wyatt objectives and making that plan happen for and she volunteered for their first show. She worked for CSE for a few them is what we always have in mind when years after that, then moved to current events we go onsite. and since then has risen to become a GM and now incoming President of ISES What has been the most challenging Vancouver. aspect of your career?

Lynn Fletcher, Lynn Fletcher Weddings in Calgary got started doing events for a high school that she was teaching at. She ended up volunteering to help with all sorts of clubs, celebrations, graduations, and theatre productions. Then got married… and had found her calling. She researched everything the industry had to offer at that time, started a business so she could buy things wholesale, and got certified as a floral designer. The wedding was planned down to every obsessive detail including a 30 page booklet for the MC. She never looked back, today she is an award winning wedding designer and President of ISES Calgary.

CSE: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?

started in the technical world as a video technician and camera operator for audiovisual companies. Eventually he became crew chief and then technical director. After being praised for his organizational skills, he began freelancing as an event coordinator. Often working with event producers that were frazzled, unorganized and always stressed, he grew to believe that there didn’t need to be so much chaos when planning and executing events, and decided to venture out on his theory to the test. He has risen to the top, is past President of ISES Vancouver and a lectures at many event industry conferences

MG - Logistical planning of events, making sure that everything is well organized in advance so that you can better handle surprises on the event day. I like watching the emotional reaction of the guests at an event we have put together. People’s pure enjoyment of a well put together show, or simply their comments about how well everything is scheduled or organized, are a true testament to the success of an event.

TN - My favourite part of the event process is probably having a client rant and rave about our service and knowing that we were an integral part of making their vision come true. We have made a few social clients actually cry so you know you’ve done your job well! It’s the connection with the clients that makes me come back to my job every day.

Tania Newman, GM at Chair Décor did her first gig in the event industry was as a volunteer for CSEME! At the time she was working for what was then the Vancouver Health Department and always had an interest in

LF - Seeing the clients on the day having the time of their lives with not a care in the world. Their dream has come true because of a lot of hard work and very thorough planning prior to the day. Fulfilling the client’s

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Union Photographers

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MG - One of the most challenging aspects of my career was moving into positions with increasing responsibilities at a young age.

Often I was managing staff that were older than me which made for interesting dynamics. I had to learn quickly how to manage people of varying demographics.

TN - The most challenging aspect of my career is that of the consummate salesman, or woman in this case! Part of being good in sales is the ability to know when to turn an unexpected conversation, circumstance or chance meeting into a sale. Everyone is a potential client and it’s a fine balance between knowing when to leave well enough alone or knowing when to turn that opportunity into revenue.

LF - Balance between personal and business life. My career is not something that I do; it is something that I am. It is very difficult to turn it off sometimes, especially owning your own business. Since I have had my daughter though, she has motivated me to be a lot more diligent at blocking off good quality family time. The line between personal and business is very blurry and moves and shifts all the time.

What is most important for emerging planners to know?

MG - Reputation is everything. Make sure not to burn any bridges - be accountable and take responsibility for your mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes, but nothing will ruin your reputation and career quicker than if you hide those mistakes or try to blame someone else. Admit when you’re wrong or you’ve screwed up. Employers may be upset initially that a mistake occurred, but will trust you more in the end because they can count

Lynn Fletcher Lynn Fletcher Weddings Calgary

Orange Girl Photographs

on you to be honest. Also, ask for help when it’s needed. Build trust with your clients and employers.

TN - The biggest thing I would tell them is volunteer and go work for a supplier or caterer.

Most event planners/producers work out of their home and have part time or on call staff. To really get to know the industry, working for a major rental company, lighting company or AV company will help you grow as an event professional and learn all of the tools of the trade. There are only so many jobs out there and the person who is willing to bend, be flexible and shows strong initiative will get the job in the end. The more you know about every discipline in the industry the more invaluable you will become!

LF - Get involved in the community and associations that exist in your area groups like ISES and MPI are all great places to get your face and name out there. Even though local chapter programming is essential to be a part of, their national and international conferences are the most inspiring aspect about these groups!! Set out to learn as much as you can and never think that you know what you are doing. After 15 years in this business, I learn something new every week and am always revamping our systems and procedures.

Living your career with a student’s mind will always keep you fresh and open to new ideas.

Where do you see the special events industry in five years? Ten years?

MG - The event industry is continuing to grow into a true profession. Five to ten years from now, I see that education and professional certifications will be a requirement for entry into the special events industry and will be required by employers.

TN - The industry has changed immensely.

Social media is playing a huge part in the evolution of events and everyone better jump on board or they will get left behind! I think this speaks volumes because it’s people connecting with people regardless if they are across the street or across the country.

We are social creatures and we cannot forget that we need to interact with other social creatures; it’s in our DNA. Events play a big part in connecting people so the more we nurture that, the more successful we become.

LF - I would love to see more wedding planners seeing themselves as technical event professionals and gain more education in the logistical aspects of event production and logistics. A successful wedding planner needs to be educated in all aspects of events from production schedules, to technical direction, to good business practices, to knowing what superior industry ethics actually means. My biggest hope, of course, is that more and more clients see the value of having a wedding planner, not as a luxury budget item but an integral part of the wedding team that they hire… a hub for all the information and the cog that holds the wheel together!!

A New Star in the Sky

“Once I had a rough idea of what I wanted my booth to look like in my mind I was able to scour the city’s vintage stores for the perfect pieces. Luckily I wandered into a fabulous store called Hawk Eyes on Roncesvalles.

I loved everything in this perfectly curated collection and ended up renting all of my furniture from there. That was the base on which my design was built and the Frangipane

Patisserie cake was the perfect topper.”

Originally from Huntsville in Muskoka, Lucy spent the last few years traveling until deciding to return to school for Special Event Planning at George Brown College in September of 2010. During her time as a student, she began to develop her own brand, Lucy Myers Events. While attending a local ISES meeting, she learned of the opportunity for students to enter the Theme Table Design Challenge at the Canadian Special Events Expo. With only a week until the application deadline, she found an event supplier sponsor, and received donations from the friends and fam-

ily who helped the design concept come to fruition. Lucy’s passion for event design paid off as the delegates voted her design as #1 in the 2011 the student division.

Lucy Myers can be reached at 416-910-3132 or LucyMyersEvents@gmail.com

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine

Event Designer Lucy Myers was the 2011 Winner of the Theme Table Challenge Student Division - at CSEME. Lucy’s winning inspiration was a “Splash” theme. She conceptualized an East coast, “Hamptons Affair” by combining the elegance of traditional table settings, individual bottles of Moet, and fine linens with vintage mason jars and mismatched chairs, a barn board table, and rustic flatware. For a touch of drama, she used Manzanita branches to create a wave of coral flanking the Frangipane Patisserie cake decorated with Madeline cookie “shells”. The seating cards rested gently on scallop shells complete with a “pearl” white chocolate truffle for each guest to enjoy. The chairs were adorned with Pashminas, and linen pillows provided additional comfort.

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canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Convention Bureaus, Destination Marketing Organizations, Venues and Agencies from the five Scandinavian member countries of ICCA signed an Accord to create the world´s first sustainable meetings region. The Accord is the first of its kind in the world. It is a document outlining 10 specific actions to which all signatories commit, aims to advance sustainable development within the meetings and events industry.

According to Steen Jakobsen, Convention Director, Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau and board member of ICCA and the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC): “Sustainability is a business imperative that we all understand.

It’s about good business and creating better communities. We recognize that only through collaboration, including the sharing of best practices and expertise, will we improve performance of our organizations for the benefit of our clients. This Accord documents our commitment to develop and deliver the best meeting experience possible.”

The goal is to make it easier for clients to organize a sustainable meeting in their destinations. As a first step, convention bureau, congress centres and other meetings industry professionals from Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark have agreed on a common set of indicators that we can all use to benchmark and transparently communicate our performance and progress.

Project leader, Guy Bigwood of MCI Sustainability Services, com-

ments: “This project is unique in its scale and collaborative nature. For the last two years we have engaged the Scandinavian ICCA members to define a shared vision for the future of meetings and events. Now we have regional leaders from all Scandinavian countries who, with their signature, commit to taking action to measure and benchmark impacts, share knowledge, create products to help clients and develop socially responsible community action projects. We feel this innovative model of leadership collaboration will result in destinations that are positioned to capture new business from the rapidly expanding sustainable marketplace”.

Over the next 6 months, the Scandinavian ICCA Chapter will expand the number of signatories to the Accord by reaching out to business leaders across the Scandinavian countries. They will encourage others to join their commitment to measure and improve environmental impacts and to further develop the holistic approach to sustainable business for which Scandinavia is recognized.

This is the signed Accord: Scandinavian Sustainable Meetings Accord In the spirit of collaboration of leadership and in recognition of the clear and present benefits and returns of sustainable business practices we, member organizations of the ICCA Scandinavian Chapter agree to work together to create a Scandinavian Sustainable Meetings Region.

We therefore commit to taking action together to advance sustainable practices within the meetings and events industry by: Publicly declaring participation in the Scandinavian Sustainable Meetings Accord and using our personal and business networks to encourage member organizations to sign this Accord.

Engaging our clients, partners and other interested parties in dialogue about economic, environmental and social sustainability for our industry.

Educating interested parties, sharing knowledge in sustainable business practices and recognizing ICCA members for their best practice and efforts in sustainable business.

Encouraging and supporting private-public collaboration with other destinations to share Scandinavian best practices and solutions and, in turn, to learn from others.

Providing resources to planners to identify responsible, sustainable and certified suppliers in our community in order to help planners create more sustainable events.

Advocating efficient, equitable and more sustainable use of resources.

Facilitating the increased use of environmentally friendly transport through better communication with visitors and collaboration with transport providers.

Calculating the CO2 footprint of a defined Scandinavian meetings industry and aiming to reduce this by 20% by 2020.

Upholding the highest standards of honesty and fairness and thus maintaining a society with integrity and strong ethical standards.

Giving back to the community by proactively creating links between the meetings industry and social responsibility initiatives.

To these above commitments, we dedicate leadership focus and attention so that the meetings industry we represent will be more sustainable.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Scandinavian Countries Create World’s 1st Sustainable Meetings Region

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Tec PSAV® Presentation Services provides the ideas and technology that inspire great meetings.

We don’t just execute meetings flawlessly; of course we do that. We also enrich and enhance events long before the gathering begins.

WE BRING YOU BRIGHT IDEAS PSAV people come ready to listen and equipped with ideas. We strive to understand meeting objectives and offer solutions that are as relevant as they are imaginative.

WE BRING YOU SMART TECHNOLOGY PSAV combines an unbeatable breadth of technology and expertise with concepts and ideas that can make your messages last well beyond the meeting itself.

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WE’RE WITH YOU EVERYWHERE PSAV professionals and the advanced technology they operate are in more major markets than anyone, right where you want to have your next meeting.

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PSAV Canada Branch Operations 416 885 6757, or email rbartlett-jones@psav.com

© 2012 PSAV Presentation Services. All Rights Reserved.

EXPO12 COLOUR

EVERY EVENT IS A

FRESH CANVAS AND AT CSE EXPO12 YOU’RE THE ARTIST

OUTSIDE

THE LINES

SHOWGUIDE PAGES 17 TO 27

COLLABORATE • NETWORK ENGAGE • CREATE MARCH 28-10, 2012 TRADE SHOW, MARCH 29, 11AM-6PM METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE NORTH BUILDING 100 LEVEL

NEW FOR 2012

Wedding W RKS A FRESH NEW APPROACH TO EXPERIENTIAL WEDDING EDUCATION

Registration

Lounge

1

3

8

4

5

Table Top Theme Design Area

ICE BARS

7

2

exhibitors

HIGGINS EVENT RENTALS

Booth 203 905 770-0231 entertainmentontario.com

Booth 217/219 416-252-4050 higginseventrentals.com

Dance Heads Onta rio

Event Station Multimedia Inc.

HYATT REGENCY TORONTO ON KING

Booth 128 416-616-2466 www.event-station.ca

Booth 340 416-343-1234 hyattregencytoronto.com

EVENTMOBI

ICECULTURE INC

Booth 316 888.296.8415 or 647-899-2856 www.eventmobi.com

Booth 201 888-251-9967 www.iceculture.com

BRASH AVENUES

Booth 331 416-208-9814 www.AirstarCanada.com

Booth 300/302 905-637-1578 www.brashavenues.com

Booth 211/213 866-366-1983 danceheadsontario.com

ABSOLUTE TENT & EVENT RENTALS

C2 Catering Couture

DECOR & MORE INC.

AlanBerg.com Booth 304 732-422-6362 www.alanberg.com

Ashen White

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Entertainment Ontario

Booth 332 416-494-3034 www.djaytheclown.com

Airstar Canada Inc.

Booth 301/303/305 416-203-8332 www.absolute.to

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D Jay Entertainment

Booth 125 1-877-75-8629 Ext. 123/ 416361-1334 ext 1 www.c2cateringcouture.com

Booth 119/121 905-844-1300 www.decorandmore.com

Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council

Booth 315/317 647.928.SEAT (7328) www.detailzcouture.com

Booth 218 613-231-6949 www.cthrc.ca

Booth 318 416-675-9090 www.ashenwhite.com

CARYN SILVERSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY

AULWARD GRAPHICS

carynsilversteinphotography.com

Booth 104/106 905-573-2502 or toll free at 1-800-265-0134 www.aulwardgraphics.com

BACKDROPS BEAUTIFUL Booth 120 858-300-2100 backdropsbeautiful.com

BARTENDER ONE Ice Bar Feature Area 416-461-4441 www.bartenderone.com

BB BLANC AUDIOVISUAL ENTERTAINMENT Booth 124/126 877-360-0440 www.bbblanc.com

Booth 328 905-787-0880

Cineplex Entertainment Booth 206 800-313-4461 www.cineplex.com

CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE RENTALS INC. Stage Lounge 416-703-9236 www.cfrentals.com

Creations by Gitta Floral Events and Decor Booth 133 416-665-7947 www.creationsbygitta.ca

Cvent Booth 105 703-226-3500 www.cvent.com

Detailz Chair Couture

Double Chocolate Fountain and Fun Foods Booth 123 877-475-8629 Ext. 123 doublechocolatefountain.com

Drum Cafe Booth 208 416-879-3786 www.drumcafe.ca

ECLECTIC EVENTS INTERNATIONAL Booth 115/117 416 413 7887 www.eclecticeventsintl.com

Embassy Grand CC Booth 333/335 905-794-9588 www.infinityeventgroup.ca

Emergency Rescue EMS Booth 103 800-658-9609 x 101 www.eracademy.com

EVENTSTREAM

Impact Canopies Canada Inc.

Booth 110 888-908-7124 www.eventstream.ca

Booth 130 877-776-6655 www.impactcanopy.com

FLASHPOINT PHOTOBOOTH

Incredible BORIS (The) Comedy Hypnotist

Booth 228/230 855-372-6684 flashpointphotobooth.com

Flow Photo/Snapshot Photobooth Booth 109 416-436-3500 www.flowphoto.ca

Fluid Event Management Solutions

Booth 131 905-882-7707 www.comedywood.com & www.incredibleboris.com

ISES TORONTO Booth 210 905-898-7434 www.isestoronto.com

JOANNA JORDAN

Booth 205 519-725-3854 fluideventmanagement.com

Booth 237 416-967-4277 www.joannajordan.com

FOS Decor Center

John D Bradley ChatamKent Convention Centre

Booth 231 905-760-0040 www.fosdecor.com

Hart Entertainment Booth 325 416-762-2200 or 877.987.

HART www.hartentertainment.com

Booth 233 866-437-8703 www.ckcc.ca

Karaoke Reality Video Inc Booth 324 514-625-2510 www.karaokereality.com

NASCO STAFFING SOLUTIONS

Booth 8 905-886-8100 www.eventskarenbaker.com

Booth 229 888-227-8444 www.nasco.ca

Le Diplomate

Neo-Image Candlelight

Booth 224 514-990-9545 www.diplomate.com

Booth 320 905-273-3020 www.neo-image.com

Lucky Strike

NINUTIK MAPLE SUGAR LTD

Booth 239 905-760-9931 www.bowlluckystrike.com

Luxe Modern Rentals Lobby Booth 1-5 416-745-0808 www.luxerentals.ca

LUXURY COACH Booth 204 416-746-5466 www.luxury.to

Massage on Wheels Booth 306/308 416-704-8545 www.massageonwheels.ca

Mode Function Event Design Ltd. Booth 127 416-319-7469 www.modefunction.com

Booth 309 647-280-4473 www.ninutik.com

NOTHERS SIGNS & RECOGNITION Booth 232 800-265-1554 www.nothers.com

Ontario Staging Ltd. Booth 129 416-694-8980 www.ontariostaging.com

PANDOR PRODUCTIONS Booth 137 416-798-9293 www.pandor.com

Paper Impressions Booth 234 416-828-7456 www.paperimpressions.ca

Party Cinemas

Sitra Furniture Rentals

THIRD FROM THE SUN LTD.

Booth 220 888-853-0053 www.partycinemas.com

Booth 207/209 416-513-0047 sitrafurniturerental.com

Booth 225 416-964-0469 www.tfts.ca

Picasso Painters

SKYLINE TORONTO

TORONTO SPECIAL EVENTS

Booth 101 416-777-0858 www.picassopainters.com

Booth 214/216 416-675-1304 www.skylinetoronto.com

Booth 223 905-877-1113 www.tsevents.com

PIERRE GRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

STARDUST EVENTS

Universal Links Inc

Booth 200/202 905 479-7000 www.stardustevents.com

Booth 122 416-741-1221 www.universallinksinc.com

Sweet Tooth Productions

Vintage Vignettes

Booth 330 sweettoothproductions.ca

Booth 226 905-392-1277 www.vintagevignettes.ca

Booth 111 450-372-7764 x237 pierregravel.com

Playdium Mississauga Booth 108 905-273-9000 www.playdium.com

ProXExhibit Booth 139/240 905-696-0993 / 888-996-7769 www.proxexhibit.com

PSAV PRESENTATION SERVICES Booth 343/345 647-724-0880 www.psav.com

Rick Davis Promotions Booth 321 416-201-8300 www.rdpevents.com

TableTop Fashions, Inc. Booth 140 800-821-6645 www.tabletopfashions.net

THE BALLROOM Booth 227 416-597-2695 www.theballroom.ca

The Dance Company Booth 107 416-243-7505 www.thedancecompany.ca

The Mint Agency

WEDLUXE MAGAZINE Booth 326 416-591-1203 www.wedluxe.com

What A Catering Booth 221 416-752-8837 www.whatacatering.com or www.artoffood.ca

ZERO GRAVITY CIRCUS Booth 341 888-673-4528 www.zerogravitycircus.com

Booth 238 416-923-6468 www.themintagency.com

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Karen Baker Floral Design and Event Planning

21

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

speakers

22

Marcy Blum Marcy Blum Associates

David Beahm David Beahm Design

Alan Berg Marketing Guru & author

Jaclyn Bernstein Empire Force Productions

Jane Dayus-Hinch Host, Wedding SOS

Dianne Budion Devitt DND Group

Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM CEO, POP Kollaborative

Lara McCulloch-Carter READY2SPARK

Stacy Wyatt Editor canadianspecialevents.com

Milena Santoro, CMM, CMP, PIDP

MS Productions

Jordan Fogle CEO, The Mint Agency

Grail Noble President, Yellow House Events

Paras Mehta, Creative Director, Design2Decor

Mary Swaffield Lavish Event Design

Alexandra Moorshead President, Moorshead & Associates

Anne-Marie Enns Director of Events, Moorshead & Associates

Darren Armstrong Modu-Loc

Shannon M. Chow Emergency Rescue EMS

The Master of Ceremonies Michael Coombs

Paul E. Kenyon Absolute Tent & Event Services

Gino Latini 3L Productions

Lawrence J. Shryane AEG Live Canada

M. D. Stevens STAR Security

Bob Presner Beyond the Box Inc.

Lola Rasminsky, C.M. Beyond the Box Inc.

Thank you to our Event Auction Donors

Jessica Gorlicky JessGo

AUTOSHARE CARYN SILVERSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINE BIB CATERING INC DESIGN EXCHANGE EVENTMOBI JOE BADALI’S

LULA LOUNGE PERFECT TABLE PLAN RHYTHMIC BY NATURE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM SCOTIA ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES SEGWAY OF ONTARIO

STEAM WHISTLE BREWERY THE ARTS AND LETTERS CLUB OF TORONTO THE BUTLER DID IT THE YOGA SANCTUARY TIGRIS PERSONNEL

schedule AT A GLANCE

Event Planners Wedding Planners

Wednesday | March 28, 2012 8:00am-9:00am

The Inspiration Breakfast - Colour Outside the Lines - presented by Beyond the Box. Also featuring a live art performance by Jessica Gorlicky of JessGo. 104CD The Event Experience Sessions

The Wedding Sessions

9:15am 10:00am

Jordan Fogle, The Mint Agency 104A

Ground Breaking Design Trends for Weddings, Paras Mehta 104B

10:15am-11:00am

Ken Kristoffersen, POP Kollaborative 104A

The Business of Brilliant Weddings, Milena Santoro 104B

11:15am-12:00pm

Grail Noble, Yellow House Events 104A

The Care & Feeding of Bridezilla, Mary Swaffield 104B

12:15pm-1:30pm 2:00pm-3:00pm

Keynote Luncheon - Jane Dayus-Hinch: Plan...to be a Brand. 104CD Disaster by Design: Creating & Implementing Your Emergency Management Plan see below 104CD

*

1:45pm-5:00pm 104A Project Venue: Strategic Event Design Workshop – based on Dianne Budion Devitt’s NYU Design Course

3:15pm-4:45pm

The Art of the Deal -Strategies for Sponsorship & Raising Money 104CD

5:00pm-10:00pm

CSE EXPO12 Opening Night Party - Industrial Chic @ The Fermenting Cellar

1:45pm-5:00pm 104B Alan Berg’s Wedding Business Summit - Skyrocket your Success

Thursday | March 29, 2012 Breakfast Session - Milena Santoro: Pop-Culture & Events – Trends, Topics and Truths 104CD

9:15am-10:15am

Jaclyn Bernstein - The ‘J’ Force 104AB

10:30am-11:45am

Masters Round Table Conversations with Dianne Budion-Devitt, Jaclyn Bernstein, Alan Berg, Ken Kristoffersen, Marcy Blum, David Beahm, Milena Santoro sponsored by:

11:00am 12:00noon-1:00pm 1:15pm-1:45pm 2:00pm-3:00pm

104AB

Trade Show Opens CONSTITUTION HALL Luncheon: Industry Icon, David Beahm - Making a Living & Retaining Your Sanity in Special Events 104CD Mini Session: Top 10 Tools for the Modern Event Planner, Alexandra Moorshead & Anne-Marie Enns 104AB Featured Keynote Speaker: Marcy Blum - C.S.I. (Celebration Scene Investigations) the 8 components of a great event 104CD

3:30pm-4:00pm

Mini Session: Trendspotting - the hottest event trends of the year. Stacy Wyatt 104AB

4:15pm

Readers Choice Awards TRADE SHOW STAGE - CONSTITUTION HALL

6:00pm

Trade Show Closes

Friday | March 30, 2012 9:00am-3:00pm

Marketing Secrets to Winning Hearts and Capturing Wallets - The Ultimate Workshop for Event Pros to Stand Out, Build Raving Fans & Sell More...even when the competition is cheaper., Lara McCulloch

evening

Star Awards Gala HYATT REGENCY TORONTO ON KING

* by: Shannon M. Chow, Gino Latini, Darren Armstrong, Lawrence J. Shryane, Paul E. Kenyon, M.D. Stevens

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

8:00am-9:00am

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WE CAN DO IT! - We’re a full service event supplier that can handle any scale Corporate Event, Wedding, Tradeshow, Festival, Sporting Event or Party indoors and out. Our products include a full line of quality tents in virtually any size, tables & chairs, furniture, lighting, flooring, climate control and so much more.

At Aulward Graphics it has been our pleasure to provide superior quality printing for over 44 years. As print technology continues to evolve, so do we. Along with our highly skilled team, we offer: prepress, printing, bindery, custom die cutting and fulfillment using state of the art equipment. Let us show you just what Aulward Graphics can do for you.

We supply scenic backdrops for any special event in a variety of sizes: from 8x8 to 50x25. Our one-of-a-kind backdrop service provides custom designs for rentals or purchases. We have demonstrated excellence in the areas of customer service, product inventory and quality, creativity and design. We ship globally door to door.

Teams work best when they like & respect each other, work collaboratively, are pushed outside their comfort zones & know that they can have fun while working hard to produce a result. Each of our teambuilding experiences is designed to encourage these dynamics in your team. They are designed to be enjoyable, memorable & to give your team skills they can take into their personal lives... thanks to you.

An extraordinary combination of originality, always-current technology, and professional talent, with great customer service have shaped bb Blanc’s definition of the ‘innovative’.

You can trust bb Blanc to deliver impactful, influential, and highly effective audiovisual productions and extraordinary events that are suited to what’s right for you and your audience.

Brash Avenues specializes in marketing products, with full services including graphic design, loyalty programs, custom designed products, unique packaging, ad-speciality products and mail campaigns. Offering innovative products and providing excellent client support. Brash Avenues delivers exceptional quality branded premium items that are designed and created with your image in mind.

Caryn’s work has been published in several international magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Elle Canada. Her team pf professional photographers have photographed many large events with keynote speakers such as Steven Harper, Salmon Rushdie and Elie Weisel. Caryn continues to peruse her career with innovative product lines such as Instant 3D photo and her FotoArt Book line.

Specialists in event furniture rentals.

Offerings include a bespoken line of made-in-Canada soft lounge seating available in 13+ colours; food stations, bars, dining tables, and hightop tables in multiple finishes plus the largest collection and selection of original Ghost products from Italy.

Decor & More produces events ranging from product launches, fund raising galas, corporate meetings and celebrations for 20 to 6000 guests.

Their 35,000 sq ft facility houses a full art production shop, graphics production, one of the largest floral departments in Canada, and an unmatched logistical and creative team.

Eclectic Events International is a full service award-winning event management company providing spectacular event solutions for the corporate market. Extensive knowledge, expertise and international resources enable them to prepare and implement creative and cost efficient events that are customized to your budget, needs, objectives and demographics.

5 TOUCH SOLUTIONS INC. (EVENT MOBI) EventMobi is an interactive mobile event guide app that helps engage audiences, further green practices and generate revenue. Event Mobi will empower event organizers with simple but powerful tools to create mobile event guides for their attendees in minutes!

...is an open concept booth which can fit several people in front of the camera at one time. Our Photobooth uses a professional camera, printer and paper for high quality prints and always comes with a trained attendant so you don’t have to do any of the work. You can personalize your photos by adding your name, date or a special message. For indoors, outdoors, weddings and events.

Higgins Event Rentals celebrated its’ 30th anniversary this year by buying Eventals Inc.. This transaction strengthens an already broad inventory that includes chairs, tables, china, glassware, tents, carpet and everything else that will make your event look fantastic. We have offices in Toronto and Oakville and look forward to working with you.

Hyatt Regency Toronto On King, located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district. Following a multi-million dollar investment, this Toronto icon was transformed into a super contemporary facility. Our two ballrooms, located on the same floor, can host fabulous events for up to one thousand of your closest fiends.

Hyattregencytoronto.com

ISES Toronto helps special events professionals produce outstanding results for clients while establishing positive working relationships with other event colleagues. Access their online listing of members and join a professional association that will help you to grow your business. Contact them to experience the benefits of membership today!

Transportation is a part of any special event, so when you’re thinking about transportation leave the driving to us.

Whether you are moving one person or one thousand, we can accommodate all of your needs, all with the ultimate in quality of service. When you travel with us you and your guests will always feel comfortable and safe. Our professionalism and service will ensure your time spent with us is truly a memorable one.

Nasco provides temporary event staffing in Canada - offering qualified conference, event, food and beverage and production staff, both frontline and backstage. Supplemental staff to full-service production and event crews, Nasco allows you to reduce your event time and costs.

Nasco, your one-stop shop for all your event staffing needs.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Count on 5th Element to have your brand in the psyche of everyone attending so they understand who you are. Involving your guests in a social bond helps establish a brand connection. At 5th Element Events, their focus is to create a playground of products and services for all to touch and feel.

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Eventstream helps professionals producing entertainment, corporate, sporting, & promotional events expand their reach, exposure, and revenue with a full service live streaming solution. They provide high definition production & encoding, online event marketing including digital ticket sales, and state-of-the-art content delivery.

They handle every aspect of your live streaming project so you can focus on your core business responsibilities & leave the streaming details to them.

Ideas are infinite with ice – from branded ice luges and bars, themed ice sculptures and table centerpieces to live carving demos and teambuilding activities.

They exceed the expectations of their clients by providing innovative ice products with professional service for all budgets.

Iceculture services all areas – local, national and global.

Ninutik handcrafts distinctive maple sugar gifts and single-serving treats for a variety of corporate functions including conferences, seminars, meetings, business trips, receptions, openings and award galas. Ask us about our popular ‘Taffy on Snow’ and our new ‘Maple & Cheese’ dessert stations.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Pierre Gravel International has emerged as Canada’s premier agency in exclusive corporate and touring entertainment.

Our roster includes both domestic and international artists whose talents cover many unique areas of the entertainment industry. PGI represents the very best singers, bands, impressionists, entertainers, comedians, magicians, variety and circus acts.

Nothers Signs & Recognition has been serving clients Canada wide with our ONE CONTACT solution for over 40 years. Utilizing best practice standards, Nothers provides you with the gift of time by facilitating your projects from start to finish. The exclusive awards provider to CSE EXPO. Nothers has the products and services to recognize your stars!

Making YOU look great, making THEM feel great…leave it to Nothers.

Pandor Productions is your one-stop AV solution. We offer a wide variety of corporate presentation and live event production packages designed to suit your needs and budget. We’ve got lighting, sound, and visual reinforcement for 5 to 50,000 people. We have both the equipment and the expertise to put your event head and shoulders above the rest. Pandor Productions will exceed your expectations without exceeding your budget.

PSAV is the leader in providing inhouse audiovisual services to the hospitality industry. More than eight hundred properties around the world work with us to keep their clients coming back for more memorable events and meetings, year after year.

Skyline Toronto creates modular exhibits and portable displays. Their solution driven team is ready to develop a solution customized to your individual requirements and provide a unique show experience. With teams across North America and around the globe, Skyline is ready to provide solutions wherever your show may be.

Disc Jockey Experts tfts.ca | 416.946.0469

Stardust Events provides services from decor to entertainment for private and corporate functions. Their team of in house designers includes carpenters, painters, designers, drapers and florists. We will astound your clients and satisfy your event needs.

All that glitters is Stardust. An awardwinning design and decor company.

Over the past 20 years, Third From the Sun has contributed to the success of thousands of weddings, private parties and corporate events.

Our DJ’s have what it takes to make every function a memorable one, including a wealth of experience and an unbeatable combination of event coordination and musical saavy.

True love, True luxury. WedLuxe is the ultimate Canadian wedding resource for planning a high-style, decadent soiree, proudly featuring the design and style behind the most breathtaking weddings in the country, including the work of elite and award-winning wedding purveyors.

Eat. Drink. Ball. The Ballroom is Toronto’s interactive entertainment center and downtown’s only bowling alley. Two expansive floors accommodate up to 900 guests and boast inventive décor, outstanding eats from their top-notch chef, 65 LED television screens and a ping-pong lounge. The Ballroom is an experience not to be missed!

Toronto Special Events (TSEvents) Toronto’s Guide to Event Venues, Resources, Ideas and more!

TSE Guide – annual must-have print directory, tsevent.com – packed with event intelligence and TSEvents e-news with event planning ideas that inspire.

Zero Gravity Circus is a full service creative production house and agency. Over a decade of experience and an extensive roster allows us the freedom and flexibility to produce ideal entertainment packages to suit all kinds of events, venue and objectives.

the marketplace

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entertainers AT CSE EXPO Joanna Jordan - Electric Harpist Classical/Jazz/Rock/Contemporary Pop, Electric Harpist, Joanna Jordan has a proven ability to generate successful events. Joanna Jordan has performed at Carnegie Hall as well as performances for Her Majesty, The Queen Mother; Her Royal Highness, The Princess Margaret; Tina Turner; The Three Tenors; Pierre Elliot Trudeau; Wolfgang Puck; & Chuck Berry. Wherever Joanna performs, the jaws drop & people comment that they can’t believe she can take the Electric Harp to that level. www.joannajordan.com

Johannes Linstead - Guitar of Fire The Dance Company

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

is known for its high energy entertainers and excellent customer service. We offer themed and custom dance shows, costumed greeters, and interactive children’s shows. Currently in our 10th year of providing quality entertainment for events across North America! The Dance Company is the recipient of The Canadian Event Industry Star Award for Entertainer of The Year 2006. If You Can Dream It, We Can Create It! www.thedancecompany.ca

26

From being named “Guitarist of the Year”, to winning six “Best Album” awards, to four top-ten Billboard charting albums, to top-ten radio airplay, Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of the best selling guitarists and composers in the Instrumental and World Music genres. Johannes is an “Influential Artist” with Yamaha Corporation of America, the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the world. On stage and on his recordings, Johannes lets loose a fiesta of Spanish guitar magic! www.johanneslinstead.com

Mike D’Urzo performed in over 250 shows in 2011 for some of the largest corporations, theme parks and television networks across Canada. He performed in an international tour across China for over half a million people! His magic was featured across Canada on the Comedy Network, CTV & YTV. His “Mind Kontrol” became the only interactive magic show across Canada having Z103.5 as the official sponsor. Mike performed at some of the most prestigious gala parties for actors including Sean Penn, Dustin Hoffman, Will Ferrell & Robin Williams! www.megamagic.ca

Zero Gravity Circus is a circus production house and creative entertainment agency, with the people, the expertise, the background and the resources to bring to life an inestimable variety of mind-blowing circus entertainment - from cutting edge contemporary to the big top to the sideshow! We’ve done it all: high-profile fundraising galas, private events, national celebrations, community fairs, city festivals, product launches, black-tie extravaganzas, promotional programs, film appearances & stunt coordination, television spots, print ads, sporting events, nationwide concert tours, overseas productions, international festivals – even the longest Olympic Torch Relay ever, reaching over 2,000,000 people across Canada! With our passion, creativity, and extensive experience we have everything it takes to create the most dazzling circus entertainment imaginable - and memories to last a lifetime. www.zerogravitycircus.com

Georgia Steel started singing and performing at the age of 8 and began a full-time modeling career when at age 14. Since then she has worked professionally as a model, actress, clown, vocalist, impersonator, visual artist, creative director, and as owner operator of Picasso Painters, an Event Company that provides Creative and Theatrical Services for Corporate Events specializing in Body Art & Specific Characters for events. Georgia has two musical acts for corporate functions: The ‘Georgia Steel Band’ which features her as vocalist performing the Great American Jazz Standards and ‘Tribute To Torch’, which is a Musical Journey with Dietrich, Monroe, Hayworth, Holiday, & other Famous Divas Performing TORCH Songs That Have Touched Generations. Georgia is also available for both walk-a-rounds and musical performances as: Dietrich, Monroe, Jessica Rabbit and Mae West.

Michael Coombs Entertainment

The AfroLatino Dance troupe brings more than 20 years of combined experience to your function. Each of our staff performers has over 8 years of experience and professional training with major dance companies. They come from far exotic places, such as the Caribbean and Africa, to bring an authentic tropical flavour to your event. We have performed at hundreds of venues throughout the GTA, and occasionally outside the GTA, from Windsor to Montreal, ranging from small intimate parties to the big stages of summer festivals at the Harbourfront, concert halls such as the Opera House and the Phoenix, and theatres such as the Betty Oliphant Theatre. We believe every project, no matter how grand or intimate, deserves to be elite and distinctive. www.afrolatinodance.com

As a beat-mixing specialist, accomplished MC and former Radio and Nightclub DJ, Michael brings a unique set of skills to the event industry. Michael founded “Prodigy Entertainment” (now Michael Coombs Entertainment) in 2002.

Since then he has been DJ at some of Toronto and Canada’s most high profile Special Events, including the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and at the 2010 MLS Cup. Michael has been interviewed and mentioned in Toronto Life Magazine, the Globe & Mail, Today’s Bride, Weddingsbells, Wedluxe Magazine and wrote the foreword for the best selling book “The Wedding MC”. He was the recipient of the 2007 and 2008 Canadian Wedding DJ of the Year, won the 2009 DJ Industry Leadership Award, was the 2009 National President for Canada’s largest DJ Association, (CPDJA) and is currently serving as the chapter President for ISES – Toronto. www.michaelcoombs.ca

CSE R EA

S ARD AW

RS’ CHOICE E D

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READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

Who are Canada’s Favorite event suppliers?

How much do your clients and your industry peers LOVE YOU? The Canadianspecialevents.com Readers’ Choice Awards are the only industry awards in Canada where the winners are chosen based on votes from their industry peers. This new program, run in conjunction with the Canadian Special Events EXPO12, is a great opportunity for event professionals and suppliers to win bragging rights as the industry’s favorite.

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Winners will be announced on March 29th at 4:15pm on the main stage at the CSE EXPO12 Trade Show.

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2012 CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS FINALISTS

BY CATEGORIES FAVORITE EVENT CATERER C2 Catering Couture | www.c2cateringcouture.com The Kitchen Door Catering Company | www.kitchendoor.ca Neptuno Oysters | www.neptuno.ca Patricia’s Cake Creations | www.patriciacakes.com Seventh Heaven Catering | www.seventhheaven.ca Toben Food by Design | www.tobenfoodbydesign.com FAVORITE EVENT FLORIST Design2Decor Inc. | www.design2decor.com Events in Bloom | www.eventsinbloom.ca Floral Werx | www.floralwerx.com

FAVORITE EVENT ENTERTAINER

thanks to our sponsors

A2D2 Aerial Dance Cirque Company | www.a2d2.ca D Jay Entertainment | www.djayentertainment.ca God Made Me Funky | www.godmademefunky.ca (for events) www.godmademefunky.com Johannes Linstead ~ Guitar of Fire! | www.johanneslinstead.com Mega Magic | www.MegaMagic.ca The Dance Company | www.thedancecompany.ca The Directors Show Band | www.thedirectors.ca FAVORITE EVENT DJ Michael Coombs Entertainment | www.michaelcoombs.ca Nth Degree Entertainment Group | www.nthdegreegroup.ca Scotia Entertainment Services | www.scotiaentertainment.com Digital Entertainment Group | www.thedigitalgroup.ca FAVORITE EVENT INDUSTRY BLOG Free Idea Friday by Dana Zita | freeideafridaysbydanazita.blogspot.com Ready2Spark by Lara McCulloch | www.ready2spark.com/blog FAVORITE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER Candlewax Studio | www.candlewaxstudio.com Caryn Silverstein Photography | www.carynsilversteinphotography.com Stephanie Leblond Photography | www.stephanieleblond.com TVE Productions Inc | www.tveproductions.com FAVORITE EVENT PLANNER aNd Logistix | www.andlogistix.com Atmosphere Event Communications | www.atmosphereevents.ca Eclectic Events International, Inc. | www.eclecticeventsintl.com Update Events | www.update-events.com FAVORITE WEDDING PLANNER AbsoluteWeddings.ca | www.AbsoluteWeddings.ca Atmosphere Wedding Planning & Design | www.atmosphereweddings.com My Sweet Wedding Co. | www.mysweetwedding.com WeDDings Jubilee Planning | www.weddingsjubilee.com

5th Element Events | www.5thelementevents.com bb Blanc | www.bbblanc.com BLD Decor and Scenery | www.blddecorscenery.com Calligraphy by Diane | www.calligraphybydiane.com Kismet Candles | www.kismet-candles.com Massage On Wheels | www.massageonwheels.ca Nasco Staffing Solutions | www.nasco.ca Reflections by Rose | www.reflectionsbyrose.ca FAVORITE EVENT VENUE Academy of Spherical Arts | www.sphericalarts.com The Eglinton Grand | www.eglintongrand.com The Berkley Church | www.berkeleyevents.com The Carlu | www.thecarlu.com The Design Exchange | www.dx.org

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

FAVORITE EVENT SUPPLIER

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2012 STAR AWARDS NOMINEES Winners will be announced at the CEIA Gala on March 30th, 2012 hosted by the Hyatt Regency on King in Toronto

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT

1. AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, Ottawa Convention Centre (Canada’s Meeting Place) Grand Opening 2. PSAV – Presentation Services, Amway Latin America Leadership Seminar 3. Stardust Event Group, Calgary Opera Grave Gala BEST BUFFET TABLE DESIGN

1. Bright Ideas Event Coordinators Ltd., Fairway of Flavour 2. Decor & More, and Fairmont, The Queen Elizabeth, Bastille Day BEST CONFERENCE

1. aNd Logistix, Mortgage Forum 2011 2. Eclectic Events International Inc., New Frontiers 3. Event Spectrum Inc., Senior Management Group Conference 4. Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), HealthAchieve 5. Strategic Events, Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC)

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

BEST CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING EVENT

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1. Atmosphere Event Communications, Aeroplan Gives Back 2. Calgary Corporate Challenge, Calgary Corporate Challenge September Games 3. Grant Thornton LLP, Make a Difference 2011 Fall Conferences 4. Pacific Destination Services Inc., and Higher Ground Adventure Based Learning, Club “P” Whistler Olympics Games 5. Sensix Communications and Events Inc., Power Play 2011 6. Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Simulcast of Synergy BEST CULTURAL EVENT

1. Canada Place Corporation, Canada Day at Canada Place 2. Canadian Stage and Moorshead & Associates, Spotlight.Italy

3. NIsha Chandra Events, CHANDNI CHOWK MEHFIL 4. Pride Toronto, Pride Toronto BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION

1. Alison Silcoff Events, Daffodil Ball 2. BC Event Management, IBEW Gala Reception 3. Hala Events & Communications Inc., Spark 4. POP Kollaborative and Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Shell 100 Anniversary, It’s Time 5. PRP, POP City a Pyro Celebration 6. Royal Nova Scotia International, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo BEST EVENT CATERING

1. Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events, Surrealism Gala at the Vancouver Art Gallery 2. Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events, Dinner in the Dark 3. GreatEvents Group, A Walk Through Time 4. Seventh Heaven Event Catering, Schwarzkopf ASK Academy Grande Opening BEST EVENT PRODUCED BY AN ASSOC, BOARD OR COMMITTEE

1. Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), HealthAchieve 2. Small Halls Inc., Festival of Small Halls BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION (COMMUNITY BASED)

3. A Black Tie Affair, The Brides’ Ball on Georgian Bay 4. Cava Rose, Saint-Valentine’s Day Ball “Create Your Night” 5. Croce Consulting, Mayors ‘Au Marche’ 6. Design and Concepts, Evening of Dreams 7. Focus Communications, ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital Good Will Tour 8. Strategic Events, UnMasked

BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A HIGH PROFILE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

1. Alison Silcoff Events Inc., The Daffodil Ball 2. brand.LIVE Management Group Inc., Crystal Ball 25th Anniversary 3. Design Exchange, Design Exchange Black and White Fundraising Gala 4. e=mc² event management inc, Operation: Western Front 5. Hala Events & Communications Inc., Spark 6. InField Marketing Group, The Sears Great Canadian Run 7. Reach for the Rainbow, 25th Anniversary Crystal Ball 8. Solutions with Impact, Chef ’s Challenge BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION (BY A 3RD PARTY INDEPENDENT PLANNER)

1. POP Kollaborative and Calgary Chamber of Commerce, iF Gala 2. e=mc2 event management inc. Art Fusion Holiday 3. BiG Entertainment Inc, Ontario Business Achievement Awards 4. BC Event Management & Pacific Destination Services, Symphony Under the Stars 5. POP Kollaborative Inc, Shell 100th Anniversary -It’s Time 6. BC Event Management, IBEW Gala Reception 7. Alison Silcoff Events Inc, Frostbite BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION (BY AN IN HOUSE TEAM OR PLANNER)

1. Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), HealthAchieve 2. TELUS Communications, TELUS Garden Media Event 3. The Calgary Stampede, Savanna Energy 10th Anniversary 4. WestJet Airlines, Havana Nights

1. brand.LIVE Management Group, Virgin Mobile presents Live at Squamish 2. brand.LIVE Management Group, Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival 3. Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity, Luminato Festival 2011 4. Pride Toronto, Pride Toronto 2011 5. The Word On The Street, The Word On The Street 2011 6. Canada Place Corporation, Canada Day at Canada Place 2011 BEST FUND RAISING EVENT (INCLUDES FUNDRAISING)

1. Canadian Foundation for Aids Research, Aidsbeat 2. Solutions With Impact Inc, Strike Out Cancer 3. Moorshead & Associates and The Leacock Foundation, Leacock Club Golf Tournament Dinner & Auction 4. Solutions With Impact, Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup 5. Sensix Communications & Events Inc, Segal Cancer Centre 5th Anniversary Gala 6. BC Cancer Foundation, 2011 Inspiration Gala

7. Alison Silcoff Events Inc, Daffodil Ball BEST MEDIA EVENT

1. Black Chalk Marketing, The Best Makeup Event Ever 2. Telus Event & Sponsorship Strategy, TELUS Garden Media Event 3. Black Chalk Marketing, TIFF comes to Toronto Pearson Stunt 4. Black Chalk Marketing, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens BEST OPENING EVENT

1. POP Kollaborative, Telus World of Science Spark 2. Krista Slack + Aylett Inc., Celebrate Bloor Red Carpet Style 3. Black Chalk Marketing, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens 4. Krista Slack + Aylett Inc., T’was the Night 5. Group7, BCC Grand Opening 6. Accucom Corporate Communications Inc, Ottawa Convention Centre Grand Opening 7. PRP, Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies 8. 5th Element Events, Billy Elliott Opening Night Launch Party

BEST PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT EVENT

1. brand.LIVE Management Group, Virgin Mobile Presents Live at Squamish 2. Brookline Public Relations Inc., The 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Public Launch Event 3. Canada Place Corporation, Christmas at Canada Place 4. Pride Toronto, Pride Toronto 5. brand.LIVE, Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival BEST SPORTING EVENT

1. Calgary Corporate Challenge, Calgary Corporate Challenge Human Bonspiel 2. Calgary Corporate Challenge, Calgary Corporate Challenge September Games 3. City Chase, City Chase 4. Solutions with Impact, Strike Out Cancer BEST TABLE CENTER

1. Art of the Party Design Inc, Whistleropoly 2. Croce Consulting, Celebrate 3. D&D Floral Designs Inc., Sonia & Joe’s Wedding

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

BEST FESTIVAL

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4. Decor & More Inc, Days of Wine & Roses 5. FOS Decor Center, Bridezilla Photo Shoot 6. Social Butterfly Event Design, Red, Green & Grinch- Mantella Christmas BEST THEME DECOR UNDER $15,000

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

1. 4Eleven Events, Sandra & Hany’s Wedding 2. Decor & More Inc, Avenir Consolidated Corporation Annual Christmas Party 3. Christopher J Design, Something in the Air Wedding 4. Karma Design Studio, Seasons in Wonderland 5. Mina Martini Inc, Jonview Canada’s 30th Anniversary Event 6. SurMesure Creatrices D’occasions, Bal des Prix d’Excellence 2011

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5. Nisha Chandra Events, Jewels of Riyal India 6. Solutions with Impact, Bollywood

4. BLD Decor & Scenery, Nabob Tasting Pod

BEST THEME DECOR OVER $40,000

1. Art of the Party Design Inc, Buble Wedding 2. Infinity Event Group, Joe and Sonia Wedding 3. Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc, LOVE IS… 4. Reflections Weddings and Events, Doug and Diane’s 50th Wedding Anniversary 5. DreamGroup Productions, Tisah & Ryan’s Wedding

1. BLD Decor & Scenery, EMBV Exxon Mobile Board Meeting 2. Decor & More Inc, Frostbite 3. Decor & More Inc, Encana Celebrates 4. Design Exchange, Black & White Fundraising Gala 5. e=mc2 event management inc and Decor & More Inc, Art Fusion Holiday 6. FOS Decor Center, Vintage Paradise Wedding BEST TRADE SHOW

1. Awarded to aNd Logistix Inc, Discovery 11

BEST THEME DECOR $15,000-$40,000

BEST TRADE SHOW BOOTH OR PAVILION

1. Social Butterfly Event Design, Red, Green & Grinch- Mantella Christmas 2. Bliss, Tory / Campbell Wedding 3. Eclectic Events International Inc & Stardust Events, The Four Seasons 4. Greenscape Design & Decor, RIMS 2011 – Rainforests of the World

1. Black Chalk Marketing, and Eden Planning Inc, Future Shop Show 2. Black Chalk Marketing, Windows 7 Picture Perfect Holiday 3. brand.LIVE Management Group, Mercedes Benz Pavilion at Luxury Supercar Weekend

BEST WEDDING OVER 75K

BEST WEDDING UNDER 75K

1. Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc, An Olympic Kind of Love 2. Eventful Planners, Winter Feathers Becky & Colin’s Wedding 3. 5th Element Events, Danielle & Nigel Wedding 4. Eventful Times, Carolyn & Jordan’s Wedding 5. Lavish – Wedding Planning & Design, So Happy Together, Becky & Nabil’s Wedding 6. Seventh Heaven Event Catering , Gareth & Monique Wedding

MOST OUTSTANDING LOGISTICAL ACHIEVEMENT

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Decor & More, Multiple Small Halls, Festival of Small Halls Hala Events & Communications Inc., Spark Pacific Destination Services Inc., and BC Event Management Inc., “Symphony Under the Stars” 5. Solutions with Impact, Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup – Miami ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

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A2D2 Inc, Toronto, ON Andre-Phillip Gagnon, Granby, QC DeAngelis Entertainment Inc, Toronto, ON Comedy Hypnotist the Incredible BORIS, Toronto, ON 5. Johannes Linstead ~ Guitar of Fire!, Oakville, ON 6. Mega Magic - Magician Mike D’Urzo, Thornhill, ON 7. Ryan Joyce / Theatrix International Inc, Fergus, ON MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT UNDER $100K

1. 5th Element Events, The Velvet Lounge for the Canadian Hospitality Foundation 2. Eclectic Events International, Inc., The Four Seasons 3. Group 7, 50th Birthday Celebration Joseph Schiraldi 4. POP Kollaborative and Calgary Chamber of Commerce, iF Gala 5. Social Butterfly Event Design, Red, Green and Grinch- Mantella Christmas 6. Synergy Events Inc, International Children’s Games Opening Ceremony 7. Tantalus Productions and The Finer Details, REBGV Gala 8. FOS Decor Center, 2nd Annual FOS Open House – Euphoria 2011 MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT $100-300K

1. AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, Gala Reconnaissance 2011 2. e=mc² event management inc., MMXI at The Grand 3. PRP, 99th Grey Cup Halftime Show 4. TELUS Communications, TELUS Garden Media Event 5. John Donnelly & Associates and the City of Surrey, Surrey Canada Day MOST OUTSTANDING EVENT OVER $300

Alison Silcoff Events Inc., The Daffodil Ball e=mc² event management inc., Art Fusion Holiday BC Event Management, IBEW Gala Reception Brand.LIVE, Celebration of Light Fireworks POP Kollaborative, Shell 100th Anniversary – It’s Time

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

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EVENT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

6. Cynthia Richards, Event Spectrum Inc., Toronto, ON 7. Hala Bissada, Hala Events & Communications Inc., Toronto, ON Joanna Jordan

www.a2d2.ca

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Forward-thinking corporations understand that their human capital is their most valuable asset, and their competitive edge. Beyond the Box is a unique and innovative series of hands-on exercises designed to stimulate participants – it is a process. Beyond the Box has mastered that process. They build on the proven theory that experience gained in one area can be applied to another. Customdesigned workshops address the specific needs of your organization, and are led by a team of super achievers – experts in business and the arts – who help you find inventive solutions in extraordinary ways.

Where Art & Innovation Collide

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Lola Rasminsky started Beyond the Box as a natural extension of the Avenue Road Arts School. Trained in both Philosophy and Music Education, her passion is in the theory that connects learning in the arts with learning in business. Lola, together with President Bob Presner, a veteran of film and television, have taken their combined passion to develop a cutting edge series of programs that use art as a medium to help change the way people think and how they approach obstacles and problems.

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So what’s in it for you?

9 Trust built among team members 9 Increased ability to combine thoughts and ideas in new ways 9 Improved communications 9 Empathetic listening skills 9 Heightened powers of observation 9 Strengthened bonds within teams The question always begs, are arts-based programs relevant to the corporate environment, and will your HR team, management or staff members really benefit from a day of creating unique works of art, music or performance. The answer is a resounding YES! Making art is about seeing new possibilities, a critical component to achieving success in any organization. Arts-based programs allow participants to break away from linear thinking to a more integrated, leftbrain, right-brain thought process. It’s a form of ‘cross-training’; a way of warming up the muscles needed for creatively solving problems of any kind.

“The era of ‘left brain’ dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which ‘right brain’ qualities – artistry, inventiveness, empathy, meaning and big-picture thinking – predominate.”

EDIBLE EVENT DESIGN

CATERING CORNER Scrumptious meets art through the artistic edibles created by some of Canada’s creative and passionate event caterers.

Great Events Group, Calgary created a culinary “A Walk Through Time” to commemorate a fifty year anniversary of a client’s annual gala. They took iconic elements from each decade to create 5 dishes and modernized them by altering the presentation.

C 2 Catering Couture, Toronto is one of the most innovative catering companies in the world.

Led by executive chef Domenic Chiaromonte, the team fuses art and food in a gastronomic masterpiece worthy of its own art gallery

Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Vancouver hit a hole in one when they created this dessert table dressed to look like a golf course, complete with real grass as part of a Fairways of Flavour event for a client who loved to hit the greens.

Seventh Heaven Event Catering, Toronto designed this menu to showcase the creative nature and energy of a newly opened hair design studio. Check out the dye job they did on the drinks!

Culinary Catering and Events, Vancouver A sophisticated French-influenced five-course menu was inspired by the Surrealist art on display at the most comprehensive exhibition of surrealist art ever to be shown in Canada. The highlight was the colorful surreal salad which featured a savoury carrot marshmallow, chèvre orb, beet jewels, compressed cucumber and sous vide pineapple.

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CLICK www.sweettoothproductions.ca Yum! The best part of any meal is dessert, and Sweet Tooth Productions puts the WOW on dessert tables. They create one of a kind candy buffets that leave a sweet lasting impression on your guests. Check out www.sweettoothproductions.com for your custom candy experience. It doesn’t get any tastier than this.

www.carynsilversteinphotography.com

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

Event photographers are plenty, GREAT event photographers are rare. Over the last 15 years, CSE has worked with a photographers and Caryn is one of the best! She has a great eye for events, knows the winning shots to take and will make sure your events looks just as good in print or line as they do live.

She’s also come up with an innovative new product that delivers instant 3-D Digital photos for social events, in minutes. If you need really great event shots… check out the great corporate and candid shots on Caryn’s site www.carynsilvesteinphotography.com

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www.partycinemas.com Looking for larger than life movies outdoors on the big screen? Party Cinemas delivers. There’s nothing like sitting under the stars with family or friends watching your favorite movies - classic or current!

Small backyard events, larger private bookings or full scale public performances, they offer screens in a variety of sizes to suit your needs and budget. Party Cinemas also produces some very cool video dance events for social and corporate events. Check them out at www.partycinemas.com

www.aulwardgraphics.com With a 44 year history in the printing business, Aulward Graphics has built their business on placing customer relationships first, while continuously staying on the forefront of the industry. Their service is awesome, quality is first class and pricing is very competitive. For all your event printing needs, check out www.aulwardgraphics.com

www.pierregravel.com Bringing you the best Entertainment for over 50 years! Established in 1962, Pierre Gravel International has emerged as Canada’s premier agency in exclusive corporate entertainment. Their roster includes both domestic and international artists whose talents cover many unique areas of the entertainment industry.

Representing the very best singers, impressionists, entertainers, comedians, magicians, variety and circus acts, it is this unique diversity and quality of talent that makes the PGI family, an agency of choice. Check out their full roster of entertainment at www.pierregravel.com

Showtime Event & Display Services is a BC based, award winning company providing trade show & confe f rence materials across BC. We supply a range of services including pipe & drape, carpet, hardwall display systems and electrical distribution services.

C Conta ct us for more r information about what we w can do for yyour upcoming event v

Call 1-800-721-0029 or www.showtimedisplay.com

5 Ideas for Using in Your Business

canadianspecialevents.com Magazine • Spring 2012

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Pinterest is a free website and application that allows you to bookmark images you find on the web and put them in your “pin boards”. You can follow other users, comment on their pins and repin their images to your boards. Like any social network, Pinterest does require an investment in time. When I first joined Pinterest, I wanted to look for and share wedding inspiration with my clients.

I am still surprised at how much it has helped with other things in my life such as fashion boards (which have inspired more than a few new outfits), simple cooking techniques, home décor ideas, exercise tips, craft ideas and entertaining inspiration for the holidays.

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Client inspiration boards.

You can create a different pin board for each of your clients to pin inspiration photos and ideas for their wedding or event. This is a really easy way to create inspiration boards online that you can share with the bride, the floral designer, cake designer and other wedding professionals who are working with you on the wedding or event. You can also encourage your clients to create their own inspiration boards on Pinterest.

Business branding ideas.

You can save patterns, photos, websites, logos and icons that inspire you. Even if you aren’t looking to re-

brand your business anytime soon, it is really helpful to save these for future reference.

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Increase your current business brand. Pin photos of your office and your team to increase brand exposure.

To get more visitors to your Pinterest page, use your Facebook page and Twitter to promote your design ideas and inspiration boards that are on Pinterest.

perfectly fine to occasionally pin content from your own wedding and blog. I am surprised at the amount of website traffic we get from people who have pinned photos from our event planning website and blog.

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Pin your own work. Just like Twitter and Facebook, you will get the most benefit when you interact with other users and pin from other sites. You don’t want to use Pinterest solely for self promotion however it’s

Office inspiration and organization. Event planners are such creative professionals.

The environment we work in influences our design, our style and our productivity. Use Pinterest for inspiration ideas to create a clean, creative, organized and inspiring work environment.

You may be surprised at how much better you work.

Debbie Orwat is the Owner and Creative Director of Save the Date Events, a multi-award winning event planning and design company based in Denver, Colorado.

Debbie has been published in more than 15 wedding and lifestyle magazines.

Debbie is also the founder of the blog Planner’s Lounge.

Planner’s Lounge is a resource site, blog and community for wedding planners, wedding coordinators, event planners and event designers. www.plannerslounge.com

Spring Inspiration food • colours decor • ideas

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