Browse > Home / Archive by category 'Events Coast 2 Coast'

 

Toronto Gift Show

DATE: August 7-31
VENUE: International Centre/Congress Centre, Mississauga ON
AUTHOR: Lianne Gravitis
 
This past August, the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA) kicked off its summer series of shows in Mississauga, ON. With shows held in Montreal and Edmonton as well with their own unique markets, the non-for-profit organization (comprised of over 1500 members within the giftware industry) provides programs and tools to help businesses rise to success, “embodies the entrepreneurial instinct and spirit”, and enhances “local, national and global opportunities.”

Anita Schachter, VP of the Regional Gift Shows, which include Montreal and Alberta, offered some sound advice for anyone wanting to get into this industry. Beginning her journey within a small publishing company, Schachter moved her way into the giftware world by accident. Initially volunteering for a show held by her company, Schachter found she enjoyed this type of work and eventually became a full-time coordinator and show manager for various shows. Shows of such magnitude can be stressful and Schachter suggests that being a multi-tasker and a people person is an absolute MUST to succeed in this industry.

 
The CGTA show teams work year round organizing the shows without many breaks, running shows in the winter and summer for spring and fall buying, respectively. Schachter says “no two days are the same”, and that there is “lots of variety” in this position. A typical day could require the show team to meet regarding marketing programs, attend group meetings about the challenges faced that week, talking to members, contracting booth space, and working on sales and financial management plans. Schachter states that they are responsible for “operations, marketing; selling booth space, booking the facility, marketing to and register the attendees while coordinating details such as signage, security and seminars.” As soon as the shows are complete, renewal packages are sent out and the process starts all over again. Additionally, the location of the show is based on where the attendees and exhibitors are originating. Adequate square footage, parking options, proximity to hotels and restaurants are just a few of the factors organizers have to consider when thinking about location.
 
With over 27,700 buyers annually and 900 exhibitors at each event (January and August) attending the Toronto show, 24,000 buyers annually and 530 exhibitors attending each Alberta event (February and August)  and 16,000 buyers and 350 exhibitors attending each Montreal event (March and August), one can imagine the challenges that are faced by the show teams. A detailed screening process for qualified retailers, which includes the need to produce a business ID and personal ID that ties them into the specific retail location, helps ensure that the right attendees are attracted to the show.  The CGTA set the “standards high” so they can make both sides of the business, the wholesalers and the attendees, as successful as possible,” says Schachter. With 4 to 5 days of set-up time and half that time to tear down, the show team works tirelessly to keep the move in and tear down process as orderly as possible.  Team members are required to be available at all times to troubleshoot any issue that arises. Each show also has to make sure that show dates do not conflict with each other as many exhibitors travel from show to show.
 
For the Montreal and Alberta shows specifically there are only eight people (who split into teams of four for each region) involved in the organization of the shows. The team structure includes “show manager, show coordinator, registration coordinator and marketing coordinator, who implements the exhibitor and buyer marketing plan. Schachter states that the key to success for any show are the suppliers and they should be viewed as an “extension of your team.” Suppliers work together with the show team to ensure a successful experience for both constituents.
 
The giftware industry caters to an older demographic, so it is no surprise that direct marketing is still the primary marketing medium.  Printed product pieces are sent to the buyers (with different marketing pieces sent to buyers that have attended in prior years to lure them back into the shows), as well as show previews and seminar information. They are just starting to investigate how social media platform can broaden the shows appeal to younger exhibitors and buyers. To keep the show fresh they “actively solicit new exhibitors and buyers for the shows”, says Schachter.
Schachter’s advice for upcoming planners is that you have to “love people; have to appreciate that everyone is unique and not everyone is going to have the same expectations; and you need to be able to juggle three or four balls in the air and juggle them well.” For more information regarding the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association and its trade shows, please visit www.cgta.org. 
 
Suppliers:
Facilities:  International Centre & Congress Centre  (provide space, retail food, cleaning services; parking)
Material Handling/Storage/Floor Mgmt: Lange Transportation http://www.langeshow.com
Show Décor:  Freeman Decorating
Bussing: Pacific Western www.pacificwesterntoronto.com
Registration:  GSC Services & Conexsys
Security: GSS Security & Tonegar Security http://www.gss-security.ca/
First Aid: Tonegar Security (http://www.tone-gar.com)
Electrical:   ShowTech Power & Lighting http://www.showtech.ca
Daycare:  Umbrella Central Daycare Services http://www.umbrelladaycare.com/

 

Mariposa Folk Festival Celebrates 51 Years


Tina Kessler and Sara Roxburgh,OnSite Reporters, canadianspecialevents.com

Mariposa is renowned for its wide range of folk/roots artists and performances and this year was no different. On its 9, stages, acts performed  music, dance and the spoken word. Always a hit, the Artisans’ Village featuring handicrafts by local artists and craftspeople, the Mariposa Emporium
where,interactive workshops, drum circles, crafting sing & play stations, write a song stations, dance classes, painting classes, hook a rug and more! Guests could even make their own ukelele, hang in the pub, taste dozens of different food s, stroll The Gordon Lightfoot Trail and swim in the two onsite beaches.   Many enjoyed the Audience Camping Area at nearby Burl’s Creek Family Event Park, with a free shuttle between the camping area and the festival site. The fun Folkplay area was a festival-within-a-festival for kids, and many community groups and non-government organizations had booths and displays where they provided information and answered questions about important social causes.
The Mariposa Folk Festival drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, and still kept the integrity of a small folk festival, where artists interacted with their fans and everyone had a great time. From the performers and artisans, to the volunteers and families, the Mariposa Folk Festival is sure to remain a summer staple for many years to come.
For more information visit: www.mariposafolk.com
Venue: Tudhope Park, Orillia
Outdoor Rentals: CRS
Hydration Station: Event Water Solutions
Compostable Wares: Green Shift
Stage & Crew: Straight Street
 

 

Pride Sponsors Show Their Colors

 
June 24 – July 3, 2011, Various Locations, Toronto
Tina Kessler, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter
Photo Credits:Tina Kessler and Ursula Kessler
 
 
Sponsorship: it’s something many events cannot live without. When done properly, the event will get the monetary and in-kind support necessary to put on the event and the sponsors will get the exposure and credibility they desire. Some organizations support events based on personal beliefs or to improve their corporate social responsibility. And while a few are not looking for recognition, the majority of corporate sponsors are looking for exposure. An event such as Pride Toronto has many sponsors, all of which were rewarded with a great deal of exposure this year during Pride Week June 24th- July 3rd.
 
Pride Toronto is an annual arts and cultural festival celebrating Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2SA communities and attracts over one million visitors. From the moment visitors arrive at Wellesley Subway Station, in the heart of the ‘Church Wellesley Village’, they are greeted by subway ads from TD Bank: ‘Loud and Proud to be your bank’. While these are paid for by the bank, and not part of any sponsorship package, the association between Pride Toronto and TD Bank is made and serves to promote both organizations. Both TD Bank and Bud Light were Premier sponsors of Pride Toronto 2011 and had the highest visibility during the week’s festivities. Each had their own respective sponsored stages during the 3 day street festival, featuring live music, DJs and performances. Other sponsors included Eska Water and Pizza Pizza, who supplied some performers with their products. While Pride Toronto offers exposure for their sponsors to over a million attendees, the presence must still be unique and memorable.
 
What better time for sponsors to show creativity than at Sunday’s Pride Parade? The most popular of the Pride Week events, the Pride Parade gives sponsors the opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Whether they hire “ripped” men to don TD Green speedos and dance down Yonge Street, or decorate a flatbed truck with rainbow inspired Bud Light signage with a DJ and dancers, attendees are likely to remember the sponsors of the Pride Parade.
 
In the case of Toronto Pride 2011, a win-win-win situation was achieved: the event was supported, the sponsors had exposure and the attendees had a great time.
 
For more information about Pride Toronto visit: www.pridetoronto.com
 
Corporate Sponsors:
Premier, TD, Bud Light

Official
Trojan, Via Rail Canada, Proud FM, Barefoot Wine, OPSEU, Tourism Toronto, Bruno Ierullo
Viagra, OLG, Transat Holidays, UV Vodka, eska

Contributing
Pizza Pizza, York Federation of Students, PODS, Courtesy Chevrolet

Media Sponsors:
CP24, NOW, IN Toronto, OUTLooks, Toronto Star, CTV, OUT TV
 
 

 

‘Sensations and Sound’ Benefit & Silent Auction

Snoezelen For Autism

Savia D’cunha, OnSite Reporter, canadianspecialevents.com

Sensations and Sound, a benefit concert was held on June 28th at Maja Prentice Theatre in Mississauga. Emily Hastings-Speck, a teacher at Dixie Public school in Mississauga put the event together for the first time, The sensory room is for children with autisms and developmental disorders.Multi-sensory therapy provides stimulating, yet relaxing, activities that gives the individual a sense of personal control without the demand for a particular performance outcome. The school will create a special environment for this purpose, using a variety of technologies that, collectively, are known by the brand name “Snoezelen.”

A fully equipped Snoezelen room commonly contains a mirror ball and colored spotlights (which project moving colored shapes around the room); a projector (which throws abstract or reminiscent images onto the walls); fiber-optic sprays or curtains (which change color and can be held or caressed); bubble tubes (a moving stream of bubbles in an illuminated tube of water which vibrates when touched); a music system (to play restful or favorite music); an aroma-therapy diffuser; panels of interactive knobs and switches that trigger sounds or lights when activated; and a variety of hand-held objects that offer particular tactile or visual sensations. Other equipment may include ball pools, soft-play areas, lighted mirrors and rugs, and remote control devices that enable individuals to exercise some degree of choice and decision making while in the environment. Sensory materials give visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive stimulation.

For two months Speck put out posters, communicated with local businesses, community centers, neighborhoods, social media, and service centers for children with autism. The sold out 200-seated theatre featured the Essentials, an award-winning Canadian Acappella band performed at the event. The group was chosen because their music is universal and appeals to every age group. A silent auction was also held with theatre tickets, Blue Jays & TFC tickets, passes for Medieval Times, gift baskets, an in-home wine seminar and autographed pointe shoes from the National Ballet among others.
Ticket sales made over $5,000 and the goal was to raise $20,000 to cover the costs for sensory equipment required.

Contact Information:
Emily Hastings-Speck
Sensationsbenefit2011@gmail.com

 

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival

June 25 – 26, 201, Toronto Centre Island, Toronto

Tina Kessler, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter

How do you make an already successful event even more successful? By constantly adding to your event repertoire and offering your attendees more value for their money. By doing so you’ll encourage your repeat attendees to return as well as entice newcomers. You’ll keep everyone on their toes as they discover more exciting things to do at your event and send everyone home with a smile on their face.

The hugely popular Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival celebrated its 23rd year on June 25 & 26 on Toronto Centre Island. Put on by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and sponsored by President`s Choice, it introduced 2 new festival features: the “Summertime Art Studio“ and the “Pan Am Village“. Support from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism & Culture made these new festival features possible.

   

The “Summertime Art Studio“ showcased the talent of local artists and artisans and offered tutorials. The “Pan Am Village“ presented the best cultural artefacts, displays, music and tastiest food from Latin America and the Caribbean. The main stage featured performances by local talent from various ethnic backgrounds and celebrated the diverse community that is Toronto.

While many will have come to Centre Island to see and participate in the dragon boat races, they will have been pleasantly surprised by the other festival features that awaited them. Families could easily spend the day on the island cheering on the over 170 teams and 5,000 paddlers in the races, taking in a few performances on the main stage, visiting the various booths at the Summertime Studio and sampling some of the mouth watering jerk chicken at the Pan Am Village.

Events as we know must constantly evolve to be successful. By introducing two new features, and thereby enriching the festival experience, the 23rd Annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival made its already successful event even more successful.

www.dragonboats.com

 

Toronto Jazz Festival

June 24 – July 3, 2011,  David Pecaut Square, Toronto
Tina Kessler, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter

Imagine a hot summer in the city. You’re putting on a 2 week festival with live entertainment and while the evenings and weekends have very high attendance, the weekdays seem to only attract a few attendees. You’ve tried the lunchtime concerts in the park, but usually only get a few families or passersby. But you want to attract not only those who have the day off, but those who are working, those heading outside to enjoy the weather while having lunch. Since they are already outside, why not give them something to enjoy while they eat their lunch? Or better yet, set up some food vendors to sell them lunch. Then, everyone can sit in the grass in the sun, or at tables in the shade and enjoy the live entertainment.

Remember you’re in the city. And the nearest park is too far away. You want people to be less than 5 minutes away so they have time to spend their whole lunch break there. Where can you have live entertainment in the middle of the day in downtown Toronto with trees and a grassy area that isn’t a park and that`s convenient for a large group of people? David Pecaut Square.

Nestled between Roy Thompson Hall and Metro Hall on King Street West between John & Simcoe Streets, David Pecaut Square (formerly Metro Square) was the ideal location for the 25th Annual Toronto Jazz Festival’s mainstage. No stranger to festivals, David Pecaut Square is an ideal venue for outdoor concert-based events in the heart of downtown Toronto and also served as the ‘Hub’ for ‘Luminato’ in June of this year. With free lunchtime and after-work concerts, the festival gave jazz lovers and others the chance to enjoy great music in the city.

The soothing sounds of the Sienna Dahlen Quartet drew crowds of people in during lunchtime on Thursday June 30th for a relaxing lunch in the Square. Some stayed in the shade and enjoyed the music from afar, while others sat in chairs on the grass, basking in the sun. With the grass beneath their feet and the trees surrounding the mainstage, they almost forgot they were in the city and that only a half hour ago the phones were ringing off the hook and their bosses were yelling at them.

I`m sure many appreciated the free lunchtime entertainment and would absolutely stop by after work, or return in the evening or on the weekend, bringing friends and family with them. David Pecaut Square is a hot venue you should definitely consider for your next outdoor event.

For more information about the Toronto Jazz Festival visit: www.torontojazz.com

 

Toronto Zoo Seafood for Thought

June 22, 2011, Toronto Zoo, Toronto
Tina Kessler, Canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter
Photos: Tina Kessler and Janis Rees, Kaleidoscope Photography

You might not think of the Toronto Zoo as an event venue, especially for culinary events, but in fact, it was the perfect venue for the 2nd Annual Toronto Zoo Seafood for Thought Fundraising Event. This unique culinary conservation event helps to educate and inform consumers, and businesses, on the importance of making choices for healthy oceans. Proceeds from the event support Toronto Zoo’s Conservation Fund for projects that will protect wildlife and wild spaces.

Attendees were greeted by Explorer Bear, the Zoo’s mascot as well as zoo staff and various zoo animals including a 23 year-old endangered bald eagle. The Zellers Discovery Zone Splash Island splash pad was transformed to accommodate a series of tents featuring the best of sustainable seafood tastings prepared by Toronto’s top chefs. A live 4 piece jazz band provided a pleasant ambiance as attendees moved from tent to tent sampling the delicious offerings. Local wineries and breweries were also in attendance, as well as the Cheese Boutique, providing samples of their local cheeses.

The uneven landscape and permanent fixtures of the splash pad could have been a nuisance, but were instead incorporated into the event theme. The large sprinklers shaped like different sea creatures became extra attendees and were a welcome addition for all children in attendance. Blue and black dressed tables and blue and silver chiavari chairs were well placed among the icebergs and logs of the splash pad, providing additional seating. The sea theme was also incorporated into the floral arrangements with blue flowers and seashells.

As attendees savoured the sustainable seafood delights, they were also encouraged to take part in the silent auction. With items including dinners & shows, paintings, admissions and hotels, spas & getaways everyone was sure to find something of interest to help support the Zoo’s Conservation Fund. Presenting sponsor Loblaw Companies Limited set up an educational tent for attendees to learn about the limited number of fish in the sea.

The 2nd Annual Toronto Zoo Seafood for Thought Fundraising Event did an excellent job of raising awareness and funds to protect wildlife but also showed the versatility and uniqueness of the Toronto Zoo as an event venue.

 

Mississauga Waterfront Festival Turns 15

June 17-19, 2011, Port Credit Memorial Park in Mississauga
Savia D’cunha, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter
 

The ground was sun-drenched at Port Credit Memorial Park in Mississauga. A carnival with jugglers, balloon artists, stilt walkers, strolling characters, face painters, clowns, foods of the world, kids events, music bands, and sixty assorted vendors and crafters opened up the 15th annual Mississauga Waterfront Festival. The festival took place from June 17 -19, 2011, over Fathers’ day weekend.

The main target audience was families and concert fans. Great Canadian Dad contest winners read “Why My Dad Is Great” letters. EcoMedia, Canada’s environment friendly media company, set up recycling bins throughout the park. Earth Rangers, an organization dedicated to saving habitat around the world, had a meet and greet with live animals. The Discovery Patch Children’s Interactive Musuem had 15 different stations promoting the use of recycled products. The children also had a petting zoo, pony rides, and water bubble rides where the children entered a giant water bubble.

The Canadian bands playing at the festival were The Sprit Of The West, A Foot In ColdWater, Goddo, and solo artists such as Steve Page from the Bare Naked Ladies and Brian Howe, the former lead singer of Bad Company. The international bands consisted of a British band called the Truffles. Beatle fans were treated to a Beatles experience with memorabilia and Sergeant Pepper costumes.

Chairperson, Pat Anderson and a team of 16 people organized the event in twelve months. There were 200 volunteers and a turnout of 50,000 people on the weekend. The pricing for the festival’s 15th anniversary was attractive and dropped down from $25 the previous year to $15 this year for adults and $10 for children and seniors. There were 75 sponsors with Platinum Plus sponsors being the main ones.

The Event Manager/Artist, Patti Jannetta Baker, has been in the entertainment industry for twenty-five years and is a performer, songwriter, and Juno nominee.

Out of 3,000 festivals in Ontario, Festival and Events Ontario has awarded The Mississauga Waterfront Festival with the best media, marketing and promotional campaign for nine years in a row.

MetalWorks Production Group put the staging, lighting, audio, main stage, and auxiliary set-up together.

 

Ad Lounge 10 Year Anniversary Party

June 16, 2011, Ad Lounge, Toronto
Lianne Gravitis, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter

Ad Lounge turned an impressive 10 years old this year, and to celebrate (a thing they certainly do best), a birthday party was thrown June 16th at the Arta Gallery within the trendy Distillery District in Toronto, ON. Organized in only 4 short weeks by committee members and creative partner SPOKE Agency, more than 270 Ad Lounge members and their guests gathered to mix, mingle, and sing a whooping Happy Birthday to the over 5000 strong organization. Starting as a “college project” in 2001, says co-founder and event manager, Trina Boos, Ad Lounge is a community initiative that was formed to help students network and perhaps find employment within the fields of advertising, communications, design, and marketing. By holding industry events (such as Conversuasion or the Next Gen Dinner Series), people are able to converse with industry professionals, socialize, and become inspired by the many successful people attending the events. This particular event gave partial proceeds to SKETCH, which is an organization that provides an artistic outlet for street kids or homeless individuals.

Selecting a cocktail party theme and choosing a colour palette of bright fuschia, black and white for the evening, Arta Gallery was abuzz as guests excitedly filtered into the large space. Upon arrival, guests were treated to a special cocktail sponsored by eBay, playfully named Fashion Fruit Surprise (a mix of Lichee cactus pear juice, bartlett pear juice and prickly pear juice), to kick off the evening. Being a party full of creative minds, it’s only natural to see many creative elements infused within the event. Additions such as the Add Mirror located at the front door (donated by digital sponsor Add Mirror), displayed the evolution of the Ad Lounge logo throughout its 10 year history. Studio M, also located in the lobby area, donated their time and equipment to interview guests about their experience with Ad Lounge, setting up a small make shift studio area in the corner. The interviews were edited into a short 3 minute video and was distributed only days following the event. And furthermore, to ensure the creative content didn’t stop there, an awards presentation was held to recognize key individuals within the different creative industries.

rogers cupcakes at adlounge

Gorgeous black and ivory cameos (created by SPOKE Agency), each with an award category plaqued on the front, hung on the back wall beside the presentation stage for guests to review before the results were revealed. A short video and speech by Boos, was presented for each category, which included such comedic names as Best Multi-tasking CEO, Most Dynamic Personality, and Best Ad Lounge Serenade. Umbra donated wine decanters for each of the evening’s victors. Jacqueline Cyr, the winner of The Best Multi-tasking CEO and CEO of Espresso (an integrated branding company) had nothing but high regard for Ad Lounge. She herself uses the organization to recruit talent for her own business and said “the network that they have built is really incredible for the industry.” Joallore Alon, of Clickflick.ca, who was asked to attend the event due to his avid twitter usage, shared Cyr’s sentiments and has seen the Ad Lounge grow from a “small group of students” gathering at a pub, to what it is today.

As the evening rolled on, guests were serenaded by the sounds of DJ Shingo Shimizu (provided by SPOKE Agency), as they munched on such things as caprese skewers, mini-grilled provolone cheese sandwiches, Thai chicken skewers and smoked salmon on toastini’s from caterer Blazing Kitchen. And to satisfy one’s sweet tooth, decadent chocolate rum butter or vanilla almond cherry cupcakes baked by A Little Sweet, were being offered and were sponsored by Rogers. Steam Whistle beer, Iceberg Vodka, and Prospect Winery wines (all of which were generously donated) were readily available to wash down those treats if guests chose to forgo the yummy cocktail. Chasers Fresh Juices (which supplies high end restaurants around Toronto), also donated their freshly squeezed juices for the occasion.

And to keep with the birthday party theme, a birthday message wall was set-up in the back gallery and was donated by one of the events major sponsors, Networked Insights. Guests were encouraged to write creative birthday messages on post-it notes and stick them on the message wall, as well as drop off their business cards to win a Blackberry Playbook. Ad Lounge was fortunate to have all signage, and branding of the event donated by SPOKE Agency, while the execution of the digital party invitations was donated by Ad Lounge’s wonderful web partner, Communicate New Media. Media partner, Ad Buzz, advertised the event on their website which created some awareness and hype for the 10 year celebration. Additionally, 8 to 10 people were employed to just “tweet” during the event under hashtag, #adloungebday, to create buzz about Ad Lounge through Twitter. Guests were also encouraged to tweet about their own experiences as well.

To find out more about Ad Lounge and to perhaps become a member, please visit www.adlounge.ca for more information. If you would like more information regarding the SKETCH organization please visit www.sketch.ca.

To see what went down that evening, please watch the post-event video.

Sponsor WEBSITES:
Studio M – http://www.studiom.ca
A Little Sweet – www.alittlesweet.ca – Jackie Boos
Networked Insights – http://networkedinsights.com/
Communicate New Media – www.communicatenewmedia.com
Spoke Agency – http://www.spokeagency.com/
Add Mirror – http://addmirror.ca/

Event Manager: Trina Boos, Founder – Ad Lounge, trina@adlounge.ca

 

Game Changers

June 15 – 16, 2011, Webcom Publishing Office, Toronto
Tina Kessler, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter
 

Game Changers 2011 June 15&16 rock paper scissors art"][/caption]The idea of a themed event is hardly new in our industry. Most events have themes, whether it be the tried and true ‘under the sea’ or the ever popular ‘casino night’ we’ve all been to an event with a theme and most likely planned one as well. We can all recognize and appreciate the importance of an event theme, but how memorable was your last themed event? Did it make an impact? How does one weave the theme throughout an event without bashing the attendees over the head with it?

I recently volunteered at Game Changers 2011 and really got to thinking about the importance of theme. Webcom, a book printing company in Toronto, opened its doors to select publishers, associations and media for Game Changers 2011 (June 15 & 16) showcasing its latest $12 million investment in printing technologies and production program: BookFWD. This production program is aimed at transforming the way Webcoms’ publishing customers print and manage the distribution of books, directories and catalogues. Game Changers 2011 was about changing the game that is the publishing industry and providing a win-win situation for all and boasted the event tagline: “We’ve changed the rules so you always win”.

The theme of Game Changers 2011 was the well-known game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’. Here’s where the theme earns its first points: it’s identifiable. Everyone at some point has come to an agreement based on this simple game. Second, the theme was integrated: it began in the event invitation, highlighting the strength of rock, the flexibility of paper, and the sharpness of scissors, continued in the decor and room names, was present throughout the event, agenda, and even featured original artwork created for the event. Third, it was focussed. Some themes get so out of hand they leave attendees confused and overwhelmed. But the theme at Game Changers 2011 was featured just enough times that attendees were pleasantly surprised. Fourth, the theme was memorable. Memorable, in that it was a unique theme, but also that it fit the purpose of the event. The attendees arrived knowing the theme, saw it featured throughout the event, appreciated it and will remember it for years to come.

And so, while this event could easily have gone without a theme and just stayed a ho-hum corporate business event it instead took a leap of faith and executed a brilliant event theme. The event’s success will no doubt boost sales and I’m betting the theme has a lot to do with it.

Next Page »