The winners of the Gala Awards—were named last month at The Special Event 2012, held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.

The winners were chosen by members of the Special Events Advisory Board from a pool of entries representing event experts based in Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Russia, Spain and the United States. The Canadians who won are:

 

BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Cava Rose, Montreal
"Create Your Night"

 

BEST EVENT STAGED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
E=MC2 Event Management, Calgary, Alberta
"One Power"

 

BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT: BUDGET $25,000 TO $100,000
Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal
"The Daffodil Ball

 

BEST EVENT FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: BUDGET $250,000 TO $500,000
POP Kollaborative Inc., Calgary, Alberta
"MindJam"

 

BEST EVENT FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: BUDGET ABOVE $500,000
Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal
"Frostbite

Read more: http://specialevents.com/news/archive/gala-award-winners-named-at-the-special-event-2012/#ixzz1mtxpeJck

If you haven’t heard of Event Pros Take Action yet –stand up and take notice.

 

At just 10 months old, this ambitious organization has already accomplished a great deal. It kicked off 2012 with a trip to The Special Event, where its powerful video message not only played in its booth, but also brought the audience to tears during the opening session.  Funds and awareness increased significantly – and this was just the beginning.

 

At the end of this month, February 27-29, 2012, EPTA will head to Las Vegas for Catersource/Event Solutions’ Idea Factory. EPTA’s moving video message will kick off the opening session given by Preston Bailey. Attendees who can’t be there – don’t fret – you’ll be able to stop by booth #2167 to watch the video, meet the team, join, or donate in a number of ways to this worthy cause.

 

EPTA has raised $26,600 so far, and can proudly underwrite a home for one of its partner families; it is on the way to covering costs (the goal is a total of $30K) for a second family by continuing its fundraising efforts. The current drive includes $100 and $150 kitchen/bathroom baskets that can be sponsored any time between now and its next mission, which will take place this coming July.

 

In just five months, EPTA will commemorate its inaugural mission by heading back to NOLA, and this time, it will be partnering with the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). “The NACE Experience is July 16-18,” explains Tricia Schmitt, director of marketing for AFR, one of EPTA’s key partners/sponsors “We are hoping people attending the conference will stay one or more days and work with us.”

 

“NACE is excited about our partnership and will certainly encourage its attendees to stay and work if at all possible,” says Susie Perelman, co-founder of EPTA and owner of Mosaic Inc. “If there is one thing we have learned from the first mission, it is how incredibly satisfying – and life-changing – it is to be able to get in there and make a difference. Once you see the looks on the families’ faces, the smiles, the tears of joy and gratitude…you will never be the same.  We are changing the quality of life for families in need. For all the suffering Katrina victims have endured, these families deserve to move on with their lives and close a chapter in their lives. Knowing this is what drives us to make 2012 even bigger and better than last year.” Co-founder, Stacey Mehalik adds “We went down to NOLA last summer to give, but we left with gifts from a community that is determined to rebound from environmental and personal despair.  Participants in our mission learned lessons in resilience and the value of community and we cannot wait to go back next summer!”

 

Capturing the hearts of event industry leaders nationwide, individuals and companies including A-1 Tablecloth, American Turf & Carpet, Atlas Party Rental, Hospitality Connects, Intellievent, Liberty Party Rental, and Panache, a Classic Party Rental Co. continue to support the cause with a host of other supporters in the industry. Richard Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings, Inc. and Mark Wells of Hello Florida will reprise their roles as “Design Angels”, the ones who bring the design vision to life for two special families in need. Shari Lynn Rothstein-Kramer of SLK Creative will again lead the PR charge; AFR Event Furnishings not only presented EPTA a check for $20K, but again, will offer furnishings for two homes this summer. Also presenting significant contributions is Larry Green of Rentals Unlimited, and of course, Mosaic Inc. Both companies will again take leadership roles in the 2012 mission.

 

For more information on EPTA, please visit www.eventprostakeaction.org  or contact Susie Perelman or Stacey Mehalik   at 412.562.2800 or sperelman@partymosaic.com / smehalik@partymosaic.comLearn more – Watch the EPTA video!

For media inquiries, contact Shari Lynn Rothstein-Kramer at 305.466.4312 or shari@slkcreative.com

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.

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.

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

Once again Canadian’s took home top honors at the Special Event Show Gala Awards last weekend in Phoenix. The Annual award program showcases the best of the global event industry and as expected Canadian planners were among the leaders.  

 

One planner in particular was honored with a very special award this year. Kenneth Kristoffersen, President of POP was awarded the Award of Excellence for Leadership Achievement by the Steve Kemble Leadership Foundation. This award is presented . . .to the individual or group who have demonstrated excellence in leadership skills through service and contributions to the special event and meetings industry.”

The mission of the Steve Kemble Leadership Foundation is to develop and nurture leadership skills for special event and meeting industry professionals through recognition of achievement, involvement and educational opportunities. Throughout his career Ken has been a visionary, mentor and leader and is very much deserving of this honor.

 

 

Winners of Special Event Gala Awards included
	BEST OFF-PREMISE CATERED EVENT Culinary Capers Catering, Vancouver, British Columbia "Shaw Hospitality at the 2010 Games
	BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal "The Daffodil Ball"
	BEST TENT INSTALLATION Tentnology, Surrey, British Columbia "Bahrain Royal Wedding Celebration
	BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN LOGISTICS Tentnology, Surrey, British Columbia "Bahrain Royal Wedding Celebration"
	BEST EVENT FOR PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL/S: BUDGET $1,000 AND ABOVE PER GUEST Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Calgary, Alberta "For You … Michelle"

 

 

 

World class speakers & bestselling authors Azim Jamal and Alanna Fero took to the stage to share their wisdom on life and balance, while local event stars including Rachel Johns, Mike Granek CSEP, Eileen Bistrisky CSEP, Tania Newman, Christopher Jodoin, Darren Dreger, Karran Finlay, Brock Lumsden, David Clark, Michelle McGillivray, Joanne Burns Miller, Nicole Steeves, Corwin Heibert and Stacy Wyatt engaged, enlightened and educated delegates on the finer points of planning and design. A highlight of the event was the interactive painting session by Vancouver’s Raw Canvas.

 

The gorgeous CSEME event tent, which housed both the conference and evening party portion of CSEME was sponsored along with all of its interior fittings, flooring and heating by BC’s leading tent & rental firm the Rental Network, led by owner and partner Dan Barry. Hats off to Dan and his team went way beyond to ensure the CSEME venues were inviting, safe, warm and of course beautifully designed. 

Dan’s team also provided the catering tents and the ISES Bistro tent where delegates could grab a quick bite throughout the 2 days of the show. ISES Vancouver did a stellar job organizing the eatery as their contribution to the show and Gourmet Cuisine shined with their delicious and trendy food service. Delegates raved it was the best and most “gourmet” food they had ever had at a “work conference” 

Inside the tents and the Rocky Mountaineer Station Christopher Jodoin, of Christopher J Designs created a beautiful and functional interior using stunning white and chrome furniture provided by Fireworks Event Furniture. SW Audio Visual along with Showtime Rentals provided the AV, Sound, Lighting, Show Services and rentals for the entire 2 day event inside the tents and the venue itself and did an incredibly impressive job of ensuring a smooth and seamless production. SW and Showtime are without a doubt the ones to watch to 2011! They are the most progressive and adaptable company CSEME has ever worked with in 15 years. Their quality and customer service was outstanding and their team amazing to work with.    

On the 27th, conference activities continued throughout the morning and at 11:00 AM the Trade Show opened to an eager crowd. The show floor was beautifully done with exhibitors sparing no expense to create one of a kind, stunning displays.

Delegates were commenting all afternoon on how creative the booths were and how so much effort went into the event from an exhibitor stand point. It’s a testament to the show that everyone brought their A Game, knowing the audience would be filled with buyers and end user clients looking for ideas, suppliers and new products. In the Tent, Travis Bernhardt, Vancouver Theatre Sports and the highly entertaining Vaudeville act Flying not Falling entertained from the Main Stage. 

Highlights of the CSEME West 2010 Show floor included the Creatix Booth which opened the show with its impressive walk through fog screens;  the Table Top Theme Challenge (both pro and delegate) which were spectacular and the center of attention all day, the casino tables and adult bouncy castle provided by BC Event Makers which were busy all day. The fun and relaxing Oxygen Bar from Second Wind was also a big hit; Steam works had their signature beers on hand and Gourmet Cuisine brought out the tasty treats while MPI, CSES and ISES All brought some super creative accents to their exhibits

At 6:00 the Tent, re opened for the 2nd Annual BC Event Awards Celebration & Industry Party with a new sultry evening lounge look thanks  to Christopher J and Eric Doucet  (SW AV)  and the team of volunteers for their lightning speed 60 minute turnover.  Hosted by Alan Smithson and his new EMULATOR touch screen DJ Booth, the party featured fabulous gourmet food stations and designer beverages provided by Steamworks and Rogue Kitchen, interactive entertainment by Party Impressions, Bright Ideas and Cruelty Free Cartoon along with massage and pampering stations by Simply Relaxing.

The city’s top planners turned out for the event including Martin Van Keken, MVKA, John Donnelly, John Donnelly & Associates, Brock Lumsden, BLD Décor & Scenery, Emily Edwards, Destination Planners, Paul Runnells BrandLive,  Jonathon Buchwold, Prime, David Clark, BCEM, Tom Stulberg, Fireworks along with power players from Cantrav, Culinary Capers, Debut Event Design, Patrick Roberge Productions, GLOBE and many more.

It was an exciting night as top honors were given out and the competition got fierce as some of the biggest events in the world were up for awards including the Opening Ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. Thank you again to all the sponsors, staff and volunteers who helped make the CSEME West and the BCEA a very special experience and a true success. A special thank you to Vancouver Art Institute for the Volunteers, and the incredible teams at Rental Network (Dan Barry) SW Audio Visual (Eric Doucet) and Showtime (David Hay) for their tremendous support and commitment to make the event successful.

Next up, CSEME2011 National and the Star Awards, Canada’s only National Industry Conference & Awards March 23-25, Toronto ON.  Registration opens Nov 30th and the Call for Entries for the Star Awards is available now