Art of Display

 

BC Event Awards Winners

Congratulations to the 2013 BCEA WINNERS 

Congratulations on an amazing year BC and a special hats off to everyone who participated and of course the winners!  Winners will move forward as nominees in the Star Awards (qualifying dates permitting) which take place on March 22 in Toronto at the Hyatt Regency hotel. Click here for registration and ticket information to the awards Gala.

Best Corporate Team Building Event

Pacific Destination Services for Chefs at Large

Best Entertainment Production

BC Event Management for IBEW Reception

Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization

Brand. LIVE for Voices in the Dark

Best Event Produced for a Corporation

BC Event Management for IBEW Reception

Best Festival

Brand. LIVE for Live at Squamish Music & Arts Festival

Best Public Entertainment Event

John Donnelly & Associates for Surrey Canada Day

Best Theme Decor Under $25K

Greenscape Design & Decor for Eventcamp

Best Theme Decor $25K-$40K 

Synergy Events for Heart of Gold

Best Theme Decor $40K-$75K

Bright Ideas Events for Roaring Speakeasy

Best Trade Show Booth or Pavilion

DreamGroup Productions Wedding & Event Planners for Strut & Style Vancouver's Premier Bridal Fashion & Beauty Event

Best Use of Tenting

Synergy Events for Heart of Gold

Outstanding Logistical Achievement

Synergy Events for Heart of Gold

Most Outstanding Event $100,000 to $300,000

John Donnelly & Associates for Surrey Party for the Planet

Most Outstanding Event Over $300,000

BC Event Management for IBEW Reception


 

ISES Vancouver Pledges Sustainability

 

Over the last few months, we have carefully considered what sustainability means to ISES Vancouver and its membership. As an industry association we recognize the impacts that our industry has on the environment, society, and economy and our responsibility to support our members in conducting business in a way that ensures that these impacts are positive to the greatest extent possible. To this end, we have created a Sustainability Commitment Statement.

There are a number of actions that we will be taking to fulfill this commitment under the banner of ISES Cares. This includes providing members with sustainability related tips, information, and resources via our monthly newsletters and website, demonstrating event sustainability management principles and practices through delivery of chapter events, and hosting at least one sustainability-focused educational
session or event per year.

With the emergence of event sustainability management standards at the national and international levels over the last six months, the demand for event related goods and services produced in accordance with sustainability management principles continues to increase. With our newly established sustainability initiatives, we hope to enable members to meet this growing demand. In addition, we hope to continue to build the reputation of Vancouver and BC as world class destinations which have the capacity to deliver sustainable events.

We are really looking forward to engaging with you in sustainability related dialogue and learning, and the opportunity to influence positive change within our industry. Any feedback or ideas that you have is more than welcome and we encourage you to touch base with us at president@isesvancouver.ca.  

 

 

Sincerely,
Ginny Stratton
Director Sustainability, ISES Vancouver  

 


 

Decor & More Heads to Calgary

Well known Toronto based design and decor suppliers Decor & More Inc. announce that they are expanding to Calgary, AB. The new office of the popular design firm will open this September. 

After ten years of working with Calgary's most successful event producers, the D&M team has developed a strong foothold in the local market. With these solid relationships in place and a direct link into the AB event industry the move is sure to be sucessful.

The new Calgary-based office will offer all of Western Canada custom event design, unique lounge furniture, great tabletops, fresh florals, graphic design and signage, as well as one-of-a-kind props.

The new office will be headed up by Randy Diddams, a veteren of the not-for-profit event market in the Calgary area.

The team can be found at sales@decorandmore.com or 403-875-2219.

 


 

Canadian Planners Up for More ISES Wins

Going for gold this year at the Annual ISES Esprit Awards are some of Canada's leading planners, designers and producers. See below for the list of this year's best. The award winners will be announced at Event World Aug 4th  in Dallas.

Canadian Nominees (for a full list of all nominees click here )

 

Best Marketing/Design Collateral (Over $25,000)

SHELL 100 – It's Time
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC
POP Kollaborative Inc.
Calgary, AB

Best Event Design/Décor (Under $25,000)

Four Seasons
Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP
Eclectic Events International
Toronto, ON

AND

Julie Brunjes
Stardust Events

Best Event Design/Décor ($25,000 – $75,000)

"Rainforests of the World" – Risk and Insurance Management Society Opening Reception 2011
Corinne Kessel
Greenscape Design & Décor
Vancouver, BC

Best Event Design/Décor (Over $75,000)

SHELL 100 – It's Time
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC,
POP Kollaborative Inc.
Calgary, AB

AND

Decor & More Inc.
Oakville, ON

Best Technical Production

SHELL 100 – It's Time
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC
POP Kollaborative Inc.
Calgary, AB

AND

MEDIACO
Calgary, AB

Best Meeting/Conference Program (Under $250,000)

Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP
Eclectic Events International
Toronto, ON

Mortgage Forum 11
Rachel Mangal
aNd Logistix Inc.
Toronto, ON

Best Corporate Event ($75,000 – $200,000)

iF Series Launch Gala
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC
POP Kollaborative Inc.
Calgary, AB

METROPOLIS
Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP
Eclectic Events International
www.eclecticeventsintl.com

AND

Stacy Wyatt and Mark Wyatt
National Event Marketing Group
Vancouver, BC

Best Corporate Event (Over $200,000)

Art Fusion HolidayJocelyn Flanagan, CSEP
e=mc2 Event Management Inc.
Calgary, AB

SHELL 100 – It's Time
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC
POP Kollaborative Inc.
Calgary, AB

Best Entertainment Production (Over $75,000)

IBEW Gala Reception
Darren Dreger
BC Event Management
Vancouver, BC

Best ISES Team Effort ($75,000 – $200,000)

METROPOLIS
Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP, Eclectic Events International, Stacy Wyatt & Mark Wyatt, NEMG, Julie Brunjes,Stardust events , Dynamic Hospitality Group, Sara Ico,Eclectic Events International Inc. 

IBEW Gala Reception
Darren Dreger,BC Event Management, Brock Lumsden,BLD Decor & Scenery, Noah Russell,Apex Tent & Event Rentals, Nick Szrejter,AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions Inc.

Congratulations to all of the Canadian ISES Esprit Award Nominees!

See all the nominees world wide here:  

Celebrate at the ISES Esprit Awards on August 4th in Dallas, Texas USA.


 

ISES Launches in Dubai

 

The recently voted Board of Directors for the International Special Events Society (ISES) Middle East Chapter announced that formalities were complete with governmental departments and new members were being invited to sign-up.

The International Special Events Society (ISES) is comprised of over 7,200 professionals in over 40 countries and is dedicated to the education, advancement and promotion of the events and related industries. Members range from event planners and producers through to exhibition organisers, music and festival promoters, production houses, venues, suppliers, educators, government bodies and marketing and media agencies.

Adrian Bell, President of the Middle East Chapter remarked, “It’s been a long time coming but we’re finally through all the formalities. We’ve been keen from the start to properly incorporate a business group and this can take time. A properly registered business group gives members assurance that the Middle East Chapter is run transparently, professionally and recognised by the government as an official body representing the event industry.

ISES Middle East Deputy President, Katie Veira stated “With the growth of the Middle East Event Industry and recent economic conditions, now more so than ever, there is a need for an industry collaboration to share information and synergise resources throughout the region. I’m personally really excited about this initiative and relish the challenges ahead”.

Sam Katiela, ISES Middle East VP of Programs added “The excitement is building already as we’re getting lots of support and interest from the industry. In fact, we can confirm that Jumeirah Group have already jumped on board as our official Venue and Hospitality Partner and SourceME are our official media partner too.

As the ISES Middle East Chapter develops, networking opportunities and resources will prove vital to personal growth and company expansion. ISES Middle East aims to provide an effective platform through a series of social networking events, communication forums and inspirational educational programmes.
ISES Middle East is being developed by the industry for the industry and is planning a series of initial sessions where members will be invited to offer their suggestions for specific events and networking opportunities they would like to see developed, and topics they would like to learn more about.

 

About ISES Middle East

The Middle East Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) is the region's primary association for the event industry.

It is the place for industry professionals that are passionate about networking, knowledge and event inspiration and dedicated to delivering creative excellence and professionalism in special events. ISES provides an inspiring platform for the best practitioners in the creative industry to connect.

ISES, originally founded in the USA in 1987, is an international association comprised of over 7,200 professionals in over 40 countries representing special event planners and producers, exhibition organizers, music and festival promoters, production houses, venues, suppliers, to educators, government bodies and various many more professional disciplines. The Mission of ISES is to educate, advance and promote the special events industry and its network of professionals along with related industries.

Contact:

Paul Berger, VP Marketing and Promotions
Mobile: +971 (50) 625 0896
paul@harlequinmarquees.com

 

Re Published from News

 

Watch Decor & More on CBC’s Redemption Inc. Monday Feb. 20th!

Tune in to Redemption Inc on CBC, Feb 20th 2012 at 9:00 PM Eastern time when Kevin O Leary brings the final four contestants to Decor & More Inc so they can try their hand at branding and design. What an exciting opportunity for the Oakville design firm. For nearly 20 years, Decor & More has partnered both with corporations to drive results as well as discriminating families for celebrating life's most memorable moments.  Their team of event professionals has no equal in delivering customized events for their clients' marketing, corporate communications and human resources initiatives.  The company has deep roots in the international event community and is Canada's most awarded design company.


 

Vancouver Planners Go to Camp

 
In November, local event professionals experienced the eighth in a series of EventCamps. Since February 2010 these camps designed for meeting professionals who want to build connections, experiment with meeting design and technology, be innovative and learn in a safe environment have expanded in the US and London.  
 
The stunning Westin Bayshore Vancouver was the backdrop for unique breakout spaces on deep topics – Ethics, Sustainability and Fair Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility and the Future of Hybrid and it was these conversations which set the stage for amazing discussions at the reception.
 
The fully hybrid event camp included mobile app access for face-to-face and remote participants to join in, skyping in presenters from three countries, sending information around the globe through our Sonic Foundry Mediasite, and involving twitter conversations and other online collaborative tools to share. Innovation was the name of the game with Actors Unlimited igniting improv that spanned the audiences!
QuickMobile provided the app connecting people from around the world and MeetGreen and Manage Your Footprint reached out to  collaborators around their individual sustainability processes. A new game was built that offered learners new information on weaving sustainability through any event. This game culminated in 1,715 acts of green resulting in $1,500 being donated by MeetGreen and Paul Salinger, current President of GMIC, to the BC Cancer Foundation (amazing!)
 
The goal was to engage the whole person and so the the Summit Level of the Vancouver Convention Centre played home base and added many personal touches that inspired comfort, discussion and deeply enhancing the learning experience. Guests were kept hydrated and refreshed with a brain-friendly menu of meals and snacks throughout. Underground circus added to the experience as delegates converged on their space to try out the circus gear.
 
What would event camp be without technology and social media. The three hosts included Social Media Concierge Marc Smith in Vancouver who could help those less familiar with twitter and share what remote attendees were saying; Liz King from New York led the remote audience through the interactive portions of the sessions and the Montreal pod was able to join in through various mediums to share stories and solutions. Glenn Thayer worked to tie the audiences together as he hosted, moderated and facilitated through the informative sessions. This included transparently sharing how we had built the app, the game, the environment, the hybrid and virtual setup required and the other elements that had been designed to support the learning – the goals was to have people truly understanding how they could introduce these to their meetings, and what it takes to do so.
 
Event Camp Vancouver was by all accounts successful because of the intense collaboration of not only those providing the backbone and services, but also because of the participant’s approach to owning their space within the meeting. Lessons were shared, and we know we will be applying things we learned along the way to future events.

 

Celebrate the Season at Whistler

Celebrate the season Whistler-style with the Whistler Holiday Experience and New Year’s Eve Festivities

Whistler BC is always a hot spot for the holidays with its world class skiing, exciting night life and fabulous shopping. This season is no exception as the resort town introduces its December line up.

Sharpen your ice skates and head to Whistler for a holiday season packed with events and activities, of both the outdoor and indoor variety.
Whistler’s outdoor skating rink, located at the great lawn and pavilion of the Whistler Olympic Plaza (home of the medals ceremonies and outdoor concerts during the 2010 Winter Games) is now officially open. Public access to the rink is free and skate rentals are available for $5 between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and in the evenings from 6-9 p.m.
The Whistler Holiday Experience will take place at the Whistler Conference Centre, from December 16 – January 2 (excluding December 25 and 31). The indoor family fun zone is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and features a mini putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games. There is no charge for this activity. And, even Santa will stop by on December 17 and 18 between 1 and 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations will take place at indoor and outdoor venues between 7-11 p.m. on December 31. This alcohol-free evening of family entertainment and celebration includes a number of activities, concerts and fireworks. Tickets are available in Whistler at the Whistler Visitor Centre, Millennium Place, Meadow Park Sports Centre and online at www.whistler.com
December 9-10 welcomes the world’s top luge athletes to Whistler as they compete in the first FIL Luge World Cup at the Whistler Sliding Centre since the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Competitions start at 3 p.m. on both days with upload to the sliding centre via the Excalibur Gondola in the village. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the Whistler Visitor Centre.
The public will be able to enjoy first-hand experiences at the Whistler Sliding Centre beginning December 16 with the launch of the Skeleton Slide Experience. Participants start at the Maple Leaf Start, about 1/3 of the way up the track, navigating through six corners and reaching a maximum speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour. For more information, visit the website here: http://www.whistlerslidingcentre.com/activities/public-skeleton
The Fire & Ice show returns to the base of Whistler Mountain every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. starting December 18. Watch world-class athletes flip and twist their way through a burning ring of fire. Note that the Sunday, December 25 show has been moved to Monday, December 26. There is no charge for this event.
There are a number of family-friendly activities and events to experience in Whistler over the holidays: Visit Whistler.com offers the largest selection and one-stop shopping with no booking fee for accommodation, lift tickets or activities. Whistler-based reservation agents at whistler.com can also customize a vacation package, taking care of flights, transportation, accommodation and activities. Call 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visit whistler.com for more details and offers.

W: www.whistler.com/media

T: www.twitter.com/mediaTWhistler


 

Ripley’s Begins Building $130-Million World-Class Family Aquarium in Toronto

Toronto is one big step closer to getting a major new attraction as Ripley Entertainment Inc. and dignitaries from all three levels of government gathered at the base of the CN Tower to announce details of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — a $130-million facility  now under construction and set to open during the summer of 2013.
1.5 million gallons of water and thousands of fish will now call Toronto home!
“What I like most about an aquarium is that all ages, from toddlers to pre-schoolers to retired grandparents can really enjoy the wonders of the sea,” said Jim Pattison, Chairman and CEO of the Jim Pattison Group, which owns Ripley Entertainment Inc. “I want to thank all of the people in Ontario that have helped us bring this aquarium to Toronto.”
“Canada Lands Company is investing more than $10 million to redevelop the John Street corridor with new signage and other improvements that will increase and improve the flow of pedestrian traffic from Front Street to the site. This is an important entryway to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, as well as the CN Tower and Rogers Centre,” said Mark Laroche, President and CEO of Canada Lands, which owns the land the Aquarium will be built on.
“The McGuinty government is proud to support the development of the first Ripley’s Aquarium in Canada,” said Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture.  “Getting an aquarium of this calibre in Toronto is a major win for our province. It will entertain and educate, bring in millions of visitors, fill our hotels and create hundreds of jobs for Ontario families.”
“This state-of-the art facility will provide jobs for our residents and a wonderful tourist attraction for our city. I want to thank Jim Pattison for being here with us today, as Toronto could not have found a better company to work with to develop this major new attraction,” said Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto. The City of Toronto will provide property tax incentives (estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million) over a 12-year period under the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation, Technology (IMIT) Grants program; which supports new building construction in targeted sectors, including tourism.
 “Toronto is a world-class city and we are building a world-class aquarium,” said Jim Pattison Jr., President of Ripley Entertainment Inc. “It’s about fish, family and fun, education and entertainment — along with a commitment to conservation and animal welfare. Ripley’s Aquarium will attract families from across Toronto, Canada and worldwide, and will generate significant jobs and economic activity in both the short- and long-term.
QUICK FACTS
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a 135,000-square-foot major family attraction with 1.5-million gallons of marine and freshwater habitats from across the world. Among the many exciting interactive exhibits for families and school groups, the Aquarium will contain:
*       More than 13,500 exotic sea and freshwater creatures, comprising more than 450 species;
*     A unique 315 foot moving walkway through an acrylic tunnel deep below the 750,000-gallon Shark Lagoon, a habitat occupied by 10 – to 12-foot sand tiger sharks, largetooth sawfish and dozens of other species. Guests may step on and off the walkway as they choose to spend extra time admiring the huge sharks;
*     Main exhibition includes a tropical reef tank, along with Great Lakes exhibits and Atlantic and Pacific habitats;
*      A Marine and Freshwater Education Centre with dedicated classroom space;
*      Flexible and changing exhibition space;
*      Food service and retail store.
The Aquarium will be open 365-days-a-year, starting in the summer of 2013.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
*      Aquarium construction will create more than 600 jobs, generating an immediate economic impact of more than $50 million, $35 million of which will be labor income. In addition, during the two-year construction timeline the project is forecasted to generate more than $25 million in taxes for all three levels of government;
*      When operational, the Aquarium will generate 300 to 350 jobs and have a projected annual economic impact of more than $35 million on GDP;
*      During the first 20 years of operation, the Aquarium is expected to generate more than $220 million in tax revenues for all three levels of government.

 

Kudos to BCEA Winners

Congratulations to the following companies who won top honors in the 2011 BC Event Awards competition at CSEME West Nov 3rd. All the winners whose events fall withing the qualifying period will become nominees in the national awards program which will hand out awards in Toronto on March 30th at CSEME National 2012.
 
Best Entertainment Production
BC Event Management,  Routes Awards
 
Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization
e=mc² event management Inc. Operation: Western Front
 
Best Event Produced for a Corporation
Pacific Destination Services Inc and BC Event Management Symphony Under The Stars – Lost Lake
 
Best Festival
Canada Place Corporation, Canada Day at Canada Place 2011: Your Nation. Your Celebration.
 
Best Public Entertainment Event
brand.LIVE, Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival
 
Best Theme Decor $15,000 to $40,000
Greenscape Design & Décor, RIMS 2011 Opening Night Reception, "Rainforests of the World"
 
Best Trade Show Booth or Pavilion
BLD Decor and Scenery, Nabob POD tasting booth
 
Best Wedding
Dream Group Productions, Tisah & Ryan's Wedding
 
Most Outstanding Event Under $100,000
TIE
Synergy Events Inc, International Children's Winter Games – Opening Ceremonies
Tantalus Productions & The Finer Details Event Planning,The REBGV Medallion Awards
  
Best Theme Decor Under $15,000
Christopher J Designs, An Evening with the Phantom
 
Best Theme Decor Over $40,000
BLD Decor and Scenery,  EMBV Exxon Mobile Board Meeting Lake Louise
 
Best Corporate Team Building Event
Bright Ideas Event Coordinators ltd.,Simulcast of Synergy
 
Best Media Event
TELUS Event and Sponsorship Strategy, TELUS Garden Media Event
 
Most Outstanding Event $100,000 to $300,000
John Donnelly & Associates and City of Surrey, Surrey Canada Day

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