Art of Display

 

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/

 

Sustainable Special Events

Think Green at Your Next Special Event

by Sharon Bonner

 

Contrary to what many people believe, 'sustainable' doesn't automatically mean more expensive. Especially with special events. Less waste can also mean more savings. Bright Ideas' approach to eco-conscious events offers our clients a wide variety of options to make their event as earth-friendly as possible. We usually start by ensuring we divert as much waste as possible from landfills – recycling, composting, and finding alternatives to disposable items. Working with our vendors, we source eco-friendly food service ware, packaging and flatware. Through the use of electronic communications such as an event website, online promotion, invitations and registration we are able to reduce paper use. Bright Ideas can also assist with the purchase of carbon offsets if desired and can prepare cost-savings and environmental footprint reports, so that the benefits of going green can be measured.

Above all, we believe that sustainable options should be a choice… and a smart one at that. That's why we try to focus on those environmental initiatives that deliver real world benefits rather than just green-tinted window dressing. For an excellent overview of the various ways you can minimize the environmental impacts of your next special event, this guide prepared by the non-profit organization Bridging The Gap has a wealth of information and suggestions for events both large and small. You can also access Metro Vancouver's library of images and education materials, for signage and artwork you can use at your next eco-friendly event.

If you want assistance with an eco-responsible event, or need more information before choosing a sustainable special event, please contact us or take advantage of our easy-to-use quote request form. We'd love to help you find the best ways to incorporate sustainability into your next special event!


 

Toronto Blossoms at the Live Green Festival

 
July 16th, 2011, Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto ON
Lianne Gravitis, OnSite Reporter, canadianspecialevents.com

On July 16th, 2011, the Live Green Toronto Festival kicked off its 5th year at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto ON. Organized to generate awareness of the “environment, environmental programs, services and initiatives within the City of Toronto”, in a “fun, interactive, lively atmosphere,” one could not leave the festival without learning a lesson or two.

The festival was held at one of Toronto’s busiest intersections (with an estimated 1500 people per hour walking by the area on any given day), and celebrated the businesses and the individuals who are leading the charge to making Toronto (one of) the greenest cities in North America.

Taking about seven months to plan with seven main staff members on board (and 25 members working on the actual event day), the anticipated crowd of 35,000 people, were in for a real treat. Over 100 environmentally friendly exhibitors lined the street, offering both products and services that ranged from solar power companies, and green cleaning products to The Laundry Tarts and Cathy’s Crawly Composters (known as the worm lady with the kids). Exhibitors were selected through an online application process and through the Live Green Toronto Membership Program, which has over 300 businesses in its database. Organizers make sure there is a wide range of exhibitors, and that there are new businesses participating each year to keep the event current and fresh.
 
For children attending the festival, The TD Kids Zone was set up (sponsored by TD Friends of The Environment Foundation) to keep them entertained while the parents wandered around the exhibits, or munched on some of the local or organic foods available. Kids could decorate litterless lunch bags, create music with reused parts (called the “Junkestra”), build castles in the sandbox, paint murals, plant seeds and even play a “water powered piano!” It was an amazing interactive display that helped kids gain more knowledge on how they can help the environment in a creative way.
To appeal to the music lover, the festival brought in some of Canada’s hottest acts (both new and seasoned). Organizers worked  with talent agencies to see which artists were available and who would fit within the festival’s vision. They also ensured there was music for all age groups as all target markets are welcome. Musicians such as Done With Dolls, These Kids Wear Crowns, Classified and Hollerado, Crash Test Dummies, Lowest of the Low, and God Made Me Funky, performed on the Canadian Tire Main Stage emceed by 680 News dynamic music reporter (and avid supporter of the Live Green festival) Rudy Blair, and CityTV personality Sangita Patel. Canadian Tire generously donated $75,000 to the event which helped cover the costs of the artists. The Delta Chelsea Downtown Toronto donated rooms for the artists (and generously donated a prize pack for a one-night stay for four), and The Hard Rock Café in Toronto donated space within their facility to act as green rooms for the artists. Asked how they try to live green, energetic lead singer Alex Johnson of These Kids Wear Crowns tries to “not eat out a lot”, while Hollerado’s lead singer Menno Versteeg, carpools with the band, and is a “big composter” who is currently trying to get composting regulated in his apartment building.
 
To create awareness for the event, traditional print ads were put within community newspapers, The Toronto Star, commuter papers and t.o.night newspaper. As well, 30-second spots on CityTV and 680 News were donated (both of whom were main sponsors), and social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook were utilized. A newsletter was also sent to their over 14,000 supporters, a week before the event.
Lastly to keep with the green theme, many eco-friendly processes were put in place. Organizers enforced the no bottled water and no wasteful paper rule to the vendors, and made sure there was no bottled water for sale. This forced patrons to fill up their own reusable water bottles from the City of Toronto water trailer that was available. Walking, taking transit, and cycling was encouraged over driving cars, and recycling as well as green compost bins were set up along the streets (clearly marked with large flags). Food vendors were asked to provide “compostable containers and cutlery”, and Inorganic Market was in attendance to collect any “unwanted electronics” to ensure they get recycled properly. Additionally, the festival was 100% run on Bullfrog Power (sponsored by Bullfrog Power) which offset the festivals electricity costs. Bullfrog will use the money given to them to “invest in wind farms and renewable energy systems.”
 
With each year getting bigger and better, Ruccia’s dedicated team will be working on getting more sponsorship throughout the year as well as keep up with the new acts popping up around Canada. Growing from a crowd of 500 in its first year to what it is today shows us the hard work put into this festival and how passionate they are for the environment.
If you wish to learn more details about this event, please visit http://www.toronto.ca/greentorontofestival/index.htm, and do your part in helping the environment
 
SPONSORS/SUPPLIERS:
**Full list of exhibitors, musical acts, and sponsors are on the Live Green Toronto website**

City of Toronto – http://www.toronto.ca/index.htm
Yonge-Dundas Square – www.ydsquare.ca/
The Laundry Tarts –
http://www.thelaundrytarts.com/
Cathy’s Crawly Composters – http://www.cathyscomposters.com/
Live Green Membership Card – http://www.livegreencard.ca/
TD Friends Of The Environment Foundation – http://www.fef.td.com/
Done With Dolls – http://www.kidzworld.com/article/24699-done-with-dolls-band-bio
These Kids Wear Crowns – http://www.thesekidswearcrowns.com/
Hollerado – http://www.hollerado.com/
Classified – http://www.classifiedofficial.com/
Crash Test Dummies – http://www.crashtestdummies.com/#/home
God Made Me Funky – http://www.godmademefunky.com
680 News – http://www.680news.com/
CityTV – http://www.citytv.com/
The Delta Chelsea Downtown Toronto – http://www.deltahotels.com/
The Hard Rock Café Toronto – http://www.hardrock.com/
The Toronto Star – http://www.thestar.com/
t.o night – http://tonightnewspaper.com/
Inorganic Market – http://www.4self.org/inorganicmarket/
Bullfrog Power – http://www.bullfrogpower.com/

 

ISES Canada & its Members Wins HUGE Kudos in St Louis

ISES Canada, some of its chapters and some of its members took home HUGE kudos at the ISES Event World Conference in Missouri this past weekend.

Congratulations ISES Vancouver wins the Spirit of Excellence for Chapter Communications!

Congratulations ISES Calgary wins the Spirit of Excellence for Member Growth!
Congratulations ISES Calgary wins the Spirit of Excellence for Member Retention!
Congratulations ISES Canada wins the Spirit of Excellence for Region of the Year!

INCREDIBLE CANADA! The ISES Chapters are on the Map.

Immediate Past Chair of ISES Canada, Eileen Bistrisky CSEP commented,

Thanks, to everyone for all the hard work that was put in to make ISES shine across the country this year.  It is so great to see the collaboration that is occurring on both the national and chapter levels.  To be recognized internationally like this against chapters and regions from around the world is truly an honour.  If you aren’t already an ISES member, now is the time to join, as we gain momentum and continue to play a leading role world-wide

ISES Members also took home top honors in the Esprit Awards which recognize outstanding achievements in special events.

Best Corporate Event ($75,000 – $200,000)
YPO Chapter Graduation
Jocelyn Flanagan, CSEP
E=mc2 Event Management Inc.
 
Best Wedding (Under $75,000)
Falling Slowly
Lynn Fletcher
Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc.
 
Best Marketing/Design Collateral (Over $25,000)
MINDJAM
Ken Kristoffersen, CSEP, CEM, CEC
POP Kollaborative Inc.

www.POPHASAWEBSITE.com

 
Best Entertainment Production (Over $75,000)
Opening Ceremony of the X Paralympic Winter Games
Patrick Roberge
Patrick Roberge Productions Inc (PRP Inc)

www.prpconnect.com

 
Best Entertainment Production (Under $25,000)
 
Window On The East
Carolyn Luscombe, CSEP, CSEM, CMP
Eclectic Events International
AND
Stacy Werier Wyatt & Mark Wyatt
CanadianSpecialEvents.com

www.canadianspecialevents.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

ABOUT ISES:

ISES is an international associations designed to foster education and professional development in the field of event planning. There are chapters in the USA, UK, South America, Australia and Asia,as well as three chapters in Canada; Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

 

By joining ISES, you instantly gain access to an elite pool of special events resources. Members enjoy exclusive discounts, business opportunities and promotion, and tailored educational information. Gain the extra edge needed to create events that go beyond expectations, far surpass your competition and impact your portfolio.

WWW.ISESCANADA.COM FOR DETAILS.


 

Announcing the 2011/2012 Boards

 
Charlene Roth Diddams, the current Chair of the ISES Canada Board of Directors in pleased to announce the new 2011/2012 Board.
 
Chair – Charlene Roth Diddams, Broad Solutions, Calgary, AB    
Immediate Past-Chair – Eileen Bistrisky, CSEP, Effective Event Management, Vancouver, BC    
Secretary/Treasurer - Karen Eluck, CSEP CMP,
KEP Events, Unionville, ON    
Membership - Carol Mair, Balloon Corporate Events, Toronto, ON   
Education  - Sharon Barwick, Simply Elegant Events & Catering, Calgary, AB   
Communications
- Stacy Wyatt, Canadianspecialevents.com, Winnipeg, MB
Programs – Diana Hambrook
, Donnelly Events, Vancouver, BC    
Chapter In Formation
- Peter Cornforth, Mediaco, Calgary, AB    
Sponsorship – Rachel Mangal, aNd Logistix, Toronto, ON     
 
 
 
President, Brenda Carter, CMP, KPMG
Past President, Kelly Shannon, Peller Estates Winery
President Elect, Yvonne Dewar, CMP, Elastic Communications and Events
Vice President Member Care, Theresa Cragg Gatto, CMP
Vice President, Finance & Administration, Lee Anne Leckie, CMP, International Centre
Vice President Education Geoff Mak, CMP, Direct Energy Centre/Allstream Centre/Exhibition Place
Vice President Communications, Lynne Gale, CMM, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Canada
Director Communications, Vinita Borrison, CMP, CN Tower
Director Education, Marcelo DeOliveira, Hard Rock Cafe
Director Member Care, Janice Fendley, CMP, Absolute Conferences & Events Inc
Director Awards, Lynda Hoff, CMP, CMM, LNH Strategic Event Management
Director Special Events, Carla Olivier, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto
Director TEC, Jodi Spivak, CMP, Hotel Le Germain
Executive Director, Leslie Wright, Executive Director
 

 
President, Kate Cheney, CMP, ConventionALL Management
President Elect, Leanne Calderwood, CMP, HelmsBriscoe
Vice President of Finance, Cynthia Douwes, BA, CMP, Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta
Vice President Administration, Lori Jennison, Holiday Inn Calgary
Vice President Communications, Anh Nguyen, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Vice President of Education, Caroline Forsyth, Calgary Stampede
Vice President of Membership, Kathryn Cowling, Meeting Solutions Inc.
Director of Special Events, Nicole Langton, Mount Royal University
Director of Membership, Greg Jungwirth, Delta Hotels and Resorts
Director of Education, Marnie Ballane, Speakers' Spotlight
Director of Communications, Peter Maher, PSAV Presentation Services
Chapter Administrator, Kyla Marie Arneson, dmg events
 
 
President, Julie Brunjes, Stardust Events
Immediate Past President, Rachel Mangal, Strategy Institute
President Elect, Alan Smithson, Star Productions Inc.
VP Education, James Nienhuis, The Butler Did It
VP Programs, Julie Danaylov, DeAndelis Entertainment
VP Membership, Ed McMurtry, Edwin Allen Productions
VP Finance, Larry Cuthbertson, Cuthbertson Entertainment
Director Affiliate Organizations, Vacant
Director Chapter Events, Danielle Consalves
Director Communications, Michael Coombs, Prodigy Entertainment
Director Member Services, Chimah Ekeanyanwu, CCR Solutions Inc.
Director Student Affairs, John MacBride, Seneca College
Director Sponsorship, Nina Leach, McMillan LLP
Executive Director, Carol Ford, Bottomline Management Services
 
 
President, Kathie Madden
President Elect, Brock Lumsden,
VP Marketing, Corinne Kessel,
VP Technology, Don Dewar
VP Programs, Heather Baker
VP Sponsorship, Karran Finlay
VP Membership, Kelly Dooley
Secretary Treasurer, Lucy Chan
Director, Mamoun Belghiti
Creative Director, Morteza Idjadi
VP Communications, Shelley Johnson
VP Allied Events, Tania Newman
 
 
President, Lynn Fletcher
Immediate   Past-President, Kenneth Kristoffersen, CSEP
President-Elect, Angela Braun
VP Membership, Lisa Marks
VP Education/Programs, Stephanie Leblond
VP Communications, Dustin Westling
VP Marketing, Jennifer James
Director at Large, Darren Kershaw
Director at Large, Molly Howlett-Sexsmith
Director at Large, Lisa Motuzas
Director at Large, Mary Swaffield
Director at Large, Roz Freeman
Director at Large, Vikram Bakshi
Director at Large, Holly Chudzy

BC Chapter

President,Melissa Moskal
Abeja Strategic Communications
President Elect,Allison Gavin
The Westin Bayshore Vancouver
Past President,Ryan Soderberg
Sheraton Vancouver Airport
VP Membership,Natalie Wilson
RBC Global Asset Management
VP Membership,Natasha Kurzatz
Advance Group
VP Finance,Heidi Hughes
h3 Events
VP Education,Jo-Anne Rockwood
Mitacs
Director of Sponsorship,Tom Stulberg
Fireworks Event Furniture
Director of Special Events,Naomi Deildal
Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition
Director of Publications,Elizabeth Murphy
Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Director of Student Affairs,David Tikkanen
British Columbia Institute of Technology
VP Communications,Susan McGregor
Congrex Canada
Director of Public Relations,Jenn Houtby-Ferguson
Tigh-Na-Mara
Director of Advertising & Marketing,Chris Gowe
Vancouver Convention Centre
Director of Member Care,Elaine Samson
Hilton Sales Worldwide
Director of Monthly Programs,Betty Chuck
Director of Recruitment,Kaitlin Beca
Sea to Sky Meetings
Director of Professional Development,Louise Fellstrom
Chapter Administrator,Kimberly Davidson
Proactive Assistance
 
 
President, Deborah Wallace, The Finer Details Event Planning Inc.
Director Marketing & Membership Recruitment, Nicole Burke, Emelle’s Catering
Director Membership & External Marketing, Kenn Burns, EmbroidMe Vancouver
Director Website & Membership Renewal, Heather Wright, Louis Gervais Fine Foods & Catering
Director Events & Sponsorship, Neely Dhanoa
Director Membership Renewal & Sponsorship, Ozzie Kipnes, Hot Wax Mobile Music
Director Social Media & Events, Anita Ng, Human Early Learning Partnership
Administrator, Deborah Wallace
Administrator, Jenna Bayuk


 

iPad -The Event Marketer’s Tool of the Year

 
Award–winning engagement marketing agency TBA Global as released a new “iPad for Event Marketers” whitepaper that uncovers how the iPad can create new engagement opportunities for marketers.
“The iPad has become the event marketer’s tool of the year,” said Andre Mika SVP, Digital Creative at TBA Global
 
“The very nature and availability of the iPad makes it perfect for event marketing purposes because of its ability to create and manipulate content quickly to amplify and measure engagement and sales.”
According to Gartner, the predicted number of iPad users could increase to 100 million by 2012.
With an average of 6,000 new iPad apps available each month, the hottest tablet on the planet is showing no signs of slowing down.
New whitepaper covers:
  • Why the iPad is the go-to device for event marketers
  • How iPad apps can extend engagement over time
  • Tips and best practices for leveraging iPads to better engage consumers, B2B audiences and employees
  • A review of the top 5 tablets
  • What event professionals need to do to get started
TBA Global provides clients with proven marketing leadership in strategy, content and live events as well as mobile, social, and app development across all technology platforms.
Its teams create engagement programs that attract new customers, drive conversation, and extend interaction both face-to-face and digitally.  TBA Global’s new “iPad for Event Marketers” whitepaper is available for download here.

 

Top 10 Meeting Trends 2011

Benchmark Hospitality International , a leading US-based hospitality management company, which operates 30 award-winning hotels, resorts, and conference centers coast to coast and off shore, announces its "Top Ten Meeting Trends for 2011" as observed by its properties.

Overall, Benchmark Hospitality's properties are cautiously optimistic at the start of 2011, projecting moderate growth with marginal increases in spending.

Looking a bit further afield, indications are that 2011 will have a strong finish, and 2012 may just be a great year.

Trend #1 Business Is On The Move Again!

Business travel (group and individual) is up in 2011 across Benchmark Hospitality's portfolio. Booking pace for most properties is outperforming the previous year's results. Customers remain highly rate conscious and value focused, though, and demand speed – as in fast Internet connectivity!

Trend #2 Planners Want Choice

The Complete Meeting Package, sacrosanct for decades, could now be called the Flexible Meeting Package. Planners still see the value of all-inclusive packages – they just want these customized to suit the needs and budget of their particular meeting. How hotels and conference centers develop and structure packaging components in the future will be influenced by this trend.

Trend #3 Heads In Beds

The plan for 2011 is growing occupancy while maintaining rate integrity, which is generally comparable to last year. To win business, properties are negotiating added-value options, such as complimentary Internet access, cancellation/attrition flexibility, forgiving resort fees, and more.

Trend #4 The Pace is Positive

Booking pace for meetings may finally be turning the corner. Although still short term, more companies are responding to improved economic conditions by projecting increased business needs in every business quarter, especially the latter part of the year – and even into 2012! Along the way, meetings are increasing in quantity, but not size.

Trend #5 Only Connect

Social Media usage is beginning to take hold within the meeting planning industry, but is not dominating communications like it is for the general public worldwide. The exceptions are LinkedIn and YouTube, with groups videotaping sessions and posting these online for the benefit of their colleagues back at the office, for reviewing key points going forward, and for encapsulating business concepts addressed in the meeting.

Trend #6 Cost Still Trumps Green

Being green remains important for many planners who look for properties to have these initiatives in place. In fact, today it's generally assumed they do. Government meetings demand it, as does, increasingly, the pharmaceutical industry. But, if asked to choose between being green or providing maximum cost savings, budgets still take precedence in 2011!

Trend #7 Taking Time For Teambuilding

Demand for teambuilding is back, though unevenly so throughout the country. Where there is demand, planners want unique programs delivered within tight budgets. These teambuilding programs may be culinary events, set up as Reality TV programs, or utilize other clever concepts. It's not likely, however, a ropes course will be involved.

Trend #8 Why So Serious?

Properties are at last seeing the return of recreation and entertainment as part of the meeting experience. To say there is a "comeback" would be stretching things. But inquires for entertainment options as diverse as theme parties, comedians, "meeting camps" and "think tanks," etc., are coming from groups interested – for the first time in a long time – in offering more than a strictly serious meeting experience.

Trend #9 They're Back!

Insurance, financial, consulting, high tech, healthcare and education … the tried and true industries that have supported the conference center hotel industry over the past decades. As companies within these industries step up hiring, training related meetings are becoming more prevalent. Although somewhat regionally driven, after a brief and deep retreat nationwide in 2009-10, these industries are coming back.

Trend #10 It's No Longer Anyone's Guess

Planners and meeting customers learn about locations, destinations and individual properties through surfing the Internet! Whether searching Websites, perusing online magazines, reading destination coverage, viewing hotel advertising, or receiving an e-blast, it's the Internet! Period. With iPads, smart phones and Apps becoming readily available to promote nearly every product and service today, communicating with customers online has never been more available, more complex, or more important.


 

Toronto Taste

June 12, 2011, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto
Lianne Gravitis, OnSite Reporter

Walking into The 21st Annual Toronto Taste June 12th, 2011, was like walking into a foodie’s most amazing dream. Organized by Second Harvest, with presenting sponsor The Daniels Corporation on board for its 16th year, Toronto Taste has grown to be the go-to culinary event of the year. With over 1500 guests walking through the gates this year (many of whom are repeat attendees), one can say that the evening was another great success. Money raised for this event is put towards Second Harvest’s food donation programs, where fresh, donated, surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and markets is distributed to 250 social service programs around the Greater Toronto area. Last year alone, Second Harvest rescued and provided 6 million pounds of food and has in its 21-year history, provided over 8 million meals. The target fundraising goal this year is $665,000, which is $35,000 up from last year.

Held at the Royal Ontario Museum, once again, the scene was electric as guests started to file into the venue. Under several large tents set up on the street outside of the ROM, incredible scents wafted through the air as 60 chefs, and 35 beverage purveyors started to create their delicacies for the evening. Striving to “keep the event current”, says Jordan Mlynek, (event and campaign manager of Toronto Taste since 2010), organizers ensured they stayed “on top of who’s hot in the restaurant industry…who’s creating buzz, and who’s doing something interesting. “ Scarpetta, Buca, Grace and Woodlot were some new faces this year, while many others such as famed chef Mark McEwan, Dufflet Pastries and Mark Tuet, who have been loyal to the cause since the first year, set up shop once again.

Small tables covered with crisp white linens and beautiful floral centerpieces were placed around the stage for people to sit and eat as they listened to the sounds of the Michael Theodore Band and Soul Stew. Bright green signage for the entrances, and the food and beverage signs, plus the florals were the only décor Second Harvest focused on. It allowed them to cut costs and focus more on the cause. Throughout the night, guests dined on such things as tuna sliders with wasabi peas from Rosewater, venison tarter from Bohmer’s, Beef Brisket Biscuits from Café Belong, and pickerel with bacon and potato from Michael Smith’s station. To wash down these exquisite samples, many beverage choices were at hand such as beer from Cameron’s Brewing Co., a chardonnay from Tawes Winery, a soothing herbal tea from The Tea Emporium or a special coffee from Arcaffe. To satisfy that craving for something sweet, desserts included such things as delicious red velvet cupcakes from Pauline’s Kitchen or Super Vanilla Verrines from Dufflet Pasteries.

Sponsored by Sun Life Financial, the music stage played host to a wonderful live auction later in the evening, called by auctioneer Stephen Ranger and co-hosted by Bob Blumer. Auction items included a trip to The Galapagos (courtesy of GAP Adventures), and a wine adventure to Portugal (courtesy of Transat Holidays and Marlin Travel), plus many other extravagant prizes. Inside the elegant, dimly lit museum, more stations were set up from places like Rosewater, Great Cooks at Eight and Creemore Springs Brewery, where the general admission guests could collect samples and check out the silent and wine auction items.

Starting to plan in November of 2010 with a passionate group of 25 committee members and over 400 volunteers of all ages helping out, this year’s goal was to ensure that Second Harvest was in the forefront of the guest’s minds throughout the evening. They really wanted to “connect the event with the cause”, said Mlynek, to remind guests why they are attending the event in the first place. Due to Toronto Taste becoming such a large event that includes the most prominent culinary names in the business, the reasoning behind the event generally gets forgotten. To execute this goal, organizers decided to place a message on the first thing the guests would see: the invitation. With a caption that read: “Be a Taster. 1 ticket to Toronto Taste provides 250 meals to those in need”, this not only allowed the guest to see the impact their donation made, but also made them feel like they are part of a “movement” participating as a “taster”. Additionally businesses were not allowed to bring their own signage to first eliminate a “trade show” look, and also to ensure that people know it’s a charity event not a trade show. Businesses could dress up their table any way they’d like, which helped out with décor as well.

To create exposure outside the event, a giant Twitter wall was created inside the main gallery. A contest cleverly named, “So You Think You Can Tweat”, was created for a chance to be a roving twitter reporter for the evening. Restaurants and guests were also asked to tweet using the hashtags #torontotaste and #imataster. Tweets could be seen in real time on the Twitter wall throughout the evening. Toronto Taste ended up being a trend in Canada and in Toronto on Twitter due to the contest.

Other marketing strategies included radio and print ads (National Post was a major sponsor), ads in Dine.TO, bus shelter ads, media sponsorship through The Food Network, and chef videos posted on You Tube and on the Toronto Taste and Second Harvest websites. Chefs also released the videos on their own Facebook and Twitter pages as well. Foresight Communications produced the videos and all who was involved donated their time. To build a database creatively, a photo booth provided by Booth (and sponsored by Daniels Corporation) was available for guests who wanted to take pictures with their friends, co-workers, and one of the chefs. Each guest had to provide their name and email before they could take a picture.

To find out more about Toronto Taste, please visit www.torontotaste.ca. For more information about Second Harvest, please go to www.secondharvest.ca.

Some Sponsors (full list is on www.torontotaste.ca under supporters):

Dine.TO – www.dine.to
National Post – www.nationalpost.com
Foresight Communications – www.foresightinc.com
The Daniels Corporation – www.danielshomes.ca/splash_html.
Sunlife Financial – www.sunlife.ca
Fiat – www.fiatcanada.com
The Food Network – www.foodnetwork.ca
Booth – www.getthebooth.com


 
   


 

Event Rental Group Acquires Micki’s Luxury Linen and Draping

 
Event Rental Group announced today that it has agreed to acquire Micki’s Luxury Linen and Draping.  The company intends to integrate Micki’s operations into the Exclusive Affair Rentals division of Event Rental Group.  Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
 “This represents the next phase in bringing the highest level of service and quality to both our respective clients,” says Greg Halton, President and CEO of Event Rental Group.  “Our group seeks to provide solutions for our clients that include enhanced product selections, and a more complete rental package.  We provide tent-top to table-top, and everything in between, and we can now add exciting linen and draping coordinates to that equation,” he says.
 
Halton, who has been President of Event Rental Group since 2004, will work closely with Micki and Alan Cramer, the founders of Micki’s, to ensure a smooth transition for both clients and employees.  Both Micki and Alan Cramer will remain with the company going forward.  “We believe Event Rental Group will provide a larger and more diverse client base for Micki’s fabrics, and we see excellent synergies between their company and ours”, says Alan Cramer.  “We will work to capitalize on the specific talents of each company,” adds Halton, “but service and quality will remain our highest priority.”
 
Event Rental Group’s capabilities will now include complete tenting solutions (including decorative draping elements), the largest selection of table-top rental items in Canada, a large and widely diverse specialty linen program, and the industry’s most extensive fabric selections for draping any event.  Event Rental Group remains the destination choice for professionally managed special events.
 
About Event Rental Group
Established in 2004, Event Rental Group operates 2 divisions, Exclusive Affair Rentals and Advanced Tent Rental.  Both companies are the leaders in their respective segments of the Canadian special event industry.  Event Rental Group is the largest event rental company in Canada, and the sixth largest in North America.
 
About Micki’s Luxury Linen and Draping
In business since 1998, Micki’s Luxury Linen and Draping is Toronto’s leading provider of specialty linen and draping.  The company is renowned for is its ability to execute challenging installations under difficult time constraints.
 
For more information please contact:

 

Greg Halton
Event Rental Group
T:  416.759.2611
F:  416.759.3342 
E:  greg@eventrentalgroup.com  
 
Alan Cramer
Micki’s Luxury Linen and Draping
T:  905.738.1161
F:  905.738.3665
E:  alan@mickis.ca
 

 


 

A Formula For Success: e=mc2 Launches in Vancouver

        
 
Calgary-based e=mc2 event management inc. launches its Vancouver office this month. e=mc2 , headquartered in Calgary, AB, is embracing the positive forecast and is excited to expand and introduce fresh concepts and seamless event experiences to the Vancouver market.
 
“As we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year we have many exciting initiatives ahead” says Jocelyn Flanagan, President and CEO of e=mc2. “We see a positive future and our expansion into the Vancouver market is a natural step in the company's continuing nation-wide growth”.
 
Leading the Vancouver office are e=mc2 Director, Conference Production, Joann Chatterton and former Vancouver-based MVKA Productions’ senior team members, Jean Pierre Cartier and Tony Talarico. e=mc2recently engaged Jean Pierre and Tony based on their experience, established local partnerships and thorough knowledge of the Vancouver market. “We are incredibly excited to extend the dynamic energy of e=mc2 to Vancouver and offer new perspectives on event services,” says Jean Pierre Cartier, Director, Business Development for e=mc2.  
 
Martin A.J. van Keken jr., CEO of MVKA, commented on the e=mc2 Vancouver launch, “I congratulate e=mc2, Jean Pierre and Tony for choosing to come together and work under the e=mc2 umbrella. I respect e=mc2‘s professionalism and admire the experience and knowledge that Tony and Jean Pierre will bring to e=mc2.”
 
“We see our new Vancouver family as an extension of our talented and passionate team” says Keri Miller, Partner & Creative Director of e=mc2. “We look forward to this opportunity and to the sharing of innovative ideas and insights.”  
 
 
e=mc2 event management inc.
Calgary Office:
Jocelyn Flanagan
Tel. (403) 770-1383/ jocelyn@emc2events.com
 
Vancouver Office:
Jean Pierre Cartier
Tel. (604) 828-1034 / jp@emc2events.com

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