MOVING UP
Its time for an industry update. So many comings and goings, starts and stops over the past few months, we thought maybe we should post a little piece and keep everyone updated on the hub of the Canadian event industry.
Starting with e=mc² events, the award winning event management firm,; they have grown to boast 30 full time employees across the country and have made some substantial changes to their national team and company structure. Founder, Jocelyn Flanagan CSEP has stepped back from the role of President (She will remain CEO) and is proud to announce Gary Davies as the new President of e=mc² events. Gary comes from the magazine and media world and has been integral in the success and growth of the company. Keri Miller, CSEP has also changed roles to Chief Creative Strategist, and instead of managing the production team across the country, Keri will be focused on strategic creative practices, lead the company in their brand and external voice and contribute to the overall creative services.
Other big changes at e=mc² events include:
- Tony Talarico – Director of Production
- Christian Devillers, CSEP – Event Producer & Team Lead
- Jodi Flanagan – Conference Producer & Team Lead
- Dwayne Maurer, CSEP – Event Producer & Team Lead
- Trevor Howes – Event Producer & Team Lead
Places & Spaces
Fairmont Hotels has appointed David Connor as Regional Vice President, Eastern Canada and General Manager, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth. Originally from Montreal, David Connor returns to the province of Québec with more than 30 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has worked in Canada and the United States, and has held progressive positions with Starwood Hotels since 1991.
Bisha Hotels and Residences is the newest private-label boutique brand to originate in Toronto since the 60’s. Rising to 44 storeys, the Bisha flagship property will be situated in the heart of the Entertainment District on Blue Jays Way. Bisha is expected to open in February 2017. bisha.com
The Crystal Ballroom at The Omni King Edward hotel will open again in early 2017 after a $6.5 million renovation, in time for its centennial. The 460 square metres of space will be renovated to feature influences of its original charm with modern luxury.
Delta Toronto recently launched The Roof at SOCO, an exclusive outdoor space located on the 4th floor of the hotel. The terrace offers panoramic views over the whole Toronto downtown area including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Lake Ontario. The space can accommodate up to 175 people with the same unique food offerings created by Chef Dan Craig of SOCO Kitchen+Bar main restaurant.
KUDOS
Heidi Welker, VP Marketing, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, was recipient of the inaugural President’s Award from the Professional Convention Management Association Canada East Chapter at this year’s Canadian Innovation Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. “This recipient’s greatest talent is inspiring others”, said Chuck Schouwerwou, President of the PCMA Canada East Chapter. “As a role model, this woman has proven to be a shining example to woman and men alike, rising from being hired as a sales person to becoming a Vice President in the company she currently works for.
Special Events magazine today announces the nominees for the 2017 Gala Awards, the oldest and most prestigious award in events. This year, the magazine received entries from eight countries; the nominees were chosen by members of the Special Events Advisory Board. The winners will be named at a gala celebration on Jan. 12 at The Special Event in Long Beach, Calif. Canadian Nominees up for this prestigious event include:
BEST FAIR FESTIVAL
“Richmond World Festival”, City of Richmond, Richmond, British Columbia, and John Donnelly and Associates, Vancouver, British Columbia
BEST OFF-PREMISE CATERED EVENT
“The Daffodil Ball”, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec, and Borgne Restaurant, New Orleans
BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT
“LOOK 2015”, Boom Goes the Drum, Calgary, Alberta
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
“LOOK 2015”, Boom Goes the Drum, Calgary, Alberta
BEST WEDDING: BUDGET UNDER $1000 PER GUEST
“The Tulip Wedding”, MB Events, Montreal
BEST EVENT STAGED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
“Ignite” E=MC2, Calgary, Alberta
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT
“TED 2016: Theatre” PDW Inc., North Vancouver, British Columbia
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN LOGISTICS
“Crime of the Century” Senik Inc., Montreal
BEST EVENT ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT AND EXECUTION: ENTERTAINMENT BUDGET UNDER $25,000
“The Daffodil Ball” Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET UNDER $50,000
“Ford Canada President’s Gala” Decor and More, Oakville, Ontario
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET UNDER $50,000
Every ‘One’ Has a Story” Decor and More, Oakville, Ontario, and POP Kollaborative, Calgary, Alberta
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET $100,000 TO $250,000
“Bell: FEQ” DX Design, Quebec
BEST DECOR: TOTAL DECOR BUDGET $100,000 TO $250,000
“Celebrate” OneWest Events, Calgary, Alberta
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET UNDER $100,000
“A Knight In Gotham”
Fifth Element Group, North York, Ontario
BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION: OVERALL BUDGET UNDER $100,000
“Every ‘One’ Has a Story” POP Kollaborative, Calgary, Alberta