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HONOURING THE BEST IN CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS
Best Experiential Marketing Event Mandell Entertainment, Toronto, ON Roots Northern Lights
86 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Instead of the traditional holiday gift guide, Canadian lifestyle brand Roots changed the game with their Holiday 2017 event, Northern Lights. The experiential event took place in Toronto on November 21 and combined live music, technology, art, and fashion, with guests being able to shop the collection as they were seeing it walk down the runway using the “Roots Live� mobile app.
Best Brand/ Product Launch Citizen Relations, Toronto, ON SickKids VS Limits Media Launch
On September 29, 2017, over 2,000 guests including corporate sponsors, private patrons, athletes, celebrities, and patients descended upon Mattamy Centre at Ryerson University to recognize donors and launch the new fundraising campaign. Featuring an All-Star Parade, and a kabuki drop of donor banners hung from the rafters, this incredible event was capped off with the unveiling of a campaign video paired with live appearances from the SickKids patients that starred in it. The event garnered over 20 million impressions and kicked off the public campaign with over $570 million in philanthropic donations and pledges. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 87
Best Audio Visual Design for an Event POP Kollaborative, Calgary, AB and Proshow Audiovisual, Calgary, AB for Onward Challenge assumptions, Challenge thinking, Challenge everything at Onward. This two and a half-day summit was an immersive, innovative experience that brought together some of the smartest minds in business, technology and creativity. When speakers represent IMB Einstein Artificial Intelligence, Hyperloop Technologies and Dark Trace Immune Based Cyber Defense to name a few, one must raise the game and raise it they did. The 100’ x 20’ screen provided a unique experience for their attendees and the challenging task of AV content design, spanning 10 hours of programming. It was a daunting show of “LET TECHNOLOGY RULE”.
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Most Innovative Use of Event Technology Westbury National, Toronto, ON WestJet Desert Lights
90 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Relying on their vast in-house technological, knowledge, and human resources and a well established network of trusted suppliers across North America, Westbury National helped ReThink Communications deliver a one of a kind, larger than life experience for WestJet and its customers. They worked on an incredibly tight deadline and overcame several unique challenges given the massive physical scope of the project, the remote desert location, and the necessity to work with the FAA to incorporate an active passenger aircraft into a live event. As they so often do, they helped a client turn a radical vision into reality, accomplishing something spectacular that had never been done before.
Best Trade Show/ Exposition aNd Logistix Inc., Toronto, ON Ontario Centres of Excellence Discovery Conference
Discovery is an annual showcase of innovative technologies, best practices and applied research from sectors including health, manufacturing, ICT, digital media, energy, environment, high-performance computing, transportation, aerospace, and fintech. More than a tradeshow, Discovery is designed to connect industry, academics, students, entrepreneurs, government, the financial community and other key stakeholders across sectors, the province, Canada and internationally to encourage and facilitate knowledge exchange, networking, cross-sector collaboration and commercial opportunity. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Discovery 17 attracted 3,600 attendees. The theme innovation was implemented in every aspect of the 200,000 square foot tradeshow.
Best Show Booth/ Brand Display or Pavilion Citizen Relations, Toronto, ON Shoppers Drug Mart Top Picks Experiential Campaign Shoppers Drug Mart created an experiential program at CF Sherway Garden to promote their 2017 Top Picks. It was important that the experience was crafted in a way that positioned SDM as a health, beauty and convenience influencer while generating buzz, excitement and shareable content. The results were amazing. Engaging close to 8,900 consumers with free samples, an AR experience, beauty makeovers and thank you bags loaded with coupons/ samples which is why the event was outstanding. With a 92.5% shop rate achieved on the text offer, the event was a true success. The Top Picks House generated an atmosphere that people could relate to and interact with, creating an experience that allowed them to achieve their objectives.
Best Event for a High Profile Charity Event Strategy Partners (ESP) Inc., Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) & Seneca College – Event Management, Toronto, ON Bloor Street Entertains 2017 94 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
On the eve of World AIDS Day, Toronto’s luxury retailers opened their doors to host Bloor Street Entertains, the only Canadian fundraising gala in support of life saving HIV and AIDS research. Close to 650 guests enjoyed dining at 15 venues, thanks to the collaboration of 15 chefs, 13 florists, Seneca College’s Event Management faculty and students and ESP Inc. The evening continued with an After Party at the Four Seasons Hotel for drinks, dancing and a silent auction. BSE 2017 raised more than $600,000 for AIDS research.
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Best Entertainment Production A2D2 Inc and Jet Entertainment, Toronto, ON Cirque Cabaret
96 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
On Thursday, October 12, 2017, A2D2 Inc and Jet Entertainment co-produced a one of a kind show collaborating multi-talented musicians and entertainers mixed with an array of stunning visuals, imagery, and technical production. It was a night honoring and celebrating the many Canadian milestones achieved by Joy Main International, a top China-based health and wellness brand. Recognizing the language barrier between the performers and the attendees was crucial in developing how the storyline would be portrayed and ultimately understood and took months of revising and refining to perfect. CIRQUE CABARET became an international production meant to touch, move and inspire audience member no matter their age, language or gender. Turning an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience was their goal, and that is precisely what they did!
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The Event Storyteller Bringing creative ideas to life!
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Call: 416-970-2044 I events@creativetwist.ca www.CreativeTwist.ca
Best Event for a Private Individual/ Group/Cause OneWest Events Inc., Calgary, AB The Great GatsBEA
GatsBEA was an opulent and extravagant 90th birthday party thrown for Bea Sheftel by her daughter Marilyn. The evening’s Roaring ‘20s theme was incorporated into every aspect of the experience, which unfolded in three distinct phases throughout the evening. Décor for the Welcome Reception, designed in a black-and-gold palette, pulled inspiration from the era of underground prohibition lounges. The Gatsby Dinner was set in a luxurious silver palette. During the dinner, the reception area was transformed into the final phase of the evening – a grand reveal of the photobooth experience, cigar lounge, and dessert display on the patio. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 99
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Best Event Produced by an Association, Board or Committee ILEA Vancouver, MPI BC Chapter, and PCMA Canada West, Vancouver, BC for Through The Wardrobe: The Vancouver Event Industry Holiday Party 100 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Through The Wardrobe: The Vancouver Event Industry Holiday Party for ILEA Vancouver, MPI BC Chapter, and PCMA Canada West transported over 450 guests directly into the wonderful world of Narnia. The event brought together 34 of Vancouver’s best and most creative planners, audio-video suppliers, lighting designers, decor and design companies, photographers, entertainers, and industry sponsors to create an over the top, engaging and completely immersive celebratory holiday experience for the Vancouver event community. 100% of funds raised directly fund the respective association scholarship programs.
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Best Public Event/ Fair or Festival (TIE) Fifth Element Group, Toronto, ON, RECESS – Ronald McDonald House
Watch the Video On April 2nd, 2017, their team created and executed the 1st Annual Recess in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto. The festival-like atmosphere for families merged retro entertainment, games, and activations in a playful experience that transformed the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens into a home away from home – an inspiration that is the basis of Ronald McDonald House’s existence. With Sponsors like McCafe, Discount, McCain, and TD, sponsors came together to ensure families have a place to go in time of treatment.
Best Public Event/ Fair or Festival (TIE) ParlĂŠview, Toronto, ON Ontario 150 Festivals
Ontario 150 Festivals was a series of four unique summer festivals at Ontario Place in 2017 that helped the province of Ontario celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Culinary Ontario, Heritage Ontario, Art and Music Ontario and Active Ontario festivals offered a total of 16 days of free, public activities, that celebrated local Ontario talent and culture through exploring our music, art, sport, food and beverage, and history. 80,000+ guests experienced 300+ unique and diverse entertainment programmers. From idea conceptualization to management and deployment, ParlĂŠview re-launched Ontario Place as the summer festival destination!
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Best Event Photography Photos With Finesse, Calgary, AB Stephanie & Arnold’s $98,000 Dream Wedding
Calgarians submitted videos to Virgin Radio to vie for a $98,000 wedding at Deerfoot Inn and Casino, with products and services donated by some of the top wedding and event professionals in town. Arnold surprised Stephanie with the contest entry, pulling together a video that was convincing enough to be crowned the winner. As the donor of the wedding photography package, Photos With Finesse rose to the challenge of showcasing Stephanie & Arnold’s love, the event and the vendor’s passion and hard work. Suzan was the only photographer on the wedding day and had less than 15 minutes from the end of the ceremony to shoot family & group shots, and under 75 minutes to head to a local park, shoot bridal party and couple shots along with the videographer, and return in time for the start of the reception. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 105
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Best Event for a corporation Cantrav Services Inc., Vancouver, BC Electric Surge
106 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Called Electric Surge, it was a neon spectacle designed for 2,500 entrepreneurs; a night filled with high style, interaction, and jaw-dropping performances blending contemporary dĂŠcor design, unique styling, electrifying entertainment, stunning lighting and cutting-edge technology. The event included five different stages, including a DJ tower, cirque platforms, central stage for contemporary dance linked with video mapping and an after party band zone. Neon styling was used predominantly through tape installations on all structures, bars, spray painted mannequins and out of the box decor.
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Best Event Produced for a Community Based Charitable Organization Hala Events & Communications Inc. Toronto, ON McMichael Canadian Art Collection Moonlight Gala
The sixth annual Moonlight gala took place on the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s spectacular grounds which were transformed into a glamorous indoor and outdoor party for an evening of gourmet dining and dancing under the stars. Emceed by CTV News Toronto co-anchor Ken Shaw, guests enjoyed rare performances by guitarist Rik Emmett of Triumph and an exceptional performance by five of Canada’s world-renowned guitar makers to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and the museum’s Group of Seven Guitar Project. Proceeds from the event go toward the conservation and preservation of 6,000 artworks in the gallery’s permanent collection. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 107
The concept of a family residence, injected with the personality of The Addisons, creates a true feeling of a house party. The residence is 4500 sq. . 400 person capacity venue with 3 fully functional bars. Modular furniture throughout each of the house inspired rooms, Kitchen/Dining Room, Living Room & Den are separated by glass doors and can be fully customizable to suit your every need. State of the art DJ booth, outfi ed with complete audio setup help make your event more enjoyable. The 5000 sq. . 400 person outdoor patio is a beautiful backyard oasis in the heart of downtown. A hidden gem equipped with 2 fully functional bars, communal seating, outdoor kitchen and life size games.
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Best Event Produced By an In-House Team at a Venue or Corporation Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC All About Me
Guests at this special weekend event hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler became the center of attention as they spent 3 days focused on nothing but themselves. They discovered new liberating mindsets, re-connected with their playful inner child and unleashed their graceful goddess through a dynamic range of interactive workshops, paradigm shifting presentations and expanding experiences. It was an opportunity for women to unwind, relax, and experience total luxury among the warm welcoming company of amazing like- minded woman. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 109
Best Corporate Team Building Event Eventology Canada, Vancouver, BC The Big Picture – MTU Maintenance Core Values 2017
Eventology’s Big Picture event brought 400 employees from MTU Maintenance, BC together to create an enormous, interconnected, multi-canvas masterpiece of art. The design of which incorporated the companies branding, vision, values, culture and goals. The completion of the MTU masterpiece required team creativity, collaboration, strategic communication and detailed planning to ensure the 120-canvas came together in just two hours, with all lines connected and all colours “matching”.
Best Conference (TIE) aNd Logistix Inc, Toronto, ON Mortgage Professionals Canada National Conference 2017 This compact dynamic 2-day conference featured keynote sessions, breakouts, lunch on the expo floor, and closing Awards Dinner. Held for the first time in Niagara Falls, with delegates leery of this 70’s honeymoon destination, marketing was more important than ever. The improved agenda carved out more spare time, offered winery dinner excursions and welcome reception with entertainment. Being the only group in the intimate convention centre with hotels steps from each other, the destination soon became a favourite for delegates exclaiming it was the best conference they had been to in years! The post-conference survey rated format 85% excellent/ very good.
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Best Conference (TIE) Tap Resources, Ohsweken, ON; Six Nations Polytechnic and AV Canada, Toronto, ON World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE)
The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education was a five-day global extravaganza. The conference hosted over 3000 Indigenous delegates from across the globe and consisted of a full day of Opening Ceremonies, a day of community tours to Indigenous communities and agencies between Toronto and Niagara Falls. MTCC held 3 days of education with 30+ workshops delivered hourly for a total of 800+ workshops. A two-day youth stream delivered focused on creating an opportunity for youth self-discovery and personal development in leadership. The closing gala was an open-air event set among the backdrop of lights, trees, teepees, and seating for over 3000 delegates held at Fort York celebrating new friendships, relationships, and comradery.
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Best Fundraising Event (TIE) Fondation du CHU de Québec, Quebec, QC, Bal des Grands Romantiques
114 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
The “ Bal des Grands romantiques ” is the flagship fundraising event of the Fondation du CHU de Québec. The Foundation supports its five hospitals financially to humanize health care, provide a better quality of medical services and contribute to research all the while remaining on the cutting edge of technological innovations. The Bal attracts a prestigious clientele from Québec’s medical and business communities. On March 17, 2017, the 23rd edition was held at the Videotron Center, and a net profit of $505,000 was raised for the cause. This event has become the most important of its kind in Québec City.
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Best Fundraising Event (TIE) Solutions with Impact Toronto, ON Montreal Culinary Showdown
On October 29, 2017, foodies gathered to watch Celebrity Chefs, Ivan Raca, Michael Smith, Mark McEwan, Tyler Florence and Kimberly Lallouz lead amateur cooks in a live cook-off during the 1 st Montreal Culinary Showdown developed and executed by our company. Former Bachelor Canada Brad Smith hosted the event. After a day spent one - on - one with the participants, the celebrity chefs, acted as coaches and led their teams in the preparation of three courses in a gala setting, competing in a judged event to bring home the trophy and bragging rights.
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best mutiple day incentive Cantrav Services Inc Vancouver, BC Amway A high end, multiday incentive program in Vancouver for an International group of VIP’s. Fifty vintage cars transferred guests to the historic Stanley Park Pavilion, dozens of golf carts used for the public parkade rooftop Hollywood Back lot party and one dazzling lavish spectacle at the Commodore Ballroom. One custom 5 km Fun Run, over a dozen helicopters and float planes took guests to Victoria for the day and over seven hundred vehicle transfers between the airport, activities and dine arounds. Fiftythree local staff had to know each of the 259 guests by name on this“never-done-before,” out of the box, custom program.
116 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Best Event Design/ Decor Concept $0 – $30,000 Fab Fête Event Planning Boutique and DT Floral and Decor Inc, Toronto, ON Chantelle & Leon’s White Garden Wedding
Chantelle & Leon’s White Garden Wedding, planned & designed by Fab Fete Event Planning Boutique and DT Floral & Decor, was truly a wedding to remember. The eclectic and modern decor radiated a whimsical, yet extremely elegant vibe. The stunning plexiglass chuppah, adorned with a multitude of white flowers, was captivating and unique. As well, the combination of various all-white flowers, such as hydrangeas, roses & orchids, along with the subtle touches of gold, transformed the reception space into a beautiful and romantic garden. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 117
Best Event Design/Decor Concept $30,000 -$80,000 (TIE) OneWest Events Inc. Calgary, AB WestJet Holiday Party Steampunk Express Steampunk Express was an unusual and unexpected theme for Westjet’s corporate holiday event that demanded an immersive and avant-garde design solution. Historical props were brought in from across North America, ferns were grown to size in the months before the event, and custom features were designed from scratch, all to capture the essence of the theme and the unique aesthetic of the steampunk genre. A subtle nod to Polar Express and clever uses of colour and texture added just enough holiday essence to put a festive spin on the memorable theme.
Best Event Design/Decor Concept $30,000 -$80,000 (TIE) Bright Ideas Events Ltd, Richmond, BC A Christmas Carol Celebration A Christmas Carol Celebration, the theme chosen by the client for their annual holiday staff party, was set in a customized european village. The overall strategy in designing this tailored event was to create a Christmas village setting that related to the movie. Bright Ideas alternated shop front surfaces between brick, stucco, and wood and varied the designs to make the shops look realistic. In the courtyard center, they installed a metal three-tiered working fountain, surrounded by five globe lampposts and wrought iron park benches. It was a place where guests could gather, greet one another and get acquainted with the layout.
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Best Event Decor $80,000 + Creative Twist Inc., Canadian Tire Corporation, Decor & More Inc. and Pamler Audio, Toronto, ON A 1922 Welcome This welcome event celebrated Canadian Tire’s 95th Anniversary by transporting guests back to the era that it all began... 1922. The design for this event was a true collaboration of vision, design, and story all brought to life through the creative use of both tactile and digital decor. The modern interpretations of vintage design elements evoked the 1920’s aesthetic and flair with contemporary energy that reflected the brand they were celebrating. The design team worked seamlessly to create a cohesive look and feel across various mediums and successfully transformed the space in memorable ways. JUNE 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 121
Most Creative Table/ Centre Design Christopher J Design, Vancouver, BC Step into Spring
122 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
The table centerpiece design was on trend and precisely what was promised to the client at conception. The flowers in vases created a stunning colourful canopy overtop of guests heads, while the spring and summer garden elements created the feeling of an alfresco evening in the chalet. The dark wood of the chairs and tables complemented the space while the bright bold colours of the giant flowers, the fresh elements and unique summer garden touch added a pop of colour on the table .
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Best Wedding Creative Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Calgary, AB My Home
Creatvity in design was evident in the abundant forals, gorgeous furniture and gilded details that glittered beautifully against the stunning Lake Okanagan backdrop, but the real achievement of creativity here was bringing this celebration of love HOME. Extensive logistical creativity was required to make this family home not only a workable but a wow-worthy wedding venue. From finding solutions to create more space (like covering pools, and building stages on scaffolding) to turning obstacles into opportunity with a “mobile feast” format, the planning team approached the challenge with a "planning from a place of anything is possible" attitude and in the end made this couples wedding day dreams a reality. Love is our HOME, Family is our HOME, we are each other’s HOME
Audio Visual Services | Event Production | DJ | Live Entertainment
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Best Wedding Under $75,000 RSVP Event Management, Saskatoon, SK Northern Romance The couple’s desire for a romantic northern Saskatchewan themed wedding was achieved by creating an indoor forest with prairie - sourced food, wine and decor. The remote location posed many logistical challenges, but also offered a unique and breathtaking backdrop that gave RSVP the opportunity to bring the beauty of Northern Saskatchewan indoors, if just for one night.
Best Wedding Over $75,000 Celebrate Events, Whistler, BC Giesbrecht Gill Wedding
One wedding, three days, four locations. The planners were tasked with creating a fluid ‘brand’ design that spoke to the couple’s aesthetic over four different events while managing the logistics of all offsite outdoor locations. Creating a unique design, providing a ‘WOW’ experience for the guests, and managing budget presented challenges long into the planning process. The beauty of the chosen event locations was as much of the design decision process as the actual event design and not being afraid of different and rising to the challenge is what elevated this event. Each event was a unique design yet the cohesive components made them blend seamelessy.
Most Creative Catering Presentation Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Outside Catering, Montreal, QC Imagine: The Beatles & Beyond, The Daffodil Ball The theme of The Daffodil Ball was IMAGINE: The Beatles & Beyond. The gala recreated the Beatles’ liberating music, styles and iconic Sixties images, but took guests beyond that to a world where imagination had no limits, where modern technology provided visual effects impossible in the Sixties. The menu was inspired by Beatles song titles and iconic British dishes, with novel presentations. Each hors d’oeuvre and dinner course brilliantly conveyed the theme, with colorful and original presentations, using decorative elements and extraordinary attention to the minutest details.
Best Overall Catered Event Toque Catering Inc., Victoria, BC Dedicated to David: A Legendary Evening Honouring David Foster
Dedicated to David : A Legendary Evening honoured Canadian Music Legend, David Foster. David’s accomplishments are an inspiration to all Canadians and to the students of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia where the event took place. This event featured some of David Foster’s greatest hits, performed by acclaimed graduates of the college. The evening included a gourmet 3 - course plated dinner, live auction, and great music; as well as the presentation of the inaugural "Legend Award" to David Foster.
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Most Outstanding Event Up to $200,000 Corporate/Business/ Association/Non-Profit Providence Healthcare Foundation, Toronto, ON 17th Annual Cuisine & Cuvée
Cuisine & Cuvée is one of Toronto’s best parties, featuring the latest in culinary trends at 30 gourmet food and beverage stations. In its 17th year, more than 1,000 guests delighted in our smorgasbord of savory and sweet, accompanied by sommelier - selected fine wines, beers, and modern twists on classic cocktails. Guests at Cuisine & Cuvée experienced tasty morsels prepared by top chefs in the city, followed by a massive party with one of the city’s top DJs accompanied by live musicians. Also, an auction and raffle with many rare ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences let guests take home something special.
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Most Outstanding Over $200,000 Corporate/Business/ Association/Non-Profit Solutions with Impact, Toronto, ON Montreal Culinary Showdown
136 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
This is the gourmet philanthropic event of the year: The Culinary Showdown! The JGHF & QBCF partnered up together to fight against breast cancer. This event helped fund research and initiatives at the Jewish General Hospital which will benefit breast cancer patients from Montreal, Quebec and beyond. They successfully raised over $1.4 million dollars and had an immense amount of media and awareness for the foundation.
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Most Outstanding Over $200,000 Public/Festival/ Sporting/Cultural BRANDLIVE Group, Vancouver, BC Honda Celebration of Light
The Honda Celebration of Light is the world’s longest running offshore fireworks competition and the largest public event in British Columbia. Held off the spectacular shore of English Bay, this natural event site stretches over 3.5 kilometers of beach and parkland. The 2017 festival featured world-class pyrotechnical performances from international teams showcasing their talents to a record-setting audience. 2017 saw the launch of a new festival brand identity, the expanded festival site including a live music stage and activation area featuring BC-based artists at Second Beach in Stanley Park, enhanced hosting, improved public safety initiatives, reinforcing the positive impact the event has on the city and its residents.
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Emerging Industry Leader Amy Nelson, Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Calgary, AB Amy Nelson knows a thing or two about patience. Passionate and committed to becoming a planner in her own right, she worked diligently on the Lynn Fletcher Weddings casual set up crew for two years before boldly asking Lynn for the opportunity to be a planner. She had watched, worked, listened and paid attention to everything the senior planners did, studying her colleagues and mastering her skills. When a senior member of the team moved away from Calgary, the door opened, and Amy took her place as a lead planner with the busy Calgary planning firm. Smashing every single goal right from the start, Amy’s clients, colleagues, and vendors love her and have nothing but great things to say. Amy is all business with just the right amount of humour to handle the crazy world of brides and weddings. At the beginning of her career, Amy Nelson is one to watch a true Emerging Leader.
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Stacy Wyatt Spirit of the Industry Award Chad Brincheski, Event Strategy Partners Inc, Toronto, ON Throughout his career, Chad has managed, produced and won awards for some of the best events in North America. Chad graduated from the Hospitality and Tourism program at Ryerson University before spending ten years in catering and conference services with some of Toronto’s greatest hospitality landmarks including the flagship Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. For seven years, Chad was Director of Event Marketing at with one of Canada’s premier event management and promotional marketing firms, before establishing in 2011, ESP Inc., a client-focused agency specializing in creating spectacular events. His professional career has been filled with amazing success and once in a lifetime experiences, having had the opportunity to work with some of the top business leaders and celebrities in the world. For every blessing he receives, he gives back, whether its supporting non-profits to teaching to mentoring young professionals to sharing his experiences with industry peers. Always acting with integrity, kindness and consideration for others, Chad Brincheski embodies what it means to be a true professional.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Danny Kramer Dance Band, Canada The Danny Kramer band are not just musicians; They are ENTERTAINERS. With a repertoire of over 1000 songs this high energy wows guests with its expansive collection and passion for performing. Based in Winnipeg Manitoba, Danny Kramer along with the Danny Kramer Dance Band has entertained audiences across Canada for many years. 2017 was the best year yet for the Danny Kramer Dance Band. They performed more than 50 Corporate and Wedding events; highlights included performing at an event which was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, playing with Ben Folds (The Luckiest) and being chosen to play at one of the city's most talked about weddings; Leon & Rob's Vintage Hollywood Big Gay Wedding as well as the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Black and White Gala.
CATERER OF THE YEAR Armando Arruda, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, QC Armando Arruda started working in the hotel industry at the age of 15 after moving to Montreal from the Azores Islands in Portugal. He quickly found a position as a busboy at the landmark Queen Elizabeth hotel. The year was 1969. By 1995 he had built the hotel food and beverage dept into the leading caterer in the city, and it has retained this position ever since. 2017 was a huge year for both Armando and the hotel. In one year he Armando organized more than 100 major events in addition to donating time and services to support important local causes. Armando Arruda’s achievements reached an all-time high last year, an accurate reflection of all hard work and hours he unselfishly spent developing unique concepts, running event, coaching his staff, and helping his colleagues. He and his devoted team received one nomination at the Special Event Gala Awards in LA and won for Best Catered Event for MAC Bal. He also received three nominations in three categories at the Canadian Event Industry Awards in April in Toronto and won Most Creative Catered Event (2017). Armando rises to every occasion and does not shy away from flamboyant, eccentric or challenging themes to please his clients. They unanimously applaud his exemplary ingenuity, his knowledge of culinary preparation and presentation and his insatiable desire to come up with an outstanding performance of creative menus. Year after year, Armando Arruda consistently raises the bar and embodies what it means to be Caterer of the Year.
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Wedding Professional of the Year Julianne Young, Julianne Young Weddings, Calgary, AB Julianne says weddings is what she was put on this earth to do. After years of volunteering at events, and working as a florist while completing a degree in entrepreneurship, she started her company in 2011. Since then, she has won & been nominated for multiple National awards, worked internationally and had over 100 happy clients. In 2017, JYW produced 26 luxury weddings, a 25% increase from 2016 and 7 styled shoots in Canada and internationally. When the event industry in Calgary saw a downturn due to challenging economic conditions, her business saw growth. Julianne believes that a rising tide lifts all boats, so in 2017 she also 148 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
opened her doors to share her learnings by launching a mentorship program to new wedding planners, to coach them through pricing, service offerings, branding, and processes in place for a sustainable business in the wedding industry. With over a decade of experience, Julianne is known for her timeless & elegant design style and an impeccable attention to detail, that when coupled with her background in floral design, pushes all of her weddings beyond mediocrity. Julianne’s energy and passion is contagious; and her love for her work is shown through her genuine desire to go above and beyond for her clients.
Event Professional Of The Year Brent Taylor, Timewise Event Management Inc., Edmonton, AB 2017 was a tremendous year for Brent Taylor both personally and professionally. His Edmonton based AV company Event Technology Solutions delivered over 65 events across Alberta and in September, his sister company, Timewise Event Management completed its 18th year in business with the production the Edmonton and Calgary Event Awards. If that wasn't enough, they launched a new event for Western Canada called GO West. In addition to building his businesses, Brent is passionate about volunteering and giving back. In 2017 he sat on various events and meetings
industry boards and committees, supported Global Meetings Industry Day and The ONE Conference in Calgary with AV services. Brent also gave his time to ILEA, MPI and other local industry initiatives. The Greater Edmonton Chapter of MPI recognized Brent in 2017 as Supplier of the Year and his team won an Esprit Award from ILEA for the Edmonton Event Awards initiative. His year ended with a 3 year appointment to the International Board of Director’s for MPI, Brent say’s this is by far the greatest honour and opportunity he has been given and an excellent way to move into 2018.
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