F O O D , FA S H I O N , B E A U T Y & D E S I G N F O R E V E N T S
magazine
Trending IDEAS in
TECH DECOR Who Says
You Shouldn't
PLAY
With Your Food ILEA VANCOUVER'S
DISTILL GALA
You Will Never Have Enough
TIME Until You Do These
TWO THINGS JUNE/JULY 2017
MAKE AN IMPACT. LEAVE AN IMPRESSION.
Book your meeting now. Cineplex.com/Meetings | 1-800-313-4461 | Events@Cineplex.com
™/® Cineplex Entertainment LP or used under license.
contentcontributers 1. HA LA BISSA DA , CFR E Hala Bissada CFRE, President of Hala Inc., is a ten-time international award-winning event-producer, one of Canada’s foremost event fundraisers and an industry thought-leader. Her distinguished honors include 2012 Event Professional of the Year (CEIA), 2013 Best Industry Contribution (ILEA) for establishing Ryerson University’s Event Certificate Program and the Alumni Award of Distinction from Ryerson University. Follow her on twitter at @HalaEvents.
2 . ER IN HENDERSON
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Erin Henderson is the co-founder of the sommelier services and wine events firm, The Wine Sisters. Based in Toronto, Erin and her team of certified sommeliers and entertaining experts help clients take their events from Standard to Sparkling with customized wine tastings, parties and wine tours. For more information visit thewinesisters.com or follow them on Instagram @The_Wine_Sisters.
3 . CA ROL PR IE ST Carol Priest, Founder of Carol Priest Entertainment arrived into the world of live events weighing 6lbs 7oz. Born into a theatrical family, she has a strong theatre background herself and is surrounded by artists and performers from the world's many stages. Her expertise and innovative proposals match every client with what they need time and again. From Corner Brook to Kelowna. Follow her on twitter at @CarolPriestent.
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4. MA RY F OLEY Boring events take too much time, cost too much money, and fall too short in creating real impact. Using hard-earned insights, light-hearted humor, and creativity, Mary Foley partners with meeting planners to create experiences professional women crave. Wearing a red cape helps. Connect with her at maryfoley.com.
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5. EMILY MILIC Emily Milic has worked for Seneca College for nine years as the Media Relations and Public Relations Specialist, helping to tell stories about the students, programs and faculty that set the institution apart.
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 3
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magazine CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS DIGITAL ISSUE
JUNE/JULY 2017 EDITION
editorialteam FO UNDER & EDITO R IN C H IE F Sta cy Wyatt
We want to share
your stories
DIRECTO R O F SA L ES Ja son Koop ACCO UNT MA NAG ER Dusti n Ya rou G RA PHIC DESIG N & TRA F F IC LE AD Veroni ca Mi cha lcza k WEB DESIG N Helena Poll CL IENT CO MMUNICATIO N S Oli vi a Stratton O F F ICIA L O F F ICE CUDD LE RS Ja ke, Pri ya a nd Baylee
photographycredits Henry L i n | 424U Photo & Vi d eo Ceci li a L a nders Photogra p hy George Matthew Photograp hy Rya n Emberley Photogra phy
Canadian Special Events Magazine has thousands of readers who are interested in what you have to say. An article submission is a great way to generate exposure for your company, client or brand. We look for all kinds of relevant informational articles on the business of special events and meeting including stories on recent projects, company news, videos, new products for events, destinations and photo coverage of your amazing work. Submit your stories today and let us tell Canada’s event and meeting industry all about you and what you do!
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4 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
PU BLI SHED BY NATI ONA L EV ENT M A RKE T IN G GROU P IN C. WWW.CA NA DI A NS PECI AL E VE N TS .COM info@ canadianspecialevent s .com tel. 204- 415- 3976 Published by National Event Marketing Group . All materials that appear in Canadian Special Events Magazine are protected by Canadian copyright laws and can only be reprinted with written permission from the publisher. All material is printed at the discretion of the publishers, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. We endeavor to maintain a high standard of accuracy in the quality of articles published and our articles are intended to promote the businesses and services of event and meeting suppliers to offer education and information relevant to event and meeting planners. Readers are advised to always use their discretion when hiring any product, service or supplier. National Event Marketing Group Inc. can take no responsibility for individual outcomes of any such choice.
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Canadian Special Events Magazine
IN THIS
ISSUE
29
25
38
59
51
11
34 3 CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
29 EYE ON DESIGN: INSPIRED SPACES
46 EVENT REPORT: ILEA VANCOUVER'S DISTILL GALA
33 INTRODUCING EVENT TV
51 EVENT TECH: PHOTO BOOTHS GET A FACELIFT
7 EDITOR’S LETTER 8 THINGS WE LOVE: 11 PROJECTION & LIGHTING: USING CREATIVE TECH TO ENHANCE YOUR EVENT ENVIRONMENT 21 GLOBAL CONFERENCES: HOW THEY CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR CAREER 25 EVENT SPACE: THE CROSSING AT GHOST RIVER
34 FOOD & HOSPITALITY: WHO SAYS YOU SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD
59 WINE & DINE: TASTE OF SUMMER
38 EVENT REPORT: PDW'S GLOBAL CELEBRATION
60 ARTIST PROFILE: SCOTT HAMMELL
FOR TED WOMEN 43 YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME UNTIL YOU DO THESE 2 THINGS
64 SECRETS MAINTAINING LONGTIME CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS 67 DOWN THE AISLE: COUNTRY STYLED SHOOT
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 5
CO R P O R ATE
R E TR E ATS
AT
TH E
C ROS S I N G
great think ing happens in great spaces
Just an hour from downtown Calgary, The Crossing at Ghost River has the natural, inspirational spaces your team needs to really connect and engage. Call our event planners and book your customized corporate retreat today. (403) 932-3392 | 62129 Hwy 40, Cochrane, AB crossingexperience.ca/corporate
WHERE PATHS CROSS
editor'sletter
This is the year of BIG birthdays and BIG anniversaries. So many people and businesses I know are celebrating huge milestones, including us. CSE just turned 20 in March. But the biggest one of course is our amazing country’s 150th birthday. This momentous occasion is not only a reason to celebrate but it also comes bearing its own gifts. It has been a HUGE opportunity and an economic generator for Canada’s event industry. Let’s face it, when there is a party to be had, we are the right in the thick of it. By the time you read this the festivities should be just getting under way and our industry's best will be running on full high octane. The planning for this year is quite the case study. The actual “plans” started back in 2010 when the Institute of Public Administration held a conference called 150! Canada bringing together public servants, business leaders and organizations with the goal of developing an action to celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial. This resulted in the 150 Alliance, a national network of groups designed to encourage communities and organizations to organize their own Canada 150 events. Though I could not find an accurate stat on the estimated number of events planned for July 1, I did find out that the Federal Government has spent an estimated half billion dollars on 150th anniversary projects across the country with spends in areas ranging from cultural to social sciences projects, heritage, sport, tourism and "Signature Projects"
such as the a 5-month sailing cruise around Canada aboard the icebreaker Canada C3. Very cool Canada! The largest and most spectacular event is likely to be the one in our nation’s capital, with Prince Charles and Camilla expected to attend, but across the nation in every community there are celebrations of all kinds being planned. From elaborate galas to down home country barbecues, from ocean front fairs to city wide street parties, every single one contributing to the economic bottom line. What an amazing opportunity both from a business perspective and to be a part of this important historical moment. Personally, I will be in Ontario visiting several events while our CSE reporters will be hitting the streets across the country to bring you exclusive coverage of some of the hottest Canada 150 events. Be sure to check out our FB page for coast to coast coverage. Wherever or however you choose to celebrate this year, or, if you are working to help others celebrate, which I am sure many of you will be, I hope you sneak a moment to reflect and take in the magnitude of this milestone and breath a deep sense of pride. With so much uncertainty and unrest in the world today, how truly blessed we are to BE CANADIAN.
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 7
things we lYve stuff we're obsessed with right now
BEAUTY
1
HYGIENE
The Perfect Stache Just because you sport facial hair doesn't mean you have to look like a grizzly man. Keep your 'stache and beard in top-notch form with this all-natural, handmade facial hair care set from won't tell anyone.
Sam's Natural. Go ahead... we
Personalized Hand Painted Compact
These gorgeous personalized compact mirrors make perfect and meaningful gifts for those special clients or bridesmaids. You can customize them with a name or a logo and package them in custom gift boxes to match. There is an inscribable space on the
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back. Love, love, love... Buy it now.
3
CLEVER TECH
Smartphone Instant Photo Lab
Retro appeal meets high-tech design in this easy-to-use instant photo printer that lets you create awesome analog Polaroid-style photo prints from your smartphone or tablet. Just download the app and follow the instructions to make cool, collectible prints in an instant on classic Polaroid-style photo paper. Take a peek.
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OOEY, GOOEY, GOOD
Salted caramel pudding bites by SAF
You will not believe this is good for you.. We are obsessed with these sweet, chewy and salty treats. They are raw, gluten free and vegan. With crazy flavour combinations SAF’s
new line includes Chewy Protein Bites, Organic Pudding Bites, Organic Raw Choc Trail Mixes and Organic Coconut chips. With their own Insta following, these are kind of the “celebrity” of snacking.
5
DON'T BITE ME
Bug Stick DEET Free Insect Repellent
We are crazy about this insect
repellent by Dr. Fedorenko. Truly organic, this outdoor must-have saves you from nasty bites and the horrible chemicals that come with most repellents. It’s free from DEET as well as paraben, phthalate, dairy, and even soy. Now go play outdoors.
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SWAG IT UP
Tee Time! Birdie Box Tis the season for those corporate golf tournaments and after work tee times. For the women in your life, be it wife, boss, staffer, client or anyone else who likes the links, these birdie box gifts make a perfect score every time.
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 9
When you reach the top, set new goals. We didn’t stop at exclusive, unique, show-stopping chairs. Neither should you. Take your event to the next level with couture furniture, deluxe bars and bar backs, side tables, cruiser tables and so much more – exclusive to Detailz Couture.
D ETAI LZCO U T U R E .CO M | 6 47.92 8 S E AT RENTAL | SALES
PROJECTION & LIGHTING USING CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE YOUR EVENT ENVIRONMENT by Hala Bissada, CFRE
We as event planners are constantly faced with the challenge of having to create bigger and better experiences but we are told to stay within the same budgets or sometimes even less. Knowing how to anticipate what lies ahead, and what new live event technologies are available is key to your success and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable industry leader. Without a doubt technological advancements in projection and lighting have enabled us as event designers to think outside the box and create truly immersive environments to marvel our audiences like never before. We can now turn the corridors of an ordinary convention centre into an auditory and visually unexpected landscape for our guests. Picture
bb Blanc: circular LED panel display @ the 2016 Honda of Canada Manufacturing Holiday Party. Photo courtesy of The Taurus Group.
Imagine your guests entering the Piazza San Marco in Venice, one of the most famous squares in the world. Watch as they are mesmerized by the Byzantine architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, its titanic bell tower and the Venetian lagoon. They walk by Harry’s bar, a swanky watering hole that hosted the likes of Ernest Hemmingway, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote and Alfred Hitchcock and hear the bustling sounds of the square. It is no longer in your imagination, this is now all possible and affordable. Projection mapping for those who are not familiar with the technology, is the ability to project objects on to surfaces. It can be as straightforward as projecting on screens or more complex like projecting interactive 3D displays onto buildings or industrial landscapes.
Experience It
FMAV: projection mapping @ the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Black Tie Gala.
The 2016 RBC Innovators' Ball (see below) hosted is a good example of fully immersive projection. Once cost prohibitive, advances are making this technology more accessible. 3D software is getting better, mapping is getting faster, projection is higher quality and you can pretty much project on to almost any surface including things like arenas, stadiums, cars, tables, runways, etc. You can even go floor to ceiling and wall to wall if you truly want to transport your guests to another world. Two completely different examples are the Projection Mapping on the rink at the Colorado Avalanche's hockey arena and the Target Fashion Show's use of the technology.
The Mustard Shop: full immersive projection @ the 2016 RBC Innovators' Ball - Photo by Ryan Emberley Photography.
Westbury National: projection mapping @ the 4th Annual Target Toronto Fashion Incubator Fashion Show. Photo courtesy of Rob Sandolowich.
See it in Action
Before deciding to jump in and propose projection to your client or committee, here are some factors you will need to take into consideration and discuss with your client and service provider: • Budget • Size of venue space • Theme/mood creation • Content i.e. what are you projecting, the more complex the detail of the images the costlier it will be. • Messaging—will you be using this technology to convey messages? For example are you connecting your guests to a cause in terms of a charitable gala? • Time—you will need to give enough time in the planning process to maximize cost, creativity and collaboration. • Audience size—take into consideration if it is an intimate affair or a gala for 1,000 guests. • Ambient light—too much light i.e. windows or lighting from your LED screens can affect your projections. • 2D vs 3D—3D is much more expensive and requires a lot more time and preparation. 2D can be just as impressive if you are strategic about the surfaces i.e. custom backdrop and locations that will benefit the effect. Lighting is an easy and cost effective way to create ambiance. Up lighting & gobos can transform your room and create a dynamic feel. Light shows (moving light fixtures) can add excitement to your event or a great vibe for dancing or concerts. Pin lighting can be a great way to create drama and can transform centrepieces and decor elements into pieces of art. Recently, I used fibre optic drape to create a starry like back drop which was complementary to a night under the stars theme. Not a new technology, but Fibre Optic curtains are a trusted tool for creating feature lighting that provides a smooth yet spectacular colour changing effect which can be used for a variety of applications. When it comes to projectors, HD Projectors are fairly common place today and cutting edge event producers are turning to 4K Ultra HD projectors but the question is whether there is real benefit to using 4K Ultra HD verses regular HD projection. 4K offers higher resolution; roughly
14 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
4X higher than regular HD, but they are still new to the marketplace and expensive to rent. In addition to better resolution, you are able to use one 4K projector as opposed stacking four HD projectors to create one large image that looks richer, sharper and less pixelated. According to Joel Reodica of FMAV, “The advantage of this is that there is less work in terms of installation; however 4K projection mapping would require 4K motion/video graphics to match the resolution capacity, which means higher costs due to increased rendering times and file sizes. 4K content would also increase the capacity of the hardware-playback system or media server. Regular HD video equipment, transmission cables and projection hardware are not compatible with higher data rates and file sizes that 4K possesses. New 4K hardware is required.
3D software is getting better, mapping is getting faster, projection is higher quality and you can pretty much project onto almost any surface. The cost of 4K may not cost 4X as much as using HD, but it will still introduce greater cost with potentially a much more compelling experience for the audience.” Joel adds, “The alternative to 4K projection is to blend 4 or more HD projectors using a large blending system like a Spyder which is also costly.” According to Josh Lovejoy of AV concepts, “4K makes sense for more unusual stage designs or intricate scenic elements that demand very precise projection mapping.” It all comes down to cost.
FMAV: projection @ the Cenovus Holiday Party.
Freeman Audio Visual: Lighting effects. JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 15
Guests' portraits were used as principle scenographic content at the WWF Canada Pandamonium Doom & Bloom Fundraiser.
WWF Canada Pandamonium Doom & Bloom Fundraiser, using a synchronized mega red laser.
Watch it
In terms of 4K Ultra HD verses LED, Lovejoy mentions advantages and disadvantages to both. “LED’s biggest advantage is its effectiveness with ambient light. So, if you’re working in a space with a lot of natural light, like ballroom foyers, LED will likely be a better solution than projection. If your event is outside during the day, LED is essentially your only choice because projection is almost never powerful enough to compete with direct sunlight. If space is a real concern in your keynote or general session room, and you’re worried about the cone of projection, LED will also likely offer the advantage of significant space savings. The biggest disadvantages of LED can be cost and image quality, as even the highest resolution LED screens often pale in comparison to the image quality of projection. LED is also generally much more expensive.” Laser Projection is something that is in its infancy and cost prohibitive for most. It will provide unprecedented brightness, 16 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
colour, and image quality and set the stage for the next generation of large-scale visual experiences. Giant screens, 3D cinema, theme parks, projection mapping and other colossal productions can now be scaled-up to previously unattainable levels, enabling the most memorable and impressive spectacles imaginable. So how do the designers and technicians start the creative process when it comes to content creation? FMAV shared a video showcasing their creative process at work. I asked Stephane Raymond, Creative Director for the awardwinning Moment Factory where his team begins their creative process. They start with a client briefing to obtain key information including what kind of experience the client is looking for and what key messages do they want to deliver. He says when they begin work on a project it is critical that the user interface (UI) and the User Experience (UX) are clear and easy to understand for the guests. The technology needs to be concealed so that the experience becomes magical. If you reveal how the trick is done; it ruins the mystique for the audience. A perfect example of that magic in play is Moment Factory's WWF Canada Pandamonium Doom & Bloom Fundraiser (see above) in Toronto. A mega red laser was synchronized with the separation between the “Doom” and the “Bloom” universe concept, creating a moving ceiling above guests' heads. Participants’ portraits were also used as principle scenographic content, oscillating constantly between the “Doom” and “Bloom” version of their portrait. Another great example from Moment Factory's past projects is Jean-Paul Gaultier's exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2015.
Moment Factory's past project Jean-Paul Gaultier's exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2015.
Experience it
R5 Event Design & Fab Fete Event Planning Photo Credit: 424u Photo & Video
c a n a di a n REGION A L e ve nt awa rds In July of 2017 Canadian Special Events Magazine will launch the 1st Annual Canadian Regional Event Awards. This competition is designed to recognize planners and vendors of live events who are achieving event excellence within their local home market. Enter to raise your profile, reward your team and tell your success story.
Submission Period Opens July 2017 Nominees will be announced in each category in each region: Western Canada (AB & BC) bb Blanc Inc.
Prairies (MB & SK)
Eastern Canada (ON, QC)
Atlantic Canada BC Event Management & Centerplate Catering
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ENTERING VISIT
www.CanadianEventAwards.com
Projection Mapping by Westbury National on the House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario.
Raymond also says that his team often uses lighting to enhance projection and when cost is a factor you can use it as a means to complete the projection. For example, if you are not able to afford multiple projectors to cover the entire mapping surface like a building, then he recommends using lighting as wall grazing/wall washing so you can create a more grandiose and complete experience. In addition, the use of sound and music plays an important part in the overall experience and should also be taken into consideration. One way to keep content creation costs down is to us 2D as opposed to 3D projection which is mainly used for optical illusions. You can “trick” the illusion with a 2D image. It may not be as big or bold as 3D, but it is a viable option, especially when you project strategically. Another way to offset the budget is to use generative content production. Wikipedia defines generative art as “art that in whole or in part has been created with the use of an autonomous system. An autonomous system in this context is generally one that is non-human and can independently determine features of artwork that would otherwise require decisions made directly by the artist. Generative art is often used to refer to algorithmic art (computer generated artwork that is algorithmically determined).”
As access and cost come down, we are going to see lighting and projection replace physical decor to some degree but don’t count out the need for decor designers. These tech advances only create more opportunities for collaboration between the traditional decor designers and projection content creators to make a seamless and powerful impact. Thanks to the following event professionals for providing content and photos: Brian T. Moore, The Mustard Shop Clémence Foisy-Marquis, Karine Gagnon & Stephane Raymond, Moment Factory Christian Millett & Madeleine Bart, Freeman Audio Visual Jamie Richardson, Alissa Hurley & Joel Reodica, FMAV Mike Agard, bb Blanc Rob Sandolowich, Westbury National Josh Lovejoy “4k Ultra HD vs HD Projection.” For more creative event solutions from Hala Bissada, follow her on twitter and facebook at @HalaEvents.
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 19
GL BAL
CONFERENCES How They Can Supercharge Your Career
International conferences are an event worth raving about, especially when they take place so close to home. In the last 30 years, the ILEA Live Conference for planners and producers has toured around the world providing leadership creativity and professional development training for event professionals; encouraging growth, inspiring new ideas and helping those managing event businesses to attract and retain new clients. This August, ILEA Live is coming to Canada. Hosting the event here is a big deal. Here’s why you should be excited to have this global conference turn 30 in your home country.
Seriously Relevant Content ILEA Live is known for creating educational environments that hit home with ground breaking content led by experts that offer deep insight into topics that directly impact planners. The conference encourages attendees to learn from a hands-on approach working with peers through skill sets like nailing your finances and pricing structure; turning prospects into fans or exponentially growing idea generation and turning that into executable money makers. It is content designed by event professionals who are sharing their most relevant and current tactics and strategies. JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 21
Opportunities for International Partnerships One thing international conferences do is bring people together from around the world with the same common goal – to learn and connect. Attend and you have the potential to find the right connections to extend your client base reach in to other areas of the world and build partnerships with service providers and leaders in those foreign countries.
A Diverse Cross Section of Idea and Experiences Attendees can meet and learn from thought leaders like Johanna Blakley, PhD, a two-time Ted Talk alumni; Srinivas Rao, Founder of the successful podcast “The Unmistakable Creative”; Tahira Endean, CMP, DES, CED recently featured by Canadian Special Events Magazine as one of 2017’s Most Fascinating Women in Events; and Marketing Guru Lara McCulloch among many others. These trendsetting experts offer a diverse cross section of ideas and experience so one will not get the same tired event talks. This content promises to be UNIQUE.
International Experience at Canadian Prices Who can pass up the opportunity to excel their career while saving money on overseas travel to an international destination. Its right here at home. Canadians save on travel, expenses and exchange rates and can take advantage of fabulous pre and post tours. ILEA Live happens on August 10 – 12, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta. Visit www.ilealive.com to learn more and register.
22 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
ABOUT
ILEA LIVE ILEA Live is an annual conference catering to the special events and meeting industry. Produced by members of the International Live Events Association, ILEA Live is an educational and collaborative experience for creative event professionals to strengthen their skills, sharpen their business strategies and find inspiration along the event horizon. Visit www.ilealive.com for more details. JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 23
eventspace
T H E CROSSING AT GHOST RIVER
Located just an hour outside of Calgary alongside the glistening Ghost River, protected by 145 acres of pristine foothills sits a world class corporate meeting and event centre called The Crossing. Offering an experience as unparalleled as its surroundings, this unique destination offers natureinspired tranquility and quiet beauty. Whether you are seeking a wellness retreat to rejuvenate your team, a calming space to host an important meeting or looking to hold a celebration under the stars, this incredible property provides the perfect location and the five-star service to go with it.
The Crossing is a one-of-a-kind destination offering all one would expect to find in a city venue, wrapped in the charm and serenity of a refined country setting.
Set among acres of unspoiled country, the venue features 27 charming guest rooms, two meeting spaces and plenty of places to gather and explore. With its quaint country allure, The Crossing’s commitment to excellence is evident from the smallest details to the gourmet menus. Using fresh, local ingredients prepared in an open kitchen, the cuisine combines the perfect amount of comfort and class. Their Red Seal culinary team believes in “real food” and is experienced in designing meals for a variety of discerning tastes, preferences and dietary needs. While guests will be hard-pressed to find a phone or TV, it is unlikely they will notice. Instead, guests stay entertained by the plethora of natural wonders and activities inherent in this spectacular location. From riverside fly fishing to fireside conversations, hiking in the foothills to sipping gourmet coffee while getting lost in the spectacular views, there is no shortage of ways to decompress, regenerate and re-connect with the stillness of the land. If it's bonding your group is after, the venue lends itself to an endless array of team building activities and group adventures. Everything at The Crossing is created to provide guests with unique experiences that leave them invigorated and inspired. With new ideas, solutions and implementation strategies flowing like the river below, guests leave with not only a sense of accomplishment but an indescribable, underlying feeling of calm rejuvenation.
26 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
The Crossing is a one-of-a-kind destination offering all the amenities one would expect to find in a city venue, wrapped in the charm and serenity of a refined country setting. The glorious location, combined with its modern technical capabilities, offers exceptional opportunities for groups of all kinds. To learn more about The Crossing at Ghost River visit them at www.crossingexperience.ca.
See it
Top left to right. Gourmet cuisine; fly fishing at Ghost River; panoramic view; organic food; relaxing spaces for groups JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 27
eyeondesign
INSPIRED SPACES
SENECA STUDENTS CREATE INSPIRING SPACES FOR ANNUAL COMPETITION Inspired Spaces is a tabletop competition showcasing the talents of Seneca’s Event Management - Event and Exhibit Design students. The event, which has been running since 2007, requires students to select a mock client, choose a venue, develop a theme, source a caterer and define the details of the decor. These "inspired spaces" are then represented in the competition by tabletop designs and are judged by industry professionals. This year’s event, hosted by Event Rental Group and held in conjunction with ILEA Toronto, attracted over 150 industry pros who came out to support Seneca’s emerging event professionals. “It’s important for us to give back to the industry,” said John Van Schepen, President of Chair-man Mills and Event Rental Group. “This type of event creates a networking opportunity for students, but also allows us to meet future clients.” “Inspired Spaces is built into the curriculum of the Event Management – Event and Exhibit Design program to help
students prepare for their future event careers,” said John MacBride, the co-ordinator of the program. “We are extremely grateful to all of our industry partners who started working with our students on their ideas as early as last September. This collaboration demonstrates how committed the event industry is to fostering new talent.” This year’s winner was Andrea Gilpin, who took home firstplace for her event called Check out What’s in Our Trunk, Designed for a fictional Kate Spade fashion show. Andrea says “working on Inspired Spaces was a great opportunity to create an event from start to finish and really learn what goes into making a large scale event a success.” Second place and the People’s Choice award went to Laura Bradd for her event called Inside the Vault. Her sophisticated decor for a product launch for Urban Decay’s Naked Vault was designed to balance the beauty and style of make-up with an urban undertone. Photography by George Matthew Photography JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 29
“
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Andrea Gilpin created a floral head centrepiece for her Kate Spade Fashion Trunk Show.
I previously graduated from Seneca’s Visual Merchandising program so I drew my inspiration for my tabletop from fashion. I used a fun mannequin head as the centerpiece to reflect the design elements of Kate Spade and represent my quirky personality.
-- Andrea Gilpin,
Watch it
“
“
I believe the competition prepared me for my career by not only allowing me to network with many industry professionals and have the chance to collaborate on ideas, but it also helped me gain first-hand experience working in the field. -- 2nd place & People’s Choice, Laura Bradd
Laura Brad took second place and People’s Choice awards for her makeup product launch for Urban Decay.
Photos courtesy of George Matthew Photography.
ARTSCAPE
Event Venues TORONTO’S MOST CREATIVE VENUES
ARTSCAPE SANDBOX ARTSCAPE GIBRALTAR ARTSCAPE POINT SANDBOX ARTSCAPE
DANIELS SPECTRUM ARTSCAPE DANIELS WYCHWOOD SPECTRUM BARNS
ArtscapeVenues.ca
View it
@paradigmevents
SHOWCASING THE LATEST TRENDS IN SPECIAL EVENTS
Viewers join award winning event producer, Michelle Planche CMP, as she explores and interviews leading event service suppliers and planners on topics relevant to the Canadian special events and meeting market. From incorporating virtual reality into events with MetaVRse’s Alan Smithson to the latest trends in catering featuring Rodney’s Oyster House and Jayne's Gourmet Catering, it is a valuable resource unlike any other.
A recent episode featured Rent Frock Repeat, a service supplier offering planners rentable designer dresses and accessories for events. Co-Founder Lisa Delorme shares a few of their 2017 pieces. Click here to subscribe and view more Event TV episodes.
“
I am so excited to be sharing venues, designations, tips and trends with the event industry. It has always been a passion of mine to showcase the amazing talent and innovators we have here in Canada.
“
Canadian Special Events Magazine has partnered with Paradigm Events as the exclusive distributer for Event TV. The series, produced by Paradigm Events highlights tips, trends and ideas for special events, conferences, parties, festivals and marketing activations for professional and nonprofessionals in the Canadian event industry.
-- Michelle Planche, CMP, President Paradigm Events & Producer, Event TV
JUNE/JULY 2017 | WWW.CANADIANSPECIALEVENTS.COM | 33
food&hospitality
Who Says You Shouldn't
Play With Your
Food
The catering landscape will never be the same since the rise of social media. With feeds like Instagram, pinterest and tumblr used as a platform for self-expression, foodies, insta-chefs and food fanatics have raised the stakes for event caterers to create food that not only tastes good but creates a huge visual impact.
“A dessert’s look is just as important as its taste,” says Matteo Stucchi one of the worlds most recognized insta-chefs with over 107K followers on his Instagram alone. Based in Monza, Italy, this 24 year-old pastry chef is known for building playful miniature worlds frozen in time using only desserts and little figurines. Imagine a world made of pastry… chocolate rivers, gingerbread houses, buildings made of dough and topped with icing... In his imagination there are no limits; cake pops are transformed into ferris wheels and baked brownies turn into mining sites. Matteo uses the online name I Dolci di Gulliver, taken from the book Gulliver’s Travels which sees an ordinary man travel to Lilliput, a nation of miniature people. 34 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
Using miniatures and food, Strucchi creates scenes showing the people of Lilliput living in a world of pastry on his instragram account. “I wanted to present my desserts differently from others,” he says. “There are lots of artists who create miniatures using food, but I focus on desserts. I try to use my imagination as much as possible in order to surprise people. As for how he comes up with each of his masterpieces, Strucchi says he first focuses on making a beautiful pastry, and then tries to look at it from a new perspective. Whether it is an air balloon made out of cotton candy, a chair swing ride composed of ice cream and donuts or Dr. Seusslike trees made out of cake pops, Matteo’s collection of edible creations draws anywhere from 5,000 – 7,000 likes per post. Go ahead, play with your food.
Stay inspired and follow Matteo Stucchi on Instagram at or on facebook.
eventreport
PDW's
GLOBAL CELEBRATION FOR
TEDWomen
eventreport
NOMINEE HIGHL IGHT The TEDWomen 2016's Welcome Party was nominated at the 2017 Canadian Event Industry Award for Outstanding Logistical Achievement.
The inherent role of a planner is to connect the dots across the big picture and drill down to design the finest of details. While that fact may seem obvious, it is not always that easy. Sometimes that job comes along where a planner needs to dig deeper, challenge themselves and prove their resilience. The TEDWomen 2016 Welcome Party, this was one of those events. Behind the highly recognized, TED brand is PDW Inc., the event producer for TED Conferences. Designed to catalyze ideas of progressive change, they built TEDWomen 2016’s Welcome Party on the inspiring rhetoric of a global community coming together in support of each other. Expressed through food, entertainment and a global marketplace, attendees joined in celebration of diversity, heritage, human expression and creativity. Opening night had been planned to take place outdoors on a warm autumn night in a luscious grass garden in beautiful San Francisco. Brightly coloured furniture and picnic tables dotted the lawn while long silk festival flags fluttered in the wind. No sign of rain on what was to be a beauty of a night. But, as even the best laid plans can change... 24 hours before show time while getting ready to board a flight from their North Vancouver office, the team learned that their perfect weather forecast had shifted and the rains were on the way. With plan B loaded in their back pocket, the PDW team executed a strategic communications plan for all stakeholders to make the move indoors. Contracts were rolled out, vendors and attendees were rerouted and a quick plan of
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action transformed a blank canvass of indoor and outdoor space into a buffet reception for 1,200 people complete with a custom-built stage, theatre seating, and a bespoke marketplace. Within the audience an African percussionist group in traditional dress, song and dance brought everyone to their feet with a lively performance. Speakers and attendees modelled for premiere fashion designers. On stage artisan entrepreneurs from developing communities shared their journey into global commerce and showcased their crafts outside on the terrace, under twelve tepees. PDW told a story of global celebration. From the menu that offered a unique fusion of flavours from around the world to the two-hour program that featured diverse forms of artistic expression. They earned great commendations from the client and recognition from Canadian Event Industry Awards as a 2017 finalist for Outstanding Logistical Achievement. It was all hands on deck and all parties involved pulled together to address the changing circumstances. Adaptability, quick thinking and perseverance are integral qualities of the PDW team but it’s the familial bond formed in their modest office that keeps their fire burning. To reach PDW Inc. visit www.pdw.ca.
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PDW’s seamless matrix of stage design and direction, lighting, audio, and visuals brought the party to life and captured the audience in engaging and interactive ways.
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ILEA LIVE AUGUST 10-12, 2017 HYATT REGENCY CALGARY C A L G A R Y, A L B E R TA CANADA W W W. I L E A L I V E . C O M
E
personaldevelopment
YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME UNTIL YOU DO THESE 2 THINGS By Mary Foley
D
id you run out of time today? Again? Ugh, it seems you never have enough time. You begin your work day with full intention of being productive and before you know it your boss has asked you to take care of something, your co-worker needed information for her 11 am meeting, a client called with an emergency and your chatty colleague just had to tell you all the details about their weekend hiking trip. The day is over and your list is hardly done. It might even be longer!
Understandable, responsive and entertaining, but you are left with a lingering to-do list and a really loud sucking sound from the time vacuum cleaner. Productivity experts offer helpful suggestions such as managing your e-mail and social media, using productivity software, and getting organized. These can be useful tactics, but they can also be useless. You will never have enough time until you consistently do these two things.
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Make your next event a thrilling underwater adventure
TORONTO’S NEWEST EVENT VENUE With nine galleries to explore, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada provides a truly one-of-a-kind event experience. Event options include venue buyouts, receptions, and meeting & party rooms.
647 351 3474 ext. 2645 RipleysAquariumofCanada.com Events@RipleysAquariumOfCanada.com
personaldevelopment #1. BE CRYSTAL CLEAR ON YOUR “HAVE TO” LIST Chances are you’ve heard this before, but the reality is your “have to” list is TOO long and you’re not willing to shorten it. That’s because it’s not easy. But not deciding comes with a price. As Greg McKeown, author of Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, says “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” My first lesson in choosing my own list happened during my 10 year AOL career when Bob Pittman was COO. Bob lead the team that created MTV and eventually became their CEO. After being on AOL’s Board, he became the company’s COO and joined forces with CEO Steve Case to take AOL from a successful company to worldwide brand. Good to great has it’s trade-offs. Shortly after he arrived he challenged all of us to stop doing most of what we were doing. He told us to make a list of the top 10 things we’re spending time on and of those stop doing all but the top 3 or 4. Those were the high-impact “have to do’s.” The rest were either “like to do’s” or “nice to do’s.” And those can be hard to cut because the “like to do’s” and “nice to do’s” may be more interesting or fun or a pet project. The problem is they simply suck time from the “have to do’s” and leave you with far less impact and far more frustrated. We all have the same amount of time in each day. There’s no way we will ever get everything done on our list. We must shorten our list to what’s absolutely most important and focus 80% of your time there.
#2. SAY NO EASILY AND OFTEN One big reason many women lose time to get the “have to do’s” done is because they are not willing to say “no.” Saying “no” is so socially and emotionally uncomfortable that we say “yes” in a heartbeat and figure out how to get it all done later. Which leads us to feeling rushed, tired and frustrated all over again. How can you start to say no more easily and often? One way is to not immediately response with a “Sure”, “Yes”, “No problem.” Just give yourself a few seconds to think and
create a pause. Then have a go-to phrase you can use to bide some time, like “Hmm…let me get back to you” or “Perhaps, let me check on a few things first.” You can followup with an email with a “Sounds like a great idea, but I can’t.” or “Right now I’ve got other commitments.” When unplanned interruptions and requests happen during your work day, try these versions of saying “no”: If your boss or project manager tells you to take care of something immediately, ask him or her “Okay, I can do that, but first help me choose which of these other activities can wait in order for me to put this at the top of the list.” If your colleague asks you the same thing, say “I hear what you need and want to help, however, I can’t right now. What I can do is get to it by….” If a client calls with an emergency, make sure to assess it truly is an emergency that needs you immediate attention by
You will never have enough time until you consistently do these two things. asking “I hear your concern and we definitely need to do something. I am juggling a number of priorities so by when do you need this taken care of?” If a co-worker wants to tell you about her weekend adventure or just shoot the breeze, say “You always have an interesting story to share. Right now, I have to get a few things done. Can I hear your story a bit later when I can truly pay attention?” Saying “no” in it’s many forms takes practice and gets easier. The big payoff is that you set yourself up to have enough time to get it all done. Today. Again! Get more tips from Mary Foley's blog at www.maryfoley.com
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eventreport: Distill Gala
ILEA VANCOUVER'S DISTILL GALA Held on May 25 at 130 West, the ILEA Vancouver Distill Gala was a chance for members to get together and honour the very best of 2016/17. Featuring the 2nd Annual ILEA Vancouver Awards, the event, designed by Elizabeth Stanley Event Design and catered by the Lazy Gourmet evoked an industrial meets elegance feeling through its unique "prohibition" themed ambiance. As guests spent time connecting and celebrating the successful year for ILEA Vancouver and it's members, they dined on spirit inspired gourmet cuisine. The fabulous decor included long wooden harvest tables with smoke grey lucite chairs which helped set the industrial tone while warm accents of copper and gold vases, navy blue shantung napkins, slate black stone charger plates and the glow of candle light added the downtown chic and sophistication.
“
“
The 2017 ILEA Vancouver Gala was a great success, celebrating the best of the best in our chapter. We also had the opportunity to award the 1st ever ILEA Vancouver scholarship, creating a legacy for our chapter for many years to come. -- Alex Bickers, ILEA Vancouver President
Event partners: Loungeworks Elizabeth Stanley Event Design Go2 Productions The Lazy Gourmet Showkraft Production Services Innovation Lighting Clarkes Recognition Products Summerhill Pyramid Winery Chair Decor Etc. Pedersen’s Rentals Showtime Event & Display Givergy Nasco Staffing Solutions Colour Time Printing Airwaves Music Engagement Unlimited Bluebird Day Band OneWest Event Design Bright Ideas Event Coordinators Photos courtesy of Brian Dennehy Photography
eventtech
PHOTO BOOTHS GET A FACELIFT Our culture is currently obsessed with photos like never before. Instagram has taken over as our number one pastime, giving TV and even sports a run for their money. People literally spend hours upon hours a week posing, snapping and posting. It’s no wonder photo booths are one of the all time most popular novelties and a staple at almost every event. When you think "photo booth" you probably envision the booth and table with the guy sitting behind a laptop saying cheese. Well say good bye to the guy and open up your imagination becuase the photo booth has had a serious make over.
The new super charged versions are high-tech selfserve, interactive, diverse and fully customizable. Integrated with mobile apps they come with features like laser, greenscreen, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. While some may think a photo booth is old school, actually the photo booth rental market has exploded. Here are some of the coolest and most high tech models you can rent for your events.
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GIF
PHOTO BOOTHS For the ultimate in self expression these are all the rage on the internet. GIFs are a series of consecutive still photos taken within seconds which are then magically stitched together to make an animation. Simply tap on the photo booth screen, keep changing your poses and share the file where ever you want; email, facebook, twitter. These files are small in size, making it easy for storing and uploading to your client’s social media platforms and websites for attendees to share to their networks. Most GIF photo booths still offer printed custom photostrips, so you can maximize on brand ROI with this SWAG component.
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GIF photo booth activation by Event Circle for bare Minerals at Toronto Eaton Centre.
Since the first GIF photo booth came out, suppliers have found ways to harness this technology to create fresh new experiences. Aside from the traditional animation with a standard backdrop, you can use greenscreen technology to create animated GIFs with dozens of pre-built themes like getting attendees to kick a soccer ball in to the camera or punch the coin block in the original Super Mario Bros. Another fresh concept is the boomerang GIF, a series of photos recorded similar to the traditional GIF photo booth, then played backwards and forwards in an endless loop. You may see a lot of these on Instagram with people dancing, waving, even pouring a box of confetti on their head in these never ending short clips.
VIDEO BOOTHS Similar to photo models, video booths have also evolved. You will be surprised what the next level can do. These usually require a little more space than the traditional 10’ x 10’ booth, but the saying “the more the merrier” rings true as these activations thrive on group experiences. Slow-motion video booths are the rave right now, turning a 6-second video into a 19-second ultra slow motion clip. Capturing video at 240 frames per second, guests can jump, flip coins, blow glitter, “make it rain” with money, the list goes on… These go well with props that disappear in seconds like bubbles, confetti pops, falling balloons, sparklers or with traditional props such as plastic swords, party horns and metallic pompoms. Once the video is recorded, you can have the option to email yourself a copy or share it to social media platforms like facebook, Instagram and snapchat.
Watch it
Abbey Road Entertainment offers a spin on this with the 360 Slow Motion Video Booth where attendees can stand on an elevated circular platform while a slowmotion video camera rotates around them as they primp and pose. This installation requires no backdrop and if placed strategically can reveal a stunning 360 view of your event But wait, there’s more! Event Circle took video booths to a whole new level by integrating an app to the experience with Musical.ly. Attendees can become music video gods by choosing their favourite song, recording the video as they lip sing to the music and then share the video with friends through the app. Here is a great example of that.
Matthew + Kelly's Slow Motion Video Booth by Remedy Wedding Films.
Full Service Event Management & Design
ESPINC.CA Full Service Event Management & Design
NON-TRADITIONAL PHOTO BOOTHS Some booths go beyond the photo canvas and create custom activations we’re sure your guests have yet to experience. MakeLab’s Edible Selfie photo booth combines their studio-class laser cutter and black and white selfie camera for participants to snap, flash and watch as their photos are laser-caramelized onto cookies or colourful French macaroons. Add the sweet aroma of toasted marshmallow to the experience and you’ve got an insta-worthy moment guests will be sure to share. These delicious confections are 100% edible and customizable. Moving away from the standard photo strip, Abbey Road Entertainment’s Flipbook Studio is a way for brands to stay top of mind long after the event is over. If you’ve ever used shutter speed on your phone camera, this works very similar. Guests are asked to move and groove as the camera takes dozens of photos, resulting in a cute little flipbook guests can take home.
MakeLab's laser printer engraving selfies on to macarons.
View it
Abbey Road Entertainment’s Flipbook Studio.
Experience it
See it
MetaVRse 360 Photo Booth.
In a creative industry such as events, there's bound to be some out-of-the-box approaches to how guests can interact with photo booths.
photo-signing, an interactive “screaming contest”, social games, a colour countdown and more. This one is great for all ages, especially the young ones.
Combining traditional novelty, green screen technology and cutting-edge 360° photography, MetaVRse created the first ever 360° Photo Booth. Up to 8 people can enter the podlike green room at once and pose around a futuristic 360 degree camera. The result is a panoramic 360 degree photo with any backdrop imaginable; from the surface of the moon to a scene from a favorite TV show. Guests can view and interact with the photo on a touch screen display and even see it in a virtual reality (VR) headset. The interactive photo can be viewed on nearly any desktop or mobile device and shared directly to facebook and youtube just like any other 360 photo we have seen online.
With the use of augmented reality (AR) becoming so popular, it is a no brainer to incorporate this tech into photo opps. If you ever played The Sims, augmented reality photo booths will reassemble a similar interface where you can shuffle through a variety of hats, sunglasses and other novelty props. Guests are asked to stand in front of an open air photo booth as their image is augmented with virtual 3D props over a large-screen display. They can interact and control the experience using hand gestures and switch through random props by raising their right hand above their head. They can even change the background without the need for a physical green screen backdrop. Once photo ready, guests simply raise their left hand to select either camera or video and voila! An augmented reality photo can then be printed, emailed, or shared to social media.
For those events with limited room, Foto Master’s Mirror Me Booth is a great alternative and can easily be incorporated into the event's decor. Imagine guests walking up to a mirror and seeing colourful animations and voice guidance inviting them to engage with a magical, interactive “Selfie” experience. The application customization allows one to choose whether to include voice guidance, gesture and movement detection, vibrant animations, touch screen
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This only scratches the surface of what is available, let alone what is to come in photo booth rental technology. We can only wait to see how further developments in hologram and virtual reality tech will disrupt the photo booth market yet again.
Mirror Me photo booth from Foto Master shouting competition feature.
Hear it
Guests interacting with Foto Master's augmented reality photo booth.
Watch it
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Taste Summer OF
ENJOY THE SUMMER SUN WITH THESE CELEBRATION-WORTHY WINES by Erin Henderson
Days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and wait - is that sunshine I see? Oh, this calls for a party. This is one of my favourite seasons to plan wine parties: there’s a lightness to the energy, feel and scope of the event; people just wanna have fun, loosen the ties, wear open toed shoes and breath in the newly-warmed-up air. Of course, wines should reflect that buoyant attitude. Whites, rosés and juicy reds that have been waiting on deck all winter are finally ready to step up and shine. Perfect with warm weather fare - think fresh seafood, picnics and barbecue - these wines are easy-peasy picks for perfect parties every time. If you have questions picking out wines for your next event, drop The Wine Sisters a line at drinkwithus@thewinesisters.com.
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, California, $23
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages, France $14
A Sauvignon Blanc (with just the teensiest splash of Semillon), that has been mostly barrel fermented and aged in oak to give richness, texture and weight. Lemon curd, caramelized topical fruit and grilled thyme flavours make for a complex and tasty white to go. Goes well with rare tuna, vegetarian sushi or smoked salmon with creme fraiche and dill.
Not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, Villages is the next tier up and offers a bit more weight, adding notes of black pepper spice to the juicy strawberry and cherry fruit flavours. A picnic staple, this is a terrific option to serve with chicken salad sandwiches, grilled sausage or simple pâté and charcuterie plates.
Big House “The Siren” Rosé, $4
Henry of Pelham “Cuvée Catharine” Rosé Brut, Niagara $30
WAIT! Stay with me. Wine-in-a-can is the next big thing, seriously trending in the US and quickly catching fire in Canada. Super cute packaging that’s perfect for beach-themed parties, pool side wedding celebrations and the company picnic, the bonus is the wine’s actually good and stays fresh thanks to the air-tight can. This rosé is fruity and fun with delicate notes of red berry fruit. It’s an easy sipper on its own, or pairs brilliantly with cheese plates, spring rolls or turkey burgers.
Henry of Pelham is arguably one of the best producers in the country for traditional method bubbles. Made in the same style as Champagne, this dry rosé sparker is roughly two-thirds Pinot Noir and and one-third Chardonnay and aged more than two years in the bottle before release. This shows zesty notes of red apple, cherry and orange. Dry and crisp, this is an elegant option for festive celebrations.
artistprofile
By his mid teens Scott Hammell was performing in front of thousands. His style, show and skills may have grown up but his love of magic is still as full of wonder and imagination as the day he waved his first wand. In the nearly two decades since, his shows have taken him around the world from Abu Dhabi to Kenya, performing for royalty and foreign dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Sheikh Abdul Aziz al Nuaimi. Scott has shared the stage
with inspiring people like Al Gore, Mia Farrow, Jesse Jackson, Stephen Lewis, Samantha Nutt and Robert Kennedy Jr. just to name a few. In 2003, Scott was featured in the season premiere of Ripley’s Believe It or Not for his stunt “Escape to Cloud Nine.” It was this stunt that earned him his first of four Guinness World Records, for the World’s Highest Suspension Straitjacket Escape.
SCOTT HAMMELL
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & ENTERTAINER To execute the stunt, Scott was taken in a hot air balloon to an altitude of over 7,200 feet and was suspended by his ankles from the balloon’s passenger basket. Dangling upside-down, he freed himself from a regulation straitjacket and over 50 feet of steel chain secured with four padlocks. This successful stunt led to numerous television appearances for Scott and the story of facing his fear helped to launch his career as a motivational speaker. In 2010, Scott completed a stunt called “Down and Out”. He jumped from an airplane, blindfolded, with his wrists in police regulation handcuffs, fastened to his waist. While free falling over at over 160 MPH, he picked his way out of the handcuffs, then deployed his parachute, and landed safely, still blindfolded. This stunt taught Scott a lot about leadership, communication and taking calculated risks.
Since then Scott has gone on to expand his juggling repertoire, produce a number of videos and hone his production and creative skills by choreographing his magic to music. One of his more popular videos attracted the attention of America’s Got Talent. In 2014 Scott collaborated with Superchannel and Markham Street Films in a feature length documentary film titled “The Trick With The Gun” which he co-wrote, co-produced and starred in. The film provides entertaining insight into Scott’s working methods and what goes into pulling off a large scale stunt.
"Escape to Cloud Nine" earned Scott his first of four Guinness World Records.
Later that year he decided to bring his stunts back down to earth. Typically, magicians are known for making volunteers vanish, however, Scott decided to turn the tables and challenged the citizens of Toronto to make him disappear. To achieve this feat, Scott spent five days and four nights inside a glass box in front of Toronto’s historic Union Station. The public made him disappear by contributing canned food donations that were piled around the box until Scott disappeared from view. Toronto citizens rallied around the cause and, by the end of the fifth day, over 18,200 pounds of food were collected and donated to the local food bank, providing food that caused the magician to disappear four times over!
Over the course of his career, Scott Hammell has had life changing experiences. From incredible feats of balance and precision to death defying acts of pure will and talent, he has developed a unique set of skills that he is now sharing with audiences around the world as an entertainer and motivational speaker. escape and stunt artist, storyteller and filmmaker. He takes his experiences and creates stage presentations that combine astounding tricks, heart-racing stunts and a healthy dose of comic relief. His topics include leadership, goal setting, understanding fear, communication and facing adversity to name a few. Looking for an exciting way to take your event to the next level? Imagine your conferences motivational speaker starting his talk by dangling high above the crowd, ankles bound, performing one of his world renowned straight jacket escapes then magicallt appearing on stage. Talk about an entrance!. Learn more about Scott at www.scotthammell.com.
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CANADA’S
MOST RECOGNIZED
CREATIVE FABRIC
PROVIDER
Our elite team collaborates with top designers, producers and set managers creating and managing all levels of design, production and installation of soft goods, to help you provide an unforgettable event!
(905) 238-6622 WWW.CURTAINCALLINC.CA
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Imagine your next event's motivational speaker starting his talk by dangling high above the crowd. Watch it
Top left to bottom right: escaping from straightjacket; hanging 7,200 feet in the air; speaking at conference; skydiving 11,000 feet in the air blindfolded and handcuffed; appearance on Ripley's Believe it or Not; juggling Roman Candles on a remote beach; the Bullet Catch.
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SECRETS TO MAINTAINING
LONG-TIME CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
It was 1995, long before email was a thing and we were still impressed with touch tone. At the referral of a friend, Barry Brown called to engage our services. As General Manager of The Utility Contractors’ Association, Mr. Brown and the UCA board of Directors were planning their first ever convention. They’d had 25 years of regular AGMS before but this was a bold new leap. They had chosen an August date at Queens Landing, Niagaraon-the Lake. With 35 guests, UCA needed something that would be a good fit, fun and engaging. My team suggested a small casino set-up and the Mr. D.J. aka Ed McMurtry (the 90’s original interactive DJ). With the small entertainment program lined up we even ventured to take on the table centerpieces. Only 5 rounds of 8 (and nothing floral for these contractors). A success under our belt, the client was thrilled and 23 years later we are still planning their annual convention; Brown is still at the helm and we’ve risen in the ranks from supplier to trusted Committee Member. 64 | CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2017
We now plan for 180 guests to attend their convention and have moved everywhere from N.O.L to Montebello, Haliburton to Muskoka. The program is now 3 days and has grown from a “members-only” event to a “family convention “with a children’s program. In two decades, we’ve rarely if ever duplicated an entertainment or a themed event. That equates to a case of two-fours on the Welcome Receptions, a baker’s dozen on the Fun Night’s and almost a quarter-century of Gala Banquets. 20+ year events and loyal clients are very hard to guarantee these days. I’m grateful to say I have been blessed with more than my fair share and I am proud of every one of them.
Learn more about Carol Priest Entertainment at www.carolpriestentertainment.com
HELPFUL TIPS Here are some tips to keeping long time clients engaged:
Stay innovative, here's how:
• Share exciting new discoveries throughout the year with your currenta and potential client network through email, social media and industry events
• Make your proposals shine with great video links, descriptions, and pictures that are authentic
• Set quality time for a brainstorming meeting; include your client in the creative process • Plan entertainment go-sees well in advance of your event • Have a post-convention debriefing, an honest look at things that hit the mark and others that maybe fell short • Treat them well! Be genuinely interested about what’s going on in their business and personal world • Of course, the proof is in the pudding, always deliver what you proposed
• Don’t oversell. Be realistic about what you’re presenting and how you are going to execute • Go and see entertainment. We eat, live and breath entertainment; it is how we stay current • We are heavily invested in a customized database that gives us up-to-the-minute details on pricing, promo, technical requirements and availability • Clients love a selection of choice so put something on the proposal that surprises them • Be consistently fabulous. After all, your work is the highlight of their event
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AWARDSONLINE www.awardsonline.ca
Successfully and Efficiently Manage your Awards.
downtheaisle
Country
Styled Shoot
featuring rushing waterfalls and manicured garden courtyards, this styled shoot embodies the look and feel of classic elegance coupled with country charm. The look is fresh, crisp and spiced with a palette of corals and peach and a hint of rustic Tuscan
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Rural rustic charm painted in pinks, corals and peach.
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Set amidst a backdrop of natural beauty and design,
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Adorned with garden-fresh florals and a stylish, rustic-inspired cake and the jeweled canopy of this old fashioned candy carts adds country charm.
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Photographer:
Cecilia Landers Photography Venue:
Royal Ambassador Event Centre Cake:
the cocoa cakery Candy Cart & Decor:
Sweethearts Sugar Carts Florals:
Plush Flowers Hair Accessory:
Hair Sugar Designs Hair & Make up:
Cabral Beauty Models: Maria Monica Henao and Andrew Miller
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