Author: Denis Carriere

    April showers bring May flowers…

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    I think it’s pretty safe to say by now … Happy “SPRING” everyone!?!

    The seasonal saying really is true: ‘spring showers do bring May flowers’ (and  June, and July…).

     

    While it may have been a relatively quieter month in terms of actual event execution, I have had a lot of inquiries for events that will happen later this summer/year.

    examples:Company Barbecues
     Sales Conferences
     Incentives Programs
     Birthday Parties (milestones)
     Weddings

    Mixed in all this I do have some more travel for the coming months, so I didn’t mind that April was more about research / planning and organizing future events.

    However, don’t get me wrong: it was still an action-packed month!

    I have been doing a lot of prepping/tweaking work on Mid-Terms and Final Exams for the upcoming adult education classes I’m giving this coming summer school session at LaSalle College and some re-vamping of the course outlines for the online courses I also will be giving at ilasalle Campus.

    Speaking of classes, I traveled to our beautiful capital city Ottawa to teach and certify future Wedding Planners. All in the in the name of WPIC. You know, it amazes me how Ottawa’s wedding industry is booming in leaps and bounds… I’m not kidding when I say “WATCH out OTTAWA the Wedding Planners are coming !!!”

    Speaking of wedding industry, Lyne and I gave a weekend wedding workshop (bootcamp style) in French,  here in Montreal at a private school called ZOOM Academie. Needless to say I just LOVE LOVE LOVE to inspire and share the knowledge!!!

    I also got to travel a bit further west (FINALLY!) to see Whistler with clients and all I can say is; it was a fantastical experience. Other than the usual site visits, tastings, we also did a number of outdoor activities;
    Peak 2 Peak gondola ride
    Ziplining/Trekking

    I must say being surrounded with that mountainous scenery and trekking alongside them was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced .. just just speechlessly breathtaking.

    Note: I’m slowly but surely making my way to the west coast of Canada! Vancouver & Victoria … get ready I’m coming out there sooner than later … (just sayin’ …)

    Finally, I’d like to give a shout out this month to a few new gems:

    Mercuri  a restaurant SEXY HIP and with its old fashion wood burning oven, every dish comes out UBER DELISH and I mean DELISH … it’s located in the up and coming neighbourhood of Griffintown. You HAVE to definitely check it out! Suggestions: office holiday parties – client/employee appreciation events – even small weddings it’s a perfect spot.

    Patisserie duc de Lorraine:  Duc de Lorraine serves French pastries, seasonal cakes, viennoiseries and macaroons using traditional recipes by great French pastry chefs. One bite will transport you into the magical world of France. To boot the past few years they offer catering and let me tell you oohhh la la….

    The Phi Centre: The Phi Centre is a place of bold diversity with a versatile space that adapts to accommodate any event at hand: launches, conferences, seminars, screenings, exhibitions, concerts, performances, interactive installations. Also, offers creative studios and production suites equipped with the latest technology for all artistic needs. This space is in constant evolution, where nothing is entirely the same, nor entirely different, from one visit to the next and the view from the terrace is SPECTACULAR ….

    Enjoy that sunshine. I’ll be back in May!

    Marzo è pazzo…

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    Spring is upon us (despite the fact there’s still quite allot of white stuff on the ground grrr), and March was another busy month of business travel.

    Off I went to Edmonton for a FAM trip. Why, you ask? Well I needed to re-familiarize myself and second I have a client who wants to possibly hold their sales conference there this coming November so off to Western Canada we went. Explore Edmonton  THE go to people, got wind of this and immediately took over like pros and help us explore the beautiful city of Edmonton, boy did we ever. Here are a few activity highlights:

    Segway rides – Chocolate tastings – Foodies hot spots – of course The West Edmonton Mall  and “la piece de resistance” a VIP entrance at the prestigious Red Bull  Crashed Ice Event held this year in Edmonton.  WOW was that ever fantastic and fun … not to mention the after after party Edmonton style … but we won’t go there … I won’t even attempt to explain WHY I got talked into  ‘tasting’ Prairies Oysters … (I will leave it with you to figure it out)

    Back in YUL

    Sofitel Montreal  had their annual chef’s table tasting (the focus was  towards the upcoming Wedding season). It’s done every year and, as always, very tasty and delectable surprises from the Master Chef himself. (oui oui encore SVP)

    La “Q” (Queue de Cheval)  celebrated 16 years as “the house of the wolf” in its new location (1811 de la Montagne). This is a luxurious temple of pleasure featuring dry- aged (on premise) USDA prime beef, an award-winning wine cellar, and the highest standard in hospitality. (mouth watering …)

    La ROULADERIE  in the NDG area, I discovered a cozy gem newly opened and wonderfully traditional Persian/French style bistro. These combined flavors are outstanding. They satisfy the gourmet palate. (mediterranean heaven)

    Too boot the team and I worked/coordinated/executed a client’s two day conference at the Westin Montreal. Yes, in the midst of all this I worked on and closed a few more deals on upcoming events for this year; Educational conferences (locally) – Weddings (one locally and one more destination) plus a few repeat Congresses… ouff it’s going to be BUSY upcoming season.

    Last but not the least, earlier in the month I got a call from Mexico Tourism Board  inviting me as one of their VIP guests to their 40th Anniversary Conference Event in Acapulco. This is a MECA huge Mexican trade show where all regions of Mexico are represented there (4000 people in attendance) we were treated like royalty. Private event space tours – chartered plane – local celebrity chef’s table – we even got to ‘break bread’ with Mexico’s President, Enrique Peña Nieto  and have ‘non-formal intimate’ panel discussion with  Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair. (yup … my job has perks!!)

    Once back from summery sunny hot Acapulco. I quickly turned around and took the plane to sunny wintery cold Halifax. There I gave  WPIC’s Wedding Coordinator certification course to up and coming aspiring Wedding Planners.

     

    That my friends was March … SPRING where are you!?!?!

    a month of EXOTICISM

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    (now now … get your minds out of the gutter, people!)

     Yes, I know what you were thinking when you saw the title of this blog, and no, I’m not on a  “50 Shades of Grey” high like the rest of the world (lol) and no I wasn’t referring to  “Saint Valentine’s” day either ….

    I was actually referring to the exotic destinations I visited this month  “WOWISUM” of  exotic travel.

    Started the month with an “EXOTIC ADVENTURE” to the absolutely fabulously over the top Emirates, also known as United Arab Emirates (UAE). Specifically Abu Dhabi  and Dubai ,  yes folks it’s all that and more. The conference we attended was mainly to meet with international suppliers. What incredible meetings they where, many partnerships/connections where established. (seriously … at this rate Montreal Event Planner will HAVE no choice but to expand Internationally).

    We (client’s and I) were privileged to a personal tour guide, where she brought  us EVERYWHERE in  Abu Dhabi and Dubai:

    – Grand Mosque– Museums
    – Yas Island– Crossing the infamous Creek
    – F1 Racing– Spice & Gold Markets
    – Camel Trekking– Ferrari World
    – Tallest building in the world– Luncheon on a Yacht
    – Roller Coaster ride (FASTEST in the world)– Shopping at the infamous Malls
    – Spectacular Beaches– Indoor Skiing with penguin petting

    Ended our exotic travel in historical Istanbul,Turkey ;
    We (client and I) were  invited to attend a MICE conference (how privileged and honored we where). Istanbul … talk about ‘walking’ into the History books … WOW what a place it was. The moment I walk off the plane I felt their history and no I am not being dramatic .. I truly felt it. Switching gears, off we went to meet and making concrete connections. Luckily we were able to squeeze in some site visits. Here are the MUST sees:

    • The Grand Bazar ; spectacularly grand and colorful (mind you if you want to buy something you HAVE to have your bargaining game on!! (these merchants are pros) …
    • Taksim Square ; the place to see and be seen  … tons of people, tons of shopping, tons of bars/restaurants, tons of whatever  you desire….
    • Bosphorus River ; splendor in it’s self here you are right smack in the middle of the Asian and European side just breathtaking thinking of all the history that went on here…

    Believe it or not folks amidst all this adventure travel, I still managed to close a few more local corporate contracts including two more weddings. Also am working on two more client Incentive programs;  one for this coming year and another in 2016 (makes a total of eight Client Incentives Program for the next two years … WOW) …

    As if that wasn’t enough; the EMSB  (English Montreal School Board) asked me to meet and greet some high school students for Career Exploration Day. These students were interested in the Events Industry … it truly was an honor; like I always say I Aspire to  Inspire. 

    I also continue to give Event Management classes; online at  iLasalle  and as night courses at Lasalle College .

    Yes Yes I know you are wondering; [how does she do it??] … well sometimes I too wonder the same thing … I guess I LOVE this too much … just don’t stop to think about it … I just do it…

    This was my February. Hope your month was just as adventurous!

    Woman that Wears many Hats

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    First … Happy New Year Everyone!

    I wanted to take this time to reflect on my work and share a few revelations
    with you:

    I’ve been doing a lot of brainstorming marketing-wise because in the last several months I’ve had people telling me “you wear a lot of hats”, so I thought maybe I should re-explain what exactly it is that I do. While being a “Meeting & Event planner” seems like a pretty straight-forward profession, there are a lot of misconceptions about my line of work out there.

     

    Let’s be clear:

    Corporate Events: with my team and clients I plan, coordinate, source and organize:

    Executive Board Meetings or Strategic/Sales Meetings: the participants involved have this meeting (monthly – quarterly-bi-annually – annually) mainly to strategize their Company’s sales goals and targets in order to entice their sales force to attain a higher bottom line.
    {yearly average with the team we do approx. 20 – 25 of these events}

    Team-building activities: generally sits within the theory and practice of organizational development, applies to enhance the team atmosphere within departments.
    {yearly average with the team we do approx. 6 – 10 of these events}

    Seminars/Conventions/Annual Meetings: here it usually is to inform &/or educate my client’s clients/attendees or their membership of current activities going on. {yearly average with the team we do approx. 2– 5 of these events}

    Award Dinners (also known as Client &/or Employee Appreciation): again my expertise help organize a classy and unforgettable evening for all.
    {yearly average with the team we do approx. 4 – 6 of these events}

    M.I.C.E. stands for:
    Meetings    Incentives    Conferences    Exhibitions

    Most components of M.I.C.E. are well understood, perhaps with the exception of the Incentives component; it is usually undertaken as a type of employee reward by a company or institution for targets met or exceeded, or a job well done. Unlike the other types of M.I.C.E. programs, incentive are usually conducted purely for entertainment, rather than professional or educational purposes (wiki).

    Having said that, Client Incentive programs are primarily used to drive sales, reduce sales costs, increase profitability, develop new territory, and enhance margins. {on the books with my collaborators we’ve organized approx. 4 – 6 per year}

    NOTE: this is WHY I started to travel so much these past few years. I realized I NEED to get to know the places I’m going to send clients AND NEEDED to make good solid industry connections to properly execute these programs – hence I am required to build a strategic team worldwide.

    Private / Special Events: with my clients I plan, coordinate, source and organize:

    Fundraisers/Award dinners: whether it’s for a charitable cause, financing a non-profit organization or a celebration, the team and I make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

    Holiday parties: holidays are intended to allow individuals to celebrate or commemorate an event or tradition of cultural or religious significance.

    High School/College/University Grad Banquets Ceremonies: with these clients we coordinate the details of this proud moment in their lives, so they too, can enjoy the day worry-free.

    Engagements/Communions/Bat-Bar Mitzvahs: this is one of the most important days in a person’s life, and with them we can turn it into a beautiful experience.

    Proposal/Intimate dinners: Romantic, fun, festive, quiet or loud, we coordinate and will ensure the individual flair shines through when we handle the details of this unique night.

    Wedding Anniversaries: coordinated and work with the clients to create a magical celebration no matter how large or small the scale or scope.

    Bachelor/Bachelorette parties: whether it’s a traditional party or something fresh, our expertise will guide our clients through the planning process.

    Fashion/Specialty Shows: having done many the team and I will make sure these shows are trendy.
    {yearly average with the team we do approx. 10 – 15 of these events}

    Weddings: with my clients I plan, coordinate, source and organize:
    Truly one of the most unforgettable moments of a couple’s life: their wedding day. Planning it can also be one of the most stressful. That’s why one in five Canadian couples chooses to work with a wedding planner (WPIC): the Team and I can ease and streamline the entire process. Our proven relationships with high-end vendors allow us to carry out the couple’s visions, from flowers and décor to the menu and even their honeymoon, in a timely, professional way and within budget. Over the years we’ve literally planned over a few hundred weddings – just let us plan yours next!
    {yearly average with the team we do approx. 7 – 10 weddings}

    Oh and by the way, speaking of weddings there is no lack of information gathering in this market. This month alone there were 4 Bridal Shows here in Montreal: (all FABULOUSLY informative)

    1. http://www.marionsnous.ca/index_weddings.cfm
    2. http://www.mariagechic.ca/
    3. https://www.facebook.com/Divinebridalshow
    4. https://www.facebook.com/SalondelaMariee

    Hope this clarified things on what I do as a: Corporate Meeting and Special Events Planner

    I’d like to send out a couple of shout outs this month:
    Invited to the Media kickoff event for Fete des Nieges (cold but Fun Fun Fun). What a PERFECT method to do some team-building or employee appreciation activity (once you get over the cold factor of course) … this Meeting Planner feels it’s REALLY worth looking into…

    I closed off the month by attending an annual (one day) conference, this is specifically for the associative market, and is always held in Ottawa. Well, when Ottawa Tourism  heard I was coming, they graciously invited me to an impromptu FAM trip (familiarization tour) specially fitted for my client’s needs!! Besides being spoiled and catered to (which is always appreciated) this was specifically designed for me to have the ‘attendee experience’. Because the goal here is to experience what our attendees (my clients) would. I know I know it’s the ‘tough’ part of my job – but someone has to do it. Anyway the three days were awesome and with their help I rediscovered our beautiful nation’s capital City of Ottawa.

    February promises to be INTERNATIONAL all the way … stay tuned!!!

    BOOM! And that was December!

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    It seems like just yesterday I was writing my final blog of 2013, and now it’s the end of 2014! What a wild wild ride of a year. And December certainly didn’t disappoint (do you sense the sarcasm… lol).

    All of my client’s corporate Christmas parties are done. I did them earlier this month; small, simple, but great.

    Into the second week of December I went to our beautiful national capital city of Ottawa. This was to teach the last class of the season for WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada)

    As soon as I got back to Montreal, I was off again the very next day on the first flight to Cancun, Mexico . NO it was not for pleasure (I SWEAR) … it was for an educational conference focusing on destination weddings specifically in Mexico. It was terrific – not only did I fine-tuned my skills (‘cause you know one never stops learning… you see, I had done several destination weddings a few years back). It was very enlightening, and was also pleased to see that there was a big Canadian presence (YAY Canada!).

    Once back and thought I’d rest… but nooo… BOOM!!

    Was “hit” with all kinds of invitations to parties, parties, parties:

    Monday:

    Annual Christmas Luncheon with la crème de la crème Montreal Wedding Planners graciously hosted by 40 Westt (THANK YOU Mina and your TEAM!!)

    That evening had supper with la crème de la crème Montreal Corporate Planners at one of the most DELISH steakhouses in Montreal The Keg.

    Tuesday:
    My annual soiree SPA for my clients this year was at Bota Bota to show of my appreciation

    Wednesday:
    Industry Christmas Party hosted by the Planner at Industria Brasserie Italienne – Griffintown

    Thursday:
    Award ceremony for 4th Annual Jeudi d’Apollo honouring 12 Business Women of the year – yours truly was one of the recipients 🙂

    Friday:
    Annual College Lasalle staff Christmas Party themed Western / Carnival

    Saturday:
    Annual Cuisinox staff Christmas Party (this is where my husband works) at a WONDERFUL restaurant located in Rosemere.

    Oh GOD I’m tired just writing/reading this  …. oufff

    In the midst of all this WONDERFULNESS … out of the blue I get a call for an interview on CJAD 800AM with the infamous Mr. Tommy Schnurmacher, went in studio and had an EXHILARATING and great experience. The topic we spoke about was Christmas parties…

     

    Speaking of media, I was interviewed and “published” in several other publications:

    Magazine: “Speaking of IMPACT”
    Speaking with Impact (page #12)

    Gazette’s: “Christmas Office Party Confidential”

    Quick shout out to a few new vendors:
    Newly opened GEM of a space, Hotel Epik just a quaint great place for VIP board meetings or secret getaways  – great for small Weddings

    Newly opened and uber SEXY  Vicolo Restaurant  all I have to say is YUMMO!

    Hotel Esterel  ; SPECTACULAR for company retreats – sales meetings – spa days – weddings

    I just wanted to take this time to wish all my friends, family, clients, and vendors a wonderful time over the holidays with all your family and friends…..

    The holidays are always a time of reflection and a time to remember for me it was quite a tumultuous year … very very good and at times extremely bad…

    I would like to send out a personal prayer in memory of my father-in-law Giuseppe Paduano, who recently left us a few months ago…

    Okay now I shut down for a bit… hopefully!

    Where do I start?

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    You know it’s been a busy month when I don’t even know where to start on my blog!

    Despite the fact that wedding season has wrapped up and the month was a quiet one in terms of actual event execution (although I do have a number of corporate contracts that are in the works for 2015), it was an incredibly educational month (with a quickie business trip squeezed in for good measure!).

    As mentioned, overall it’s been an education oriented month:
    ♦ Had special guest speakers and class outings ‘site visits’ going on for my students at Lasalle College.

    ♦ Had a ‘REAL Client’ for my online students, at iLasalle, in Event Coordination preparing a real pitch for a this client’s Grand Opening.. (you should see their enthusiasms)

    ♦ Then I gave the Wedding Bootcamp Workshop (here in Montreal for future Wedding Planners at Zoom Academie. (in French)

    As stated, the month of November has been 80% teaching and 20% my meeting/event planning work.

    While all this education was oozing, I did get a the opportunity to visit Italy, YES you read correctly .. I said Italia. We visited the gorgeous Tuscan region; first stop was in Florence and then took the new high speed train to Naples, it was fabulous. I have family in Italy so naturally my aunt and uncle, drove down (from Turin ) even though it was for hours one afternoon .. this was wonderful.

    After their (uber quick) visit, the focus went back to the business at hand. In other words, why I (we) really went to Italy; planned for us where site visits and tastings. OMG, did we ever. The clients and I tasted incredible food and visited incredible historical places: (MammaMia)

    • Statue of David
    • Duomo (cathedral churches)
    • Ponte Vecchio (old bridge – very historical)
    • Castles (by the ocean and in remote places)
    • Frescos (everywhere)
    • Monte Vesuvio and the island of Capri
    • Tasted the FRESHEST MOST DELECTABLE meals one can find in
      these regions

    OUFFF I still cannot believe it happened. Why, we went you may wonder … it was for an upcoming Client Incentive Program.

    I also attended an Educational Conference (told you it was an educational kinda month). This time the education was for me or should I say for us Meeting Professionals; this conference specifically caters to the Associative markets. The two and a half day congress was held here on home turf at the beautiful Fairmont Queen Elizabeth . It was the first time that this annual conference was in Montreal, and it was very exhilarating, interesting and fruitful. The keynote speakers where AWESOME, consisted of a renowned athlete, an infamous astronaut to a world famous tornado hunter. All in all we ended the congress with an awesomely roaring 20s themed gala at the St-James Theatre and let’s not forget that after-party which was hosted by the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Oh did I mention Scarlett James was in the house? She was dancing her burlesque heart out. It was a tasteful, sexy, and a fun performance that playfully “shocked and awed” a few conservative visitors. It was great, it was truly done “a la Montreal”.

    Finally, it is with great pride that I share the news that I have been honored for Businesswoman of the Year by: Jeudi d’APOLLO : 4ème édition Femmes en Affaires 2014.

    It’s a huge moment in my life to be a recipient alongside some very incredible fellow businesswomen from all different industries.

    Ok, now I’m exhausted.

    Only one month left for 2014 – let’s do this! Corporate Holiday Parties here I come ….

    October: A “yo-yo” type of month

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    It’s strange where life can take you… like a series of rides at a carnival, there are lots of ups and downs, and that was certainly true of this month.

    October began with a super super fantabulous thing I discovered about our city: Tours de la Table, a company that takes you on incredible culinary walking and biking tours of our city: (diet what diet!?!)

    • That morning we went on a ‘vegan’ bike ride in the Mile-End District; the culinary adventure was all about vegetarian dishes YUMMO if I do say so myself (I’m not even a vegetarian).
    • Then in the afternoon, we went on a walking tour to experience Iberian-style food; it was all Spanish and Portuguese gourmet fare.

    Ouff what a day, I left the house at 9am and didn’t get home until 9pm. It was a fabulous day for this foodie. I left blissfully full, tired and exhilarated!

    The weekend after that, I went to my annual conference for Incentive Programs in Las Vegas. I arrived a little before the conference because I was invited to partake and maybe become a faculty member of CiS (Certified Incentive Specialist). They invited me to do a trial run. This is with the eventuality to join their team and be part of their faculty. This is a tremendous opportunity and I am so humbled and excited by this offer!

    Because life (once in a while) jars us back to our priorities…I had to leave the conference early due to a family emergency – my father-in-law who has been very ill (he’s been hospitalized for almost six months) and finally succumbed to his illnesses that week. Yes, life reminds you that even when in the midst of being busy with work and travel we sometimes need to drop everything to be with family. My father-in-law was a wonderfully vibrant man and will be missed.

    Once all this was dealt with.. I had two back to back weekends of WPIC (teaching future Wedding Planners)

    1.  In Montreal at Concordia University’s JMSB Building – what a GREAT bunch of ladies they where

    2. In Halifax at the Delta Barrington Hotel – the Maritime Wedding Planners are coming … brace yourselves

    Simultaneously, in the midst of all this I somehow was able to manage and coordinated three fairly medium to large client meetings:

    1. Annual Sales/Educational conference for a large IT hardware company (held at the Hampton Inn)
    2. Continuing Education congress for a large IT software company  (held at their downtown office)
    3. Annual Medial Employee Fair at McGill New Residences (usually done around mid-day)

    Due to my Incentive Program business growing, I’ve gotten invited to a couple of destination management info sessions. This is where the representatives from said destinations come to town for their annual sales calls invite you to either breakfast – lunches or supper to present you their destinations:

    • Wonderful luncheon was all about the state of Texas
    • Elegant supper that was all about Myrtle Beach
    • Both times we where spoiled … YUM – MO (diet what diet!?!)

    Then, just like that my month ended.

    September – the ALL or NOTHING month

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    September is the month of “back to’s”:

    • back to school
    • back to work
    • back to routine

    You get the gist and for me, it means the realization of a lot of projects/events.

    First: I did so much actual execution work (no, no not that kind of execution)… I mean the “carrying out” of actual client events/programs that have been in the planning stages for months:

    • Educational Conference at client’s premises
    • Bi-annual Medical Congress at the Palais des Congres (from set up – teardown)
    • Annual Association AGM at the Double Tree By Hilton in Regina, Sask
    • Weddings (four) at various locations in the city (here are some “inspired by photos” while I await their permission to use the photos – they’re a little “busy” off on their perspective honeymoons (wink, wink)

    Second: Classes at LaSalle College started up again, both in the evening and online. I have awesome groups of students this semester!

    Third: Yes folks it’s that time of the year… I’m in the midst of planning the usual corporate holiday parties.

    As per the usual busy schedule, it included some travel. As mentioned I went to Regina, but prior to this I attended (for the first time) the WeddingMBA Congress always held in Las Vegas.

    In typical unpredictable Vegas style it was an adventure. The congress itself was quite enriching with educational value. However, I must share with you some of our adventures:

    One evening we (myself and 19 other Canadian wedding planners from WPIC) were invited to a VIP tour of the Vegas Wedding Chapels. One of our stops was the infamous Little White Wedding Chapel (this is where Elvis and Britney, just to name a few, got hitched). While we visited the officiant got word we were all Canadian wedding planners and asked if there was someone in the group that spoke French… well, they all looked at me saying, “Daniela speaks it,” so it happened that I was the only one there who could. So, I was asked if I could assist/help to officiate a renewal of vows for this couple from France… I gladly accepted and did it (talk about circumstances of life!).

    As if that was not enough, on our way back, myself and some members of the WPIC went back on our party limo/bus that turned into quite the unbelievable ride (would you believe me if I told you the driver did a little G-rated pole dance for us ladies completely out of the blue?!). Only in Vegas baby… OMG!

    Back to reality, for the first time I assisted the Montreal International Black Film Festival … WOW! I got to meet: Spike Lee (film director/producer/writer/artist) – PK Subban (hockey player extraordinaire from the Montreal Canadians) – Jamie Orchard (from Global Evening News). BIG BIG shout out to my former students and now colleagues (Marie Candelaria and Erica Jabouin for the invite!!! “Logistically Speaking” you ROCK!!!)

    This month ends with my birthday celebration – I spent the weekend in Quebec City at the newly renovated Chateau Frontenac with my hubby and dog Max … WOW… I get asked if I will have a BIG BASH my reply is: “no no! I want to celebrate with my famiglia…”

    And the craziness won’t stop there – September is only the tip of the planning iceberg. In fact, fall is just going to get busier and busier. I honestly don’t know how I survived September, but I did.

    Looking forward to an even wilder October!

    Welcome to MY jungle!

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    Hi… wait… hold on. I need to catch my breath.

    This has been one WHIRLWIND of a month, especially when it comes to travel, and I’m just now starting to unpack (kinda…).

    WOW, August was busy, busy, busy. My month started off with a trip to Minneapolis for an annual education conference for us Meeting Professionals; this was a duration of approximately a week.

    Every year I find it educational, refreshing and a need to reconnect with my industry peeps; this is where we learn, share and strategized between colleagues from all over. Having said this, I am constantly exhilarated on how much we learn from each other at all levels starting from: new business practises / social media / trends so on and so forth. Not to mention the opportunities to partake in Keynote Speaker Conferences for instance this year we heard;

    •  Dr. Deepak Chopra, New York Times bestselling author of Reinventing the Body  
    •   “WOZ” himself Mr. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, designed both the Apple I and Apple II.
    •  Scott Schenker, General Manager, Events and Production Studio at Microsoft.

    Just to name a few … need I say it was FANTASTICALLY inspirational to see/hear these GREAT ICONS of our times.

    Once back, needed to catch-up with emails as well as (FINALLY) closed a few more deals on upcoming INCENTIVE programs (YUPPIE for me) and then, off to Panama for a semi-vacation as well some investigative site work. This is how we basically spent it:

    * two days at a RELAXING at a resort called:
    Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa  

    * two days experiencing Panama’s urban living at the UBER CHIC:
    Trump Hotel Panama

    * two remaining days in the GLORIOUS rainforestat the:
    Gamboa Rainforest Resort

    * somewhere in between we had the PRIVILEGE to get a VIP Private Tour of the Panama Canal; it’s sited as the 8th wonder of the world (because it’s man-made) and I can see why!

    All I can tell you is Panama is one HAPPENING MODERN city W-O-W!!

    And as if that was not enough, with the fluke of life’s surprises I was able to re-connect with a High School friend and fellow basketball teammate there!! Sylvia Cesaratto (and family), she just so happens to be the Ambassador of Canada in Panama – double BOOM!!!

    To resume it was quite spectacular … the trip of a lifetime really. Note: perfect place for a Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats and/or Teambuilding. I do however, need to go back to see the Caribbean side; for Wedding Destinations.

    Returning to Montreal, had one day to “rest” then was off to a site visit at a property (in cottage country) located in our northern Laurentians called  Sainte-Adèle. The property was Hotel le Chantecler . It’s been renovated and looks really great. We also were treated to tasting of the new menu (OMG) once done we couldn’t move … it was just DELISH. Note: perfect place for a Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats, Teambuilding and/or Destination Weddings.

    Next few days we headed up in Manchester, Vermont. I was graciously invited, by Mr. Gerry McFarland Director of Sales & Marketing, to visit his prestigious and gorgeous property: The Equinox a Luxury Collection Golf Resort and Spa what a great weekend that was!
    My husband and dog Max (yes they are pet friendly) came along, this is what we did: the Land Rover Extreme Driving Experience, then Orvis’s refined techniques of Fly-Fishing and lastly hiking to the Equinox Summit where we could see the four surrounding states; Massachusetts – New York – Connecticut and the rest of Vermont. This was amazing. Oh in-case you were wondering, YES we did rest along the pool side. Had no choice Lauren Meyers, Banquet and Events Manager had her team take very good care of us!! Note: perfect place for Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats, Teambuilding and/or Destination Weddings.

    Once back, I went straight into event execution mode: exactly 24hours later I coordinated and executed a client’s Annual Luncheon Summit meeting kickoff, at none other than Moishes Steakhouse, one of Montreal’s legendary steakhouse restaurants. David and his team where awesome!!

    Few days later I went to the northern town of Chicoutimi, located in the Fjords of Saguenay (northern Quebec) for a couple days of scheduled site visits. Like I didn’t have enough adventure this month … the ladies Ingrid and Angelique from Promotions Saguenay  prepared one HECK of a two day breath-taking adventure packed agenda:
    Started with my evening arrival at the Bagotville Airport; quick fact it’s owned and operated by our own Royal Canadian Air Force (WOW). Note: easy travel experience

    DAY #1

    The morning, we started with a site visit where I was staying: Hotel Chicoutimi (did you know it’s the oldest Hotel there). Nice and centrally located, right in the middle of the action.    Note: GREAT for AGM’s and/or Sales meetings

    Then we visited an abandoned however very well maintained pulp and paper venue La Pulperie de Chicoutimi. Note: Very nice for a Employee/Client Appreciation Soiree, Corporate 5@7 Cocktail Reception, Wedding Ceremony and/or Reception.

    Just before lunch they brought me to visit the Adventure Park Cap-Jaseux and boy what an adventure it was!!! Visited a ‘luxurious’ camping DOME and two suspended SPHERES in the trees, (YES suspended in the trees) all this in the name of experiential camping with SPECTACULAR views of the Fjords.   As if that wasn’t enough to WOW me … we had a picnic lunch in a TREE HOUSE (YES a Tree House) how COOL is that!!! Note: GREAT for WELLNESS groups, TEAMBUILDING and/or ADVENTURE CHALLENGE seekers.

    After an “adventurous” morning we came back down to earth to continue our visit of a few other properties: 
    l’Hotel la Saquanéene
    l’Hotel le Montagnais

    Once done, we returned to rest and refresh for a quiet chic urban supper at the newly opened: le Merlin, YUMMO!!

    DAY #2

    Well, the second day started with a Helicopter Ride along the Saguenay Fjord; SPEECHLESS was I. Amazingly Mother-Nature does it again. Basically spent the morning engorged in the splendor of the Fjord; flew over and visited the following sites: Saquenay National Park
    ——————Riviére-Eternité- Cap-au-Lest
    ——————Auberges des Battures

    We wrapped up the day by visiting the newly renovated Delta Hotel Chicoutimi

    Lastly we did a wine tasting at the infamous vineyard Domaine le Cageot

    After all this, we headed back to refresh, only to have supper at the award winning l’Auberge 21 for a French fine dining cuisine experience. MIAM MIAM!!

    OOHAA … August, how you consumed (and exhausted!) me, I AM GRATEFUL. THANK YOU UNIVERSE!!

    Up next: September. See you all then!

    Discovering Canada’s Eastern Provinces and their beauty

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    Oddly enough, it was a relatively quiet month on the actual event execution front; however, I was fortunate to do some traveling on home turf.

    I can tell you the highlight of July for me was the two short (but fruitful) business trips I made way out east to what we Canucks lovingly call The Maritimes Provinces:

    Went to beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland and then Saint John, New Brunswick, (PLEASE note the distinction) and let’s put it this way: I appreciate our SPECTACULAR country a lot more!!

    You know folks we’ve got a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful country from coast to coast.

    Truth be told I haven’t been to the West Coast yet … got as far west as Regina, Saskatchewan… so Vancouver and Victoria are still on my (and my client’s) travel wish list..

    Please remember, part of the reason I’m traveling is to scope new locations for clients who always want new places to discover and yes I have that “burden” of discovering and executing these beautiful spots for them. OK, OK, enough about me… let’s get back to the Maritime Provinces…

    As I mentioned my first stop was the BEAUTIFUL city St. John’s, Newfoundland and WONDERFULLY WOW is the best I can describe it. Just picture waking up to the Atlantic Ocean and going to sleep with it. Then I witnessed the spectacular icebergs making their appearances (yes folks, I said icebergs) and like that wasn’t enough, how about being escorted by the majestic Humpback Killer Whales back and forth throughout our boat excursion, what a privilege it was!! We then hiked to Cape Spear where I stood on the most eastern point of Canada. Of course we cannot forget to mention the culinary experience I had with one of the chefs that appeared on “Top Chef Canada” DELISH – it was abundance of fresh fish galore to this foodie’s delight! All I’m going to say about the night life is George Street; OMG do they KNOW how to P A R T Y (I think I’m still recovering …)

    Second stop was the UBER quaint Saint John, New Brunswick and what a CHARMING city it was! This time I had the view of the Bay of Fundy – WOW everyone should experience the high and low tide. Talk about Mother Nature at her best! The thought of the Bay rising 28’ and then lowering 28’ in one day everyday is phe-nom-en-al!! (begs the question I kept asking: “where does all that water go??”). Learnt much about the geo-system and the enormous amount of history this beautiful city has. We were also spoiled with a lobster lunch that was mouth-watering delicious (also prepared by a local chef that also appeared on “Top Chef Canada”).

    I’m telling you these beautiful cities in their respective provinces can definitely hold their own. My clients will have a difficult decision for their
    upcoming 2015 Incentive trips.

    Back in Montreal, reality hit, which for me it meant it was time to expose my Lasalle College Event Management students to some local properties:

    The First place we visited was the UBER SEXY
    W HOTEL Montreal. As usual Mr. Francois Patulli, Catering Sales Manager showed us around, and this time we were “privileged’ to get a first peek at something we were sworn not to reveal… (can’t divulge it, sorry);

    On another occasion, it so happened I ended up with three speakers for my Negotiations Sales and Contract class, which turned out to be cool. What I did is turn it into a panel of vendors discussion:

    (i) a Music Band: Ms. Randi Katz and Mr. Tony Picciuto Entertainers Extraordinaire from The Directors Showband
    (ii) a Hotelier; Ms. Laurence Aflalo,Business Travel Sales Manager from Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel
    (iii) as the Meeting Planner; Myself aka Eventista from Montreal Event Planner

    We had a great conversation and discussed many things about negotiations, contracts, what the protocol would/should be with vendors, and the overall dynamics of our industry;

    Another week, the class did a site visit field trip where we got to see The Queen Elizabeth Hotel  with the charming Ms. Anne Letourneau, Director of Sales as our guide for this historic Fairmount property. It was on the students’ wish list and was enjoyed thoroughly. They got to see the infamous “John Lennon suite” and learned all the historic components of this majestic property (ahh if those walls could talk).

    Lastly and by no means the least, we had the privilege of Ms. Sybille Brault, CMP, Manager – Convention Services from Montreal Tourism  to come speak to the class and elaborated the important role they play in relations to our industry. (shout-out to Sabrina for the connection)

    Between all this I had time to have a lovely (overdue) lunch with the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure men, M. Nicolas Laflamme and his partner in crime M. Julien Dagenais-Côté, both in group sales.

     

    I also spent the month catching up with old friends and other industry colleagues. Side Note: we all know relationships NEED to be constantly nurtured.

    I did do much-needed business development with a few potential clients. Despite the fact that there was no meetings and social event executions for me this month, I still managed to close on two more Incentive Programs for clients, so I’m happy about that. That means I’ve done five so far for this year and the year isn’t over yet!

    If all goes well … I’ll be away a lot more in August and can’t wait to tell you all about it then.

    See you soon … Bonne Vacances!