Denis Carriere, Author at Montreal Event Planner

A Zoom-y kind of month

April 2020December 2022 in Blog

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A Zoom-y kind of month

Yes, it has been a Zoom-y kind of month. I have had so many Zoom meetings it is unbelievable!

From: client meetings, supplier meetings, brainstorming sessions, industry gatherings, student mentoring and YES even 5@7’s with friends’ family and colleagues.

Truth be told, we where to be galivanting in Portugal right now on vacay, obviously, it is better to be safe than sorry and be home.

As I mentioned in last month’s blog, I rediscovered my other passion, which is cooking and now I discovered I am not that bad in baking either!!! (who knew!?!). You see, Easter happened (without the usual family gathering) frustrated, I felt the needed to venture into making/creating the traditional Easter meals we usually have and quite frankly, it was a success!!! I guess I am now ready for next year’s gathering with all the traditional trimmings … You know, it has been really nice to have time in my kitchen again. Ahhhh blisss….

I also mentioned last month that, my 2^nd hustle, Lasalle College did a smooth transition on to online classes (in mid March), and I am glad to report all is still good… We where even able to wrap up the winter session with virtual final exams, in mid April. Due to this transition we needed to support our students with a little more care and I am happy to report hey where happy… they sent me thank you notes – how touching!!

So, I now have a small break between the school’s sessions – hence why we where leaving to glorious Portugal on vacay … but alas it was not to be and I digress …

Going back to the title of this month’s blog “Zoom-y Kind of Month” … believe it or not I’ve been quite busy ‘working’ without leaving the house… nice to still be part of things, even though we have to keep our distances, these meetings are the new normal, for now anyways. (I do MISS my humans…)

Yes folks, I am not (and cannot) go anywhere. However, believe it or not, I am just as busy as when I was getting around in the car! You see, between School, Work, Industry Interviews, Family, Friends, Clients, Accountant, the Dog, Netflix and Grocery shopping for the parents and in-laws. April has kept me as busy as a bee thus far. (even though there was no physical human contact…)

Wonder what May will have in store? One thing I WANT, mother nature, to send us some WARMTH ASAP – PLEASE!!! Even though the signs of Spring are evident; we have rabbits invading our backyard …

In wrapping this up – we must hope that it can only get better!! (fingers-crossed)

Please – Please – Please, everyone, STAY HOME as much as possible WE will be SAVING LIVES – be well.

PANDIMONIUM or is it??

March 2020December 2022 in Blog

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PANDIMONIUM or is it??

I say this ‘cause MAYBE it’s life telling us alllllll to SHUT/SLOW DOWN and take advantage of reconnecting with EVERYTHING !!!

I’d like to begin by wishing all my readers good health. Hang in there – we’ll get through this!
#rememberweareinittogether #stayhome #staysafe
This month has turned out to be about connecting and reconnecting due to this virus.

I spent the first part of the month working as per usual; site visits/client meetings/finalizing up coming event details and organizing the upcoming months work schedules etc.… etc… And THEN the INEVITABLE happened – CORONA VIRUS came to ‘town’ …. Well that put EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING into a tailspin of crisis/risk management mode. I am talking personally and professionally; personally, I had many conversations with my snowbird parents (in Florida at the time) as to where they should stay, or they should come back early?!?! Super super stressful to say the least!! Finally they decided to bite the bullet and come back early regardless of the risks… Thankfully I got them back to Montreal safe and sound, however, there was much prepping to do before their return; their house needed to be “warmed up” and make sure all the humidity was gone then of course getting them groceries, and cooking a batch of homemade soup for their return.. Coincidentally a week later our Prime Minister also ordered all boarder to shut down …and for all Canadians to come home!!!

♥ Let’s back track a little earlier this month had the pleasure and privilege to attend the EROS RAMAZZOTTI concert gifted to us (my clients and I) by non-other than Evenko… Thank you for the gesture EVENKO you made me look like a rock star to my clients and what a concert it WAS.

♥ A few days later, there was an industry event in an old church converted into a event space called Centre Saint Jax in collaboration with Le Monastere what a GREAT NEW space and WOW the entertainment was sublime!!!

♥ Also did a class outing with my students at the newly renovated W Hotel Montreal . Just sexier that before!! GREAT JOB team WHotel!!!

♥ I also became an official mentor for YES Montreal !! ASPIRE to INSPIRE

After those two first weeks …. EVERYTHING went HAYWIRE!!!! So, as of the 12 of March I basically decided to stay home due to this crazy virus. The first few days of self-isolation wasn’t so bad. Yes, it was and still is an adjustment … however, one has to do what one has to do:

♥ Lasalle College classes (which seemed like overnight) were all converted to online!! BOOM, of course it took some adjusting, however, we’ve found our “new normal.”

♥ Found myself cooking/baking up a storm: surf-n-turf, tomato sauce, chili, shepherd’s pie, apple pie, muffins, making bread, baking cakes from scratch, making jams, etc… etc… You see when I was working and traveling, I kind of never had time to properly cook, (which BTW is one of my TOP TOP PASSIONS) so it’s been really nice to reconnect like this. We also started our Spring cleaning!!

♥ Hubby now out of work, due to the virus, is too keeping busy with doing things around the home and reconnecting with the love of MUSIC, yes, he is a former musician. (he’ll kill me for saying this – kind of outing him)) ‘Built himself a makeshift music studio in the basement and his spending time creating song)

♥ Then our fur-baby Ballo (the dog) is a little overwhelmed (and happy) that we are now always home. I’m sure he is confused, delighted and wondering, “what’s happening?”

♥ Found my self uber bing watching Netflix and CNN – been doing it so much that I can now announce that I’ve watched the ENTIRE Netflix catalogue!! GOOD GOD in heaven what am I to do now??

♥ Amidst all this, I was contacted by com a renowned industry publisher to hear my views on what is currently happening and how much it is hurting the industry … here is the link:

So, in this time of uncertainty, events are all postponed and/or on hold… they’re not cancelled per say. I’m talking about all my local client programs/events; educational symposiums and workshops, as well as teambuilding activities, upcoming sales retreat, etc. etc… are on hold until further notice. This is my reality right now. I have no idea what we’re going to do in April.

Of course, this will pass, and we are all in it together (hope it is not too BIG of PRICE to pay)
Alas, we just must take this one day at a time… see you in April …

A MASHUP kind a month

February 2020December 2022 in Blog

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A MASHUP kind a month

February was definitely a festive month – a lot of birthday celebrations: hubby, nephew, sister-in-law and lastly my fur baby. Needless to say, there was many celebrations happening the first few weeks this month!

Speaking of celebration: since my clients upcoming events are pretty much set, and I worked on a few morning and evening meetings for them….

I was able to take advantage and catchup with friends, family and colleagues by grabbing coffee/ having breakfast and/or luncheons. I’m a big believer to take the time to nourish my all my relationships when possible.

Also making/taking time to visit a few open houses & openings of new venue spaces, plus, met-up with suppliers to discuss details of our upcoming client program/events:

♥ Locations Diva
♥ Casa D’ Eramo
♥ Nemesis
♥ Espace Mansfield
♥ Lasalle College
♥ Supplier meetings

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There is never a month without some sort of mentoring with former students, something I always enjoy doing (truth be told I truly enjoy helping as much as I can). Maybe it should become my 4^th Hustle??

Speaking of students, I had a few speakers come to the classes to help inspire them in this illustrious career path they’ve chosen.

Shout out to some news media outlets for Interviewing me on my expertise in the industry and to boot a Blog on my continued journey with my Cancer recovery.

Here are the links enjoy the read:

♥ La Presse
♥ The Suburban online’s – World Cancer Day
♥ Eventplanner.com

FINALLY go to attend the Let Them Eat Cake Annual Wedding Awards Gala in Toronto – WOWZERS did we ever eat cake …. But on a serious note it was great a GREAT evening and nice to see everyone in person!!

Going forward, there’s a lot in the pipeline, such as big events in April and then throughout the summer.

Remember: you must come back to my blog next month to read all about it.

It’s a new year and beginning of a new decade – ouffff – let’s do this!!

January 2020December 2022 in Blog

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It’s a new year and beginning of a new decade – ouffff – let’s do this!!

Welcome to 2020, everyone! Hope the New Year is treating you well and that you’ve found a way of sticking to those resolutions you’ve set for yourselves.

For me, the new decade started off with a stint at John Molson School of Business (JMSB) International MBA Competition, which in short, is pretty much like the TV show Shark’s Tank. MBA students from all over the world come to Concordia’s JMSB and compete/prepare business cases, including all the logistics, within 45 minutes to an hour. It’s amazing! I’m always blown away by these students and their conclusions.

Speaking of school College Lasalle’s Winter Session started as well. What is exciting this session is my Event Planning Students are going to plan and organize the GRAD for the 4 different schools within the College… WOW it’s never been done!! How exciting is that?!?

As per every beginning of the year I’m working on a few corporate client’s programs that are repeats, as well as some new projects; like Sales Meetings – Incentive Trip – Continuing Education seminars – Launch Parties and some personal social parties like a 60^th birthday, and of course Weddings.

On the travel front I was supposed to attend a FAM Tour to Kolkata, India and due to visa issues … it did not materialize … c’est la vie… (next item I hope)

Attended the Salon Marion Nous Wedding show with clients and as per usual it was GREAT show – discovered new vendors.

Also attended a new venue space called Le Cathcart at the downtown core in Place Ville Marie (PVM) very nice décor and delish food!!

Ended the month by attending the annual Industry Trade Show in Ottawa called Tete a Tete. It always has GREAT GREAT keynote speaker and perfect platform to network and strengthen up and/or create new alliances in this industry.

Also partook at a new certification that WPIC created for Wedding Designers and it was awesome (included a lot of stuff I already knew).

Also, at this time of the year Montreal puts on the Annual Fete des Neiges at its new home in Parc Jean-Drapeau. It’s was fantastic, great for those who love winter and winter activities, however, if you go with your kids, please, please, please bundle up! It’s super cold. Here is the link to the Blog I wrote on it enjoy;

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All in all, the first quarter of 2020 is shaping up to be super busy!

Looking forward to February!

Thankful month of December – last month of the year last month of the decade!!!

December 2019December 2022 in Blog

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Thankful month of December – last month of the year last month of the decade!!!

I’d like to start this month’s blog with, a heartfelt THANK YOU for all the support you gave me this past year – I am truly humbled appreciate each and every one of you!!!

Let’s begin, this month was another special one, as I got to go and work on the “HAPPY ISLAND” of Aruba. I’ve worked hard for the past few years to get clients to go and it finally happened!! While it was mostly business for me, it was a pleasure trip for my husband, who joined me. What an incredibly beautiful, peaceful place and YES an amazing time was had by all. I can now see why they call themselves “THE HAPPY ISLAND”.

Also, should you want to read more on ARUBA please go to my TRAVEL TRENDS weekly blog and read all about it – here is the link:

1^st Hustle –> back in YUL, I managed/executed 9 (yes, NINE) Corporate Holiday/Christmas parties. And no, I did not do this alone …. when it come to times like these, I can humbly thank the team that helped me make it happen; freelance workers and suppliers of course!! This means that I can simultaneously, work, finalize upcoming client programs and contracts for the new year(s).

2^nd Hustle –> School, it’s a wrap and we’re on winter break. Must point out that this session I was gobsmacked overwhelmed with the thank-you notes and gifts from my students…. LOVED it …

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However, before wrapping it all up for the year… I was asked to collaborate/help on College Lasalle’s holiday staff party. This year, it was their first attempt on a sit-down meal and the first time they acknowledged their staff and/or teachers with awards … sort-of Oscar night themed evening. It was a smashing success… Side note: not easy working the logistics for 350 (strong minded) people…

Once all was wrapped up for the year. It was MY turn to party. So, we organized a mini Holiday Gathering Parties here and there with my Staff, Friends, Mentees & Colleagues;

♥ Ritz-Carleton for High Tea
♥ L’oeufrier for Brunch Party
♥ Cacao 70 for Coffee + Sweets
♥ Kampai Garden for Graduation Celebration
♥ Grand Quai du Port de Montreal for Industry year end Party
♥ Four Season’s Hotel’s Marcus for Drinks

as we celebrated enjoyed our drinks/food/company, we also commiserated our strategies for the upcoming new decade!!!

All in all, December was festive and super fun. Of course, for the rest of the month too time off and spent it with family and friends …. We Ate – We Drank – We Merry …… (we also need to DIET !!!!) OUFFFFFFAAAAA

On a personal note I want to acknowledge a few souls that where taken from us this month too soon due to their battle with Cancer – sending prayers to them and their families …

GOD BLESS and F@*K CANCER

Any hoots – I cannot wait to see what 2020 will bring!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – HAPPY NEW YEAR and tons of HEALTH to you all!

BUSY BUSY status kind of month – oufffaaa

November 2019December 2022 in Blog

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BUSY BUSY status kind of month – oufffaaa

What a HUGE month it was… it has not stopped at all! I truly do not know where to begin….

Ok how about I begin on the first weekend of November; I attended the infamous Elegant Wedding Showcase with my couples (yes couples) who are getting married in 2021 never to early to start planning.

Then as per the past several years, I was once again asked to join the elite group of Celebrities/Heroes for the non-for-profit organization Splash-N-Dash. Always fun, honored and GREAT to give back for this cause!!

I then did the annual ACCRO trade show, (I am one of many PROUD Ambassadors) this is a technology trade show for event planning industry – it’s all about the future and what’s coming.

Alma (my freelance assistant) and I went on a one-day fam tour in Mont Tremblant, which was great, because, I hadn’t been in there in years. What a GREAT to rediscovery of properties new and old … WORTH the trip.

Did a semi-spa day at SPA FILANDAIS with industry friends – let’s call it our Holiday/Christmas celebration.

Attended a MEDIA EVENT; the opening of Illumi Cavalia (Laval)…. OMG OMG OMG I highly recommend it, however, be sure that you’re really bundled up. It was magically beautiful. If you want to read more about it, here is the link to my Blog.

One of my MENTEES invited me to her 2^nd annual BRUNCH N TALK event at the Ritz Carlton Montreal besides the scrumptious brunch, we also learnt quite a bit on table etiquette.

Was invited to a BRAND-NEW venue in Longueuil called Plaza du Parc another addition to the PMG Conglomerate of wonderful venues.

With clients we did a tasting at L’Hotel Rive Gauche in Beloeil later in the month for another upcoming client conference event… FUNFACT: did you know that they are the same owners of the soon to be opened property HUMANITI Hotel in Montreal?

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And with another client we went to do another tasting and site visit at Oasis Surf for an upcoming team-building program.

Invited to Montreal’s annual Tree Lighting event/ceremony – that was fun with tons of entertainment.

Another invite to another the grand opening of the second high-end housewares store called Maison Lipari . OMG OMG, I wanted to buy it alllll….

In regards to upcoming projects (I always mention) opportunity is knocking!! Had several meetings for large projects in 2020 – very exciting stuff, to give you a glimpse;

♥ with the delegation from Korea to work on and upcoming Incentive program, we strategized details over
a FANTASTICLY delish typical Korea BBQ meal in our own Chinatown – YUMMO!!

♥ with another delegation from Mexico this time we are collaborating, on bringing select planners from all
over Mexico for a 3-4-day conference here in Montreal. This, my friends is to help them open up the market here in YUL

♥ and of course, there is more – I just can’t talk about it yet … (shhhhh)

Squeezed into all this activity, we had our bi-tri-monthly mini High School reunion St. Pius X Comprehensive High School. Along with my usual Mentoring/Power Breakfast/Lunches and Details meeting with colleagues, clients and former students. LOVE MY WORK and PAYING IT FORWARD!!

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Speaking of students, I invited PR GURU, Petrona Joseph to come speak at one of my classes… Well, she then took over and organized a panel of influencers… WOW WOW WOW she taught the students (and I) the importance of social media INFLUENCERS on how/what needs to be incorporated into our future events… this was not only successful but EYE-OPENING!!!! This INFLUENCER thingy is REAL folks!!

Continuing with my 2^nd Hustle we (the students and I) went to do some site visits;

♥ Centre Mont Royal Conference Centre (CMR)

♥ GoHideSeek, a really cool pop-up on St. Denis. It’s for both adults and kids I primarily went with my students
(mostly as a stress-reliever) due to their upcoming Final Project Fundraiser Event at the end of this month…
We ALL had a blast. (and a TON of tension was released)

♥ Also as per every year, I participated at College Lasalle’s usual Open House/Portes Ouvertes

Speaking of my ROCK STAR students and their Fundraiser FINAL PROJECT – all I have to say is WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW… it NEVER FAILS… it is MINDBLOWING to me how these humans pull it together with NOTHING!!!! GOOD-GOD-IN-HEAVEN!!! This time they chose the non-for-profit organization called GRIS Montreal – CONGRATS to my wonderful HUMANS what a success it was!!!

Wrapping up the month I attended Tourism Montreal’s Holiday party. Always a PLEASURE to see (my Event Peeps) everyone in our industry on a social occasion for a change…

And YES, folks I actually managed to put up my own Christmas tree this year – even though I was EXTREMEMLY busy…(un fait accompli)

So as you can see November was utterly busy, (I don’t even know how I do it) ohhyyyyyy

Let’s see my blog next month will be all about!

A boo-tiful October

October 2019December 2022 in Blog

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A boo-tiful October

My goodness, isn’t Montreal gorgeous in the fall? The colours are just amazing. And Halloween parties galore!

OUUUUUUUU what a month this month was, the word busy was an understatement!!! Started with a the VIP INVITE at the Four Seasons Hotel official GRAND OPENING!! OMGOODNESS what a party with tons of food and dancing!! BRAVO guys!!

Then because I’m in the throws of Corporate Holiday party organizing there was the usual tastings and site visits and other industry-related logistics to get done and finalized.

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Meanwhile, I executed a client’s offsite bi-annual Sales Meeting in Quebec City , with all the bells and whistles; from Teambuilding activities – Guided Tours – Soirees you get the picture… THANK YOU to the GREAT SUPPLIERS that helped make this happen!! MERCI ANCORE!!!

I was invited to several meetings with different Destination Experts and Tourism boards from;

♥ Vienna
♥ Kingston
♥ Jordan
♥ Korea

– And for the very first-time (officially) got to review a brand new restaurant in Laval WestWood , what fun it was!! Here is the link should you want to read my review.

– Once again, I was a returning guest “Dragon” at Champlain College’s Tourism Program competition!! WOW what great future industry professionals. I’ve done this before and am always impressed by the ideas/approach of our younger generation.

– Speaking of school and future industry pros. My soon to be Event Planner students are working hard on the final Fundraising Project – I’m pretty proud of them!

– Another, judging panel participation, honored to do this (again) for the Ottawa Wedding Awards Show in late January.

Nearing mid October, I was asked to partake, as a speaker, at an annual wedding conference that was aimed at future couples, giving them guidance the do’s and don’ts in planning their wedding. This was at Lac Carling Hotel … Have you ever been? OMGOSH they recently renovated and it’s even more beautiful!! (must visit)

Speaking of wedding planning, amidst of all this, I attended a family wedding (my cousin’s child got married) it was nice to be a guest for a change and reconnect with my uber large extended famiglia.

Then, I wrapped up the month with the Tourism and Travel Show held here (every year) in Montreal. Which is always a great place to meet with potential suppliers for future travel incentive programs for my clients.

Also, attended an ECO-FRIENDLY oriented congress. One of my long time friend and colleague put it together to make our industry more sustainable and to make us aware of the “waste” events can bring and be proactive on our choices… GREAT GREAT JOB !!!

Hope your Thanksgiving month saw you with many things to be grateful for.

Bundle up – November is on its way!

Birthday month – Happy Birthday to me!!!

September 2019December 2022 in Blog

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Birthday month – Happy Birthday to me!!!

Happy September everyone! Can you feel fall in the air? It’s lovely! September is my birthday month (the 30^th to be exact) so happy birthday to all my fellow September babies!

I kicked off the month with the annual Wedding show Grand Salon Marions-Nous show that always takes place on Labour Day weekend!! And it was great, as always.

Did a few site visits (for upcoming client projects)

♥ Solotech event technology is come fast and furious peeps

♥ WestWood in Laval this was a site and tasting, let me tell you WOWZERS FOODIE heaven

♥ FAMILIARIZATION TOUR (FAM) all over the Eastern Townships

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♥ FAMILIARIZATION TOUR (FAM) to New Delhi, India you will be able to read more about it in my upcoming Travel Trend Blog in the next few weeks

Then attended a few celebratory functions:

♥ Mercedes Benz Laval’s 30^th Anniversary – CONGRATS once again

♥ HMI Gala the who’s who in the Meetings and Conferences Corporate world – fantastic as per usual

♥ MPI AGM with my Event Management students

Once again amongst all these activities I belted out several client events;
(with the help of my ROCK STAR assistant Alma)

♥ Montreal’s WHotel

♥ Club Atwater

Students from College Lasalle have started to plan their final project fundraiser event happening end of November … exciting…

On a personal note, it was my second-year review for my Mammogram, and it was cleared. I’m so relieved and happy.

I’m currently/continuously working on upcoming client Sales and Incentive programs, plus lots of Corporate Holiday parties, if you can believe it.

Yes folks I’m once again spinning like a top with lots of projects coming…

Time to unwind after a great first half of the year

August 2019December 2022 in Blog

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Time to unwind after a great first half of the year

Wow – I can’t believe summer is already almost over. It’s been busy but wonderful. I hope yours has been too?!

It started with my niece’s Gaby’s sweet 16^th birthday as well as our 33^rd wedding anniversary.

Good God in heaven time flies…

Summer session ended at Lasalle College with my graduating class doing their final project in the form of a Fundraiser Event. Considering they did no have much time they did a PHNOMINAL JOB and raised quite a bit of money, for the LCI Foundation, – I have to say I was very impressed with them!! And I guess they where with me ‘cause they spoiled me with a SPA day – thank you notes and goodies… (it’s nice to be appreciated)

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Then for the first time I attended Osheaga, and it was AWESOMENESS.

Check out my Blogger coverage on The Suburban Newspaper Entertainment section, here is the link.

Must say, August was a quiet month event-wise, however, behind the scenes it’s mayhem, constantly working on the details and now is the time for Corporate Holiday parties, if you can believe it!

We also decided to go on vacation for a few weeks. (this girl needs a break too) So, hubby and I made our way to Paris, London and a few places in Italy;

♥ Paris, France – in my travels I have landed at the airport many times, however, never was I actually able to visit the infamous city of lights, and boy was it WONDERFULLY SUBLIME. It did not disappoint.

♥ London, England – my 3^rd time and hubby’s 1^st LOVE LOVE LOVED it … (can’t get enough of it)

♥ Italia – FINALLY after 28 years, (yes you are reading it right) We finally went back to see the families we have there;

♥ 1^st stop in Campobasso Here is where my husband has family that he hadn’t seen since 1976!!! Needless to say, it was a BLAST and BLESSING to reconnect with them …

♥2^nd stop was in Calabria This is where I’m from and I too have family there. OH, what a great reunion it was… after 28years there was tons to reminisce over; sharing meals and local town festivals… BTW did I mention the beaches!?! The pebble beaches OMG OMG they where SPECTACULAR… hopefully I will not wait another 28years to go back!! (note to self)

Should you want to read more (details) about our trip’s adventures. Please go to my weekly Travel Trend Blog for the Suburban News online.

On a side note, and uber important milestone to mention; on August 19^th was my 3^rd year anniversary since my diagnosis of breast cancer … #fuckcancer

I closed out this month with an local Industry Trade show called Momentum and a FANTASIC Lenny Kravitz concert at downtown’s Bell Centre (!!!).

September means back to school, and the start of fall events, with tons of upcoming work assignments!!

We’ll connect then!

Au revoir – Cherio – Ciao a presto

Technology is DOUBLE-EDGED

July 2019December 2022 in Blog

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July taught me that technology is a double-edged sword – OUFFFFFAAAAAA

Ah, yes, technology… it can save us, or it can break us!! GRRRRRR!!

So, I spent a lot of this month trying to fix my PC, as I went through a horrendous nightmare with it and had to get everything reorganized, straightened out and fixed. Too boot, I also decided it was a good time to migrate from a landline to no landline… and OMG OMG OMG OMG talk about complications!!! OUFFFF, well I’m glad it is over … I know I know …. what can you do?! C’est la vie!

However, July it wasn’t all techie woes – I did a lot of catching up with friends, colleagues and celebrated family birthday milestones. It worked out GREAT as most of my clients are on vacation. I am, however, still working on a few projects that are coming up for September and the balance of the year. I’m very much a proactive kind of person … if it can be done now why wait for later?! So, I get it done… (one never knows the surprises that can come up later) …. Ok let’s digress…

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I do tons of research and development – ‘cause I NEED to be in the know at all times and it’s just part of the job. Having said this, I met up with this GREAT new companies;

D-Stress VR OMG virtual reality zennnnessss…. You HAVE to try it!! Here is the link; https://dstressvr.com/welcome
Ubisoft World new teambuilding outlet in Point Claire. OMG you will love it there here is the link; https://world.ubisoft.com/

Kicked off the month in celebrating (as a guest) Rachel’s 50^th birthday. What a BLAST it was. We’ve been friends/colleague for years she is a fellow wedding planner. We turned the trip to Magog into a weekend getaway …. continuing the July birthdays; we celebrated my niece’s Ari 10^th – my brother Dario’s 45^th and my Mom’s 77^th …. great reasons to get together with family and friends….

Lasalle College summer session is wrapping up …. With some wonderful industry speakers and site visits to ICONIC spots in our glorious city. Also, the students are working hard on their FINAL PROJECT FUNDRAISER for the LCI Foundation … another batch of soon to be planners on the loose in Montreal!!!

Then a WONDERFUL colleague from Mexico City arrived here in YUL for a conference… She and I spent the day together and I was her tour-guide. Since, it was her first-time visit to Montreal (finally!). So I showed off our beautiful city with pride.

Speaking of pride …. I attended the HEAVY MONTREAL festival …. OMG OMG what an AWESOMENESS experience …. Yes I love this stuff and am opened to experience it … read all about it in my online Blog with the Suburban News … here is the link; http://www.thesuburban.com/blogs/entertainment/entertainment-heavy-montreal/article_deb59d14-b1fe-11e9-b344-6f5ee775fd5d.html

Also, as you may or may not know I am one of many proud Ambassadors for ACCRO2019.
They launched their early bird ticket blitz campaign … this event folds is a MUST MUST MUST attend. Especially if you are techie in the events industry … visit the site and get the tickets!!

Somehow, I snuck in a quick getaway to Switzerland, (yes Switzerland) where I went to Bern, Lausanne, Zurich, St. Moritz OMG what a GLORIOUS country and SPECTACULARLY GORGEOUS spots it has. And those Alps OMGoodness OMGoodness… To read more about this experience, please visit my Travel Trend Blog … it will soon be published, I’m writing a series on Switzerland for The Suburban Online and MList.