Denis Carriere, Author at Montreal Event Planner

A month of Celebrations – Connecting and Reconnecting

August 2018December 2022 in Blog

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A month of Celebrations – Connecting and Reconnecting

Hello everyone! Can you believe it?? September is around the corner, not to mention back to school, and fall is a coming. It’s been a wonderful, busy, hot summer in Montreal – who could ask for anything more?! (ok I might want a beach – but hey, I can dream right?)

The month started off with a special celebration: my 32^nd wedding anniversary. Hubby and I celebrated it with a small home cooked meal. It was cozy quiet and relaxing, perfect for us.

Another celebration was my second-year anniversary of Breast Cancer diagnosis. Went for my annual mammogram (2^nd year) and got a cleared go ahead. Now I’m up every 6 months instead of 3. YES folks, I’m very happy about.

The first week of August was the end of the school’s summer session. The graduating students from College Lasalle and we collectively decided to have our own grad dinner. We went to Belle et Boeuf on St. Catherine… what a blast.

Then later that week, hubby and I went to the rescheduled El Dorado, Shakira concert, at the Bell Centre fun fun fun. (hadn’t been to a concert in YEARS !!!)

Then I had the opportunity to do a walking tea tour with Melissa Simard, owner and operator of Round Table Tours . OMG I had no idea tea was so complex and interesting. I learnt so so so much! I recommend it 1000%!!! Side notes; did you know that tea was contraband a long time ago here in Montreal?!?! WHAT?!? and there existed a black market for it WHAT?!? and that there’s a tea school where you can become a Tea Sommelier!?! DOUBLE WHAT?!?! Just call Melissa and book it, you’ll see (and taste of course).

Then a few days later I finally got to attend Diner En Blanc Montreal. KUDOS to the organizers, well done and quite organized tons of music and wonderful atmosphere. Will definitely see you next year!!!

In the midst of all this “partying” (as some would call it).. I did tons of overdue connecting with family friends and colleagues that I hadn’t seen in awhile. This kept me so busy – I ended up having no time to do some over due spring cleaning at the house… oh well…

Then, out of the blue, I got an email from a colleague in Ottawa. He asked if I’d be interested in a quick site visit trip to non-other than Salt Lake City, Utah … I said yes and did. SLC is a very interesting city, very quiet and great space and place to go hiking in the spring – summer and skiing in fall – winter.

Here is a link to my Travel Trend article/blog in the Suburban News Online on it.

Once back, I attended a meet-and-greet soiree for Elegant Wedding – this was their way of celebrating and demonstrating where the new location for the annual Elegant Wedding Showcase will be this coming year in November. To boot it was a GREAT way to meet the vendors and potential new vendors…

In retrospect, this was kind of a busy month – considering I declare this month a vacation month… go figure…

I’ll be back in September!

In the midst of summer

July 2018December 2022 in Blog

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In the midst of summer

July has been a month that started off with full intention of taking care of ME, meaning I finally made use of all those lovely gift certificates I’ve received, which meant indulgence at a few spas including catching up with some friends. In other words, a month of much needed rest… yeah right! (not) LOLOLOL…

While the month began on a slower-paced note, it ended with bang bang bang, rush rush rush!!! (story of my life) … So this is how it went;

Side Hustle #1; with my teacher hat on it started with mid-terms and with prepping/organizing/coordination of a fundraiser event that my students from College Lasalle had to organize, as part of their final project. Which, by-the-way, was executed WONDERFULLY … KUDOS to them… YES I am one proud teacher. And too boot, in the midst of all this, I also managed to squeeze in for them site visits and industry speakers.

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Side Hustle #2; On the Blogger / Influencer side, for the Suburban News online, I am writing a series on Montreal as a Festival Destination. Started with the one and only Cavalia Odysseo OMG OMG GUYS you HAVE to go see this show it literally and figuratively transports you into the mystical world of horses. Then for the first time, I had another opportunity to checked out Just For Laughs shows . OMGsh gut busting humor … To read more I share with you the link to my weekly blog; http://www.thesuburban.com/blogs/travel_trends/

Then as an ‘INFLUENCER’ I was invited to a luncheon at the newly renovated Belon Oyster Bar yum yum yum all I can say is seafood porn – they surprised all of us with tickets to a Jazz Festival concert that same evening.. All I have to say is I LOVE living in Montreal during festival season!

With my REAL JOB; Being that it is time to start looking into preparing for the Corporate Holiday parties we ended up visiting some new options in and around town and the Eastern Town ships;

Wrapping it all up with a wedding that I had planned, and it was wonderful. However, I need to send a HUGE shout out to my niece Gabriella and one of my star students Catherine. Without them I would have gone nuts.. Not to forget the FANTABULOUS staff at Pointe à Calliere !!

MERCI – GRAZIE and THANK YOU

With all this going on I met with the Mexican delegation from a prestigious hotel chain for another upcoming event I’ll be doing in Mexico – very exciting! And with new clients am scouting other options for their annual meetings.

OUFFFFF so I wanted to rest … HAH what rest!?!?! Hopefully in August?? Will let you know….

It’s June … Summer has begun!

June 2018December 2022 in Blog

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It’s June … Summer has begun!

PHEW estas mucho CALIENTE or should I say it’s STINKIN HOT ….

If you hadn’t noticed, SUMMER IS HERE! I don’t know about you but I’m freak-in melting!! NO I’m NOT complaining. The weather has been hot and wonderful! And so has June.

Started off by attending an educational conference in Indianapolis, Indiana which by-the-way is a very nice quaint city. Yes, it’s small, but very nice. I had a GREAT time. you can read more about it in my Travel Trends weekly blog in a few weeks…

At times I am called upon to see a few newly ‘revamped’ properties – although I know these places well, it does happen that when they renovate or undergone an addition or two. I get re-invited to re-visit the “newness’s”. Allow me to share with you these newly refreshed venues;

Circuit ICAR . WOW it was fantastic what they did with the place!!

(great to see their evolution in offering bigger better options) BRAVO!!!

Croisieres AML – love love the new spaces . KUDOS!!
Combo of the Old Ports venues: – you guys NEVER disappoint

Also attended a few Industry events:

I indeed worked this month by executing a few client events;

two-day client conference event at the William Grey Hotel in Montreal
another two-day client conference event at the Complexe Capitale Hélicoptère in Quebec City
the other three client programs (workshop – congress – corporate BBQ) I cannot disclose due to NDA (non disclosure agreements)

As you can see, and contrary to what some folks are ‘presuming’ …. I’m a busy busy planner… taking this moment to send out a THANK MERCI for my helpers and clients that are ROCK STARS!!!

Switching gears: when it comes to (my 1^st SIDE HUSTLE) the classes at Lasalle College , yes they are still ongoing. And lovin it!!! I will admit that I’ve been quite busy teaching these future meeting planners by arranging for speakers, and site visits. (side note: this summer exceptionally I was offered to teach four nights straight(OUFFFAA) .. let me tell you it’s an adjustment… however, YES I still love it…

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Switching gears (again): (my 2^nd SIDE HUSTLE) Yes I have a few . I was graciously invited to the official tent opening for Cavalia Odysseo . All I can say is: WOW!! You can read more on it on my Suburban-News online Travel Trend Blog;

On a personal note the family FINALLY gathered for Father’s Day, which is nice. Indulge me for a moment; my niece Gabriella did a humanitarian trip (with her school) to Cuba. Go ahead and ask me how PROUD of her I am?? I’m an EXTREMELY OVERJOYED Auntie (simply wanted to give her a shout-out!!!)

Hopefully the madness will slowdown in July… (need to take some much-needed time for me)

Please keep coming back to read my next posts and stay cool and ENJOY the sunshine!

A month of half and half

May 2018December 2022 in Blog

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Spring has officially arrived, and I am feeling so rejuvenated with the warm weather and sunshine! Hope you’re all feeling the same.

The month started off for me with a little bit of R&R – I was on vacation in Florida for a few weeks (much needed break) I know some of you think I live this ‘GLAMOUROUS’ life, being wined and dine, jet-setting all-over the world. Granted it is WONDERFUL and I am THANKFUL. However, it is work and it is hard on one’s body and rhythm. So, when I get to ‘steal’ moments for some ‘me time’ I take it hands down. One NEEDS to unwind, and recharge and boy did I recharge. Came back rested, ready to RUMBLE and TAKE OVER the WORLD.

No sooner did I arrived home from vacay within 24hours I jumped on a plane to Germany (life of a meeting planner and entrepreneur). Once we arrived, we where immediately whisked and shown around Heidelberger, Germany . What a lovely lovely place it is truly historical and warming. Stayed there for a few days to experience and indulge the local delicacies’ (ahhh the things we do for our client’s) YUMMO. On the third day, off to the city of Frankfurt. I will admit, I was expecting it to be a busy metropolis city. To my surprise, it was a city that was busy, however, it was not metropolis like. I found it smaller than what I expected. Having said this, it was quite refreshing and lovely to visit.

Once back in home, I began the summer session at College Lasalle , what’s different this session is I have a FULL schedule (Monday – Thursday evenings). Much adjustment to do from my end. Oh yes, I absolutely LOVE what I do.

As every year at this time C2 Montreal (C2MTL) happened again this year. It was a wonderfulness full of out of the box mayhem, and yes, just as awesome, it truly gets better, better, better every single year. I have but ADMIRATION to this world-renowned conference. The keynote speakers get awesomer and awesomer the braindates and pods are sublime. And to boot I had my brush with GREATNESS; our first lady Sophie Trudeau and cleleb hip-hop guru Snoop Dog just to name a few. As you can sense I’m basically a “kid in a candy store” … will let the pictures do the talking…

As for my primary work as a Meeting Planner; I of course had client’s events to execute. One example was the movie premiere of HAN SOLO (client’s client appreciation) all was so well executed kudos to the staff at the theatre. Easy peasy to work with. Then of course the continuation of other usual monthly events for other clients…. As you can see the work never stops.

This month I did a few more site visits. Details to come on this.

And on a personal note, I had my three-month follow-up for my cancer journey, so far so GOOD!! Next one is in August… Speaking of journey’s, met up with two other BRAVE WARRIOR women for our moral support. The exchange is PRICELESS each of us brings experiences and help on our life after our Breast Cancer ordeals.

Speaking of cancer, recently got news from one of my former students and mentee (Sofia) that she was re-diagnosed with another type of cancer – WTF – she is only 23years old and now is battling her second diagnosis!!! OUFFFFAAA, all this to say that at the very last minute she was graciously invited to an event called Mommy x Me celebrating life as a parent and Sofia spontaneously asked me to be her guest … WOWZER … HONORED and HUMBLED I was… great event it was… Kudos to Sonia and Tuti…

So far June seems quiet, however, let’s see what it has in store (it’s not the first time that this happens and then BOOM things popup in big form). Anyhow, no matter what, JUNE means SUMMER and upcoming warm weather is always great! Enjoy, let’s not forget festival season is officially started in Montreal. See you soon!

a month of Worldwide Travel

April 2018December 2022 in Blog

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a month of Worldwide Travel

All I can say is…. PHEEEEWWWW! Let me catch my breath because I’ve been here, there and everywhere this month! You may say; “ok ok ok Daniela you ALWAYS travel what’s the BIG WHOOP this month ?!?”

“Well yes, this is true, however, I have traveled on the average once a month, BUT, I never did a back to back to back to back… oufffffaaaaa….

After Easter was when I started my whirlwind destination adventures. First stop was on home turf. I went to the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel and partook in a conference for Meetings and Incentives (M&I), which was great. I am very proud of Tourism Montreal for putting Montreal back on the map from a business perspective.

Got back home and BOOM the day after I left for Banff / Lake Louise – it was super spectacular! OMG MY GOD heaven on earth for SURE. Yes yes of course we worked; did site visits, tastings, and took part on some very cool adventures. Although, both places where still in ‘winter mode’ and Lake Louise was frozen over it just took our breaths away. If it’s not on your bucket list .. it’s a MUST!!!

SPECIAL MENTION on the following properties;

♥ Fairmount Banff Springs – what can I say … uber class act property with superb staff a true definition of hospitality

♥ Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise – again one can only expect luxury with this superb property their staff and service define the word hospitality

I arrived back home on a Wednesday evening (had enough time to do the laundry) only to wake up and leave bright and early Thursday, Ottawa bound. This time it was a ‘home’ made educational conference called: THE EVENT. I say ‘homemade’ because it is a first time collaboration between Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa chapters. All I can say is KUDOS to the organizers It was fantastic – we accomplished so much a and I’m so excited for next year because it will be held here in Montreal. Left Ottawa on Saturday afternoon and headed home.

(are you getting tired just by reading this?? )

And the day after (Sunday) yes BOOM off to the airport heading for Great Britain (England). Once there they immediately took us to a SPECACULAR mid-evilish town called Stratford-upon-Avon, England . We stayed there for a few days where we discovered what I now call “Shakespeare’s land,”. OMG WOW… what an experience! You know those medieval towns you see on TV? Well, it’s exactly like that in real life. Only WOWZERS, and when they say that the english countryside is spectacular …. OMGosh it TRULY is !!! We were privileged to experience a Shakespearean play – we also visited Shakespeare’s home and museum dedicated to him – went to the room where he spent time writing some of his masterpieces. WOWOWOWOW!!!

A few days later, as we were heading our way to the surrounding towns and we were given some wonderful tours of where they have the infamous English Gardens, Polo Matches and Horse Races… and it goes without say that we couldn’t through the country side by not visiting and experiencing some mid-evil castles. GOOD LORD, they are now luxury hotels. OMG OMG I did not want to go back home!!!! And to wrap it all up before we took the train to London we experienced typical English tea in a typical English garden off of the castle’s grounds. ‘please pass me the scone’ (yes, I’m being cheeky)

Woke-up the morning after and off to take our speed train to SPECTACULAR London . (love love the trains in Europe) Once we arrived we headed to our respective hotels where for the next three days, we talked business, went to the theatre where we saw the play MATILDA. We got wined and dined by some suppliers and we got to do the touristy thing; embarked on The Hope on Hop off Tour bus . And alas YES, I simply fell in love with London all over again. Ohhhhhh what a beautifully VIBRANT city it is. Although, I just cannot get over how many people are on the streets; at any time of the day, any day of the week, it’s packed. It’s unbelievable and yet not overwhelming at all….

After returning home the day after I had the privilege to appear on Global TV’s Morning News’s job segment with the one and only Laura Castella. Where we conversed on my work/profession and the industry… I was humbled by all the great responses I got from you all out there.

THANK YOU – GRAZIE – MERCI.

I’m exhausted tired and worn out … we are off to Florida for two glorious weeks …

And YES I’m turning everything off! I’ll see you when I get back!

A rock n’ roll kind of month MARZO ERA PAZZO

March 2018December 2022 in Blog

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I need to take a few deep breaths… because if I thought March was a busy time, it’s got nothin’ on what’s to come for April!! But let me share with you my CRAZY March.

Happy spring! It’s arrived (even if Mother Nature hasn’t gotten the memo yet… it’s coming!). I kicked things off with WPIC’s wedding certification course in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Followed by putting the final touches on the fundraiser I help organize: “Shades of Pink” benefiting the Cure Foundation. The event took place on March 10^th and was a great success.

Speaking of Woman’s Day celebrations, I was asked by my editor at the online Suburban Newspaper to contribute what being a woman means to me. Here is the link to the article I wrote hope you enjoy.

And because the wedding season is around the corner, there have been the usual vendor open houses, which I attended;

“Love In” hosted by Sofa To Go

Group Madison

Also, made time for an annual industry trade show based in Laval; Salon de L’Evenement and had plenty of meetings with new and existing clients. (this is what I call meetings of the masterminds) Basically discussed upcoming incentive programs and trends … OMGOSH there’s a lot of things happening in 2018 and 2019.

Worth mentioning a re-visit of the newly-renovated St. Paul Hotel, it’s very nice, with simple, clean lines.

Was invited to a vernissage and show at Centre Mont Royal (CMR) , where we got to see fine art and fantastic singer.

In-between all that, I executed a couple of events programs for my corporate clients.

And on the Lasalle College side, I kept my students happy and busy with class outing via site visits;

Phi Centre
Ritz Carlton Montreal Hotel
Evenko
WMontreal Hotel
Omni Hotel Montreal
Speakers from MPI Montreal & Quebec Chapter

Now is also the time of year for sugaring off, and I went to an industry event with clients at La Sucerie de la Montagne , which as usual the hospitality and food was STUPENDOUS, fun evening was had by all.

Then got Media invitations to more openings:

Cabaret C
Olive Orange showcasing their revamped catering at Places des Arts
Mark Kingswood Album launch

As I’ve mentioned at the start of this blog Marzo era veramente Pazzo (crazy March) ….

As for April, well, the MENTALNESS continues. I truthfully don’t know how I’m going to do it all, with all of the traveling I’ll be doing next month; it will be a total of four countries, 2 local and 2 international !!! OUFFFAAAAA

Guess you’ll have to come back next month and read about it.

Hey wait – where did February go?!

February 2018December 2022 in Blog

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Hey wait – where did February go?!

Wow, what a month. I mean, I know it’s the shortest month of the year, but February really flew by! It came, and it went, and I didn’t even see it!

Started the month with certifying future wedding planners here in Montreal, with WPIC , which is always inspiring and fun. Lots of great students (soon to be certified wedding planners). It’s amazing on how the way the wedding planner industry is growing – it’s full speed ahead big time!

We also, executed three corporate client events this month, including incentives programs. BOOM this division is still GROWING at warp speed.

Also because, it is the season we attended few wedding and industry trade shows like Le Coeur Boheme.

FINALLY celebrated very late Christmas party with Annie (it was re-scheduled a few times due to our storms in January). We took full advantage of our self-indulging spa treatment at Ovarium SPA , which I highly recommend!

I’ve been working on a few larger projects happening at the World Trade Centre here in Montreal, I’ve been mandated to work/collaborate on a ‘trade show’ like event for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) agency. It’s the third edition of this event, and I’m honored/excited to be on board as a Brand Ambassador. It’s really where our industry is going!

The team is full-on working on a fundraiser; Shades of Pink to benefit cancer patients’. All the donations will be for the CURE FOUNDATION . It’s our first edition and it’s going to be lots of fun. We’re so excited.

February 4^th being World Cancer Day – my editor of the Suburban News Online asked us bloggers it we wanted to partake in writing about our personal experiences /journeys and I did … here is the link to my article here:

On the personal side; I had a few mini reunions with high school friends whom also went through breast cancer. We brunched, chitchatted and ‘compared notes’. In a twisted kind of way it was soothing. Speaking of breast cancer, I had my three-month checkup, at the Glen Hospital Cancer Breast Clinic and all is well!

The other mini reunion was with former co-workers; David and Karen … you know it’s amazing how after so many years (25 to be exact) we just picked up where we left off …. One of the many mysteries of life.

As per every winter there was an open house at Lasalle College for the upcoming spring/summer/fall sessions, also had speakers come to my currant classes, to share their experiences on our wonderful industry – you know even though I know these speakers they STILL inspire me and my students too.

A few discoveries worth mentioning:

Mandy’s (gourmet salads) all I can say is #saladporn

Ryu (Asian Resto – new kid in town) YUMMO

1909 Modern Tavern in Laval’s Place Bell #sexiness to the max

And YES, it is that time of the year; as mentioned in last month’s blog, I’m proud to be on three Judging panels once again this year!!

MPI RISE AWARDS

Canadian Special Events Awards Show

Ottawa’s Wedding Awards

March is going to be madness… but let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.

Until then, stay well!

It’s January and I’m already SPINNING

January 2018December 2022 in Blog

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It’s January and I’m already SPINNING

Too boot, it looks like it will not stop. It’s going to be a hectic 2018!

Happy 2018 to all my faithful readers… and hopefully there are some new readers too!
I wish you nothing but health, happiness and great things for the New Year.

I started off 2018 with the second week of my vacation in Florida (after having been there for the last week of 2017). With friends and family. We were invited to spend New Years even with friends at their family’s Florida home good time was had by all … What can one ask for GREAT company – GREAT food – GREAT music and FIREWORKS…

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Came back feeling like I’d been gone a month! I was super well rested and relaxed… which is a good thing, because since I got back, things haven’t stopped!

I came back and BOOM: five Incentives finally got finalized, been working on them for the last few months. YUPPIE!! I’m working on 3 more (fingers crossed).

Assisted the annual MPI’s Board of Directors retreat in GORGEOUS Quebec City where Hotel PUR hosted us graciously. (yes I’m back on it – and PROUD)

The winter session has begun FULL force at College Lasalle. (was given nine classes this session (most course are online) – ouff and I LOVE it)

Got invited to a few industry events;

I met a bunch of new suppliers, and reconnected with others – that is always awesome.

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Some where in between I managed to squeeze in another mini St. Pius X High School reunion supper outing.. you know it’s amazing how even though we haven’t seen each other in decades we manage to pick up where we left off… BOOM!!

I’ve started to get prepared for the awards season in our industry (corporate, special events and weddings). In years past, I was asked to be on the judging panel, and I have the honor of being asked again. I also attended an annual conference in Ottawa to close out the month did I mention I just LOVE Ottawa.

I was invited to be on the organizing committee for the CURE Foundation to help raise funds for cancer patients – very motivated to participate! Event is call Shades of Pink happening on March 10^th @ Plaza Antique – If interested to buying the tickets here is the link of our event and/or call me.

Other than that, I have been UBER busy executing and getting event contracts; left, right and centre, which is great (I’m not complaining!) but I have been spinning with no stopping! No day off since I’ve been back as of Jan 7^th …. Ouuu lalala.

Doesn’t look like February is going to be any different, and that’s okay.

I wouldn’t have it any other way!

It’s December roll the credits it’s a WRAP…

December 2017December 2022 in Blog

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It’s December roll the credits it’s a WRAP…

This is the last blog of the year, and what a tremendous year it was!!

Heartfelt, Thank You to all my followers and clients who have come back month after month to read my tales of adventure in being a Meeting Planner. To say the least this month was certainly one of them.

Started December, with a quick business trip to Rome, Italy. It was short, however, I managed to squeeze in a few moments of fun. Awwwwww Italia mia!!!!!

It was quite a fruitful trip, but, too short (had no time to shop). After spending two days in Rome, we headed out to a town called Trentino, Trento. This will be THE up and coming destination. It’s not far from Verona, and quite quaint. We explored the area; did tons of wine and bubbly tastings, and don’t get me started on the food, good god the food YUMMO-DELICIOUS!!! I guess it’s normal … after all, we were in Italy. We also experienced other exciting things like; e-biking tour (electric biking) through the mountains, exploring castles, educating ourselves with the rich history of this mid-evil town. You know this trip was heavily accented on the arts. The client I have is just in love with all forms of art. Hence why we chose to discover Trentino. This town is simply rich in it; Trento is a mid-evil historical spot, quite art-centric. It is an excellent match for this clientele. Oh I forgot to mention how we got to Trento from Rome … It was by speed train. Oufff what an experience; the train was going 300 kilometres per hour and you don’t feel it. Side note; you can read more about Trentino on my weekly travel blog in the online version of the Suburban.

Continuing the ‘it’s a WRAP’ theme; school session wound down, even though in the third week of November due to a teacher’s sickness, I was asked to take over a class that was threequarters in session. Sometimes one must do what one must do.

Ohhh let’s not forget my nine corporate office holiday parties, I coordinated and executed all in a three-day span!! Ask me if I was exhausted …. go ahead ask… ouffffaaaa. True most of them were held in restaurants so those were easy peesy. However, the others, logistics-wise, required that I needed to be there simultaneously. But, hey I LOVE this, and it turned out FABULOUS!!! Although, I will share that the day after I couldn’t walk, talk, nor think!!! Exhausted, yes …. but wouldn’t trade it for the world.

The week before Christmas I made a point to spend it with family and friends, catching up and reconnecting with everybody due to our busy lives… Special mention and thank you to La Bullerie for your excellent food and service. They made me look great… And if you haven’t gone there yet folks … you should go eat there YUMMO!!

Speaking of catching up with friends. A former student Suzanna was kind enough to take me out to supper to thank me for mentoring her and helping her find her dream job… SWEET !!!

After all the festivities with the FAMIGLIA off we went to Florida for some well deserved R & R!!

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and the greatest of New Years!

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I’m supposed to be ‘winding down’ in 2017…

November 2017December 2022 in Blog

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HOWEVER, there never seems to be a moment’s rest!! This is how my November was UBER jam-packed (again)!

It started off with the annual Splash and Dash fundraiser, which in collaboration with the Cancer Cedar Centre, supports kid’s cancers. A former student asked me to get involved last year, loved my experience. What they do is invite local Heroes and Celebrities who can bring attention to the cause. Once we accept the challenge, the premise is a team relay type of activity. We either ‘splash’ or ‘dash’. I decided once again to splash. It was a great day for a great cause.

I’ve also been eye-ball deep in holiday corporate parties (9 to be exact)!! A few are at restaurants and the rest are at different venues and hotels across the city. When I say eye-ball deep, I mean with the details; contract negotiations, tastings with clients, décor options, scheduling timelines and setting up, you get the picture. These events aren’t large; however, the work is the work, it STILL takes the same amount of time to organize! And YES – LOVE MY WORK!!!

Invited to a VIP open house at Pole Productions, to explore VR (virtual reality), these are the options we are exploring on upcoming teambuilding projects for clients. Be warned VR is here and will not go away. (loving it) We then revisited; Skyventure – Le Rinque – Ministry of Cricket … all this is to decide which teambuilding activities are a great fit for clients needs. Of course, with this, we also HAD to explore a few ‘out of the box’ catering options like; Zaika Indian and 57Cal to name a few. I honestly have no idea when I can loose weight…

In the mist of all this, there was two industry luncheons one at the Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel – the other was at the Hyatt Regency Montreal then a party at the Muse Grevin and the annual wedding expo The Elegant Wedding Bridal Showcase all with the local vendors.

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I did the open house for Lasalle College for the upcoming session, along with a site visit at the Dix/30 of the Alt Hotel . I got a chance to visit a new quirky but interesting and delightful venue: Livart on St. Denis.

If that weren’t enough, I was once again judge for a Bursary program offered by one of the Association related to the Italian community. I do it every year and I love to give back. Also, had the opportunity to tour the newly opened C2 space in the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. It’s amazing in there – you’re literally on top of the world right next to the sign and have incredible views of our city!

I encountered a new inventor that did something extraordinary with drinks: Ufrost , which is frosted shots of alcohol. They’re great for entertaining and for the holiday parties. YUMMO.

Got invited to two GRAND OPENINGs first one was at Lucielle Oyster Bar and the second one was the Jetée Alexandra in the Old Port, this will be a great spot, news flash à here is where the large cruise ships will port. GREAT for Montreal’s economy!!

Internationally, speaking I helped organize a luncheon for Vienna and Berlin tourist boards (it’s kind of two-fold for me) I am concentrating more and more on Europe for my clients upcoming incentive programs, so why not help spread the word.

On a personal note, one of the best moments this month was a little mini high school reunion; St. Pius X Comp. High School … What fun, it’s been 35 years since we’ve seen each other, and just like that, we ‘traveled’ back in time reminiscing the good old days!!!

Nope I’m not done yet, (ouffffaaaa) soooo as if that wasn’t busy enough … guess what happened in the middle of all this!?! Well, halfway through November, I got informed (due to an emergency situation) I had to take over a class at Lasalle College. Boom – so now ‘till mid December I have a class to teach every single week!! YUP folks, (I truly don’t mind it) however, my schedule has to be re-set … this means I have to rearrange a few things. TRUE example of a month in the life of MONTREAL EVENT PLANNER …

As you can see 2018 is looking very bright and getting to be busy busy, and for some reason (this coming year) it’s starting to be all about team-building activities. Things that makes one say mmmmmmmm…

Ok, I’m off to Rome, Italy for my last incentive trip of 2017. Will share with you all that next month…

WOW just realized there is one month left in 2017 – where did the year go?!?!

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A month of Celebrations – Connecting and Reconnecting

In the midst of summer

It’s June … Summer has begun!

A month of half and half

a month of Worldwide Travel

A rock n’ roll kind of month MARZO ERA PAZZO

Hey wait – where did February go?!

It’s January and I’m already SPINNING

It’s December roll the credits it’s a WRAP…

I’m supposed to be ‘winding down’ in 2017…