Denis Carriere, Author at Montreal Event Planner

Busy moi … NEVER !!!!

October 2017December 2022 in Blog

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Busy moi … NEVER !!!!
(she said sarcastically)

October came and went in the blink of an eye, and added to this it was an emotionally taxing month as well;

Started off the month working in Toronto with an Association client’s AGM (Annual General Meeting). That weekend (well half of it, happened to be my Birthday weekend). Because I was working, I clearly could not properly celebrate.

Ohh but no worries, my friends spoiled me rotten and I managed and organized a nice birthday celebration the following weekend; it started with a night stay at the SPECTACULAR Quintessence Hotel situated not too far from Mont-Tremblant. (if you don’t know this place I implode you to)

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After our 24hr R&R we headed home to change and get ready for our soiree at the Montreal Casino enjoying supper and cabaret show called QUEENS on Tour … OMG you have to see it it’s FABULOUS and the food is SUBLIME…. GOOD GOD I forgot how much I enjoyed live shows!!!

Side-Note: it’s such a nice place for Corporate Holiday Office parties. (just sayin)

So that was a whirlwind Friday and Saturday… then when Sunday came around.. off I left for Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the annual educational conference for Incentives Programs. Which was quite enriching at all levels.. one of them was that I earned my Event Design Certification. BOOM!!

Once back, my trusty partner (and mentee) in crime, Annie Sioufi, spoiled me with a surprise Birthday Celebration at the newly opened High Tea experience at the Montreal Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

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And funny enough once again (in the midst of all this) I closed a few more contracts and did a few site visits. I’m starting the think I should travel more – ‘cause I seem to close contracts while I’m away! (things that makes me say mmmmm)

Special Mentions to:

♦ Chateau Vaudreuil new owners and big fabulous changes to come

♦ Vignoble du Ruisseau worth the trip chin chin – WOWZER

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Once back from Vegas I immediately jumped in and gave the WPIC Wedding Certification course that following weekend in Montreal.

Then threw myself into sourcing, coordinating, executing more client programs and too boot did some detailing on all the upcoming Corporate Holiday Parties I have in the works.

Once that week passed, BOOM, I flew off for the weekend to Halifax for another WPIC Wedding Certification course to up and coming future wedding planners.

As soon as I got back from Halifax, I had 24hours to get ready for my week of adventures in Guatemala .. OMG what a COUNTRY it is WONDERFUL and the POLITEST people I’ve encounter thus far!!! And the FOOD again GOOD GOD just SUBLIMENESS. You can read more about this place upcoming on my weekly Suburban News Online Travel Blog. Keep an eye out for it here is the link: http://www.thesuburban.com/blogs/travel_trends/

Upon my return from Guatemala, I closed off the month, with a trip to the Glen Hospital at the Breast Cancer Clinic . It was my 1^st year anniversary since my diagnoses. Although it was a long 4 hour appointment… I was RELIEVED to get a clean bill of health! I can’t tell you how much of a relief that was – huge weight off my shoulders… (next one is in 3 months)

Yup … as you can see I was ‘not’ busy at all this month… Looking forward to a quiet November …. (maybe not)

A busy month, to say the least…

September 2017December 2022 in Blog

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A busy month, to say the least…

As the “summer” winds down, September seemed to be on super warp speed!!! WTH (What The Heck) happened?? It was uber crazy, hectic, wonderful, whirlwindishy kind of month!! No complaints just still catching my breath … I love my life as a planner!

Started the month off with the annual Grand Salon Marion Nous , thoroughly enjoyed it. And loved to reconnect with suppliers and see if there were any new trends that I did not know of.

Then of course it’s September so it was back to school time (fall session) at Lasalle College. I always love this time of year at the school – everything is buzzing with such excitement.

Also had the honor to address upcoming group of Tourism students from Champlain College .
What fun that was..

Have several client meetings and secured several more contracts.

Attended THE industry’s most anticipated Gala of the Year; HMI’s supplier and client appreciation night, and ohhh what a night it was.. KODOS, to the organizers once again.

Of course some site inspections where in order too this month:

♥ Mont VR virtual reality experience for team-building

♥ Reunion d Sens another space GREAT for team-building

♥ Club St. James great decor & refresh was done there

This folks was the “CALM” part of my month…
Oufffa, I truly don’t know where to start? (actually in reviewing my month, I don’t know how I did all this) You see this entire month consisted of many trips (more than the usual). Before I start, I really feel I need to reiterate a myth; please understand that even though I am being hosted at these great hotels and am wined/dined – yes it is true glamour. However, keep in mind that I am not on “my schedule” for these trips – I am on my suppliers’ schedule at all given times. This means its all work related. Remember, I’m there to scout new potential locations for clients Incentive needs. Now that we are clear.. Here are my month’s travel adventures;

First Stop and one of the highlights of my month was going to French Riviera Cote D’Azur Nice, France for my client’s Incentive program. I normally don’t participate, (because I cannot be everywhere at all times) however, this time (due to an opening in my schedule) I decided to attend, and I am so glad that I did. You see, for my clients’ INCENTIVE programs normally I coordinate and organize (with the help of vendors) all the logistical details involved and most times due to scheduling I cannot attend to see the final product being executed … however, this time it was possible to be present and see all the fruits of my labour come to life. It was a SPECTACULAR SUCCESS, I feel in LOVE with the place .. ohhhh and the weather was superb which made it to be a wonderful trip. Did I mention I fell in LOVE !?!?

Second Stop once back to YUL; within 24 hours, I was off to Quebec City with my partner in crime Annie. We needed to do a few site visits for some upcoming client programs we are planning in 2018;

♥ Hotel PUR – hosted us and treated us like Queens – you MUST visit this property it’s sublimely wonderful
♥ Fairmont Chateau Frontenac – visited the infamous Chateau perfection at its BEST nothing else to say
♥ Morrin Centre – great for conservative meetings
♥ Le Capitole – always LOVE this place so versatile
♥ Old Quebec – great for a stroll or treasure hunt teambuilding activities

Every time I go there I fall in love.

Third Stop I had just enough time to reset my bearings and off I went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on a FAM hosted by Moon Palace Resorts Jamaica and WOW do they know how to welcome you!! YaMon!! Talk about hospitality at its BEST. Not to mention it’s one SPECTACULAR resort; between the variety of restaurants to choose from, endless activities offered and the unforgettable excursion to the infamous COOL BLUE HOLE – SUBLIMENESS is putting it mildly!! YaMon!!

side note:
Ohhh, and by the way while in Jamaica, I was coordinated, (yes simultaneously) 2 client events back in Montreal. YES these events went smoothly!!! (I thank the Event GODs and AWESOME suppliers)

Fourth Stop once back from Jamaica, within 24 hours, off we flew to Toronto for work on a client’s 2 ½ day AGM program.

another side note:

during this time it was my Birthday…which truth be told, I did not really get to celebrate properly .. I will though in early October … YES folks, welcome to the Life of a Planner.

Special Mention: amongst all this CRAZINESS this month there is one Trade Show experience I NEED to share with you; ACCRO Montreal 2017 all I can tell you is WOWZERs. The future is here and coming FAST.. If you missed it … well you HAVE to attend next year!!! It’s all about Artificial Intelligence and more futuristic stuff. Just visit their website for more detailed information!!!

OOUFFF I NEED to catch my breath….
That is all folks… however, October seems to be shaping up to be just as busy … so stay tuned ….

Once again THANK YOU all sooooo much for all of your Birthday Wishes !!!!

It’s a small world after all!

August 2017December 2022 in Blog

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It’s a small world after all!

It sounds cliché, but where did the month go? How is summer almost over? We barely even had summer, especially in Montreal, where it’s been a season of rainy, cooler weather.

Nevertheless, August was a pretty special month for me. First of all, it was our 31^st Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated and yes we went out to dinner.. however on the day it’s self, I cooked – with all my traveling, I never get a chance to cook at home anymore so I cooked up a storm. Some of you may think that is crazy, maybe, but think about it … I get to go restaurants for work a lot, so the opposite is good for me, and to boot I LOVE LOVE to cook. Also as much as I am a social butterfly.. I do LOVE cocooning at home.

I participated at the annual open house Lasalle College holds for the upcoming sessions, speaking of which, the summer session is now wrapped up and I just finalized the corrections on the students’ final projects and exams.

We then I took some time off and headed to Florida for some RnR. There we did the usual walks along the property, beach-bumming, road-trippin, fishing on the Everglades, you get the picture..

Confession, even though it was vacay, as a TRUE entrepreneur, I did sneak in some “work” here and there; one day was dedicated to site visits (I realized that as often as I’ve been to Fort Lauderdale I never visited the hotels there.) So, I reach out to a colleague and arranged a day of site visits. Yes Yes I ‘worked’, truth be told, but, I can’t help myself, I am one to seize the moments whenever/wherever they present themselves. I digress, as you can tell I LOVE what I do … it is truly not work for me. I LOVE LOVE discovering my surroundings. Yes Yes rest assured I did unplugged and rested.

Now we come to the reason why I called this month’s blog “it’s a small world afterall” . What I meant is that by a total fluke of life, I bumped into FOUR classmates that I graduated with in high school! I mean what are the chances? It was unbelievable! It started, with a post from Angie on social media, she stated she was at Pompano Beach. Seeing this, I immediately messaged her that I was there too and voila we met up and ended up spending the rest of the time together. (we’ve been friends on Facebook for years, however, we hadn’t actually seen each in over 35 years).. As we were catching up, a woman approach’s us, and she calls out my name, I turn around and BOOM there is another classmate on the same beach at the same time!!! It was Gemma!!! OMG OMG what are the chances … she explains she recognized my voice and had to come over to see if it was really me. DOUBLE BOOM!! I mean what are the chances!?! Needless to say we all spend our vacation together catching up and reminiscing. Then, one night, we were invited to Gemma’s condo for supper and TRIPLE BOOM!!! One of the other guests is another classmate from high school it was Mia!!!! Unbeknown to me Gemma had invited her to surprise us. Mia has been living in Florida for 20 years already!!! Well let me tell you “it’s a small small world” indeed. Wonderful evening spent catching up and reminiscing.. As if that was not enough, at the airport, on our way home, don’t I bump into one of my former bosses with his family heading back to YUL!! I mean really … WOW – GOOD GOSH GOLLY the randomness is unbelievable!

Ohhhhh, and BTW on vacation I so happen to closed Four Deals!!! Two were random calls that I closed then and there, and the other two I had been working on them already. You know, I was thinking at this rate, maybe I should stay there and work from there. It seems to be much more profitable…

Last but not the least I have special mentions:

♥ Auberge du Lac Taureau, Lanaudière;
FANTASTIC for groups and family outings –a resort in it’s self. Read more about it on my Suburban weekly Travel Blog here

♥ M-BIO SPA – Hotel Mount Stephan;
A MUST MUST try

♥ Patisserie Lasalle
YUMMO YUMMO – authentically Italiano

♥ Accro
A MUST MUST MUST attend event Sept 21,2017 link above

♥ Chapel Charm
Hidden GEM of a space, Charming, Cozy, Private, great for ANY types of occasions WOWZER

In Florida for the sites visits, a special thanks to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

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And finally, August was important to me because it marks the one year anniversary since my

Breast Cancer diagnosis. It’s an important milestone that shifted my life’s perspective.

OUFFFFFFAAAA so that was my month. How was yours?

Summer, what summer??

July 2017December 2022 in Blog

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Well, we’re right in the midst of “summertime” and no one can deny that Montreal is incredible in the summer (when it shows up). This month alone we had the International Jazz Festival – Just For Laughs Festival , and with the newly introduced Formula E-Car Racing needless to say it’s hopping here in Montreal!!

I started off the month with a visit to the Le Monastere des Augustines stayed overnight. It was a very ZEN experience, what a great place to escape too, (side note: even though it was work related research – I FULLY took advantage of it). Located right in the heart of Quebec City (and you don’t feel it at all). You can read more about this experience on my weekly online travel blog. Here is the link.

With my trusty partner in crime (Annie), we did some more R&D this time at Auberge Godefroy Hôtel-Spa-Golf in Becancour, Quebec. Once again, it was a 24hour stint. We explored and enjoyed every bit of zenness. It’s a very nice resort not too far from Montreal. Again, you can read more about the experience on my weekly travel blog. Here is the link.

Continuing our R&D quest, Annie and I did a few more site visits;

► Navark on the Boucherville Isles (which gets better and better every year BTW)
► Le Club Forest and Stream in Dorval right on the water. WOWZER!!

With my classes we did several outing including;

♥ Centre PHi – unique
♥ Olympic Stadium – newly renovated
♥ Evenko – impressively gigantic
♥ The Ritz Carlton Montreal including the Residences – sublimeness

As you can deduce I’ve done a few field trips with the students this month too.

Amoungst all this I somehow, managed to squeeze in being a tour guide for the day. What do I mean? Well a out of town colleague form; Guadalajara, Mexico, was in town and it was his first time in Canada let alone in Montreal. How could I resist not to show off my GORGEOUS city to him?! So, off we went touring and of course we hit all the infamously iconic Montreal spots … tons of #montrealmoments where shared… BTW, he LOVED it so much I think he will try to move here …. BOOM

And YES of course I worked on events: I executed a couple of client programs/events, managed a few consultations session (upcoming large incentive projects) and closed off the month off with a client’s employee appreciation party at Pointe A Calliere in beautiful Old Montreal. Although there was a lot of layers to this soiree.. it went extremely well and smooth. Bonus: we got to see fireworks at the annual Montreal Loto Quebec International Fireworks Competition that Saturday that night, England was being highlighted and it was quite a spectacle, as always.

Meanwhile the summer session at ilasalle and Lasalle College is winding down (which means vacation time for me – YAY!). Part of this was comprised of a Final Project that the students put on. WOW it was just a SPECTACULAR event. Keep in mind they don’t have much to work with and they pulled it off!! GREAT JOB!! It was themed “Beauty and the Beach”… We also took the opportunity to have a celebrator graduation lunch together.

Lastly but not the least, for the first time ever I was a guest invitee on a podcast!! What a PRETTY cool experience. My sister-in-law, Lory, and Jason, her side kick, have this weekly podcast called SideKicks in the City – SorryNotSorry as you can tell by the title it’s listen and view at your own risk and in my opinion it is FABULOUSLY cool!!

Here is the link should you want to watch it.

So as you have read this month was action packed with of lots of movement…

Hmmm… wonder what August has in store!

I predict some well deserved Rest ‘n Relaxation!!!

June adventuring – this my friends, is the life of a meeting planner!

June 2017December 2022 in Blog

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Soooo Spring is gone (already – never saw it come) WOWZER, and now it’s Summer, BOOM, how did that happen?!?! Where was I?!?!

The month got started with WPIC Montreal weekend course – Certifying Wedding Planners .. AWESOME Group with an AWESOME future … watch out Montreal the Wedding Planners are coming !!!

Then of course F1 Montreal Grand Prix every year I coordinate a client’s private events. It’s not very big and elaborate, however, quite fun. Every year during this time I help him with this … too bad I cannot share anymore the FABULOUSNESS of these fantastic parties. (I digress)

Also, coordinated and executed a few of my corporate client meetings programs this month too.. BUSY BUSY. Once that was completed, I left for a business trip to scout for locations in London. This trip was originally planned to happen last year. However due to my diagnose I had to postpone it while I was being treated. So GLAD I went what an eye opener it was!! London, England is just GORGEOUS place, I loved it sooo much I could easily move there (if asked to with the right offer)! You can read more in details about London via my online Travel Blog;

I came home from London and within 24 hours, I left for an annual conference where this year was held in Las Vegas. This one was all about Education for us Meeting Professionals. You know, I’ve gone to this conference every year, and no matter what, I learnt tons of ground breaking things. Too boot, I was even able to closed a few incentive deals that I’ve been working on. Ask me if I’m happy about this …. Well all I can say is cinching $$ cinching $$…

Speaking of Education; I can now understand when people ask me “Danie how do you do it!?!?”.
Let me explain; although I am traveling, I’m still committed to teaching, so, this time in order to fulfill my commitment, I arranged with the school, to give my classes online, via College LaSalle’s platform, pretty cool right? However, when there is a time difference, it means organizing yourself to get up at 3am every day (from London), basically, I set up all the alarms clocks available (which by-the-way I never need) to make sure I’d be up in time to give the classes. It was easier, when I was in Vegas I needed to be ready at 3pm (the complete polar opposite). Yes Yes, I’m crazy, however, I know how to pace myself in certain situations; I basically concocted a master plan of napping (which I never do normally) and got through it! KUDOS to me!!

For the rest of June I when I was in town, we got busy with site visits – attending industry events and somehow squeezing in a few overdue BBQ’s with friends!

Special mentions:
♥ Le Lunch  YUMMO a must
♥ Le Monastère des Augustines  ZEN is the word
♥ Ferreira Cafe  DELISH what more to say
♥ Musee Grevin  Wowzer
♥ Au Sommet (PVM)  SUBLIMENESS
♥ Le Mount Stephan Hotel  LOVE it
♥ Marritott Dorval Airport Montreal  FANTASIC service and hospitality
♥ JellFish  FOODPORN – INDULGENCE

PS: Ohhh and By The Way …. YES YES YES I got my license BACK !!!!!
I guess the 3rd time is a charm!!!

There are more travels in my future so be sure to check back again next month!

May- The month I got my BMW

May 2017December 2022 in Blog

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May- The month I got my BMW

May has been a tad trying, to say the least, however, as always, I trying to keep my head up and be as optimistic as possible. That’s the only thing you can do, right?

So this was a month where I did a lot of wishing and I got what I ‘wished’ for, which can be good and bad thing.

Let me explain…

I have always wanted to get a BMW, and this month, after losing my license (long story; here is the short version – got 5 tickets in a span of 2 years lost all my points), and failing my second attempt at the written exam. I basically ‘GOT’ my BMW wish and hubby reminded me; “Well Danie you finally got your BMW – bus, metro, walk.” GRRRRR. I’m retaking my written exam end of June so fingers crossed!! (OUFFAAAA boy do I NOT NOT need this!!)

I also wished I’d get to go to C2 Montreal, the annual high-end business conference held here in the city. And with my media credentials; thanks to my weekly Travel Blog with Suburban Newspaper online. It was a great experience. For this year, I decided to be an ‘explore’ and ‘observer’ so I can soak it all in. Next year, I will register for the Master-Classes, Brain-Dates etc… (although…I did sneak into some, just for a few minutes, and you could tell they were fantastic). Most of the 2 days I stayed in the Big Top where the main keynote speakers were, can’t express how exhilarating it was – gosh I’m so grateful!! (thanks universe for the opportunity). See you next year C@MTL.

The first two-ish weeks of the month I was still on vacation in Florida, meanwhile Annie (my partner in crime) ran a corporate event for me at Time Supper Club.

When I got back, summer classes started and am now teaching the usual Event Management classes at Lasalle College as well as the online version for ilasalle.

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We were graciously invited to Hotel Carling Golf – Resort for the weekend .. it was very nice. It used to be a very prestigious property back in the day (celebs used to go there for reclusion) any how it is going to be renovated. We got a sneak peak of the new look .. all I can say is WOWZER ..

Then I got a last-minute call to go to help out in Vancouver to give the Wedding Planner Certification course of WPIC (the instructor whom was supposed to do it had a last minute emergency). So hoped on the plane and spent a weekend in GORGEOUS Vancouver. (couldn’t say no to that!!)

All in all we (Annie and I) did few sites with the added industry networking activities this month with the continuously added tireless detail work on upcoming projects for clients. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but thank God they’re spread out properly!

So, in the end, I got my wish to go to C2MTL,(this was the good part)

However folks, be careful what you wish for .. because I also got my BMW wish -> Bus – Metro – Walk!!! GRRRRR

Here’s to a MORE promising June!

Murphy’s Law … April showered on me!!

April 2017December 2022 in Blog

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Spring has sprung, and while we haven’t had the warmest temps, the ‘rain’ has been plentiful. Pun totally intended. Hence why I’m quoting this month’s blog “Murphy’s Law”… what has to go wrong has gone wrong… (with a sliver lining)

Allow me to explain:

Here is the good part; on the business side Montreal Event Planner ‘s first quarter has been quite fruitful. All due to the rolling out of clients’ Incentive programs (6) and to boot I locally executed (3 events) Annual Health Fairs.

As usual, I’m constantly in search for and needing to be up-to-date with, new &/or renovated sites, so off we went to The Montreal Casino (did you know that they recently went through some renovations? It’s gorgeous now, and they even have spaces now for meetings, etc.), definitely a space to be reconsidered/reintroduced to my clientele. Also, scoped out the newest rental trends at Gervais Rentals and Celebrations Group.

On the school front; Lasalle College’s winter session is all wrapped up. The summer session begins in Mid-May.

Then, later in the month I headed to Ottawa for the weekend to certify future wedding planners WPIC (what an awesome group this was). Watch out Ottawa Wedding Industry, fierce new certified wedding planners are on the loose.

Here is the bad part; keep in mind what I am about to explain all happened in a span of three days consecutively… Started off a Thursday morning with taking the theory exam for my driver’s permit (yes I lost it due to points – yes I hired a lawyer went to court, won, got an extension with the premise that I needed to take a written exam regardless.) Well I took the exam and did not pass … Sooooo, yes my reality at the moment, is I’m without a license for the next 28 days. (as if that wasn’t bad enough) Later on that morning went back to the office to get some work done despite my disappointing experience. As I’m running my business, I suddenly realized my computer was being hacked into; I immediately called my IT people to handle the matter (thank god). Once all this was managed I went to do some online banking and BOOM … I realized that 1800$ was transferred from my account without my authorization.. Realizing I was frauded, I called the Bank and dealt with that… GRRRRR … so that was a day of hell. Then if that was not enough trauma. A few days later we are leaving for our planned vacation to Florida, when, as we were sitting on the plane, I realized I forgot the keys to my parent’s condo. So before the plane went airborne, I called in a panic, the property manager, explained the situation, asked if they could leave us the spare key to get in, with the intent to make a copy and return it, of course. Well did I get a rude surprise reply. BOOM … they explained to me that with the new condo regulations recently put into place. We are not allowed to have it nor where we allowed being there with out the owners!! DOUBLE BOOM.. WHAT?!?! Picture this, I’m in the plane about to take off and now realizing I would have no where to stay??!!?? What dictatorship!!! I mean it’s a private residence (my parent’s) and they are dictating who can be invited or not!?!?! WHAT?!?!? OUFFFAAA let me tell you, those three and a half hours in the air UBER stressed me out … I did not need this considering my health situation!!! Any how long story short ended up call a locksmith to open the door.. all is well that ends well. OUFFFFFAAAAA the first few days we felt like fugitives … then we calmed down. But let me tell you my stress went off the charts … it took the first 4 days of my vacation to calm down and to completely unwind… so much for the much needed R&R.

Let me wrap it up by wishing you all a great start to spring, and I will hopefully have new positive adventures to share with you next month.

Ta ta for now!

And the WINNER is ?!?!?!?!

March 2017December 2022 in Blog

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And the WINNER is ?!?!?!?!

OK, so it doesn’t quite feel like spring, but it is spring, and here’s what I did this month…

I was happy to execute two back-to-back corporate events. I also met and closed the contracts with a few future brides for 2018 with this we did some site visits.

Speaking of weddings was invited to facilitate a Wedding Workshop for a day this was fun fun fun.

Since we (Annie and I) were already on a mission to explore new venues for our clients’. We decided to get in the car and visit/revisit a few spaces. Especially since some recently underwent renovations and other changes, it goes without say, we also discovered some new spots too;

HeliCraft – great for team building
Le Richmond had a power lunch there, however, it’s great for 5@7 of a private corporate luncheon
Lemonade Work Space perfect spot for small private meetings
NK Tailor Design OMG OMG power suit heaven
Joe’s Props House needing some props for upcoming gigs
Sofa to Go new location plus new designs to discover
Eventex technology technology technology – GEEKY WOW
Bonaventure Hotel just GORGEOUS

About a year ago, I had won a night stay at the GRAND DAME Le Ritz Carlton Montreal and finally got to use it this month. I had been there a number of times for my clients’ events, however, never experienced it as an overnight guest. Goes without say the staff was superb, they treated us like royalty so much so that my husband and I had a couples massage, which was FABULOUSLY perfect.

And if that wasn’t enough, I received a lovely surprise from a supplier 2 tickets to the Impact Montreal Season Opener at the Big “O”.

And here is the part where my Blog title is explained; at the end of March, I decided to attend and fully experience the Canadian Special Events Conference and Trade Show .

A little bit of background: this where I was asked to be on the judging panel. You see last year, I just came and went. I felt I did not get the full experience. So this year I decided to invest more time and went for the FULL experience (Monday to Friday). Not only was I a judge, a few weeks in I find out I was also nominated for the Canadian Special Events Readers Digest Award in the category of Favorite Event Planner Independent!!!

canadian-secial-events-readers-choice-awards-vote-for-me-favorite-event-planner-independant-copy

WOW I was super stunned and honored for this. Reality is I knew the competition would be UBER fierce. Why?? Well I’m in Quebec and the competition was mostly in Ontario. Understand that the market in Quebec compared to Ontario is uber small… so already my chances of winning where slim .. please I’m not being negative … I’m being realistic. Although I didn’t win, the fact that someone recognized me was a super honour. For me, I won, especially because I am a ‘small fish’ in the ocean of ‘bigger fish’. All this said I was asked to present two awards at the gala. UBER HONOURED and HUMBLED !!!!

(I think this means I have arrived)

Ouff so this was my Crazy March = “Marzo Pazzo” …

Hopefully Spring is truly around the corner?

A LOVE-ly February

February 2017December 2022 in Blog

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Hello everyone! Hope you had a great month and a love-ly Valentine’s Day too!

It’s been a fantastic JAM-PACKED four weeks… excited to fill you in…

Started the month in Ottawa for an industry show specifically geared for the Associative market, as per usual it was enriching and awesome. There is always tons of learning to be done at this event, so I really enjoy going and reconnecting with my peers.

After Ottawa took an overdue scouting trip to Aspen, Colorado so worth the wait, needless to say it was awesome. I was quite surprised by how small (and quaint) of a town it was, don’t be mistaken it boasts BIG PERSONALITY, with beauty, peacefulness and let’s not forget the “APRÈS” (a.k.a. Après Ski for us. Anyhow, a fun-time was had by all.

BTW to read more about Aspen check out my online travel weekly blog on the Suburban Newspaper here.

Contrary to popular ‘assumptions’ .. YES I do work and of course rolled out several client events:

Workshop / Educational Seminar for my Technology clientele
Think Tank for my Financial Agency clientele

As per the past 6 years the English Montreal School Board does a Career Day for the local high school students. Whenever they get requests that some students want to become Event/Meeting Planner I get invited to speak on this subject. Of course (as some of you may know by now) I LOVE LOVE LOVE to share; “Aspire to Inspire”. Had the opportunity speak with two young ladies aspiring to become Event/Meeting Planners, loved to see the sparkle in their eyes.

Speaking of Inspiration… out of the blue, I was invited to speak (share my expertise) on Social Media Marketing at Dawson College’s Entrepreneur Incubator program. (ironically enough I was so impressed by them that they ended up inspired me too)

What an HONOUR … This year I was asked to be a judge (again) at three

Industry Award Show Extravaganzas;

The Canadian Special Events Show 2017 (held in Toronto)
Ottawa Wedding Awards (held in Ottawa)
RISE Awards is all about Corporate Events (held in Las Vegas)

Boy oh Boy you need to understand how HONOURED and THRILLED I am to partake in these …

It’s a BIG DEAL considering I’m a Montrealer and they came to get me …. WOOT WOOT !!!

judging-panel-of-the-ottawa-wedding-awards-2017

In between all this we managed to squeeze in a few site (re)visits all in the name of R&D for clients’ upcoming programs and events. So I’d like to thank the following venues and vendors for their usual hospitality;

Manoir Maplewood

OMG it’s gorgeous – perfect for a corporate retreat or small wedding

Hotel SPA Chateau Sainte-Adele

Uber spacious and tons of SPA treatments available

Hotel Quintessence Tremblant

OMG cannot justify my description a MUST experience all of your sense will be pleased

Evenko

SUBLIME they are taking over the event scene in Montreal and beyond this was a class outing with my Event Marketing students from College Lasalle

evenko-site-visit-students-lasalle-college-1

Hyatt Regency Montreal

Not only is it a ‘Sexy Hotel’ … I can add it’s the BEST placed Hotel in town come Festival season

Queue de Chevale

Meet/Event Planner’s luncheon basically the movers and shakers of the Montreal Corporate meetings scene.

Sucrerie de la Montagne

All I can say is YMMO YUMMO food porn

Bridal Boudoir

Always a pleasure to see what is new and reconnect with the vendors

Salon de la Moto

My personal indulgence … YES I LOVE LOVE LOVE motorcycles – (no I don’t own one) However, I HAD to go get my fill!!

And that’s all folks! Spring is slowing creeping in – see you in March!

To my cousin Roberto Pastuch

January 2017December 2022 in Blog

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OUFFF this month is dedicated to my late cousin Roberto Pastuch

Happy New Year to you all!!! May 2017 bring you HEALTH and tons of LOVE!!!

As for my start, well it’s been a rough one, one of my close cousins (same age) succumbed to liver cancer, @#$%^&*! Sorry but I needed to let it out … Cancer is always very difficult (I know been through it myself). However to lose a loved one so young and so fast sorry this is HARD to swallow!! “ROCK ON Robert ROCK ON”

Ok, moving forward, there was allot of work distractions to keep me busy this month.

First off I went on a three-day site visit to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; one word SPECTACULARLY SUBLIME (ok ok two words) and quite an eclectic spot, interesting to say the least.

Side Note: Gosh I am blessed, on behalf of my client’s needs I get to see and experience all this world has to offer … thanks universe (humbly).

Ok, back to Yellowknife … very rural and very naturally beautiful. You can read more about it on my weekly travel blog here is the link.

Also in the name of research and development we (Annie and I) did a few site visits this month for some of our clientele;
• Showcase 4Saison Event

• Bord’elle

• St. James Hotel site visit, including the luxurious penthouse suite, due to a client wanting to hold a private soiree there. OMG OMG no words can describe it .. one needs to see it.

• Intercontinental Hotel’s newly renovated GRAND Ballroom – FANTABULOUS it was…

As for my teaching ‘gig’ at Lasalle College , I’m very excited this session why you ask? Well started to teach Event Marketing (new class/challenges and LOVING it)… By the Way this is sooooo my true background.

I also traveled to Ottawa for an annual conference regarding the association market.
(I will share more with you next month on this)

One silver lining to my rocky January is that my health is fine.
All is healing and I’m feeling good.
I have a check-up with my oncologist end of February.

It’s been an action-packed January, to say the least. I’ll check back with you all in February!

Montréal, Québec

Call us anytime

514-212-5549

Busy moi … NEVER !!!!

A busy month, to say the least…

It’s a small world after all!

Summer, what summer??

June adventuring – this my friends, is the life of a meeting planner!

May- The month I got my BMW

Murphy’s Law … April showered on me!!

And the WINNER is ?!?!?!?!

A LOVE-ly February

To my cousin Roberto Pastuch