Articles – Montreal Event Planner

Awareness, Recognition & Celebration

October 2025December 2025 in Articles

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October always arrives with a sense of meaning, colour, and community—and this year was no exception. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month close to my heart, I proudly celebrated 9 years of strength, resilience, and gratitude. Each October serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how important it is to support others on their own journey.

This month brought exciting professional news as well: I was nominated once again, this time by Eventex, for their list of the Most Influential People in the Events Industry. It is always humbling to be recognized by organizations that celebrate excellence and innovation in our field. Speaking of the industry every year at around this time there is a wonderful annual educational conference I attend and once again it did not disappoint – love keeping up and making new connections …

I also attended the Planner of the Year Gala in Ottawa, where I was honoured as a nominee last month. The Gala happened now – while I didn’t take home the award, simply being part of such an inspiring evening surrounded by peers and leaders in the industry was a win in itself.

October was also filled with beautiful moments of family connection. We enjoyed a lovely outing to celebrate the wedding anniversary of my wonderful cousin on my husband’s side an evening full of warmth, stories, and shared memories. We also celebrated my sister-in-law Lory’s birthday at a wild and absolutely unforgettable restaurant that kept us laughing all night long.

Of course, October wouldn’t be complete without some festive fun. I had several Halloween outings with friends, embracing the playful spirit of the season and enjoying quality time together.

On the ‘other’ professional side, I participated in a few career fairs for Collège LaSalle, connecting with future students, sharing insights about the industry, and helping inspire the next generation of professionals. Supporting emerging talent is always one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

As the month wraps up, I’m grateful—for health, recognition, family, friends, and the opportunities to give back. October reminded me once again that life is enriched by both meaningful milestones and the simple joy of connection.

Here’s to stepping into November with a full heart.

A Month of Celebration, Connection & Unique Experiences

September 2025December 2025 in Articles

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September has always felt like a fresh start, and this year it arrived with joy, surprises, and so many memorable experiences.

First and foremost, I celebrated my birthday a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and opportunities that continue to enrich my life. I’m grateful for another year filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.

Reflections & Gratitude

September Birthday a Heartfelt THANK YOU + October Breast Cancer AWARENESS

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the Birthday wishes.

Each one feels like a gentle hug — a reminder of the love and connections that surround me.

Each message has been a reminder — not just of another year passing, but of the life I’ve lived so far.

As I pause to reflect, I’m moved by the quiet strength of friends who fight their battles every day, often unseen. I think of family members pushing through the challenges of daily life with resilience and hope. And I remember the many souls I’ve crossed paths with — those I’ve touched, and those who’ve touched me in ways words can barely capture.

There’s a humbleness in these reflections, a quiet gratitude that fills me up – a stillness that brings gratitude for every lesson, every smile, every struggle that has shaped me.

I feel serene, grounded, and ready to embrace whatever comes next with an open heart.

October being Breast Cancer Awareness and being a survivor, for me, the gratitude runs even deeper. Each birthday feels like a precious gift — a celebration not just of time, but of grace, strength, and second chances. My heart is with all my warrior sisters who are still fighting their battles :

I see you
I feel you
I’m praying for your healing, your hope, and your peace
You are not alone

Another milestone this year presented me a moment of deep Honor and Humility — being nominated as Planner of the Year in Ottawa. No, I didn’t win, but truly, the recognition itself filled me with pride and gratitude. To be seen and celebrated among such incredible ROCK STAR peers reminded me how fortunate I am to do what I love and to make a difference through my work.

Then comes my HUSBAND: you are my anchor and my calm in the chaos.

Your unwavering love and quiet strength shape my every day.

I’m endlessly thankful for your patience, your kindness, and the way you believe in me — even on days when I struggle to believe in myself.

To my FAMIGLIA: you are my heart and my foundation.

Your love, encouragement, and presence give me strength and purpose.

Thank you for surrounding me with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love through every season of life. I’m deeply grateful for each of you.

To my COLLEAGUES: You are more than coworkers; you are daily collaborators and companions on this journey. Thank you for the shared challenges, the laughter, and the teamwork that turn hard work into something meaningful. I’m grateful to grow and succeed alongside each of you.

To my CLOSE FRIENDS: you are my CHOSEN FAMILY — the ones who see me, hear me, and love me without conditions. Thank you for holding space for my truths, for standing by me through the ups and downs, and for being a steady light when I need it most.

Again – GRATITUDE isn’t just about saying “THANK YOU.”

It’s about recognizing the invisible threads of love, support, and trust that weave through our lives. Today, I hold those threads close to my heart and feel deeply grateful for the beautiful people who walk beside me.

I’m learning that gratitude isn’t only for the good times — it’s about recognizing the people who stay close through all of it. I wouldn’t be who I am, or where I am, without you.

Here’s to the next chapter — GRAZIE, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this journey with me.

Danie xoxo

The month was full of wonderful outings with friends, including a fundraiser that blended fun with purpose. It’s always inspiring to see how coming together can support causes that matter and strengthen our sense of community.

One of the standouts experiences this month was a dinner activity hosted by one of my destination suppliers. Instead of simply dining out, we actually made our dinner together! It was a creative, hands-on, laughter-filled evening that reminded me how food experiences can be just as memorable as the destinations themselves. A big thank-you to my supplier partner for such a unique and enjoyable event.

September also offered valuable professional learning through an industry event focused on destination education. Staying up to date on emerging locations, offerings, and trends is essential in our field, and these sessions always leave me energized with new ideas to bring to clients and programs.

And perhaps one of the most unexpected highlights… I got my “mini-me” figurine from Little Canada! Yes, my very own tiny figurine, perfectly crafted and such a fun keepsake. It’s incredible to see yourself miniaturized, and it definitely earned a top spot in this month’s memories.

As September wraps up, I’m feeling grateful for the celebrations, the laughs, the learning, and the wonderful people who make each month meaningful. Here’s to carrying all that good energy into October.

Milestones, Memories & Meaningful Moments

August 2025December 2025 in Articles

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August has always felt like a month of transition; summer slowing down, fall quietly approaching, yet this year it came with an extra sense of celebration, connection, and professional pride.

This month marked a very special milestone: our 39th wedding anniversary. Nearly four decades of partnership is something I cherish deeply and celebrating it reminded me how grounding strong relationships can be, especially today’s FAST PACED world. We also celebrated my niece Gabriella’s birthday, adding another joyful family moment to the month.

August also brought a wonderful touch of nostalgia with a mini high school reunion, held at a charming local restaurant. It was both heartwarming and surreal to reconnect, share stories, and see how everyone has grown. Adding in a fun family outing with my other niece Arianna, and the month felt full of the kind of moments that fill your cup.

On the professional side, August delivered several exciting highlights. I was honoured to be nominated for “Planner of the Year” by MPI Ottawa … a recognition that truly means a lot. It’s always rewarding to see hard work acknowledged by peers within our industry.

Nomination-MPI-Ottawa-Planner-of-the-Year-2025

I continued to stay inspired through a series of local hotel site visits, building relationships and discovering fresh spaces for future programs. These visits always spark creativity and help me envision new possibilities for clients and events.

One of the standout moments this month was attending an CMEE annual conference in Toronto. It was energizing to connect with fellow professionals, exchange new ideas, and stay ahead of industry trends. I’m grateful for opportunities that allow me to grow and bring back insights to elevate my work. And am proud to share that I’ve been invited to serve as one of the judges for a Hall of Fame Gala. Being part of the selection process for an event that celebrates excellence in our field is both an honour and a meaningful responsibility.

As August wraps up, I’m grateful for the celebrations, the connections, the recognition, and the momentum. Here’s to carrying this positive energy into the fall season and continuing to make an impact, both personally and professionally.

Connections, Celebrations & Closing Chapters

July 2025August 2025 in Articles

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July has always felt like a bridge—the moment summer begins to peak, but also when we start feeling the whisper of autumn around the corner. This year, that bridge was filled with connection, growth, and meaningful milestones, both professionally and personally.

What I mean by this is it was a month rich in conversations. Even though we weren’t always face-to-face, platforms like Teams proved that meaningful networking doesn’t require a boardroom or ballroom. I had a series of productive and inspiring virtual meetings—each one reminding me just how important it is to keep professional relationships warm and engaged. Whether it was catching up with longtime colleagues or connecting with new faces, these virtual exchanges were fuel for future collaborations.

In between screens and schedules, I managed to sneak away for a site visit up north in the Laurentians once again at a different location. In the end I noticed that nature has its own way of recharging us, and this particular spot was brimming with potential. There’s something about scouting new locations that always excites me with the possibility of creating unforgettable experiences in new spaces is what keeps my event planning spark alive.

July also brought time to pause and celebrate my mom, brother and niece’s birthdays. These intimate family moments are the anchor points in my calendar an opportunity to slow down, laugh, share stories, and simply be present. No big production, just heartfelt time together although it must be said the food and cakes were definitely a showstopper…yummo!!!

On the academic front, the summer semester came to a close. As always, wrapping up a term brings a sense of accomplishment mixed with nostalgia. I’m proud of my students and the progress they made, especially during a time when balancing life and learning isn’t always easy. Teaching continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of my professional life, it keeps me grounded, curious, and always evolving.

As July fades, I’m carrying forward the connections I’ve nurtured, the places I’ve explored, and the memories I’ve made. August will bring its own rhythm and adventures but for now, I’m taking a quiet moment to appreciate the fullness of this past month.

Let’s keep the conversations going, the ideas flowing, and the celebrations meaningful.

August here I come … see you then!! 😊

Friendship, Celebrations & New Adventures

June 2025August 2025 in Articles

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As summer finally settled in, June blossomed into a month of connection, celebration, and exploration. It was one of those months that reminded me how important it is to nurture friendships, celebrate life’s joyful moments, and keep pushing forward both personally and professionally.

There’s something incredibly powerful about taking the time to celebrate with the people who lift us up. This June, I found myself surrounded by amazing friends I’ve known for years, others I’ve met more recently but who feel just as essential to my journey. We laughed, shared stories, toasted to good health and success, and reminded each other that family and friendships fuel us. These little get-togethers may seem simple, but they recharge the soul in big ways.

June also brought the high-octane energy of Formula 1 racing season here in Montreal. And this year, as most, I dove in with enthusiasm, it’s like the city awakens; from themed watch parties to race-inspired menus and décor, these gatherings turned into much more than just events they are pure experiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the F1 world, there’s something electrifying about sharing the roar of the engines and the drama of the race. But the parties were earthshattering filled with energy and style. What a thrilling sensation – it never gets old.

Mid-June took me to Kingston, Ontario and then to what I call the Spanish Riviera >> Tenerife, Canary Island. WOW to both destinations. Once again, we attended dynamic and insightful conferences. Set against the backdrops of charming cities, rich in history and culture, these destinations offered an opportunity to learn, network, and reflect. These sessions are valuable as always, what stood out most was the great connections with industry professionals from across the world. This opens doors to new ideas and potential collaborations.

Another highlight this month was a site visit. You see, at one of these conferences I was invited to discover/explore certain an area in the Laurentides (basically cottage country for the Montrealer). I was adventure-focused in a fast-paced environment. This place specializes in immersive teambuilding experiences. Nestled in nature, it offers the kind of environment that encourages teams to unplug, connect, and grow together. Exploring these grounds, trying out some of the activities, gave me a burst of creativity that these spaces are where corporate meets nature—where leadership, collaboration, and fun come together in the most organic way. I can’t wait to bring to life.

So, as you can see, June was proof that when you balance work with celebration, adventure with reflection, and connection with growth one can create magic.

July promises to be just as vibrant, and I’m stepping into it with a full heart and big plans. Until next time. Remember celebrate often, laugh loudly, and keep racing toward what lights you up.

with humble gratitude see you in July….

Month of Momentum and Quiet Wins

May 2025August 2025 in Articles

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May came in like a soft breeze—steady, refreshing, and full of promise. After months of building, balancing, and brainstorming, May felt like everything was beginning to align. It wasn’t about grand gestures or faraway trips this time. It was about refining, reconnecting, and letting the work speak for itself.

With the winter semester behind me, I shifted into creative mode, preparing, refining new content, for summer semester and future course plans, and giving my full attention to the projects that were once on the back burner. Teaching remained a steady rhythm in my week, but without the weight of a fully loaded session this time, I actually had room to breathe.

I embraced the chance to tweak, improve, and explore new angles for my students and clients alike. The quieter pace was just what I needed to think more clearly and move more intentionally.

On the planning side, this month was strategic. No major events on the ground, but a lot happening behind the scenes. I spent my days shaping upcoming client programs, revisiting concepts, and sourcing new opportunities for the months ahead.

There’s something deeply satisfying about this stage of the process—the quiet before the spotlight. It’s where the magic begins. Ideas are still malleable. Creativity is wide open. And every decision feels like it’s building toward something meaningful.

This month was also rich in relationships. Basically, nurturing existing ones but also revisiting new ones I sparked in April. Follow-up meetings, intentional collaborations, and continued networking gave me a strong sense that the right people were falling into place at just the right time.

These weren’t just “nice to meet you” moments. They were “let’s build something” conversations. The kind that plant roots and get you excited for what’s next.

Montreal in May is a mood all its own. The city slowly thaws into color and celebration, and that shifts in energy. Even on my busiest days, I carved out space for small pleasures—morning coffees, quiet walks, and family celebrations with enjoying a concert or two. These moments help me reconnect with myself.

On the event planning front, May was exploratory. I was invited to the Dominican Republic to do site visits; re-discovering this destination with new area and properties being developed that are soon going to be THE HOTTEST spots in the DR stay tuned. There’s something so exciting about walking through a fresh space for the first time imagining how this can be transformed, how the energy could flow, how details might come to life.

May also carried forward the networking momentum I built in the spring. I attended C2 MTL. This conference although not at all related to my industry is AWESOME… Engaging in meaningful ways that I STILL cannot wrap my head around. What began as simple curiosity thing is now shaping into an annual MUST for me.

May wasn’t loud. It wasn’t flashy. But it was meaningful. It was full of intention and subtle wins the kind that builds momentum without needing to announce themselves.

See you next month…. 😊

April Escapades: Bridging

April 2025June 2025 in Articles

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April arrived with a mix of offer and fresh energy. The kind of month that feels like both an ending and a beginning all at once. It was a time for wrapping up, reflecting, reconnecting, and planting seeds for what’s next. A true bridging month.

First off we celebrated my brother inlaw’s Birthday, reconnecting with friends and Easter with family. These celebrations are great to keep us coming together and staying connected.

The mid part of April was all about closing the winter semester. That meant donning my teacher’s hat full-time—writing and correcting final exams, reviewing projects, and guiding students through their final push. It’s the kind of work that demands focus, attention, and care… and I gave it all. And in return (to my surprise) I received a flood of LOVE right back from those students. I’m telling you it is a sincere honor that took the time to write me appriciation notes.. worth the HARD work!!!

There’s a quiet satisfaction that comes from closing out a term. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about witnessing growth—watching how far students have come and knowing you had a hand in their journey. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Every time.

On the event planning side, April marked a bit of a shift. Most of the client event programs were wrapped up, leaving space to turn the page and begin shaping new projects. It was the perfect time to reflect on what worked, what wowed, and what’s worth reimagining.

This slower pace (relatively speaking!) also gave me time to explore new ideas and collaborations that have been simmering in the background.

This is the perfect time for suppliers to come and do their ‘magic’ with their networking events – really Sales Calls but hey who’s counting. These gatherings weren’t just about exchanging business cards. They were about meeting new people, sparking strategic alliances, and opening doors to fresh possibilities. There’s something incredibly inspiring about being surrounded by peers and professionals who speak the same language of creativity, logistics, and vision. It reminded me why I do what I do—and how much room there still is to grow.

More than anything, April was about bridging and preparation. The preparation for a new academic year. The preparation for the next wave of client events. The preparation for where I want to go next both professionally and personally.

It wasn’t a flashy month, but it was a meaningful one. And sometimes, those are the months that matter most.

See you in May….

Work, Teach, Repeat and Thrive

March 2025July 2025 in Articles

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March arrived like a gentle wake-up call. After the warmth and celebration of the past few months, it was time to return to the rhythm of real life “back to reality” doesn’t have to mean same old dame old. Especially when your calendar includes a whirlwind trip to Marrakech, Morocco.

March was all about keeping things going and on track. Kept teaching online, managing my events, and keeping all of it at a steady pulse with a jam-packed schedule. Having said all this somehow, I’m loving the flow: it’s all about the familiarity, structure, and momentum. In other words, the constant evolution of my work.

Every Teams class, every meeting, every deadline, in the end it all matters. Ohhhh and It’s quite demanding, yes, but also deeply rewarding.

This was also a month for networking. With my busy jam-packed schedule, I made an extra effort of showing up weather online, in person for all industry events. These tend to spark conversation, collaboration, and opportunity. There’s an energy that comes from being in a room full of people who are passionate about what they do. That energy? It fueled me all month long.

The highlight of March? Was a four-day trip to Marrakech for a conference that blended business with cultural richness. It wasn’t a vacation it was an immersive, eye-opening experience.

Marrakech was every bit as enchanting as one imagines: the red-toned architecture, the bustling souks, the scent of spices in the air. But this trip wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about education and learning. The conference brought together voices and ideas from all over, creating space for meaningful dialogue and reflection.

Even though the trip was brief, it was impactful. Between sessions and networking, I took in the city’s vibrancy, its deep history, and its unique rhythm. Marrakech reminded me that business can be beautiful, and learning can happen anywhere—even halfway across the world.

Right after the Moroccan trip we fly out west to Lake Louise Banff what a wonder and what a CONTRACT of weather.. Been to Lake Louise several times during different seasons and my favorite one is all the season it has it’s beauty all on it’s own… Just breathtakingly WOWZER.

As March came to a close, I felt grounded. Recharged. Reminded that even “back to reality” can include color, connection, and moments of inspiration. It’s not always about escaping it’s about weaving the extraordinary into the everyday.

Tah Tah see you in April ….

Milestones & Moments

February 2025June 2025 in Articles

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February has always carried a certain sweetness, but this year. It was something special. A month of celebration, connection, and quietly powerful moments that made me pause and smile—despite the chill in the air (and in some moments, in my bones!).

The birthday streak continued February didn’t hold back on the festivities. There’s something heartwarming about starting the year surrounded by reasons to celebrate life, and this month delivered in the most meaningful way.

The heart of the month? My husband’s 65th birthday a milestone that deserved more than cake and candles. We celebrated with a trip to the Islands, and it was nothing short of magical. I had planned a special outing, but what truly made it unforgettable was how the hotel staff went out of their way to make him feel honored and cherished.

There’s something deeply touching about watching someone you love to feel genuinely celebrated. His smile said it all. From the thoughtful gestures to the gentle breeze over dinner, the day was perfect—one of those golden moments you want to bottle up forever. .

Of course, life didn’t press pause. I continued working remotely, juggling emails, projects, and teaching my online courses. There’s a unique satisfaction in being able to stay connected and productive, even while traveling. It’s not always easy—but it’s absolutely worth it.

I’ve come to love the rhythm of work-meets-wander, of Zoom calls under tropical skies and lesson plans balanced with life experiences. For instance, was once again invited to join Jasmine’s podcast. It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to choose between passion and purpose—we can live both.

Even when the weather whispers winter, February felt warm. Maybe it was the milestone moments, the laughter, the sense of gratitude that lingered in the air. Or maybe it was just that this month reminded me how beautiful it is to show up .. for work, family, love, and life. Even though it is a juggling act…

Ok ok enough mushiness – see y’all in March.

Remotely

January 2025June 2025 in Articles

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Burr, welcome to January. Happy New Year everybody. Hope everybody had a great New Year’s. Wishing you all the best. Tons of health, wealth and happiness, of course.

Houffaa, what I month it was. Client conferences to organizing and coordinate with eventual execution. Love doing it remotely … one of the benefits of the COVID situation… (it opened doors to remote work).

It’s nice that I can travel and work, truth be told is can be unbalancing at times. Truth be told I am getting accustomed to it. (who’d of thunk it)

This month there were a few birthdays. So of course, they were celebrated (my brother’s girlfriend and my Dad’s)…

Oh and of course the start of the winter session at Lasalle College … this session I chose all online courses. It was a conscious choice due to my hip issues. What I mean is I purposely chose those types of classes to try and heal myself physically … meaning not to be exposed too much to the cold humidity … YES, I am now there… (not fun getting old) and so far this method seems to have worked out …(fingers crossed)

The first quarter is always working on a few upcoming projects for clients and getting the chance of bidding on other ones… When I reflect at times and think of it’s time to stop working on events in general … BOOM multiple opportunities come my way… So it makes me wonder I guess it’s not time yet … is life trying to tell me … no Daniela not yet!!

Speaking of plans, wrapping this month up for now …

see you in February… Stay warm!!

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Awareness, Recognition & Celebration

A Month of Celebration, Connection & Unique Experiences

Milestones, Memories & Meaningful Moments

Connections, Celebrations & Closing Chapters

Friendship, Celebrations & New Adventures

Month of Momentum and Quiet Wins

April Escapades: Bridging

Work, Teach, Repeat and Thrive

Milestones & Moments

Remotely