July… Birthdays, Busy Days & a Whole Lot of Sunshine! ☀️🍦🎉

If I had to describe July in one word, it would be CELEBRATION!                                                                   Seriously… I think we spent most weekends singing “Happy Birthday!” 🎂

This month we celebrated my beautiful niece Arianna’s birthday, my brother Dario’s birthday, and my mom’s birthday. July is definitely our family’s birthday month, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s always wonderful getting everyone together, sharing laughs, enjoying good food, and making more memories.

Also brought my mother in-law to her home and visit her garden – she is now wheelchair bound and cannot do things for herself 100% – hubby and I try to make her happy and bring her to her beloved home as best we can… it is physically not an easy task. however, we did it… hopefully we can do more of this for her.

On the School work front, another successful Summer Session has officially wrapped up. There’s always a sense of accomplishment when another session comes to an end, and now it’s time to start looking ahead to what’s next.

Collaborated at a weeklong Annual medical conference all about the HUMAN EYE … amazing on the advancements and continuing education in the medical field  … it’s nice to know that research is really going on .. IYKYK – Thousands of delegates travelled from across Canada and around the world for continuing education focused solely on ophthalmology. I have to admit… I found it absolutely fascinating. An ENTIRE conference dedicated to one tiny part of the human body? Good God in heaven… WOWZERS! The level of expertise, research, technology, and innovation was incredible. It really makes you appreciate just how specialized medicine has become.

One of the unexpected highlights this month was being spoiled by some of our amazing suppliers. Their thoughtful little keepsakes were such a lovely surprise and a wonderful reminder of the relationships we’ve built over the years. It’s the little gestures that often mean the most.

Of course, it wasn’t all work! We managed to spend some quality time catching up with friends, and in a summer as hot as this one… well… ice cream became less of a treat and more of a survival strategy! 🍦😂 Hubby and I made several trips to our favourite ice cream spot because honestly… when it’s hot, hot, HOT, there’s really no better excuse.

I was also fortunate enough to be invited to a few supplier tastings showcasing some new concepts. While they may not necessarily fit my client preference, but you never know (again IYKYK) I always enjoy seeing the creativity, innovation, and passion behind new ideas. There’s always something to learn, and I appreciate being able to experience them firsthand.

To finish off an already busy month, I treated myself to something that had been long overdue—a wonderful spa day with a dear friend. And baking up a storm of assorted cookies…                              

Sometimes the best way to recharge isn’t a vacation. It’s simply slowing down, relaxing, enjoying great conversation, and allowing yourself a little self-care or should call it SPA days.

As July ends, I’m feeling grateful.

Grateful for family celebrations.
Grateful for friendships.
Grateful for meaningful work.
Grateful for unexpected kindness.
And yes… grateful for air conditioning and ice cream! 😄

Here’s to making the most of the rest of the summer. I can’t wait to see what August has in store.

Until next month…
Stay cool, stay kind, and keep making memories. 💛

June Reflections: New Discoveries, New Experiences & A Little Bit of Magic                                  

If there was one word to describe June, it would be experience.

As meeting planners, we often spend our time creating memorable moments for others. This month reminded me just how important it is to pause and enjoy those moments ourselves.

 

One of the highlights of June was returning to Regina, Saskatchewan for another series of incredible site visits. Every destination has a story to tell, and Regina certainly didn’t disappoint. From touring another beautiful local farm to discovering unique venues and hidden gems, I was reminded once again that the best event destinations are those that embrace their local culture and community.

The visit was filled with unexpected experiences. We enjoyed a traditional High Tea, rolled up our sleeves for some hands-on science experiments, immersed ourselves in Indigenous cultural evening, spent an evening at a local theatre production, and, by pure chance, stumbled upon an impromptu concert by one of our favourite classic bands. Those unplanned moments often become the ones you remember most.

Back home in Montreal, the excitement continued.

I had the opportunity to attend Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO show, as a VIP and as always, it was nothing short of spectacular. The creativity, athleticism, storytelling, and artistry continue to remind me why live entertainment has such a powerful impact on audiences.

Professionally, June wrapped up another successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) for one of my clients. There’s always a wonderful sense of accomplishment when months of planning come together seamlessly, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch everything unfold exactly as envisioned.

Another memorable invitation came from Tourism Korea, where I was treated to a luncheon exploring authentic Korean cuisine right here in Montreal. Food has an amazing way of bringing people together, and it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Korean culture through its incredible flavours and hospitality. And the ‘re-opening/re-introduction of two location for the CINEPLEX Theatres one in Brossard and the other in TMR’s new Royalmount shopping mall

Not every memorable event has to be work-related, though.

One of our neighbours’ daughters got married this month, and for once, my husband and I had the pleasure of attending simply as guests. No timelines to manage. No registration desk. No last-minute logistics. Just the joy of celebrating love, catching up with friends, and enjoying a beautiful evening. It was a refreshing reminder of what our guests experience when everything comes together perfectly.

June reinforced something I’ve always believed: inspiration comes from everywhere. Whether it’s exploring a new city, discovering different cultures, enjoying live performances, sharing incredible meals, or celebrating life’s milestones with family and friends, every experience makes us better planners—and better people.

 

Here’s to embracing the unexpected, saying yes to new adventures, and finding inspiration around every corner.

 

Until next month…

Conversations, Connections & Crossing Oceans

If there is one word that sums up May, it would be connection.

Some months are filled with deadlines and checklists. Others remind you why you love what you do. May was definitely one of those months.

The month began with several industry conferences, where every conversation seemed to spark a new idea. It’s always energizing to spend time with fellow event professionals, partners, and colleagues who continue to push our industry forward. Whether discussing emerging trends, sharing challenges, or celebrating successes, these gatherings remind me that our profession is built on relationships as much as logistics.

In between conferences, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful luncheon supplier that represent French destinations specifically. There is something inspiring about hearing how destinations continue to reinvent themselves while staying true to their culture and heritage. As a meeting planner, these conversations are invaluable, not only for discovering new venues and experiences but for building partnerships that can create memorable programs for future clients.

The networking continued over dinner with representatives from beautiful Fredericton, New Brunswick. Every destination has its own story to tell, and Fredericton certainly knows how to showcase its warm hospitality, rich culture, and growing appeal for meetings and events.

These evenings remind me that some of the best business conversations happen around a dinner table.

Of course, work is only one part of life’s journey; meaning that this month we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday (93Years young) what a wonderful opportunity to gather as a family, share memories, laugh together, and appreciate the moments that matter most.

Another reminder, in the midst of busy schedules, these celebrations become treasured memories.

Speaking of memories, there was also time to reconnect with friends over supper. Sometimes the simplest evenings become the most meaningful. Good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughter have a way of recharging the soul.

And then… because life apparently wasn’t busy enough… I squeezed in a quick FAM (familiarization) trip to Fiji. (yes Fiji)

Although brief, Fiji once again reminded me why it remains one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Stunning landscapes, warm smiles, exceptional hospitality, and experiences that perfectly blend relaxation with adventure make it easy to understand why so many incentive groups dream of visiting these beautiful islands. Every visit offers new inspiration and reinforces the importance of experiencing destinations firsthand before recommending them to clients. 

Looking back, May was a month of movement—across conference halls, dinner tables, family celebrations, friendships, and even across the Pacific Ocean.

Every meeting, every destination, and every conversation added another chapter to this incredible journey I’m fortunate to call both my career and my passion.

Here’s to continuing to build relationships, discovering new places, and always making time for the people who matter most.

Until next month…

April Reflections — Slowly Stepping Back into the Light

April felt like a month of quiet transition for me.

After a very difficult end to last year and an equally challenging beginning to this one, (personally speaking) I found myself slowly emerging from what felt like a self-imposed cocooning. Although I had been invited to many industry events and social gatherings over the past several months, I simply did not feel emotionally ready to fully participate. Instead, I chose to reconnect gently and gradually — spending small amounts of time with close friends and family, one step at a time.

It was not an overnight transformation, but little by little, I started allowing myself to socialize again. Even the smallest moments of connection began helping my mood more than I realized.

Another significant part of April was continuing the emotional process of clearing out my parents’ home alongside my brother. While difficult at times, there were also meaningful and beautiful moments throughout the process. One that truly touched my heart was being able to donate many of my mother’s sewing materials and fabrics to Lasalle College THE Fashion Design and Marketing school in Montreal.

A bit of background; my mother was a professionally trained seamstress, and sewing was such an important part of her life during the golden era of the ICONIC fashion district in the Chabanel area of Montreal. Seeing her fabrics being appreciated by students and educators brought a sense of comfort and purpose. It made my mother and I feel good knowing that nothing went to waste and that a small part of her passion would continue inspiring others.

Now, we continue the next chapter of sorting through her treasured sewing machines — both over 60 years old and still fully functional. They truly do not make them the way they used to.

On a lighter and much sweeter note, April also brought a little tradition back into our lives. My husband and I went to a traditional Québec “Cabane à Sucre” — or sugar shack — outing. We had not done that in years, and it felt nostalgic and comforting all at once.

For those unfamiliar, it is a beloved Québec tradition centered around maple syrup season, where sap is collected from the trees, processed into maple syrup, and enjoyed through classic rustic meals and treats. Delicious? Absolutely. Healthy in large quantities? Probably not! But sometimes traditions are simply good for the soul.

As the month continued, I also began attending a few networking events within my industry again. Nothing too overwhelming — just enough to slowly reconnect with people, conversations, and professional energy that I had missed. 

So overall, April was about re-emerging. Slowly. Carefully. Quietly.

And honestly, that was enough.

Something tells me May may turn out to be a much more exciting month… so stay tuned. I will definitely share all about it next time.

Closing Chapters & Protecting Peace

“Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that protect your peace.”

March has been a month of contrasts professionally fulfilling, yet personally one of the most challenging periods I have had to navigate.

On the professional side, I continue to balance my dual roles in planning client meetings and teaching. The rhythm of ongoing projects, classes, and coordination remained steady, grounding me in structure and purpose. One of the most significant highlights this month was the successful completion of a major project another milestone that required months of dedication, attention to detail, and resilience. Seeing it come to fruition once again was both rewarding and motivating.

With that chapter now closed, my focus has naturally shifted toward the future. Planning for next year’s client incentive programs is already underway, alongside the development of new proposals and opportunities. It is an exciting phase one filled with possibility, creativity, and, as always, a touch of anticipation. Fingers crossed for what lies ahead.

Meanwhile, we’ve ‘adopted’ a few ‘wild’ companions the neighbourhood jackrabbits, finches, cardinals, with the occasional bluebird and crow (yes the squirrels are there too) each visit bringing a gentle sense of joy we didn’t realize we were missing.

Beyond the professional sphere, March has tested me in ways that are difficult to fully put into words. Some personal challenges run deep, and this month has brought me face-to-face with just how complex and heavy those moments can be. At times, the path forward becomes clear not because it is easy, but because it is necessary.

There are moments in life when protecting your peace is no longer optional it becomes essential. This month has been about recognizing those moments, even when they come with difficult decisions and emotional weight. It is not easy to step back, to create distance, or to redefine boundaries, especially when it involves people and relationships that have long been part of your life. But growth often asks for courage in its quietest and most uncomfortable forms.

Through these challenges, there have also been lessons about resilience, self-respect, and the importance of honoring one’s own well-being. While some chapters may be closing, they are making space for clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of direction.

March, in many ways, has been about endings  but also about the quiet beginning of something stronger within.

As I move into April, I do so with intention: to continue building, creating, and moving forward while staying grounded in what truly matters.

February Reflections: Love, Loss, and Quiet Strength

February often feels like a quiet bridge between the beginning of the year and the promise of spring. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and full schedules can make the month feel long, but this February carried a depth that will stay with me forever.

 

The month began with moments of celebration. Family gathered to finally celebrate missed Christmas, New Year and Birthdays it reminded me how important it is to pause and honor life’s milestones. A couple of meaningful highlights were to celebrate my dad, nephew  & husband’s birthdays. To boot the infamous Valentine’s Day all roll into one…  

For me it’s a reminder to celebrate everyone’s life they are ALL important all the time but especially when life feels uncertain. Yet February was also marked by profound challenges.

Professionally, February continued at a steady pace. I remained engaged with my work and teaching online, finding comfort in routine and connection. Work became both an anchor and a reminder of purpose during a time when life felt especially heavy. It was teachers’ appreciation week, at school and I received KUDOS from some of my students (that was lovely and much needed).

I also was scheduled to have my cataract operation on the right eye – all went well just the wait-times where uber long.

Back to my dad’s health, I saw it kept declining significantly during this time. He faced immense struggles and lived with great pain; he was at home surrounded by compassionate nurses and doctors who tended to him with care and dignity. As the days passed, it became clear to me that the end was near. And at the end of this month, my father passed on. Losing him has been deeply painful, and words still fall short. What remains are the memories, the lessons, and the love that will always stay with us. What give me solace is he is out of pain and is free to do what he wants when he wants where he wants…. ENJOY your freedom PAPA.  https://www.domainefuneraire.com/avis-de-deces/antonio-caputo 

Alongside this loss, our family has also been navigating another difficult transition. My mother-in-law’s rehabilitation therapy journey is coming to an end. While we had hoped she might return home, her needs now require full-time care. This means making the emotional decision to move her into a permanent residence where she can receive 24/7 support.  It is not an easy step, but it is one made with love, responsibility, and her well-being at the center.

February taught me that joy and grief can exist side by side. That celebrations can happen even as hearts are breaking. And that strength often shows up quietly—through showing up, making hard decisions, and continuing forward one day at a time.

As we move toward spring, I carry February with me not just for its challenges, but for the love, resilience, and humanity it revealed.

 

Holding It All Together (One Day at a Time)

January arrived without easing us into the year. No soft landing. No gentle reset. Instead, my husband and I have found ourselves bouncing from hospital to hospital—yes, the dilemma continues—trying to be present, make sense of medical updates, and hold space for everyone involved while quietly managing our own exhaustion.

This month, my dad spent his 89th birthday in the hospital. Alone, yet not alone. We did go see him to celebrate him BUT not in the usual way …. of course he was surrounded by care, however, it’s not the same when the family surrounds you. For me it’s one of those moments that stays with you the kind that reminds you how fragile time really is. It wasn’t fun. It was heavy. And it was heartbreaking in ways that are hard to put into words.

On the professional front, life didn’t pause either. Several of my client incentive programs required significant adjustments. I was originally meant to spend a few months in Punta Cana, on-site, supporting and executing these programs hands-on. That plan had to change. Instead, I’m managing everything remotely. While it may sound manageable on paper, the reality is far more complex. The extra coordination, constant communication, time zone juggling, and problem-solving from afar add a layer of work that’s hard to fully explain unless you’ve lived it. Still, the work continues. Commitments are honored. Somehow, it always gets done.

In the midst of all this, there were also meaningful professional moments that reminded me why I love this industry. I have the honor of serving as a judge for the CMEE industry awards (for the 2nd year) often described as the Oscars of our field. Being part of recognizing excellence, creativity, and resilience within our community was both grounding and uplifting during an otherwise heavy month.

Back in the classroom, I also welcomed a guest speaker who came to inspire my students. Watching their engagement, curiosity, and excitement was a quiet but powerful reminder that mentorship, learning, and encouragement still matter perhaps now more than ever.

In between hospitals, calls, and schedules, we are trying very intentionally to normalize life. Making time for simple activities with friends. Sharing a coffee. Stepping outside, even briefly. These small moments matter more than ever; they ground us and remind us that connection is essential when everything else feels uncertain.

As if all of this weren’t enough, January has delivered exceptionally extreme cold, the kind that makes even the simplest tasks feel heavier. Example my mom, dealing with intense anxiety and increasing difficulty in walking, is essentially cooped up at home. Visiting my dad at the hospital is simply too physically not to mention mentally demanding right now. Watching her struggle with that reality and her wanting so deeply to be by his side, is yet another quiet layer of heartbreak to our days collectively.

We—the kids on both sides—are doing our very best to cope. To support. To show up. To juggle responsibilities, emotions, and expectations while trying to remain steady for everyone else.

January hasn’t offered neatly packaged lessons or shiny moments of inspiration. It has been about endurance. I mean just seeing my mother-in-law after her MASSIVE STROKE struggling day in and day out trying to get back her ‘norm’ in rehab (she is 92years of age) is quite humbling and life changing.  All we can do is basically show up. And realize we can only do the best we can with what we have, even when it feels like not enough.

And yet, even in all this heaviness, there are quiet reminders that keep us going. A kind nurse. A thoughtful message from friends. A shared moment of laughter when we least expect it. We’re learning to measure progress not in big wins, but in small mercies—in getting through the day, in showing up for one another, in choosing compassion over being overwhelmed.

January has asked a lot of us, but it has also reminded us of our resilience, our love, and our ability to keep moving forward, one steady step at a time. Welcome to LIFE !!

A Month of Reflection, Reality & Resilience

December always arrives with a certain kind of magic — a blend of celebration, reflection, and quiet anticipation for what lies ahead. This year, however, December asked for something different. It became a month that gently and abruptly reminded us of how fragile, precious, and unpredictable life can be.

Early this month I organized our year end (what I call) Mini-High school Reunion supper. What fun I try to do every 2 – 3 months out of the year … It’s a LOVELY way to gather and reconnect with our youth and high school buddies.

We where ‘freshly back’ from a yearly Incentive Conference in Athens, Greece. What another LOVELY LOVELY part of the world – and the HISTORY it tells WOWOWOWOWOWOW.

BOOM BOOM life exploded…

Mid-month, my father was hospitalized due to a fluid accumulation in his lung, which then spread to his leg and foot. The swelling was so severe that walking became extremely difficult for him. As a result, Christmas with the Caputo clan was cancelled until further notice a small decision on the surface, but one that carried a heavy emotional weight on the entire family.

Just days later, our world shifted again. My mother-in-law suffered a massive, massive stroke, and we almost lost her. Her entire left side is now paralyzed. The shock the double shock, really on both sides of the family was overwhelming and deeply humbling.

Both are currently hospitalized and slowly recovering, and for that we are incredibly grateful. Still, the road ahead is long for each of them. Moments like these have a way of pulling you sharply back into reality, reminding you how quickly life can change in an instant. I’ve always known this, having experienced sudden life shifts before, but when it happens again, it hits differently. It forces you to pause, reflect, and quietly revisit your own sense of mortality.

Professionally, December was a time of wrapping up projects, closing chapters, and setting intentions for the year ahead. And while some of that still happened, it unfolded alongside hospital visits, uncertainty, and a deep recalibration of priorities. It was a reminder that no matter how carefully we plan, life will always have its own agenda.

On a personal level, this December stripped things back to what truly matters like family, presence, compassion, and gratitude for small signs of progress. It wasn’t the festive ending we imagined, but it was one filled with perspective, humility, and love.

So that was December for me and for my husband. Some might call it a difficult way to end a year and a challenging way to begin a new one. And maybe it is. But it was also a reminder of resilience, of showing up, and of taking things one day at a time.

As we step into the new year, we do so with cautious hope, deeper gratitude, and a renewed understanding that life is precious, fragile, and worth holding gently.

Here’s to moving forward with intention, compassion, and faith in the new year ahead.

Wrapping Up the Year with Purpose, Pride, and Plenty of Planning

November always arrives with that unmistakable mix of momentum and reflection. It’s the month when the events world enters its final sprint, and this year was no exception. My schedule was full, my to-do lists were long, and my heart felt full as I balanced client work, education, and a few cherished personal moments.

Prep work for my clients’ holiday celebrations took centre stage this month. While corporate holiday parties have been more modest these past few years, they remain just as meaningful. I’ve been busy fine-tuning programs, coordinating final details, and ensuring each gathering feels thoughtful, festive, and seamless. Beyond holiday events, I continued to manage several client programs and long-term projects. This time of year, is always about wrapping up what needs to be completed before December—and laying the groundwork for the exciting projects coming in the new year.

November also included time for my own professional growth. I attended local educational conferences, each one offering valuable insights, inspiring conversations, and a reminder of how dynamic our industry continues to be. And now, I’m gearing up for my final educational destination conference of the year—details on that adventure will be coming in December!

One of my personal highlights was catching my hockey-star nephew’s local games. I wish I could do this more often, but sometimes life—and the event planner schedule—gets in the way. Still, the energy in the arena, and the pride I felt watching him play, was absolutely worth carving out the time.

This month, I was also spoiled by some wonderful suppliers and partners. Their thoughtful gestures and ongoing support are truly appreciated. They remind me how lucky I am to work in such a collaborative, generous, and people-driven industry.

My role at LaSalle College kept me busy too. I continued participating in the fall career fairs, meeting bright students who are eager to join the industry. And once again, the school held its annual Dragon’s Den-style competition for Business students—always a standout moment. The creativity, courage, and professionalism these students bring to the table never cease to impress me. Watching them pitch their ideas gives me so much hope for the future of business and entrepreneurship.

As November closed, so did another academic session. That means it’s Final Exam time—always a busy but rewarding phase as students demonstrate everything they’ve learned over the past months. It’s a marker of completion, growth, and the ongoing cycle of teaching and learning.

Awareness, Recognition & Celebration

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.