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My perfect start to summer

June 2022December 2022 in Articles

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Happy summer everybody!

I’m so glad that the summer sun is finally shining down on us. I hope your enjoying it so far. I know I am. This month was a very family-oriented one. much drama, good and bad. Adding with lots of planning of events and attending weddings (finally).

It has been really nice to get back into the swing of things. The vibe of socializing and equally going back to working client events. The month started with a business trip to Prince Edward Island. WOW is it ever spectacular there! It’s my fourth time going, and I NEVER get tired of this destination… What a lovely way to kick off June and get back into to the swing of things.

I also encountered something everyone dreads when it comes to technology: I was hacked!! YES, folks it happened – OUFFFFFAAAA… My Instagram account was unfortunately hacked, and I lost everything, from my posts to all my loyal followers. I need to start over again because of it.. despite me reporting it to the Instagram Gods…. If you would be so kind, please follow me on this newly created account: montreal_event_planner https://www.instagram.com/montreal_event_planner/ – please follow me and I’ll be sure to follow back. Thank You… As per usual I regularly post everything from photos of my events to inspirational quotes. See you there! Taking some time off here and there; we go either up-north or on daily picnics along the back river here in town – afterall Montreal is an island and it’s surround by water specifically Rivière des Prairies and the St. Laurence River… love it …

On the teaching front, at College Lasalle. I am still in the midst of the summer session. This is where I teach about our beloved industry. Also been mandated to start the work on helping put the back to school event for the teachers and administration including the online graduation events all for mid August. Yes it’s looks like we are back with events!!!

All this to say it is in fact getting back to normal …. slowly and steady…

Looking forward to more fun in the sun in July – I’ll be back in a few weeks!

Springing into May with travel and events

May 2022December 2022 in Articles

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Spring has most certainly sprung (for me anyway) and it was a surprisingly busy month of May, I’m grateful and pleased to share.

The universe has graced me with clients and other opportunities this month, which I am full of gratitude and grateful.

Ended the winter session at Lasalle College and within weeks I started the summer one. Another thing I’m grateful for.

Another thing I’m grateful for was local trade shows are starting up again too what a PLEASURE this was to attend… now you may say: “Daniela it was a pleasure to attend a Trade show REALLY??” I will reply “YES after two years it is nice to reconnect with my peers and share COVID war stories…

Let me tell you more about the upcoming corporate events I’m facilitating:

excited to facilitate a corporation to celebrate their 75^th Anniversary, BBQ style casual and fun
executed a brand-new office opening for a new client with all the elegance required
working on the logistics of an upcoming wedding in old Montreal – finally happening
just got back from two FAM trips with the hope to turn them into Incentive Programs for my existing clientele

This is to share with you a few things I have there is much more to come in the books… looks like a busy season. Everyone wants to let loose and PARTY FINALLY!!! (can you blame them??) As I mentioned before that I travel to a destination this month. It’s not my first trip since COVID hit. The industry is slowly coming back to life (very slowly and cautiously).

People asked me so how was it going to Puerto Rico? I have to say, it was a bit like having an out of body experience. It was great and it was nice to see people ‘live’. However, it I did realize how sheltered we where/are in Canada!! In regards to the restrictions on masking and all the other rules that accompanied it. (in hein site I did appreciate) Being in another space was refreshingly liberating and a reminder of how normal everything can be again. It was nice to be in a space where the restrictions were nonexistent. However, I do confess, I was STILL concerned… if almost felt like a Twilight Zone moment!

I have to say: I am so happy to see that the events industry is coming back slowly but surely.

See next month ..

FINALLY coming back 😊 ❤ 😊

April 2022December 2022 in Articles

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Hello, my faithful readers!

I am back…. FINALLY!

I hope you’ve been keeping well and enjoying the first glimpses of summer.

Well, April came in like crazy!

I was lucky enough to have all kinds of events going on:

Organized a client appreciation / office opening
Invited to several Industry luncheons
Attended an annual Industry trade show in Ottawa
Helped coordinated a bowling fundraiser for autism
Site Visits for upcoming client events

YES, I’m back baby !!!!

Easter Sunday was spent quietly cause my nephew had a hockey tournament out of town, but we managed to get together with the family on Palm Sunday instead and it was so nice to spend time together

I wrapped up the winter session at Lasalle College. I also coordinated a few end of session live events for the school;

Final Project presentation with Final Exam supervision
Annual regional Entrepreneurial contest
Tourism Final Project on Indigenous tourism and culture
Online annual Graduation Party

ilasalle Grad Event Organizing committee

ilasalle Grad Event Organizing committee1

That’s my month of April and May is shaping up to be just as wonderfully busy! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my happenings, so stay tuned…

Crazy with Freedom

March 2022January 2023 in Articles

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March has been more of the same (but a little Pazzo) crazy.

For the first two months of the year lot of schoolwork adjustments due to new courses assigned and tons of organizing/reorganizing client programs. And of course, attending zoom &/or team meetings has not stopped, nor has it slowed down. What I am saying is that online meetings are here to stay. Don’t get me wrong it is what it is, and yes, it’s interesting to see this shift in the industry (it was a long time coming). However, this movement of re-organizing or re-thinking things are still an adjustment for all of us pandemic or not.

I am hoping that the next quarter or maybe the beginning of 2023 begin to be a little more stable when it comes to Incentive travel. In the meantime, my clients and I will have to wait and see. While we do this, we are focusing on national travel options. Site visit started and that was fun. Got invited to 2 newly revamped venues and was lucky enough to ‘break bread’ with some colleagues. It was nice to see them in person and catch up on our new normal.

On the school front I’m keeping quite busy, beside the classes I give, I am also getting busier with those committees I mentioned to you last month. The event dates a coming due and as one knows the details are the things that keeps us on our toes and busy. Also, continued my class speaker series and had more industry speakers come to the classes and inspire the future Entrepreneurs and Tourism Experts of this world.

Was invited to do a pod cast interview with a Retreat Guru. WOW LOVE the experience and the concept.

It’s been a month of celebrating friendships and re-connecting with everyone in the industry. Now that the restrictions have been lifted, we are more encouraged to go out to restaurants or cafes and socialize. AHHHHHH what a pleasure this was to be out and about….

Yes the month of March is crazy but, as bad as it once was and you know what I really do not miss that. Let’s see what April will bring … see you next month.

Let’s Party Month

February 2022December 2022 in Articles

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This month was a festive month I have my husband’s – nephew’s – both uncles in Italy’s and several friends’ celebrating their birthdays. So, ask me if we celebrated? YES, of course we did. And since most restrictions are being lifted very slowly (for now) things are getting back to ‘normal’. Meaning we either gathered at home with family or went out for supper with our friends… all in the spirit of celebrating them and our ’freedom’ FINALLY

On the school front, I’m teaching Entrepreneurship and Innovation classes. Yes, indeed, it is different direction in the type of course I usual give, but I do love it. It’s not that I don’t want to teach the event management classes anymore. It’s that there isn’t enough student enrollment to open up the program. The Entrepreneurship class is an elective for the students, which means I get to experience all the different student profiles from different said programs. Surprisingly it motivates me, it refreshes my outlook. I also look forward to their Final Project presentations. I say this because, I’m fascinated on what they come up with. It’s basically a whole new world for me. And I feel like I have my own dragon’s den contestants coming to life the entire session. Entrepreneurship is so different from planning events and for me it is quite a refreshing direction.

Speaking of different direction, since the pandemic hit us, I decided to get involved more and more with the schools inner activities and committees. And one of the committees working on is an annual regional entrepreneurship contest that the school has every year. And a final project on the education of indigenous culture. WOW what a challenge this is and I’m loving it . I am the event organizer needless to say it gets my event planning juices going. (finally)

This month was also teacher appreciation day/week at school. And this time I surprised by lovely, sweet heartfelt messages from my students. Boy is that touching. You need to understand that it is not every day you hear or learn what your students really think/appreciate about your teachings. And when they actually take time to thank you. WOW!! Honestly, being able to pay it forward is truly something I enjoy and love. I love to see the new generation take over our industry or go off into other things with my ‘help/guidance’. Once back from my short trip. Went into full gear mode with my students. We went to the McCord Museum to get inspiration on the Indigenous culture. The reason for this is because one of my classes have a mandate to work on a FINAL PROJECT event related to this. What better way to get inspired?

Regarding the industry, my company is still a little bit on hold. Although, I am actively in-touch with my clientele. And yes, we discuss planning to meet next month and start moving forward with the possibility of starting to do incentive programs. On a positive front, someone on LinkedIn challenged our industry to ‘re-introducing’ ourselves on the professional front. This was brilliant idea… and of course I participated.

I also signed up for a few upcoming industry congresses that are finally going to happen. Despite being re-scheduled several times in the past few years… So March into April things are starting to open up. Fingers crossed it stays this way.

Speaking of normal, it looks like I’m going to start traveling again, on the business front that is. It goes with out say, that there are extra steps imposed to this kind of travel. Anyhow we adapt even if we do not like it. The good new is that I might actually be heading to Halifax – PEI – Puerto Rico – India and Thailand (fingers crossed). Will keep you posted. That is all for now see you next month …

A fresh start in January 2022

January 2022December 2022 in Articles

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Wishing everyone the HAPPIEST of NEW YEARS and tons of health

The year started off with a lot of ups and downs. Parents left for Florida to not only become snowbirds again but also to see what was happening with their condo; you see because of the government travel restrictions due to the pandemic they haven’t been able to travel for the past 2 years. Too boot they had a court-case they needed to be present for and had no means of preparing for it. So, I volunteered and headed there to help put it together. When I say putting it together, I mean bringing my laptop and getting the proper internet to be able to connect and be present for this hearing.

I will not lie it’s been quite an ordeal getting ready and then being there. I say ordeal because the media paints a picture of how Florida is in shambles at the moment with this pandemic… However, once I got there, fearing the worst, it was the complete opposite of what we heard… SHOCKER… what was being reported that COVID was not taken seriously there. Instead, it is almost just like here!?!?! HUHHH?!? Don’t get me wrong I was pleasantly surprised and happy that things where pretty much like here in Canada. One less thing to worry about. I will share that the weather wasn’t great, it was cool not cold like back home however cool enough that I only was able to go to the pool 2 days out of the 9 days there. However, my time was mostly spent running errands for my parents and that same week College Lasalle’s winter session started. Began teaching all of my classes online… No time for beach-bumming that is for sure. So, the “the beach life” like I usually do never materialize. It is what it is.

I am happy that school started, and that I was given MORE classes to teach finally…. There are also new projects the school is working on and I’m on some of those committees. I must say it is exhausting simply because getting back into the swing of things after 2 years of nothing was an adjustment none the less. But I’m doing it!

I also fulfilled my promise to some of my ROCK STAR students I’d treat them to lunch to thank them for their hard work during the event we did together.

Once back from my short trip. Went into full gear mode with my students. We went to the McCord Museum to get inspiration on the Indigenous culture. The reason for this is because one of my classes have a mandate to work on a FINAL PROJECT event related to this. What better way to get inspired?

I hope you had a good start to the New Year! Sending you only good vibes for 2022.

Can someone say “chaos”?!

December 2021December 2022 in Articles

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The year wrapped up with a hectic month, to say the least. It was quite chaotic in the sense that I had a lot going on with my family, I was planning a quick getaway, and school was finishing up.

In December I did a quick trip to Costa Rica and it’s such a beautiful place. Thank GOD I had that escape because of what was coming up: it’s a good thing I had a break and a vacation for my mental health. Let me just say that it’s very draining taking care of elderly parents. And I do LOVE them to death.

I finally got to do an event in December. It was for Lasalle College, and I helped plan luncheons for all the departments. These luncheons where spread over a two-week span during their lunch hours. Each department had their luncheon within the school’s restaurant. This year exceptionally it was done this way so we could still celebrate and respect the COVID19 restrictions at the same time.. Oufff that was quite challenging but great. What was great too that I was able to recruit some of my students to help and work off some of their internship hours. Even though we worked hard for those 2 weeks. We also got to taste the food that was served yummo… wonderfully prepared gourmet lunches by the College’s graduating chefs.

On the Planner front…. I did have meetings with clientele and suppliers – all in hope we can get events off the ground and in motion for April and May coming…

Unfortunately, Christmas gatherings were odd again this year because my niece got Covid so the family couldn’t all get together. But, as always, we made the most of it.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and Happier SAFER New year… see you all next year!

Gains & Losses Kinda Month

November 2021December 2022 in Articles

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Hi everybody and so another month concludes November was a pretty intense and interesting for me.

Interesting because there was a lot of insight, intergrowth, and reflection and this came about because once again we had another month of deaths. Also, the unexpected passing of my beloved little fur baby Ballo (he was 12 years old) I loved him so and was my TRUE partner (we where with each other 24/7) due to the pandemic so you can imagine my devastation….

Ballo 2009 – 2021
The most difficult thing of having you is saying goodbye…
We loved you your whole life and we will miss you for the rest of ours…
We are taught that angels have wings…true… however, the bonus is when they have 4 paws…
This is where our journey together ends and yours begins running around with your buddies
I stroked your nose and kissed you as you take your final rest we love you tons.
Send our love to your buddies Max – Bowzer and Celestino… until we meet again..

However, this being said life goes on… had my usual incentives travel zoom meetings and several contracts that materialized. They are the annual sales meetings that I prepare per usual only this time with the logistical changes due to COVID regulations. Yes, folks it is slowly but surely picking up – fingers crossed people fingers crossed.

Was quite busy on the school front. Besides my online classes, we held the bi-annual Open House for future students to come and signup for their courses. Was invited to be a keynote speaker at one of the Tourism classes. And we launched the Entrepreneurship Contest (dubbed as lion’s den) for the upcoming year. How exciting!!!

For the Holiday Celebration, I was asked to help out the staff at the school’s restaurant LaClasse to help man the registration for the school’s holiday party. This year was slightly different logistically speaking; it was decided to break it up into a 2-week span and have departmental luncheons. This is because we can’t have our annual big bash of 400pple in one place. Although it was GREAT the unfortunate thing is that not everybody could attend. Due to the labour shortage. Boy this pandemic is really affected a lot of things at a lot of different levels (it’s incredible) …

I also helped out at a bowling fundraising event for the following organization Friends4acause what a success it was they quickly sold out the alleys and raised quite a bit of money. I guess people really miss going out and they of course believe in the cause.

I actually attended a few events, (let me tell you it felt weird and good at the same time. One was a Book launch of one of my dear friends and the other was an homage concert for Elton John what fun that was !!!! Good god I miss socializing…

And YES, I’m still cooking up a storm with some baking here and there.

So that was my November in a nutshell. Let’s see what December has in store… OMGosh I just said December …. so, this means 2021 is almost done!!!

Filled with Adventures – Accolades

October 2021December 2022 in Articles

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October, was an exciting month and I loved, loved, loved it. The main reason I loved it so much is because for the first time in almost 2 years I headed to a new travel adventure in Quito, Ecuador . That was much fun and enlightening. Just the fact that I was able to travel again was exhilarating!! Of course, it goes without say I was scared – excited – nervous – uber anxious… in regard to the flight and the destination itself. And to my pleasant surprise all went well, so long we follow the rules that are implored to everyone. About the trip take a look at my pictures, which tells the story of this colonial city where there’s lots of churches – museums – chocolate factories and distilleries to discover. I even had the privilege of walking the centre of the earth called: Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Equator Marker) it being on the equator and all. Here is the link to my Travel Trend Blog, should you want to read more about it:

The month continued with my online teaching, great group of students really enjoying them; love to see up and coming Event Planners (eager beavers) to do what they love to do. They inspire me so much and probably have no idea. Speaking of education, I was asked to represent College Lasalle at the Salon Education held this month at the Olympic stadium. FUN to see up and coming students and it was GREAT to get out and about (a bit of normalcy)

In the meantime, there has been a little bit of activity on the business side of things. Had opportunities to bid on a few upcoming contracts. Didn’t get them all – yup – you lose some you win some. But either way it is a good sign of things to come. I’ve been keeping up with the Zoom meetings and networking opportunities. Truth be told I’m really getting tired of this virtual stuff .. I really cannot wait to start in person meetings – we are made to be social beings!! And uber anxious to get this “monster pandemic” gone.

Since the pandemic began, it seems to me I’m being recognized and/or nominated as of late. You see, I found out that I once again have been nominated in two categories. The fabulous thing is that it was not in my home province that I was recognized. That alone is an HONOR!!!! The 2 categories are Mentor of the Year and Planner of the Year for MPI Ottawa’s Annual Prestigious Awards… WOWZERS!!! Goes to prove that your peers are actually noticing or looking at your work… who new??!! I don’t know who nominated me, but I would love to thank them very much. No folks, I didn’t win, however, just the fact that I was honored with two nominations in another province that is pretty spectacular to me!!! Once again Congrats to all the winners.

Took advantage of the fall colours and went up north to my parents’ cottage for a few weekends. It did me good, I know it’s not busy for me, however, at times I need to get away in seclusion and just be with myself. I love it there. It’s saves me from my own sanity again and again even though I’m not going crazy it’s still my escape.

Cooking up storms and I enjoy every moment of it – just forgot to take picture of my creations…

Happy Halloween…

That is all for now – see you in November !!

Semi-busy month this month.

September 2021December 2022 in Articles

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September is one of my favorite months of the year not only because it’s my birthday but also because of the fall colours.

Regarding school, it’s business as usual, the online classes continue this semester I have five classes and I loving it. Out of the two groups I have, one is on their last semester and the second group is brand new and I/m loving their enthusiasm!! You see when it’s brand group their eagerness and excitement is contagious. Which encourages me to share my passions and my knowledge of this beloved industry.

Yes, the Zoom/Teams meetings still going strong. The show must go on!! And it’s lovely to see my industry colleagues (even though it’s not in person yet) thriving and doing the best we can considering the situation at hand. You see unfortunately not many people have survived the COVID situation and when I say situation, I mean workwise our industry has been damaged BIG TIME to the point people have lost their jobs and/or positions have been abolished due to closures of businesses – I’m telling you the industry had taken a WOPPING hit these past few years due to the pandemic. It is a sad sad situation, for now. Hopefully, I myself could hang on to it a little longer.

It has been a fruitful month with lots of harvests; tomatoes, fruits, salads, peppers, cabbage, etc. etc… I am busy jamming and preserving all these beautiful, delish gifts from mother nature. Yum Yum!!

We also journeyed up north for a few weekends it is usually lovely however at this time of the year with those vibrant colors it is lovelier. Also, took the time to meet finally meet friends (face to face) for either brunch or lunch. What a pleasure it was. (I haven’t seen these people in person) So it was nice to do so. It’s amazing what this pandemic did to our perspectives and taught us how precious life is.

On the event planning side, I got to help out at an annual Golf Fundraiser Tournament event that was held on a Saturday at Piedmont Golf. BOY I forgot how fun these tournaments can be!!! I also realized I was in my true element – I loved it – I also enjoyed the fact that it’s nice to not have the responsibility of running an event and help executing it with full heartedness. Yes, I love love loved it.

Still cooking up a storm. And I must confess I am STILL loving it!!!!

Wrapping up the month with my Birthday Celebration on the last day of September. This year (because we are allowed) I invited my close-knit family; my parents – my brother and his kids to celebrate. What fun it was. It had been such a long time since we gathered all together. Again, the thing the Pandemic has taught me….

Lastly, in early October I’m going on a FAM (familiarization tour) to Quito, Ecuador. This will be my very first business trip since the Pandemic started. I will not lie, I am anxious nervous happy excited all in one but I can’t wait. Will share my experiences next month with you.

Take care – Stay safe – Speak soon…

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My perfect start to summer

Springing into May with travel and events

FINALLY coming back 😊 ❤ 😊

Crazy with Freedom

Let’s Party Month

A fresh start in January 2022

Can someone say “chaos”?!

Gains & Losses Kinda Month

Filled with Adventures – Accolades

Semi-busy month this month.