Blog – Page 6 – Montreal Event Planner

Internationally speaking and School’s out…

July 2016December 2022 in Blog

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I cannot believe that August is right around the corner – this summer is flying by too quickly!

July was certainly no exception. I had a terrific month! I didn’t execute client programs/events, however I have been working on a lot of upcoming great ones. Been meeting with International suppliers for my up coming clients’ International Incentive Programs. Ohhhh, I’m excited to say that I have a lot of good projects that are developing in the next few months right into next year. OUFFFA everything is moving fast and the business is expanding internationally.. Ask me how nervous and excited!?!?

This month it’s a wrap in regards to the summer session at Lasalle College and iLasalle Campus – as the expression goes; “school’s out for summer” … until we start back again in September lol.

lasalle-college-windsor-ballrooms-visits

lasalle-college-le-saint-sulpice-hotel-visits

lasalle-college-thank-you-gift-from-students

This is not to say I went without a few new discoveries and some “local” travel;

Spent a weekend get away in Saint-Saveur, via a VIP invite from the gracious staff of Le Manoir St. Saveur and yes, it’s true I am already quite familiar with the property. This said, it did not stop them to graciously invite me to spend the weekend, due to some recent corporate groups I’ve brought there. I guess it’s their way of saying thank you and to also show their finished renovations; I really was able to enjoy it from the guest’s perspective and it truly has that resort feel. STRONGLY suggest you go (re)visit!!

Was invited to the grand opening of the Annual Fireworks competition which our beloved city holds ever year. On any said nights different countries compete with their spectacular fireworks displays. Ouff great shows. I will add, the viewing from the yacht on the Saint Lawrence River was a SUBLIME experience.

I also went to Ottawa for an educational boot-camp weekend. This is to continue/refresh my industry knowledge and for me it is a step closer to getting my CMP certification (finally). It was an exhilarating challenging experience. To boot I met awesome colleagues, all in the name of adding a few more letter to my signature.

Wrapped up the month with a quickie FAM to Regina, Saskatchewan . It was awesome and this time I got to see more of this glorious province. What is there to see you ask? Well tons, I finally saw the prairies and all its wonderful glory!! Let me explain: a few years ago when I went to Regina, it was for a three day annual Client Sales Conference and it was a quick in and out, no time for anything. This time I had the chance to learned/see/taste and discover it properly. Did you know everyone that wants to be an RCMP officer MUST go to through HQ to get trained? And the ONLY place is located at the headquarters in Regina, Saskatchewan!! This is pretty cool!!! You see there is a lot of history there.

Quick mention; there is a NEW HOTEL in town called William Grey located in Old Montreal. OMG super sexy trendy awesome addition to the multifaceted Antronoplolus Group.

To top it off, I’m going to Florida for a REAL two weeks vacation. I mean vacation – no work at all. I’m going to need it with the upcoming events happening in my personal life. Promise to explain everything next month … although everything is WONDERFUL on the business end.. there are some personal developments I need to deal with in order to gear up before my upcoming busy months and year. PROMISE I’ll explain it all. Until then … CIAO CIAO .. MIC DROP!! J

WOW mid way through the year already…

June 2016December 2022 in Blog

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Wow, halfway through 2016! I can’t believe it (already!). Believe it or not, it has been a stellar year for me business wise. I’ve already reach my year’s sales target and we are only half way there … it’s just STELLAR!! The credit mostly goes to the Incentive division of my business.

I do, however, need to acknowledge the other divisions; Corporate / Congresses / Fundraisers to name a few. It goes without say I’m surrounded by passionate industry ROCK STARS (the team). Too bad that sometimes I cannot divulge all the things that we do due to confidentiality agreements. However, I can share I closed another four Client Incentive Programs for 2017 and yes all are in exotic spots .. trust me folks this is awesome… (someone please pinch me …)

Summer classes are is still going on at Lasalle College . This session, I’m teaching a great group of future event planners. As per usual I have scheduled, for them, to experience/meet a few properties that need a shout out;

THANK YOU:

W Hotel Montreal
Hotel Nelligan Montreal
Sheraton Centre Montreal
The Ritz Carlton Montreal
Also organized for them a scavenger hunt, with Guide-a-Tour?
What an experience it was for them, all in the name of education .. which they loved.

lasalle-college-student-sheraton-site-visit

lasalle-college-student-w-hotel-site-visit

lasalle-college-thank-you-note-from-melissa

lasalle-college-student-nelligan-site-visit

lasalle-college-student-ritz-carlton-site-visit

A few health glitches held me back from doing a lot of travel this month, but I still went to Trois Rivieres for the day for a mini meeting and it was super. Yes it’s a small town however the history it has is stupendously surprising ….

I’m currently working on three Weddings that are slated to take place in 2017, however we are sourcing a few venue possibilities. I’m also coordinating/organizing a number of BBQ/Garden parties that will be held this August – October.

wedding-site-visit-chateau-taillfeur-lafond

OMG I almost forgot to share the amazing festivities that went on this month surrounding the Montreal Grand Prix. As I do every year I coordinate a couple of my clients’ private F1 soirees and by the graciousness of my friend and colleague (at the Ritz) I attended the Ritz Carlton F1 party (which was nice).

Lastly, my team and I organized the annual Festa de la Republica. It’s an annual celebration for Montreal’s Italian community, this year it was held at the Le Mont Royal Chalet, and there were over 600 – 700 people in attendance. It went so smooth, ask me if I’m PROUD of the team, all I can say is WOW humbly GRAZIE to the team. They are the ones that made it happen.

festa-de-la-republica-before-during-after

The summer hasn’t slowed down, and neither will I!

Can’t wait to tell you about my month of July. See you in a few weeks!

A May to remember

May 2016December 2022 in Blog

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OK, so we’re off to a bit of a rocky start to spring (boy, did the temperature bounce around a lot this month!), but things in my busy event-planning life have been fantastic! It was a great month. Can’t believe June is right around the corner.

I’ve been working on a few really big upcoming projects, and a lot of last-minute stuff. I went to Toronto for a few days at the beginning of May – one to reconnect with colleagues of the destination weddings industry and another to attend an educational conference. It was basically to see what’s up and coming in World Romance Travel. This is an invitation-only event, and learned TONS so stay tuned….

On the teaching front, last semester was pretty quiet. However, this summer session at College LaSalle has started full force!! I’m teaching two classes on-site and three online. Speaking of Lasalle, I have to mention that I went to the annual Signature Fashion Show that LaSalle Fashion Design students hold every year. As per usual it did not disappoint! It was FANTABULOUS! It absolutely amazes me how talented these students are… WOWZERS!! It’s like the MET Gala… it’s just amazing (KUDOS to the Fashion Marketing/Design teachers).

With my dream team, we executed a couple of corporate events for the same client two days in a row:

Held at the W Hotel Montreal. It was a morning educational breakfast meeting for my client’s clients… LOVE LOVE the staff at the W. They just ROCKED it (as usual)!!
The other was at the Commerce Restaurant (sexy spot) – it was 5@7-style client appreciation evening with tons of tapas and drinks. Everything was spot on and SUBLIMLY DELISH (if haven’t tried this spot yet, it’s another must-try)!

You’re probably saying, “What, no travel this month Daniela?!”

Well, let me tell you: YES there was; a surprise getaway to SPAIN happened and MIO DIOS MIO DIOS que MERAVIGLIA!!! Started rough – the original flight left YUL and arrived in Brussels so we could take the connection to Sevilla, Spain, where our journey was to begin. Well, the plane was delayed for five hours due to engine issues, which meant our connection in Brussels was a complete write-off. Once we finally got to the plane and landed in Brussels we were given a “new” connection route to Madrid and then Madrid to Sevilla. Believe me: Between the jetlag exhaustion and tight connections between this new routed flight, it’s a miracle we where able to get on those flights… OUFF talk about STRESSED OUT… Exactly 24 hours later we get to Sevilla EXHAUSTED but safe and sound. So due to all the delays I HAD to stay up a few more hours because I was scheduled to give an online class for ilasalle (YES YES I know it’s uber crazy – but it had to be done). Anyhow, needless to say, I went straight to bed and woke up refreshed (still a little jetlagged) to discover SEVILLA, Espagna . As they say in Sevilla, estas muy muy bonita. We only stayed there for approximately 24 hours. I will let the photos speak for themselves and add, what a quaint walkable city and super clean, not to mention the locals are accommodatingly friendly and the food is SUBLIME (hear that, all you foodies out there?!).
Shortly after our quick stint in Sevilla we packed up and took the Fenfe AVE speed train to Madrid. We thoroughly LOVED the train experience going at an average of 270km you didn’t even feel the speed that is how smooth of a train ride it was (like WOW)!!
Approximately 2½ hours later we arrived in the GORGEOUS COMMANDING city of MADRID !! Another WOW, we only stayed a few days and had the time of our lives. We soon discovered how easy it was to get around Madrid. We walked, took the metro and also did the hop on hop off tourist bus.
Side note: Their subway system is SO SO IMPRESSIVE OMG – it goes four levels below ground level and it’s quite simple to use. OMG WOW OMG… Once we got familiar with the city (via the hop on hop off bus), we walked all over in the nooks and crannies, whether it was the large piazzas or in the new and/or old sections. So many people and so much to choose from regardless of your needs or wants: souvenirs, museums, castles, churches, and, of course, the assortments of their infamous tapas. As hard as it was, the time came to say goodbye to Madrid and head to our third and last destination (yes by speed train again) to BARCELONA .
WE just fell in love with this master piece of a city … this city OOZES art from EVERYWHERE. What do I mean by this? Well from the moment you step out to explore Barcelona, your five senses start see it, feel it, hear it, taste it… regardless weather you are looking for it or not … it HITS you. We did the typical touristy stuff; saw all things GAUDI, the infamous historical neighbourhoods and gothic churches, walked along the port, in a short period we discovered all what Barcelona had to offer. We also managed to steal a few moments on the beach.
Definitely NEED to go back and explore deeper… (it’s back on my never ending bucket list)

Switching gears (reminding you that I do actually work for a living) My team and I have been working overtime and getting ready for several major outdoor special events for next month, including the annual F1 (Formula1) private parties I do for my VIP clientele that come to Montreal every year for this specifically. However, I will share those details next month….

It’s shaping up to be a great summer. See you in June!

Cold Sores, Sinus Infection and non stop Eczema Flare-Ups; this is my “Glamorous” life

April 2016December 2022 in Blog

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I started off the month with a BANG!!
The team and I did nine fairly large client events in four days (yes you are reading correctly nine in four).

OMG, although we are no strangers to back to back to back events, this I guess, was “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. What do I mean? Well it resulted that my body was ‘telling’ me to JUST STOP … hence the title of my blog this month. I guess my adrenaline was masking the fact that I had been accumulating exhaustion, little by little to the point where all hell broke loose. Basically, my body desperately needed me to pay attention to what was going on and decided enough is enough!! Picture this, it’s Friday the morning after the mental week of successfully executed client events. Things where calm and serene, I was pretty content (but tired) with everything and then BOOM, my system started breaking down; BOOM the start of eight cold sores on my upper lip with an additional two on my bottom lip. BOOM, one wicked sinus infection started, BOOM, the eczema (that I’ve battling since September) just exploded into a heck of an outbreak all over my face, neck and hands (you can imagine how ‘sexy’ I looked). To boot, as the weekend progressed and my ailments where getting worse and worse. The following Monday, I was scheduled to leave for few days (with clients) on a site visit tour to the Dominican Republic. Yup, I showed up at Toronto’s Airport meeting the clients a total mess… (you can imagine how embarrassed I was) .. OUFFA .. (my timing sometimes is so spot on – NOT). Regardless of my ‘situation’, the site went extremely well so much so, that I closed the deal (YES!!). I need to thank the FANTABULOUS staff at the Barceló property in Punta Cana, with their help and top-notch hospitality. You can read all about their service and our experience on my weekly Travel Blog. I write a column for the Suburban’s online edition, yes I do that too, here is the link.

Later in the month, I attended another gala. This time it was the Ottawa Wedding Awards Show. Again, I was a judge for that and it was a fabulous affair! People were dressed to the nines, there were 400 guests, WOW, good on you Ottawa’s Wedding Industry not only are you celebrating and recognizing your own, but, you guys know how to P A R T Y.
Side Note: Montreal Wedding peeps when do we or will we do the same?!?! I digress… Due to the timing, of this awards show, it so happened to be the weekend that I was scheduled to be in Ottawa to certified future wedding planners with WPIC , because of this I decided to turn it into an extra long weekend with hubby. (even though I worked most of it) #lifeofaplanner

Speaking of the Montreal’s Wedding Industry; spontaneously an outing was created and to everyone’s shock most of us where able to attend the Monday evening bowling party. YES we BOWLED and it was AWESOME!!! Think about it … this was a feat in itself, the fact that everyone and I mean approx. 200 people (that is 90% of the industry) were able to convene under one roof on the same night is UNHEARD of and a FIRST. We were all collectively joking that all of our clients were being neglected that night because we were all to busy BOWLING.. No events going in Montreal that day!! You know it still baffles me. There were planners, suppliers, photographers, caterers, florists, DJs, Venues, etc… – basically la crème de la crème de la crème were gathered together and had a BLAST. We work hard, so when we party, we definitely party harder … Hope this is going to be yearly thing. (you reading this Adam & Lindsay?!?)

By now one would think reading this month’s blog that this is it … right?? … Well no, I have more to share …. I’m telling you it has NOT STOPPED.. so please bare with me a little longer.

Wanted to give a special mention to some discoveries I’ve made; invited to partake in the “VIP Experience” for the new Cirque du Soleil show LUZIA . OMG OMG what a show … there is a contortionist in the show that is so riveting O M G!

As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, I am working on a few contracts (yes I have time for that too), one of them ‘required’ me to travel to Charlevoix, Quebec (let’s call it a ‘working’ long weekend). Well, pleasantly, I rediscovered Charlevoix. WOW it has evolved. Just FABULOUS; stayed one sublime night at Le Gremain Hotel (la Ferme) seriously you MUST GO and the second night at the Fairmount Manoir Richelieu , so REGALLY FABULOUS. I tell you, these are two completely different types of properties with the same high standards …. OMG ask me how much I love my work!! I will let the pictures tell the story….

As you can see/read, it was quite a busy month and EXTREMELY successful. Surpassing a bunch of GOALS and BROKE tons of records, in my Company’s history for the past 10 years … needless to say I’m very please and humbled with it all. WOW!!

Alright, so now we focus on May, BTW did anyone see where Spring went?!?!

March – Springing into travel

March 2016December 2022 in Blog

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Hello spring (although it doesn’t quite feel like it just yet)! I visited some incredible places this month, as well as signed a few more contracts, so I have no complaints about March!

I started off the month with an awesome trip to Anchorage, Alaska and it was fantastic. It’s such a great place, especially for those who love the outdoors. It’s vast and there aren’t that many people but it’s amazing, with pristine landscapes. I met great people, and for some reason the whole time I was there, I kept thinking I was in Canada.

I also attended a fantastic meal at Scena in the Old Port where they have set up a cabane a sucre called Un Chef à l’érable . They have what is called a “traditional chic” menu that was very good and the atmosphere is sublime. Everyone should check it out. It ends in April.

Once again this year I traveled to Istanbul,Turkey which was such a fabulous city! It was my second time there but this time, I got to see a lot more of what this city has to offer this time around. It was really great.

This week I’ve been doing a lot of final prepwork for three upcoming events in April – and YES they’ll basically take place back to back to back, story of our lives #lifeofaplanner … And with the graciousness of the universe. I’ve signed a few more incentive clients this month too. (YEAH BABY)

Lastly, as I’ve mentioned last month, I had the honor of participating as one of the distinguished judges for infamously (CSE) The Canadian Special Events Show . Like WOW that was AWESOME (and what a humbling experience). Ok, in case you don’t understand the grandeur of this, let me put it in perspective for you; a company like mine (from Montreal to boot) to be seeked out and then to be asked to join Prestigious Panel of Judges ( amongst all peers across this country) is quite a flattering. I’m still reeling in it ….

See you soon!

A judgemental month (haha, haha not really…)

February 2016December 2022 in Blog

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I didn’t know what else to call this month’s blog because I’ve been asked to be a judge for four different events; a couple of Wedding Shows in Ottawa, a Special Events show in Toronto, and at an Industry Achievement Award Gala in the USA. What an honour it is to be asked, especially that they are out of the Quebec region. Understand that these are massive markets, so it’s quite humbling to have been picked out and asked to partake in this.. a WOW moment for me.

Earlier this month, I travelled to Quebec City , to reacquaint myself with the properties out there .. Heard there were many changes with renovated venues so I had to see for myself. (this is the part of my work called “Research and Development”). Quebec City did not disappoint.. it was awesome. To BOOT I finally got to visit/see the Ice Hotel, which I’ve wanted to see for years. Got there via the train, what a great comfortable way to travel, VIA Rail you guys ROCK. So, this mission was a success!! You see, I have couple of clients wanting to do their conferences there and I needed to be sure it was a good fit. Quebec City your NEVER disappoint!!

Also, I signed a few contracts this month; two more Weddings and three more Incentive Programs (some of which may be taking place in South America and Europe). Ask me if I’m EXCITED!!

On the school front it was Teacher Appreciation Week this month and I got a few nice things from students. I LOVE them too.

Let’s talk Colombia  … YES I went there this month and WOW. Located at the northern tip of South America, is a country of lushness with towering mountains and coffee plantations and culture GALORE.
A bit of background: Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). About the safety question: one of the first things people ask ‘is it safe there’, YES it is SAFE. However, like anywhere else in the world, you need to be ‘alert’/’aware’ of your surroundings.

Let’s start with the city of Bogotà  a sprawling, high-altitude capital. It’s also home to very interesting museums including the Museo Botero, showcasing the art of Fernando Botero’s and the Museo del Oro (The GOLD Museum), displaying pre-Columbian gold pieces. OMG folks you if you only have time to go to one of them I recommend the Gold Museum … it is NOT to be MISSED. Since you are there, there is a Cathedral that one MUST see. It is a day visit, to the infamous wonders of Colombia the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Approximately 2-hour bus ride, it is often referred to as the salt underground Roman Catholic Church. Built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground. SUBLIME.

Cartagena  is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. At its core it has the infamous walled Old Town, with 16th-century plazas, cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Where to stay you ask? Well, there are so so so many hotels to choose from; starting with the typical big brand resort styled ones to the independent boutiques styled ‘haciendas’ … OMG every time I did a site visit I wanted to STAY. The locals are so warm and welcoming. I’m telling you It’s so pretty and quaint you cannot be helped but to be transported into time. Also, one can even go island hopping via different boat options are the nearby shores of Isla de Barú, Islas del Rosario and Islas San Andres, just to name you a few.
They are known for their coral reefs and scuba diving. The added bonus of the wonderful tropical climate (averaging 90F), the city is a popular beach destination, with a modern and accessible airport. BUCKET list item !!!

Can’t believe March is right around the corner. See you then!

A great start to 2016 January

January 2016December 2022 in Blog

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Hi my faithful readers! Happy New Year!
Here’s hoping 2016 brings you nothing but happiness, prosperity, and wonderful things.

It’s been a pretty quiet month, for the most part, as it often is in January;
Went to Ottawa for the annual conference specifically focused on the Association market.
I have a number of Annual Sales Conference RFPs floating around the destinations being considered are
between:     Outaouais
                      Laurentians
                      Eastern Townships
                      Quebec City

Side Note: these are basically repeat clients whom are always looking to do different destinations for their annual programs &/or events in the upcoming 2016-17 season. Don’t be fooled even though it’s repeat business and a well oiled machine (on my part) it STILL needs sorting out.

I attended two great Wedding Shows this month:
Marions-Nous at Place Bonaventure

The National Wedding Show at Palais des Congres in Montreal

Speaking of weddings .. this past weekend via WPIC
I certified another batch of Wedding Planners right here in Montreal.

In case you were wondering, on the teaching front it’s been extremely quiet this session. Only have one online class at ilasalle and two classes at Trebas Institute’s newly created Event and Show Management program. Yes I LOVE it !!

I also attended a few openings this month:
Checked out the Renaissance Hotel downtown and OMG it’s so gorgeous – it’s super modern and sexy and wow! It’s very Montreal. They even hired graffiti artists to do their wall art. “ouu lalala”
My husband and I also went to the La Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud. SUBLIME experience and we met a beautiful wolf (yes wold) Lulu what a sweetheart!!

Lastly Fêtes des Neiges they had a ROCKING DJ, tasty Food Trucks, adventurous Dog Sled Rides, Fierce Tubing, a FABULOUS Ferris wheel, Winter Ziplining (yes ziplining in winter) – it was EPIC and FANTASTIC. Great family fun young and old.

Stay tuned for February, which is shaping up to be a very busy month. See you then!

Winding down; thank yous and being appreciated

December 2015December 2022 in Blog

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December is a busy time in all levels of the spectrums in my life;

Spectrum from my Personal Life & a bit of Business:

I also took some time to help move my parents into their newly purchased condo in Fort Lauderdale FL … (yes of course I took the opportunity and squeezed in some sales calls) My parents just purchased a condo, (a few months prior) they did not officially ‘move in’ yet, so the decision was made to drive down and make it official. We worked out all the logistics and off we went southbound. Being that I can’t help being entrepreneurial, I took this opportunity and booked myself some sales calls/follow up meetings with newly acquired Incentive clients from FL. Yes I did manage to keep up with my “work” in my newly found poolside office. (wink wink nudge nudge)

Florida was quite a fruitful trip, I’m pleased to say that I closed three deals on outbound Incentive Programs.. (which is awesome, if I do say so myself).

Before leaving I HAD to tie up some loose ends…

Spectrum from my Teaching/Tutor/Instructor:

On the all the teaching fronts, the classes at WPIC – Lasalle and ilasalle were all winding down with final exams.. side note: I MUST mention this past Fall session I had one of the BEST BEST groups of students to date!! (I think the feeling was mutual – they showered me with their gratitude … (it’s nice to be appreciated))

wpic-thank-you-via-westin-nova-scotian-wedding-blog-jessica

Spectrum from my meeting planning company Montreal Event Planner:

Planning-wise, it was just uber hectic so much so I hired a few freelancer to HELP me execute my clients’ Holiday Parties.. Logistically all was done and in place before leaving. I just needed ‘bodies’ to coordinate and ensure all execution would go smoothly at each event. It was a total of six Corporate Holiday Parties this
year (record breaking yes), however, some have been scaled down quite a bit … if one considers and compares it to the previous years … signs of the times .. maybe?!? (we will see …)

I would like to take a quick moment to thank them:
You guys are awesome and very reliable … again HEARTFELT thank you …

And from the other side it was also my turn to received thank-yous from different levels
From clients, schools administrators, as well the students, it’s very nice.
I don’t always get a nod – so I’m appreciative and proudly share these moments…

To close out 2015, I have to say that I feel extremely grateful… grateful for my very patient Hubby, Family and Friends.. Also want to express my gratitude to the GODS and UNIVERSE for everything ..

Wishing you and you’re the best end to 2015, and looking forward to seeing you all in 2016!

So that we’re clear…

November 2015December 2022 in Blog

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It might have looked like I was busy busy busy with certain things this month, like teaching and more teaching, and while that was true (it was a month that was very heavy on education). Please understand I had a lot of other things going on too.

Let me explain:
As most of you already know I’ve been teaching at Lasalle College for years now (seven, to be exact), and I also certify future Wedding Planners from the wonderful WPIC weekend program. Granted I have been tweeting a lot lately about this.

However, you all have not seen all of the other work that I’m doing behind the scenes for my Montreal Event Planner company:
My (freelance) team and I have been BUSIER than usual working my corporate client programs. I unfortunately can’t tweet much about it due to a NDA (non-disclosure-agreement) I’ve signed. So understandably I cannot show pictures nor can I tweet about their inner workings. I can (and am) mentioning it now. Not only did we do several Corporate client programs, in addition, we also executed portions of a city wide Pharma Health Fair exhibitions.

This year I had to hire more help for longer than the norm (yes it is a GREAT problem to have). Even though I did facilitate and organize all the logistical aspects of these Annual Sales Meetings, I wasn’t able to physically be there during the client program execution process, due to them all happening with in the same week. So, this is what went down: hired teams to simultaneously execute my clients Annual Strategic Sales meetings in Quebec City, in the Eastern Townships and in Mont St-Saveur (all of which were 2-3 day long conferences). Excellent teamwork – BRAVO to them !!

In the midst all of this, I had the privilege to attend a one day FAM tour of Laval . It was nice to get reacquainted with my growing city.

Also took advantage of a standing invitation to spend some time at a SPA (yes I was able to “steal” some downtime for a weekend). The invite came from Eastman Spa … ahhh, it was sublime all wrapped up in nothingness and relaxation. A very much-needed rest even though it technically was research for work.

To cap off the last weekend of November, off to Ottawa I went to certify (yes more teaching) a few up and coming WPIC’ers (a.k.a. Wedding Planners)… I just LOVE LOVE LOVE doing this and of course LOVE you too Ottawa

Going back to the classes I give, I need to thank all the vendors whom graciously took time out of their busy schedules to allow my students to visit their wonderful properties, and let us not forget the AWESOME and inspirational industry speakers who came to share their passions about our beloved industry. HUGE HUGE SHOUTOUT to them:

Venue Visits for my classes

Centre Mont Royal
Ritz Carlton
Loews Hotel Vogue
Atelier d’Argentine
Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Hotel 10
PMG Group La Plaza Downtown
Intercontinental

Special Guest Speakers for my classes

Nathalie Mailhot
Public Speaking Coach

Tony Picciuto and Randi Katz
from The Directors Band

Michael Jordan Sciortino
from XO Production

Marie-Josée Talarico
from JPDL

Sybille Brault
from Tourism Montreal

Adam Bultz
from C3Events

Brahm Mauer
from Brahm Mauer Bar Services

Rachel Stephan
from Senov

George Thomas
from George Thomas Entertainment

I’ve been working on three new client projects and five more Incentive Programs for the New Year. (YEAH BABY !!)

Next on the menu is office holiday parties galore (almost one a week), but wow, is it going to be fun! Tell you about it soon!!

BOOM: Collisions of my universes and a HEARTBREAKING loss

October 2015December 2022 in Blog

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BOOM: Collisions of my universes and a HEARTBREAKING loss

Ouff… talk about my universes colliding… Ouff!

I started October with a BOOM:
Attended the annual educational conference (in Vegas) that I go to every year, came back, I rested for one day (not really, but anyways), and I then had to manage a quadruple weekend booking. What does that mean you ask?? Well, basically I was all over the place…

Worked a 2 day annual Health Fair for a client’s Association on Osteoporosis.

WPIC in Montreal weekend class to give.
Finished the Saturday class and went straight to my client’s 25th anniversary event that I organized at the Ritz Carlton Montreal

SHOUT OUT to my team (annie & Taline) who handled things until I was able to take the lead (worked till 2am)! Got up the next morning (Sunday) to give the WPIC day 2 class… (ask me if I was exhausted).

As if that wasn’t rough, the following Monday I began work on another client program (symposium) that so happens to have uber-crazy hours. It was a city-wide Congress held here in Montreal – the job asked us to get up at 3am to man the logistics involved for these symposiums that were held all over the downtown core. My portion was a three-day back-to-back (-to-back) PHARMA program – twice at the Intercontinental Montreal Hotel and the last one at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth.

This craziness continued with the usual classes being given and business meetings needing attention (how I survived it I still don’t know…).

To cap off my ghoulish month, the last weekend of October I flew to the Maritimes for another wedding planner course, WPIC in Halifax.

Need to give a shout out mention to a GREAT new additional activity at the Old Port of Montreal ; Montreal Zipline – my team and I did it and WOW just WOW … what a great addition to our already wonderful Old Port..

In the midst of all this, I noticed that my beloved dog Max was getting weaker and weaker… we brought him to the vet for a routine check-up and was informed that he had become anemic (his blood count dropped drastically from a normal 35 to 17). I/We couldn’t believe it … went for a second option and in fact not only did they confirm what the first vet told us but his blood count (within 24hrs) went down to 10!!! So, basically his own system was attacking itself… there was no hope. We had no choice but to put him down… HEARTBROKEN we are!!
Rest in peace my Boohh… thank you for choosing us and giving us so much joy for the past seven years…

Montréal, Québec

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Internationally speaking and School’s out…

WOW mid way through the year already…

A May to remember

Cold Sores, Sinus Infection and non stop Eczema Flare-Ups; this is my “Glamorous” life

March – Springing into travel

A judgemental month (haha, haha not really…)

A great start to 2016 January

Winding down; thank yous and being appreciated

So that we’re clear…

BOOM: Collisions of my universes and a HEARTBREAKING loss