Category: Blog

Where do I start?

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You know it’s been a busy month when I don’t even know where to start on my blog!

Despite the fact that wedding season has wrapped up and the month was a quiet one in terms of actual event execution (although I do have a number of corporate contracts that are in the works for 2015), it was an incredibly educational month (with a quickie business trip squeezed in for good measure!).

As mentioned, overall it’s been an education oriented month:
♦ Had special guest speakers and class outings ‘site visits’ going on for my students at Lasalle College.

♦ Had a ‘REAL Client’ for my online students, at iLasalle, in Event Coordination preparing a real pitch for a this client’s Grand Opening.. (you should see their enthusiasms)

♦ Then I gave the Wedding Bootcamp Workshop (here in Montreal for future Wedding Planners at Zoom Academie. (in French)

As stated, the month of November has been 80% teaching and 20% my meeting/event planning work.

While all this education was oozing, I did get a the opportunity to visit Italy, YES you read correctly .. I said Italia. We visited the gorgeous Tuscan region; first stop was in Florence and then took the new high speed train to Naples, it was fabulous. I have family in Italy so naturally my aunt and uncle, drove down (from Turin ) even though it was for hours one afternoon .. this was wonderful.

After their (uber quick) visit, the focus went back to the business at hand. In other words, why I (we) really went to Italy; planned for us where site visits and tastings. OMG, did we ever. The clients and I tasted incredible food and visited incredible historical places: (MammaMia)

  • Statue of David
  • Duomo (cathedral churches)
  • Ponte Vecchio (old bridge – very historical)
  • Castles (by the ocean and in remote places)
  • Frescos (everywhere)
  • Monte Vesuvio and the island of Capri
  • Tasted the FRESHEST MOST DELECTABLE meals one can find in
    these regions

OUFFF I still cannot believe it happened. Why, we went you may wonder … it was for an upcoming Client Incentive Program.

I also attended an Educational Conference (told you it was an educational kinda month). This time the education was for me or should I say for us Meeting Professionals; this conference specifically caters to the Associative markets. The two and a half day congress was held here on home turf at the beautiful Fairmont Queen Elizabeth . It was the first time that this annual conference was in Montreal, and it was very exhilarating, interesting and fruitful. The keynote speakers where AWESOME, consisted of a renowned athlete, an infamous astronaut to a world famous tornado hunter. All in all we ended the congress with an awesomely roaring 20s themed gala at the St-James Theatre and let’s not forget that after-party which was hosted by the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Oh did I mention Scarlett James was in the house? She was dancing her burlesque heart out. It was a tasteful, sexy, and a fun performance that playfully “shocked and awed” a few conservative visitors. It was great, it was truly done “a la Montreal”.

Finally, it is with great pride that I share the news that I have been honored for Businesswoman of the Year by: Jeudi d’APOLLO : 4ème édition Femmes en Affaires 2014.

It’s a huge moment in my life to be a recipient alongside some very incredible fellow businesswomen from all different industries.

Ok, now I’m exhausted.

Only one month left for 2014 – let’s do this! Corporate Holiday Parties here I come ….

October: A “yo-yo” type of month

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It’s strange where life can take you… like a series of rides at a carnival, there are lots of ups and downs, and that was certainly true of this month.

October began with a super super fantabulous thing I discovered about our city: Tours de la Table, a company that takes you on incredible culinary walking and biking tours of our city: (diet what diet!?!)

  • That morning we went on a ‘vegan’ bike ride in the Mile-End District; the culinary adventure was all about vegetarian dishes YUMMO if I do say so myself (I’m not even a vegetarian).
  • Then in the afternoon, we went on a walking tour to experience Iberian-style food; it was all Spanish and Portuguese gourmet fare.

Ouff what a day, I left the house at 9am and didn’t get home until 9pm. It was a fabulous day for this foodie. I left blissfully full, tired and exhilarated!

The weekend after that, I went to my annual conference for Incentive Programs in Las Vegas. I arrived a little before the conference because I was invited to partake and maybe become a faculty member of CiS (Certified Incentive Specialist). They invited me to do a trial run. This is with the eventuality to join their team and be part of their faculty. This is a tremendous opportunity and I am so humbled and excited by this offer!

Because life (once in a while) jars us back to our priorities…I had to leave the conference early due to a family emergency – my father-in-law who has been very ill (he’s been hospitalized for almost six months) and finally succumbed to his illnesses that week. Yes, life reminds you that even when in the midst of being busy with work and travel we sometimes need to drop everything to be with family. My father-in-law was a wonderfully vibrant man and will be missed.

Once all this was dealt with.. I had two back to back weekends of WPIC (teaching future Wedding Planners)

  1.  In Montreal at Concordia University’s JMSB Building – what a GREAT bunch of ladies they where

2. In Halifax at the Delta Barrington Hotel – the Maritime Wedding Planners are coming … brace yourselves

Simultaneously, in the midst of all this I somehow was able to manage and coordinated three fairly medium to large client meetings:

  1. Annual Sales/Educational conference for a large IT hardware company (held at the Hampton Inn)
  2. Continuing Education congress for a large IT software company  (held at their downtown office)
  3. Annual Medial Employee Fair at McGill New Residences (usually done around mid-day)

Due to my Incentive Program business growing, I’ve gotten invited to a couple of destination management info sessions. This is where the representatives from said destinations come to town for their annual sales calls invite you to either breakfast – lunches or supper to present you their destinations:

  • Wonderful luncheon was all about the state of Texas
  • Elegant supper that was all about Myrtle Beach
  • Both times we where spoiled … YUM – MO (diet what diet!?!)

Then, just like that my month ended.

September – the ALL or NOTHING month

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September is the month of “back to’s”:

  • back to school
  • back to work
  • back to routine

You get the gist and for me, it means the realization of a lot of projects/events.

First: I did so much actual execution work (no, no not that kind of execution)… I mean the “carrying out” of actual client events/programs that have been in the planning stages for months:

  • Educational Conference at client’s premises
  • Bi-annual Medical Congress at the Palais des Congres (from set up – teardown)
  • Annual Association AGM at the Double Tree By Hilton in Regina, Sask
  • Weddings (four) at various locations in the city (here are some “inspired by photos” while I await their permission to use the photos – they’re a little “busy” off on their perspective honeymoons (wink, wink)

Second: Classes at LaSalle College started up again, both in the evening and online. I have awesome groups of students this semester!

Third: Yes folks it’s that time of the year… I’m in the midst of planning the usual corporate holiday parties.

As per the usual busy schedule, it included some travel. As mentioned I went to Regina, but prior to this I attended (for the first time) the WeddingMBA Congress always held in Las Vegas.

In typical unpredictable Vegas style it was an adventure. The congress itself was quite enriching with educational value. However, I must share with you some of our adventures:

One evening we (myself and 19 other Canadian wedding planners from WPIC) were invited to a VIP tour of the Vegas Wedding Chapels. One of our stops was the infamous Little White Wedding Chapel (this is where Elvis and Britney, just to name a few, got hitched). While we visited the officiant got word we were all Canadian wedding planners and asked if there was someone in the group that spoke French… well, they all looked at me saying, “Daniela speaks it,” so it happened that I was the only one there who could. So, I was asked if I could assist/help to officiate a renewal of vows for this couple from France… I gladly accepted and did it (talk about circumstances of life!).

As if that was not enough, on our way back, myself and some members of the WPIC went back on our party limo/bus that turned into quite the unbelievable ride (would you believe me if I told you the driver did a little G-rated pole dance for us ladies completely out of the blue?!). Only in Vegas baby… OMG!

Back to reality, for the first time I assisted the Montreal International Black Film Festival … WOW! I got to meet: Spike Lee (film director/producer/writer/artist) – PK Subban (hockey player extraordinaire from the Montreal Canadians) – Jamie Orchard (from Global Evening News). BIG BIG shout out to my former students and now colleagues (Marie Candelaria and Erica Jabouin for the invite!!! “Logistically Speaking” you ROCK!!!)

This month ends with my birthday celebration – I spent the weekend in Quebec City at the newly renovated Chateau Frontenac with my hubby and dog Max … WOW… I get asked if I will have a BIG BASH my reply is: “no no! I want to celebrate with my famiglia…”

And the craziness won’t stop there – September is only the tip of the planning iceberg. In fact, fall is just going to get busier and busier. I honestly don’t know how I survived September, but I did.

Looking forward to an even wilder October!

Welcome to MY jungle!

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Hi… wait… hold on. I need to catch my breath.

This has been one WHIRLWIND of a month, especially when it comes to travel, and I’m just now starting to unpack (kinda…).

WOW, August was busy, busy, busy. My month started off with a trip to Minneapolis for an annual education conference for us Meeting Professionals; this was a duration of approximately a week.

Every year I find it educational, refreshing and a need to reconnect with my industry peeps; this is where we learn, share and strategized between colleagues from all over. Having said this, I am constantly exhilarated on how much we learn from each other at all levels starting from: new business practises / social media / trends so on and so forth. Not to mention the opportunities to partake in Keynote Speaker Conferences for instance this year we heard;

  •  Dr. Deepak Chopra, New York Times bestselling author of Reinventing the Body  
  •   “WOZ” himself Mr. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, designed both the Apple I and Apple II.
  •  Scott Schenker, General Manager, Events and Production Studio at Microsoft.

Just to name a few … need I say it was FANTASTICALLY inspirational to see/hear these GREAT ICONS of our times.

Once back, needed to catch-up with emails as well as (FINALLY) closed a few more deals on upcoming INCENTIVE programs (YUPPIE for me) and then, off to Panama for a semi-vacation as well some investigative site work. This is how we basically spent it:

* two days at a RELAXING at a resort called:
Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa  

* two days experiencing Panama’s urban living at the UBER CHIC:
Trump Hotel Panama

* two remaining days in the GLORIOUS rainforestat the:
Gamboa Rainforest Resort

* somewhere in between we had the PRIVILEGE to get a VIP Private Tour of the Panama Canal; it’s sited as the 8th wonder of the world (because it’s man-made) and I can see why!

All I can tell you is Panama is one HAPPENING MODERN city W-O-W!!

And as if that was not enough, with the fluke of life’s surprises I was able to re-connect with a High School friend and fellow basketball teammate there!! Sylvia Cesaratto (and family), she just so happens to be the Ambassador of Canada in Panama – double BOOM!!!

To resume it was quite spectacular … the trip of a lifetime really. Note: perfect place for a Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats and/or Teambuilding. I do however, need to go back to see the Caribbean side; for Wedding Destinations.

Returning to Montreal, had one day to “rest” then was off to a site visit at a property (in cottage country) located in our northern Laurentians called  Sainte-Adèle. The property was Hotel le Chantecler . It’s been renovated and looks really great. We also were treated to tasting of the new menu (OMG) once done we couldn’t move … it was just DELISH. Note: perfect place for a Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats, Teambuilding and/or Destination Weddings.

Next few days we headed up in Manchester, Vermont. I was graciously invited, by Mr. Gerry McFarland Director of Sales & Marketing, to visit his prestigious and gorgeous property: The Equinox a Luxury Collection Golf Resort and Spa what a great weekend that was!
My husband and dog Max (yes they are pet friendly) came along, this is what we did: the Land Rover Extreme Driving Experience, then Orvis’s refined techniques of Fly-Fishing and lastly hiking to the Equinox Summit where we could see the four surrounding states; Massachusetts – New York – Connecticut and the rest of Vermont. This was amazing. Oh in-case you were wondering, YES we did rest along the pool side. Had no choice Lauren Meyers, Banquet and Events Manager had her team take very good care of us!! Note: perfect place for Corporate Incentives, VIP Retreats, Teambuilding and/or Destination Weddings.

Once back, I went straight into event execution mode: exactly 24hours later I coordinated and executed a client’s Annual Luncheon Summit meeting kickoff, at none other than Moishes Steakhouse, one of Montreal’s legendary steakhouse restaurants. David and his team where awesome!!

Few days later I went to the northern town of Chicoutimi, located in the Fjords of Saguenay (northern Quebec) for a couple days of scheduled site visits. Like I didn’t have enough adventure this month … the ladies Ingrid and Angelique from Promotions Saguenay  prepared one HECK of a two day breath-taking adventure packed agenda:
Started with my evening arrival at the Bagotville Airport; quick fact it’s owned and operated by our own Royal Canadian Air Force (WOW). Note: easy travel experience

DAY #1

The morning, we started with a site visit where I was staying: Hotel Chicoutimi (did you know it’s the oldest Hotel there). Nice and centrally located, right in the middle of the action.    Note: GREAT for AGM’s and/or Sales meetings

Then we visited an abandoned however very well maintained pulp and paper venue La Pulperie de Chicoutimi. Note: Very nice for a Employee/Client Appreciation Soiree, Corporate 5@7 Cocktail Reception, Wedding Ceremony and/or Reception.

Just before lunch they brought me to visit the Adventure Park Cap-Jaseux and boy what an adventure it was!!! Visited a ‘luxurious’ camping DOME and two suspended SPHERES in the trees, (YES suspended in the trees) all this in the name of experiential camping with SPECTACULAR views of the Fjords.   As if that wasn’t enough to WOW me … we had a picnic lunch in a TREE HOUSE (YES a Tree House) how COOL is that!!! Note: GREAT for WELLNESS groups, TEAMBUILDING and/or ADVENTURE CHALLENGE seekers.

After an “adventurous” morning we came back down to earth to continue our visit of a few other properties: 
l’Hotel la Saquanéene
l’Hotel le Montagnais

Once done, we returned to rest and refresh for a quiet chic urban supper at the newly opened: le Merlin, YUMMO!!

DAY #2

Well, the second day started with a Helicopter Ride along the Saguenay Fjord; SPEECHLESS was I. Amazingly Mother-Nature does it again. Basically spent the morning engorged in the splendor of the Fjord; flew over and visited the following sites: Saquenay National Park
——————Riviére-Eternité- Cap-au-Lest
——————Auberges des Battures

We wrapped up the day by visiting the newly renovated Delta Hotel Chicoutimi

Lastly we did a wine tasting at the infamous vineyard Domaine le Cageot

After all this, we headed back to refresh, only to have supper at the award winning l’Auberge 21 for a French fine dining cuisine experience. MIAM MIAM!!

OOHAA … August, how you consumed (and exhausted!) me, I AM GRATEFUL. THANK YOU UNIVERSE!!

Up next: September. See you all then!

Discovering Canada’s Eastern Provinces and their beauty

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Oddly enough, it was a relatively quiet month on the actual event execution front; however, I was fortunate to do some traveling on home turf.

I can tell you the highlight of July for me was the two short (but fruitful) business trips I made way out east to what we Canucks lovingly call The Maritimes Provinces:

Went to beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland and then Saint John, New Brunswick, (PLEASE note the distinction) and let’s put it this way: I appreciate our SPECTACULAR country a lot more!!

You know folks we’ve got a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful country from coast to coast.

Truth be told I haven’t been to the West Coast yet … got as far west as Regina, Saskatchewan… so Vancouver and Victoria are still on my (and my client’s) travel wish list..

Please remember, part of the reason I’m traveling is to scope new locations for clients who always want new places to discover and yes I have that “burden” of discovering and executing these beautiful spots for them. OK, OK, enough about me… let’s get back to the Maritime Provinces…

As I mentioned my first stop was the BEAUTIFUL city St. John’s, Newfoundland and WONDERFULLY WOW is the best I can describe it. Just picture waking up to the Atlantic Ocean and going to sleep with it. Then I witnessed the spectacular icebergs making their appearances (yes folks, I said icebergs) and like that wasn’t enough, how about being escorted by the majestic Humpback Killer Whales back and forth throughout our boat excursion, what a privilege it was!! We then hiked to Cape Spear where I stood on the most eastern point of Canada. Of course we cannot forget to mention the culinary experience I had with one of the chefs that appeared on “Top Chef Canada” DELISH – it was abundance of fresh fish galore to this foodie’s delight! All I’m going to say about the night life is George Street; OMG do they KNOW how to P A R T Y (I think I’m still recovering …)

Second stop was the UBER quaint Saint John, New Brunswick and what a CHARMING city it was! This time I had the view of the Bay of Fundy – WOW everyone should experience the high and low tide. Talk about Mother Nature at her best! The thought of the Bay rising 28’ and then lowering 28’ in one day everyday is phe-nom-en-al!! (begs the question I kept asking: “where does all that water go??”). Learnt much about the geo-system and the enormous amount of history this beautiful city has. We were also spoiled with a lobster lunch that was mouth-watering delicious (also prepared by a local chef that also appeared on “Top Chef Canada”).

I’m telling you these beautiful cities in their respective provinces can definitely hold their own. My clients will have a difficult decision for their
upcoming 2015 Incentive trips.

Back in Montreal, reality hit, which for me it meant it was time to expose my Lasalle College Event Management students to some local properties:

The First place we visited was the UBER SEXY
W HOTEL Montreal. As usual Mr. Francois Patulli, Catering Sales Manager showed us around, and this time we were “privileged’ to get a first peek at something we were sworn not to reveal… (can’t divulge it, sorry);

On another occasion, it so happened I ended up with three speakers for my Negotiations Sales and Contract class, which turned out to be cool. What I did is turn it into a panel of vendors discussion:

(i) a Music Band: Ms. Randi Katz and Mr. Tony Picciuto Entertainers Extraordinaire from The Directors Showband
(ii) a Hotelier; Ms. Laurence Aflalo,Business Travel Sales Manager from Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel
(iii) as the Meeting Planner; Myself aka Eventista from Montreal Event Planner

We had a great conversation and discussed many things about negotiations, contracts, what the protocol would/should be with vendors, and the overall dynamics of our industry;

Another week, the class did a site visit field trip where we got to see The Queen Elizabeth Hotel  with the charming Ms. Anne Letourneau, Director of Sales as our guide for this historic Fairmount property. It was on the students’ wish list and was enjoyed thoroughly. They got to see the infamous “John Lennon suite” and learned all the historic components of this majestic property (ahh if those walls could talk).

Lastly and by no means the least, we had the privilege of Ms. Sybille Brault, CMP, Manager – Convention Services from Montreal Tourism  to come speak to the class and elaborated the important role they play in relations to our industry. (shout-out to Sabrina for the connection)

Between all this I had time to have a lovely (overdue) lunch with the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure men, M. Nicolas Laflamme and his partner in crime M. Julien Dagenais-Côté, both in group sales.

 

I also spent the month catching up with old friends and other industry colleagues. Side Note: we all know relationships NEED to be constantly nurtured.

I did do much-needed business development with a few potential clients. Despite the fact that there was no meetings and social event executions for me this month, I still managed to close on two more Incentive Programs for clients, so I’m happy about that. That means I’ve done five so far for this year and the year isn’t over yet!

If all goes well … I’ll be away a lot more in August and can’t wait to tell you all about it then.

See you soon … Bonne Vacances!

A month of Mysticism Spirituality and Enlightenment

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This has been an especially special month for me and it’s all because of the way that it started:

I once again went to Mexico to discover some new hidden gems (and BOY did I ever):

♥ Cuernavaca, Morelos; known as “The City of the Eternal Spring”
(my words ETERNALLY yours)
♥ Tepoztlán, Morelos; “Known for being a Spiritual Center with Energy and Mysticism” (my words is just pure MAGIC)

Over all each town is approximately two hours from Mexico City, I went there in search of unique sites for my Incentive clients (something I am always on the hunt for). Through (my friends) Marie-Claude Bouffard & Ferdy Compeán at Meeting Place Mexico

Well, when I arrived, I was floored to find out that these were not only spectacular locations but incredibly mystical and spiritual places. I did not expect these wonderful discoveries; I mean the Haciendas alone where breathtaking:

* Hotel SPA Hacienda des Cortes
* Hostal de la Luz – Spa Holistic Resort
* Mision del Sol
* Hacienda Vista Hermosa

OMG OMG OMG you should see these properties, OMG, they were so enveloping with lushness that one WANTS to get lost in them … I’m telling you … the natural beauty took my breath away. Make no mistake; we were nowhere near the ocean.
However, the intense zenness and spiritual energy will overwhelm you. Imagine my surprise when suddenly found myself succumbing to this energy which re-aligned my mind / body and soul … this renewed clarity was overwhelming …WOW WOW WOW.

Needless to say I highly recommend this paraíso. What a privilege the universe gave me, GRACIAS.

It’s the end of the month and I still can’t shake how profoundly moved I got. So, if you, a group or someone you know is seeking a place of tranquility where they want to reconnect with their mind, body and soul have them call me, I will gladly oblige … I might even join them …ouff I WANT to sooo go BACK !!! (trust me … I don’t say these words lightly)

When I returned, I jumped right into Zoom Academie’s  weekend Wedding BootCamp workshop; this is where myself and the lovely Lyne Branchaud speak, over two consecutive Sundays about how to become a Wedding Planner. This workshop is given in French: << Conception et planification d’un mariage>>

That following Monday, I went Orlando, Florida for an annual association incentive conference, this is geared towards the Associative Planners in the greater North American incentive market. This is a very niche sector.
Orlando was perfect setting for this I was able to reconnect, meet new and upcoming vendors. I learnt about the upcoming conference technological trends. Imagine, I got to try the Google Glasses!! I’m officially a GEEKY trendy planner…

While I was gone .. my SUPERSTAR assistant Jennifer was holding the fort with four consecutive ongoing client programs: Medical Info Session / Client Appreciation Soiree / 50th Wedding Anniversary / Branch Grand Opening of a
Financial Institution … when I finally got back I did an Educational Workshop for our IT client.

During all this I managed to have a GREAT guest speaker for the Event Management class I give at College Lasalle; Gleb LaVcinema from La V Cinema – Cinematography is one AWESOME ARTIST and visionary check out his work here:

Also, on another Saturday ‘makeup class’ I brought my students on a walking tour via Sherbrooke Street where we visited several venues;

* Beatrice Restaurant
* The Ritz Carlton Montreal
* Sofitel Montreal
* Omni Montreal
* Holiday Inn Mid-Town’s La Plaza
* Hyatt Regency Montreal
* Montreal Internation Jazz Festival

Yes folks … I’m very hands on and it’s all part of their education…

Too boot, that same Saturday, in the evening, we (the Wedding Planners Association and our partners) were invited to a wonderful soiree at a Private Country Estate:  Au Vieux Moulin  what a GORGEOUS spread of property (10 acres) … great setting for ANY form of events from Social – Incentive to Corporate!!

Yes, it was that time again for the WPIC  weekend courses, this time it was held here in Montreal at Concordia University … WATCH out world there are some ‘fiercely’ Certified Wedding Planners on the loose. (I’m proud of them)

That same weekend I was offered tickets to see Maroon 5 and since Jennifer is IN LOVE with Adam Levine it would have been cruel not to bring my SUPERSTAR to the outdoor concert – SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU to Val @ EVENKO!!

We (Jennifer and I) where invited at the ‘re-launch’ of the newly renovated AML Cruises boat NICE JOB guys !!!

I went on a site visit to L’Ile de Navark on Ile Carron, a place where we are planning a few upcoming client programs and a wedding – so stay tuned!

Had a lovely lunch at Buona Notte  with Gerry who represents the Equinox Resort property in Vermont… more to come on that too…

Speaking of luncheons; had the pleasure of reconnecting with Luis Sudano from the Intercontinental Hotel at their infamous OSCO Restaurant …YUMMO the risotto was just DELISH!!

Also did a site visit at the Chapiteau Eugene Chaplin 

That’s been my June… I hope yours was great too!

Call me the “FACILITATOR”

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No no silly, I’m not a new Marvel superhero… “The Facilitator: Facilitating Companies (my clients) AND Planners (my colleagues) ACROSS the GLOBE!!” (although I must admit it does have a cool ring to it) …

While I do consider myself a multitasking maven, this month has been non-stop coordinating and, well, acting as a facilitator for a whole variety of clients and colleagues. Add a little bit of travel and you’ve got yourself one hectic month of May!

Normally I’m coordinating/helping my clients out, however, this month I’ve been getting last-minute requests from colleagues who live out of town (we are talking USA, across Canada, and from Europe). to help them out on their events happening here in Montreal. They’re missing bodies here – they cannot be present at these events so they’ve asked me to represent them. (yes folks competitors asking each other for some help … it happens all the time)

Over the years I’ve built relationships with competitors (this is when I do my traveling). And there are moments we call on each other for HELP … it’s very rewarding to be asked by a colleague to represent them in their time of need: For example, I recently went to the InterContinental to help with an associate’s attendees’ needs as they were checking out or facilitating to find a specific venue space for an upcoming medical conference for a small group of doctors etc … etc…

The summer session at LaSalle College, where I teach, has also started. This month I attended an event that LaSalle holds every year called “Enterprise” where Fashion Marketing students present their business ideas, similar to the “Shark’s Tank” concept. Also, because the Event Planning program falls under the Fashion Marketing umbrella, I get the pleasure attending the
fashion design students’ showcasing all of their designs. And if you know me: anything to do with fashion, I LOVE!!

I had two client appreciation events this month – they were for the same client but from different departments. I also did educational programs for them.

I had two client appreciation events this month – they were for the same client but from different departments. I also did educational programs for them.

I was lucky enough to have had a lunch with colleagues where I discovered the Bier Markt, a fantastic restaurant.

I also rediscovered Hotel Le Crystal Montreal .

And visited the newly renovated AML Cruise boat.

Because I was working constantly I didn’t do much traveling this month.

However I still made time to check out the wonderful Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. Was invited to experience the property and it’s a gorgeous place.

I’d like to give a shout-out to my assistant Jennifer – she’s awesome and has been helping me out a lot with last-minute stuff. Thank you so so so MUCH Jennifer!

The event season has officially begun. Can’t wait to see what June has in store!

Globe-trotting

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I’ve been here, there and everywhere in the last few weeks.

My month of April went a little like this….

On April 1st I left for Cote d’Azur Nice/Cannes (I know… I have a rough job!). My experience began from the moment I got to the airport here in Montreal, where I was welcomed into the VIP Club Lounge courtesy of DELTA | KLM | AIR FRANCE | ALITALIA. 

Once in I was greeted with the BEST French Champagne, an assortment of French cheeses, baguettes and exotic fruits, also had the pleasure of tasting some freshly made French ‘amuse bouche’ … everything was classic and délicieux – ou la la.

Later, it was time to board the plane and to my surprise I was informed that I had been upgraded to First Class (WOW) …

Once all settled in I was (once again) offered some French Champagne as a welcome on board drink. Well by the looks of things, it seemed to me that I’d be drinking champagne all along on this flight … once the plane took to the air, supper was being served; lovely antipasto with a wonderful typical French entrée with complete table setting (ou la la). Once supper was over and all was cleared, once again was offered a choice of a night cap, more Champagne please, began to watch a movie and slowly fell asleep (my chair turned into a bed – sooo comfy) .. I was awakened with a typical French breakfast offering mimosa and mini French pastries.

Arrived in Paris only to run to catch our connection to Nice’s Airport Côte d’Azur, once we landed, we met up with my group, we were all delightfully surprised with a helicopter ride to the hotel (talk about living the life of the Rich and Famous) ou la la.

The rest of the trip on the French Rivirera was spectacular to the point it made me WANT to live there!

Alas, when I arrived back home April 6th, the morning after I took a plane to Toronto (yes another trip). I was graciously invited and hosted at this conference, I had the opportunity to meet / reconnect with some great suppliers and colleagues.

Left Toronto that Thursday (April 10th) only to wake up Friday (April 11th) to drive to Ottawa, where I was spending the weekend teaching 17 FABULOUS students for the WPIC’s Wedding Planners course. The students were awesome … I’m still getting thank-you notes from them. I’m truly overwhelmed with humbleness.

Monday morning (April 14th) I left Ottawa, drove home, unpacked, and got ready for my class that night at LaSalle College, where we were reviewing for final exams, which took place that week on Thursday (April 17th).

The week after I finalized/organized/coordinated the final details of my first pharmaceutical event, at the beautiful Hotel Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, this medical conference was all about cosmetic surgery. I really learned a lot (one can become paranoid about ones appearance after that – ouff).

Within that same week I also consulted on a few upcoming Weddings and closed 3 more Incentive Programs I was working on. (see I do REALLY work folks)

On April 24th I left for Mexico. Once arriving in Cancun we were whisked away to the newly renovated Paradisus Resort in gorgeous Cancun, Mexico where we were wined and dined (the staff there is just wonderful).

After, our program was over we were invited to ‘experience’ for a couple of days (the soft opening) of the newly remodel Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya … WOW.
We even got to see Jon Bon Jovi with his family pool side…

Another huge highlight of my month was when I received an email informing me that I’d been nominated for INDUSTRY BUILDER.
Another WOW moment … you have no idea how I’m honoured and humbled by the recognition by ones peers.

Landed in Montreal on the April 29th and from the airport I went straight to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts  to attend a Toronto Tourism soiree to network and reacquaint myself with their vendors.

And finally, the day after April 30th put the final touches on my client’s VIP Client Appreciation evening which began with a DELISH supper at Chez Epicier and ending the evening under the big top at Cirque du Soleil newest show KURIOS.

Hope your April was as rewarding as mine was! See you soon!

Catch me if you can …

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March is here and spring has sprung (NOT (yet)).

I’ve called this blog “catch me if you can” because I’ve been going all over the place: what I mean specifically is traveling.

Early March my traveling began:

Started with an annual congress in Mexico City (it’s my second visit and WOW) … This Metropolis never ceases to amaze me. On the request of my friends and colleagues; Eleonora and Marcella of the Mexican Tourism office, I was asked to stay on a few extra days to get a personalized tour. Boy did they spoil me rotten (as any proud Mexican would). I was brought to discover the WONDERFULLY colorful artisanal outdoor markets and a tucked away secret place smack in the middle of this grandiose city called Xochimilco (it’s the Mexican Venice) OMG really OMG!!

I was invited to a familiarization tour of Trois-Rivières, hosted by Tourisme Trois-Rivières  it was awesome to discover the incredible history. The few days spent there we learnt another morsel of our province’s complex history… simplement MERVEILLEUX!!

Was asked to par-take in on a last-minute trip to New York City (love it there!) Stayed at the uber chic and sexy CONRAD Hotel just across the street from the FREEDOM Tower and the 911 Memorial … all I can say about this is INSPIRATIONALLY HUMBLING!!

I worked (YES I actually DO WORK 🙂 ) on a few day long conferences/workshops for my clients; they are the usual “lunch and learns” with “whole-day conferences” these took place at some of Montreal’s most beautiful venues; the Hyatt Regency and the Ritz-Carlton.
I also took some time to attend a local annual Industry symposium always held at the Centre des Sciences; “Momentum” this was for the corporate side of the meeting industry. I also had time for some ‘self-education’ and attended the newly formed M+IT University in Montreal at the Sheraton Center downtown regarding meeting industry’s future trends and the top 10 trends for the Incentive Market. (a planner’s got to be up to date with all this)

Every year Board of Trade of Métropolitain Montreal “Opération Retour à l’école” invites “ENTREPRENEURS” to go speak to some High Schools. These conferences are for the up-and-coming students that want to be future entrepreneurs. We go to sharing why they should all keep going to school and pursue their dreams. This is something that I do to give back to the community every year … hence my
catch phrase: “I aspire to inspire”

For my upcoming Incentive Programs I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a few people from out of town properties:


TopNotch in Stowe Vermont                  Hotel PUR in Quebec City

It’s always great to connect with new vendors. (especially when I’m scouting new Incentive ideas for my client’s)

My classes at LaSalle College are slowly winding down – out of five classes two are finished and the rest are wrapping up by mid-April.

My class and I have had the honor of various speakers;

• Louis Sudano, from Intercontinental Montreal
• Patrick Lalonde, from Agence Apollo
• Randi Katz & Tony Picciuto, from The Directors Show Band
• Steve Merlin, from Event-ure
• Wedding set up at the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim; we where graciously invited by Jamie Silver from Celebrations

So at a glance one would think that March was busy?!?

WELL let me tell you April is looking even more hectic, especially when it comes to travel, but I’ll share that with you next month. Here is a hint: “je vais vous l’expliquer le mois prochain” wink wink – nudge nudge…. 🙂

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