Event Operations

Steps For Successful Sponsorships

2023/01/02

Sponsorships are a great way to raise funds for revenue generating events, however, the process of seeking and securing sponsorships can be time consuming and incredibly challenging. Not only do you need to sharpen your skills in sales, but you also need to confidently pitch your event with all the necessary details. Whether your event is taking place virtually or in-person, there are numerous possibilities for brand exposure, audience interaction, activations and so much more. So, what can you…
How to Achieve ROI with Partnerships

2022/12/19

Events are largely successful because of deeply connected partnerships based on aligned values and shared respect. It is our business philosophy that a small group of A plus, senior level event professionals is a stronger contingent than a large agency of varied skill levels. This is the lens through which we search for our hand-picked partners and teammates, and why we celebrate them so openly. To provide insights into how and why this matters, here is our event partnerships…
Calgary BMO Centre Hotel Planned

2022/12/15

When it comes to planning corporate meetings and events, combining the right venue and hotel accommodation location can offer many benefits. Calgary is adding an exciting new option for planners with the announcement of a new convention centre hotel. Construction on the hotel will begin in 2024 and connect directly to BMO Centre, which is currently undergoing an extensive expansion. Matthews Southwest Hospitality (MSWH) will create the first hotel at Stampede Park and connect an expected 220 plus rooms…
The Value of Joining an Association

2022/12/02

When I started my entrepreneurial journey one of the first things I did was join the International Live Events Association (ILEA). Although I had been a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) on and off for about 15 years, it had never completely felt like the right fit for me. ILEA on the other hand seemed more my speed. It was where the business owners and creatives that I aspired to collaborate with chose to volunteer their time and…
Five Steps For a Successful Festival

2022/12/01

Remember that vibrant festival experience from days long ago? Great music, delicious food, colourful entertainment, being outdoors with a crowd taking in the brilliant sunshine. Festivals are ever-popular, and even more so now that we are back from years of “no gathering land.” We all miss getting together to enjoy a shared experience – it is an essential part of being human. Large corporations and small businesses alike love to align with successful festivals especially if they know your…
How to Find Joy in Flying Less

2022/11/21

As an event professional, I have a love-hate relationship with travel. I get a lot of joy out of the opportunity my job provides me to visit other places. At the same time, I feel significant guilt about the carbon impact of the flights I take. For a long time I rationalized these trips. They’re “only” 2 per cent of carbon emissions, I’d say (a figure that doesn’t include the full warming potential of all emissions from aviation). And…
Chef Q&A: Patrick Turcot, Shaw Centre

2022/11/18

Shaw Centre executive chef Patrick Turcot found his passion for food and cooking when he was teenager and pursued his dream by graduating from the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality of Quebec. Chef Turcot started his career off joining the kitchen brigade at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, returning to work at the legendary Chateau Frontenac and sharing his culinary experience with students at Cégep Limoilou in Quebec City. Throughout his career, Turcot has received numerous awards and accolades and…
Top 10 Exciting Event Technologies

2022/11/04

If you’re planning an event, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the latest and greatest event technologies. These hot trends can make your event more exciting and engaging for attendees and give you the creative edge on your competitors. Here are 10 of the most exciting new event technologies to inspire your next event: 1. Holographic Displays Stand out from the crowd and make your brand stand for something in a world where competition is tough. With 3D…
Make Your Events More Inclusive

2022/10/21

In an effort to offer more inclusive events, we should consider all of the factors that could possibly limit or exclude a person from attending an event including physical limitations, phobias and/or disabilities; cognitive impairments, mental health, transportation to event locations. When we think about how EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility) relates to events, it is critical to identify all of the possible ways in which people can interact with our content. Once that has been established, it’s…
Innovative Solutions Needed For Recovery

2022/10/20

For two years, the COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges, halting the global face-to-face meetings industry, where planners spent much of their time cancelling or rescheduling meetings and negotiating penalties. Fast forward to 2022, and the recovery process is full steam ahead, where event planners are run off their feet. It feels like our industry has gone from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye. Clients are looking for innovative solutions to help with the workload, staff shortages…