By Shannon Byck and Joe Nishi Back in November 2020, we blogged about the impact COVID was having on people employed in the face-to-face business events industry. The financial impact was devastating for many and organizations like ours immediately took a “safe harbour” approach with their teams and business models. Even still, we lost many talented people in our industry. The strain on mental health as we restructured and re-imagined our value was and continues to be a huge…
Sustainability has become an important factor today in deciding how and where to host an event. For Explore Edmonton Corporation, event sustainability a top priority. Dramatic improvements were made in its sustainability efforts in 2022 with the implementation of several local social, environmental, and economic causes and programs. “Explore Edmonton proudly launched six new sustainability content-based training courses over 2022 with the goal of helping provide staff with a more in-depth knowledge of sustainability, its practices, and what Explore…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
