For the past 4 years I have consistently updated this blog with (hopefully) interesting event related topics to encourage and engage all those looking for event related inspiration. BUT as the world continues to grapple with a seemingly never ending pandemic, I find myself in an industry full of empty calendars and not that much on the horizon that feels particularly inspiring. Event professionals, like myself, thrive on hustle,

Welcome to the next installment of “Lessons Learned”, a new blog series all about what REALLY happens behind the scenes of event planning. This week it’s all about our clients, the whole reason we get up in the morning. The folks that offer us the incredible opportunities to create memorable experiences….usually. As with most service providers, event professionals are in the business of people pleasing. The goals, objectives and

In the event world, we're trained to adapt and expect the unexpected. No amount of planning can ever predict last minute cancellations or delivery issues or freak weather….or even a global pandemic. Our entire industry is defined by our ability to solve problems and create amazing experiences, no matter what may happen. This leads us to our new reality of a complete event shut down. No parties. No conferences. No gatherings of any

When the unimaginable occurs within a week of your event

Ever wonder what REALLY happens when things go wrong at your favourite events? Lessons Learned is a series that I wanted to share about the behind the scenes life of an event planner. Everyone always gets to see the amazing food and Instagram worthy pictures but the reality is, the behind the scenes planning doesn’t always feel quite as flawless. There are inevitably

When it comes to event venues - traditional spaces like convention centres, restaurants and hotels are the norm. They’re reliable and comfortable but they’re also becoming a little stale. Edgy and unconventional is what stands out these days and planners who are willing to take the risk can often see some big rewards. Take Meeting Planners International (MPI) for example. In January I was asked to sit on a panel at one of their

In November I was thrilled to be contacted to contribute to a pretty fantastic publication highlighting the "Top 250 Influential Event Professionals in Canada" - that’s right, I'm officially influential now. BizBash is North America’s #1 source of ideas, news, and resources for event and meeting professionals and for their January 2020 edition they’ve set their sights on Canada. I was given the opportunity to answer a few questions

New year. New you! That’s right it’s resolution season folks! That time of year where everyone starts to reevaluate their habits and do their best to make adjustments that will hopefully improve their overall well-being. As cliché as these annual rituals may seem, the one goal that never seems to fade is healthy eating. The clean eating, whole eating, better eating lifestyle has truly taken hold – and for good reason! Food

Most of us have been to a conference or two at some point in our careers. We all flock to huge convention centres or hotels to hear all about the latest advancements and meet the newest industry hot shots who entertain us with career anecdotes and inspire us to innovate and excel. What could be better? Unfortunately, while these fantastic learning opportunities are often a welcome escape from our day to day schedule they inevitably

It’s hard to believe but 2020 is almost upon us and as this year comes to a close it’s so satisfying to remember all the amazing experiences I was fortunate enough to be involved in throughout the past year. I began 2019 at a special events conference in San Diego where I had the chance connect and learn from some of the most successful event professionals in the business. It was a trip full of new ideas and one that inspired me to

A large portion of my early career as an event planner was spent producing large scale trade shows. The work that goes into exhibiting at a trade show can be immense but they can also be incredibly effective initiatives for many businesses. One of the biggest advantages to trade shows is their exceptional targeting power. They’re almost always industry specific which means your ideal customers are not only in the room but they’ve