
Spring is finally here and with it comes Trade show season! I talk a lot about corporate events on my blog but the truth is I’ve also produced over a dozen large scale trade shows in Calgary so I have a soft spot for all the springtime shows that seem to take over the city every weekend.
The work that goes into both producing and exhibiting at a trade show can be immense but they can also be incredibly effective initiatives for many

Years ago I worked with a client who was struggling with how to reinvigorate a holiday event that they’d been struggling with for years. They invested a substantial amount of time and effort into the event – and certainly weren’t stingy with their budget but their list of complaints continued year and after year. The space they were working limited them to 500 guests at rounds of 10 with little wiggle room and they were bored of the

When I began my career in event planning, the idea of managing budgets seemed a little overwhelming. It was never covered in any of the event management classes I took and, despite being a vital aspect of every event, it seems to be a bit of an industry secret.
So, this week let’s talk about some of the nuances of building an event budget. It’s time to share what no one else seems to talk about!
The Framework

Over the past 15 years working as an event planner, I have had the opportunity to produce a number of public events, tradeshows, and fundraisers; outside of my normal corporate social events. It was through these initiatives that I discovered the fascinating effect psychology can play in effectively pricing your events.
I’ve recently been invited to a public Opening Gala event here in Calgary for the opening of a large public

It may only be October but in the world of events, corporate holiday party planning is well underway, which means now is the perfect opportunity to discuss how best to invest your event dollars this season. Whether your budget is modest or extravagant there are wonderful options at every price point that are sure to impress your guests – as long as you know where to find the best bang for your buck.
1. Menu


I want to start by saying that I truly feel blessed to have found a rewarding career doing something that I love! When I share with new acquaintances what I do for a living one of three things always comes up: I’m asked if I do weddings – I don’t, they assume I only plan parties and get to drink and dance the night away – I don’t just do that either. I’m also frequently asked how someone new might get into such an exciting career –

Canada Day is right around the corner which means it’s time to start planning the big 151!
We are unbelievably fortunate to live in such a diverse country that is practically bursting with regional delicacies from different cultures across the country.
Whether you live on one of our breathtaking coastlines or under the big sky of the prairies or up in the rugged north, every corner of our country has something uniquely Canadian

With this year’s winter lasting longer than any of us would have imagined, you may have been too busy to notice that Calgary’s iconic 10 days is right around the corner! That’s right Calgary Stampede 2018 this year July 6 - 15th!
While less than two months might not seem like a lot of time to plan, I have some suggestions for how your company can still be a part of the action and everyone can #stampedelikeaboss.
There are so many

Building a well-run conference isn’t as easy as it seems. From logistics to sponsorships to creative components and food and beverage, the inner workings of these seemingly straightforward events can be anything but.
With the recent wrap up of my latest conference in Calgary, this week seems like the perfect time to discuss the merits of working with a seasoned conference professional when organizing these types of large scale