APRIL ISSUE

NEWSLETTER

President's Message
Bryan Bell Bryan.Bell@decorandmore.com

Hello fellow ISES members!

What an amazing few months it has been and I am so excited about the direction of the Toronto Chapter. The first few months of 2008 have seen many fantastic events and wonderful opportunities to promote ISES.

In February, our second annual venue crawl was a huge success as we had the opportunity to explore several different venues within the Distillery district during the course of one evening. In March, we followed this up with an education in 'Greening' our events hosted at the Toronto Botanical Garden and led by Dr. Anthony Watanabe PhD. Dr. Watanabe spoke to attendees about where the 'green' movement and 'green events' are going, and how we can contribute to this process. Our April event was held at the Ricoh Coliseum where we had a chance to enjoy the food and view from a private box while the home town Toronto Marlies beat the Chicago Wolves 8-3. What a great way to kick off the year with the outstanding efforts of the programming team and the unbelievable support of our wonderful sponsors.

ISES Toronto also had the chance to participate in the BiZBash Annual Tradeshow and the Canadian Special Events and Meetings Expo where we raised the profile of ISES and signed up several new members (see below for the full list). ISES International President Connie Riley, CSEP from Orlando was present at both events and Co-hosted an ISES cocktail party with support from the wonderful team at BiZBash. Earlier this month, at the Canadian Events Industry Awards at CiRCA nightclub, Connie was back in Toronto and provided a video montage from ISES members around the world. The message congratulated the Canadian events industry and ISES members in particular, for the amazing events that we have produced over the last year, and Canada's prominent place in the global events industry. I am excited as the profile of ISES continues to grow.

We have many fantastic events slated in the months ahead also. On May 12th, join world renowned speaker and author Max Lenderman at One King West where he will be speaking about experiential marketing and how it relates to the events industry. Not only will this be a wonderful educational experience, but attendees will also receive a copy of Max's book 'Experience the Message.' On June 3rd, you MUST join all of your industry friends for the ISES TORONTO 20th ANNIVERSARY BASH! at the Hard Rock Café on Yonge St. This is guaranteed to be an amazing evening where we will have a chance to catch up with friends old and new, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the ISES Toronto chapter.

Additional Information on the anniversary event will be sent to you shortly and nominations are now closed for the Toronto Chapter board for 2008/09. On behalf of the Board, thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process as it is only through our collective effort to get members involved that we as a chapter will continue to strengthen the ISES experience. An announcement will be made shortly regarding those results.

Arguably, there has never been a time like the present for all of us to build on some incredible momentum and create an awareness of ISES. This isn't possible without your participation so I hope to see you out at the May and June meetings. Lastly, if there is any way I can help you in getting more involved in our chapter, from volunteering, to serving on a committee, to learning about sponsorship opportunities, I eagerly await your call.

All the best,

Sincerely,
Bryan Bell
President, ISES Toronto Chapter

FOCUS ON FUN - ISES Toronto Events & Meetings Recap
Martin Rubio martin@vroommedia.com

2nd ANNUAL VENUE CRAWL
Wow it's been an EVENT filled few months, which started with the ISES Toronto Feb. 26th, meeting The '2ND Annual Venue Crawl' at the Distillery District

Our 'Venue Crawl' started along Trinity Street with an array of appetizers and cocktails at the Tappo Restaurant. Our next destination was the Thompson Landry Gallery, which specializes in Quebec artists. Setting a new standard for galleries in Toronto, the Thompson Landry Gallery showcases both contemporary internationally acclaimed artists of Quebec.

We continued with an exclusive tour of the Fermenting Cellar from the heavy timber beams and trusses, to the original Kingston limestone walls, and the ambient venue lighting and sound. The Fermenting Cellar sets itself apart form the typical, in a truly memorable atmosphere.

Our tour proceeded to experience the unique space of the Gibsone Jessop Gallery the first Canadian gallery to specialize in introducing promising, early mid-career international artists to Canadian audiences.

The 'Venue Crawl's grand finale' was hosted at the award winning Boiler House Restaurant an experience of great design, amazing samplings of the menu, signature cocktails, networking and fun times to end the evening.



GREENIFYING YOUR EVENTS
Our March 19th meeting, 'Greenifying your Events' held at The Toronto Botanical Gardens with Anthony Watanabe PhD, President & CEO of the Innovolve Group. Anthony provided insights into how to encourage clients to embrace the concept of sustainability. The presentation focused on how to incorporate green event planning in this environmental revolution. The Innovolve Group has also introduced the Green Meetings Guide . Carol Moxam assisted attendees to participate in the discussion using the 'Data on the Spot' audience response system, which was a great interactive tool and lots of fun. The sumptuous dinner was not only 'green' but also organic provided by Jayne's Gourmet Catering



BIZBASH
At the BizBash Tradeshow and Awards we had at a stream of interest at our ISES booth. Event guru Preston Bailey even dropped by to see what was happening! BizBash co-founder David Aaron and Connie Riley ISES's International President hosted a cocktail reception to celebrate the upcoming ISES Toronto 20th Anniversary. We also had an ISES Calgary Chapter member win a BizBash award; Best Overall Event Decor (under $50,000): Solutions with Impact, One Wish.



CANADIAN SPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS EXPO - CEIA AWARDS

Congratulations to the ISES Toronto Member winners;

Best Achievement in Technical Support: Pandor Productions / Eclectic Events International

In the News Best Buffet Table Design: Stardust Events, Go Wild! A Movable Feast

Best Catered Event: Gourmet Cuisine, Value Through Innovation

Best Conference: aNd Logistix Inc., Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix National Conference

Best Event Produced Charitable Organization: Solutions with Impact, Dorothy Goes Glam

Best Opening Event: Eclectic Events International, In the News

Best Table Center: Décor & More Inc, The Floral Fantasy Wedding

Best Theme Décor $10,000 to $30,000: Designing Trendz, Rachel and Ryan's Wedding

Best Theme décor Over $30,000: Décor & More Inc, Puttin on the Ritz

Best Trade Show Booth: Décor & More Inc & KEP Events Inc, Imaginarium

Outstanding Logistical Achievement: Iceculture Inc., Chillout

Producer of the Year: Karen Eluck, CSEP, CMP

Best Use of Tenting: Regal Tent Productions, U of Pennsylvania's Kickoff Gala Celebration

CEIA Spirit of the Industry Award: Lara McCulloch



Lara McCulloch was honored with the Spirit of the Industry Award
at the 2008 Star Awards Gala last week in Toronto.
The award was given to Lara to recognize her commitment to help continue to create a united industry in Toronto and for what her peers have called “overwhelming enthusiasm for the Canadian event industry” and its growth. The past few years our industry has experienced some challenges and in this tough economic climate it’s not always easy to garner support in terms of volunteerism while people are laser focused on making sure their businesses succeed. The Spirit Award is given for many reasons and in this case, its Lara’s willingness to throw her hat in the ring, get involved, take on new challenges with a positive and non bias attitude and step up into a leadership role which will allow her to help move our industry forward. Spirit is the name of the award, it’s not a lifetime achievement award or a producer of the year award, it is presented to the person who shows the most Spirit and this year, Lara McCulloch is well deserving of this honor.

For more information on the 11th Annual Canadian Events Industry Awards please visit: http://www.canadianspecialevents.com/ceia/ceia_win.html

TORONTO MARLIES RULE!
ISES Toronto members enjoyed an exciting evening at the Ricoh Coliseum on April 9 as the Toronto Marlies played the Chicago Wolves. The Chicago Wolves saw an early 2-1 lead evaporate as the Toronto Marlies reeled off seven straight tallies en route to an 8-3 victory !

First Round playoff action! The Marlies will be playing the San Antonio Rampage (AHL Affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes) in Game 6 at Ricoh Coliseum on Exhibition Grounds this Sunday, April 27th at 4:00pm

If you would like any additional information about the upcoming offers or playoff tickets, please contact: Marlies Representative Jordan Lorette at 416.263.3905 or email:jlorette@torontomarlies.com



UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming events!

EXPERIENCE THE MESSAGE
Monday May 12, 2008      Dominion Club - Suites at 1 King West 5:30 - 9:00 pm
Experience the Message' - How Experiential Marketing Is Changing the Brand World by Max Lenderman. http://www.experiencethemessage.com/ .
More and more, businesses - large and small - are learning to re-connect with their customers through creating new and exciting experiences. A new way of marketing 'Experiential Marketing', is now driving strategies and tactics for brands and products in an increasingly cluttered and fragmented marketplace. Max will offer insight to new experiential marketing tactics for doing business in the Experience Economy. Participants will receive a copy of Max Lenderman's Book: 'Experience the Message', retail value $21.99.



ISES Toronto 20th ANNIVERSARY BASH!
Tuesday June 3 2008 at the Hard Rock Cafe 279 Yonge St. at the Dundas Square
Celebrating the past, present and future in the Toronto, Canadian and International Events Industry!
More details to follow…

EVENTWORLD
ISES is having their annual conference, 'Eventworld® 2008' in St. Petersburg, FL at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club from August 21 - 23. First time attendees and seasoned ISES Eventworld® participants will benefit from this informative and educational extravaganza. Don't miss this opportunity to meet and learn from industry veterans, ask questions, and network with peers. Please visit the conference website for more information: http://www.ew.ises.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
We would like to extend a big welcome to all new members! Our membership continues to grow with a variety of Planners and Special Event service providers. ISES Toronto is dedicated to helping special events professionals produce outstanding results for clients while establishing positive working relationships with other event colleagues.
Considering joining ISES? Now is the time!
Join now and you will receive 14 months of membership for the price of 12!
Discover how being part of our growing association will help you establish more business and expand your knowledge. Visit our website at www.isestoronto.com to learn more about the benefits of membership or contact Carol Ford at info@isestoronto.com.

Johanna DeAngelis - DeAngelis Entertainment Inc.   jonideangelis@sympatico.ca   www.bobdeangelis.com

Kathrine Faubert - Carlson Marketing   kfaubert@carlsoncanada.com   www.carlsoncanada.com

Martha Fitzpatrick - Events Unlimited      marthaspace@cogeco.ca     www.eventsunlimited.ca

Nick Georgopoulos - Showvision Events & Entertainment     info@showvisiontalent.com www.showvisiontalent.com

Denise Jones - Jones & Jones denise@jonesandjones.ca   www.jonesandjones.ca

Deni Kondric - Eden Planning ; Essential Event Rentals   info@edenplanning.com     www.edenplanning.com

Ashley LeRoux - Children's Aid Foundation     aleroux@cafdn.org     www.cafdn.org

Janel Matheson - CSTD     jmatheson@cstd.ca     www.cstd.ca

Fadil Nemir - Blue Violet     nemr.f@blueviolet.ca     www.blueviolet.ca

Mehta Parras - Design2Decor Inc     info@design2decor.com www.design2decor.com

Tony Wong - Tony Wong Event, Conference & Project Mgmt    wongtonyt@gmail.com

More exciting NEWS from ISES Toronto…

Job Shadowing
ISES Toronto is coordinating job shadow opportunities for students with our ISES Toronto membership, for more information please contact: Director of Student Affairs Jennifer Orticello

Sponsorship Opportunities
Also we're finalizing the details for our NEW Sponsorship opportunities on the ISES Toronto website, speaking of the website there will be lots of great new updates soon…

Connect with other Special Event Professionals facebook and LinkedIn
Another new way to communicate online with our membership and with other event industry enthusiasts in Toronto and internationally is on the social websites LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com and facebook http://www.facebook.com . Visit our groups, to 'stay in the know', network with peers and make new 'friends'!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CHAPTER SPONSORS...

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ISES TORONTO CHAPTER SPONSOR?
Contact us at info@isestoronto.com for more details!

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please reply to this message with (REMOVE) in the subject line

ISES Toronto Chapter
312 Oakwood Court.
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada     L3Y 3C8
Tel: (905) 898-7434   Fax: (905) 895-1630
E: info@isestoronto.com    W: www.isestoronto.com