November 2, 2004 became another milestone for the ISES Toronto Chapter. The annual gala “ISES INFERNO” heated things up and drew 125 “who’s who” of the Canadian event industry. The board has really been “heating things up” and achieving many of their objectives over the past two years and this theme helped represent that. We’re a very lucky chapter to have a board that works incredibly well together, works remarkably hard and achieves much for its members.
The event was introduced to our members by an eye-catching and unique mailed invitation that was truly a disco party in a tube. Designed and sponsored by Barnstorming Designs, the tube, which beckoned recipients to “do a little dance, make some new friends and get down tonight” featured a 3-page invitation with flashing lapel pins sponsored by ThinkEnt, a disco ball and theme glitter. That was just a taste of the fun to come!
The gala was held at a gorgeous venue in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Courthouse Chamberlounge. This historic and award-winning venue features 25’ high ceilings, original hardwood floors, a Group of Seven dining room and roaring fireplaces. As guests entered the venue, our Executive Director Carol Ford and ISES Volunteer Jeanette Soo greeted guests and provided them with special name badges. As ISES events are a networking must, each badge featured a word or part of a phrase in theme on the reverse of their nametags.
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Guests were then off on a journey to network their way to find their partner for a chance to earn some great prizes – and meet new contacts! Signage thanking and directing guests sponsored by Image and More dotted the room. Each guest received a goody bag on their chair featuring an issue of CEP and chocolates compliments of Canadian Event Perspective Magazine (CEP), a flashing lapel pin from ThinkEnt and suntanning coupons from Sunbanque. The goody bags were also stuffed with promo from our gala sponsors. Each place setting featured a Gala & Auction Program, sponsored by MauMedia.
The décor on the tables, throughout the room and in the auction area drew guests in and created a glitzy disco splash thanks to the phenomenal theme décor sponsored by Stardust Events. Ultra groovy ceiling, stage and balloon décor throughout the venue was sponsored by Balloon Corporate Events dazzled the senses. One of the focal points was the ultimate multicolored Plexiglas flashing disco dance floor sponsored by Pandor Productions, which is truly mandatory when “getting down.”
Just prior to dinner, the 2nd Annual Leadership Awards were presented by ISES Toronto President, Kyle Hosick and Immediate Past President, Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP. The ISES Toronto Chapter Leadership Awards recognize excellence and dedication at all levels of the organization. From President to the Board of Directors and to the membership, these awards are celebrated in the spirit of ISES – community, commitment and dedication.
There were six awards presented to very worthy recipients and they were:
Volunteer of the Year Award – Dale Proctor of ShowPro
Leadership Award – Deborah Macfie of Gourmet Cuisine
Chapter Member of the Year Award – Debbie Arato, CSEP
Supplier of The Year – Carol Mair of Balloon Corporate Events
ISES Student Award – Frederica Black, George Brown College
Past President’s Award – Carolyn Luscombe, CSEM, CSEP, CMP
Dinner immediately followed the awards and was to die for featuring a 3-course meal consisting of tomato basil soup, lemon-oregano chicken w/roasted potatoes/seasonal vegetables, chocolate torte w/mango-ginger ice cream, coffee and tea. During dinner, funky entertainment presentations by The Dance Company, The Essentials and The Disco Inferno Band got people movin’, groovin’ and in the mood to party. Lighting and sound sponsored by PSIAV allowed for a rockin’ performance and impression. Superfly Entertainment provided emcee services and music services throughout the evening.
After dinner, guests kept trying to outbid each other at the auction and ISES Volunteers Helen Zegouras, Cynthia Woods, Antoinette Antoine and Frederica Black were on hand to assist with the auction. Guests also made their way around the venue participating in numerous activities such as digital photos by Event Pix, Pucker Powder Candy Craft and Retro 70s Photo Booth from Hart Entertainment, Crystal Tattoos from Party Extras, Caricatures by Alma Art and Handwriting Analysis by Positive Strokes. The fountain of hot, flowing Belgian chocolate sponsored by Gourmet Catering was a real treat for our guests.
The gala raised over $2,000.00 and the auction, which featured the most items to date (66), raised a record $5,890.00 Watch out folks, ISES Toronto is hot and on fire! |
