Dusseldorf Altbierfest

September 30, 2011 by  
Filed under Ask Deb, Ontario, Past Events, Toronto

Thank you for attenting the 35th anniversary
of Messe Düsseldorf in Canada.

The Candian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce organized an amazing event on October 11th. The worldwide famous Altbierfest.

The setting couldn’t have been better. The Altbierfest was held at Toronto’s Bier Markt on the Esplanade and showcased an authentic German Bierfest. It was a casual, comfortable and perfect moment for networking.

Event Fundraising Strategy & Planning

September 30, 2011 by  
Filed under Ask Deb, Non-Profit Events, Ontario, Toronto

When it comes to your fundraising events, if you were starting over, how different would they look?

1. Become more data driven.
It is impossible to run a successful event fundraising program without understanding the characteristics of your participants and the linkages between those characteristics and giving.

2. Understand the difference between metrics and analytics.
Event fundraisers are talking about not just measuring more and better, but also predicting donor and participant behaviours. You can use your analysis as a blueprint to think strategically about how to improve your event’s future fundraising results.

3. Think in segments.
It’s essential to target your segments differently. Within each event there are definitely groups of participants that we should focus on more than most. It is essential that you identify up front how many segments you can actually administer.

4. Predict future activities.
This is basic segmentation developed from descriptive analysis. But while this helps to focus efforts, it is essentially reactive 3and does little to develop new gifts.

5. Think relationships.
All aspects of the event marketing relationship are changing. Social media is perhaps the most obvious change, but there are other choices you can use. Rather than treating social media as a standalone channel or replacement for traditional tactics, event marketers should be looking for ways to use social media to support and enhance the successful programs they already have in place.

6. Drive fundraising productivity.
In some organizations fundraisers spend too much of their time doing tasks that the marketing should be doing for you. We’re seeing some organizations use their CRM and personal fundraising systems to take advantage of automation, email and social media to make personal fundraisers more credible with their donors and shorten the cultivation cycle.

7. Use social media to connect and facilitate dialogue.
You’re are accountable for your events’ participation in social media—even if your aren’t engaging in those conversations yourself. You must train, educate and support your event participants who fundraises on behalf of the organization.

8. Remember the 80/20 rule.
Do you treat all event participants equally? You shouldn’t! The most effective events focus the majority of their efforts on the participants with the highest potential return, which typically constitutes only about 15% of the participant base.

9. Give your donor database the respect it deserves.
We recommend that you not overlook an analysis of the structure of your data gathering itself. This is an area all-too-often ignored. This includes administration of hundreds of thousands of participants and donor records and millions of transactions.

10. Be different.
The audit and evaluation of your events should include comprehensive participant, donor, market and competitive analysis. Understanding how you will compete and differentiate your events is critical to success.

Lenzr.com: Photo Contests for All Seasons

September 22, 2011 by  
Filed under Contest

Today is officially the first day of autumn. For Torontonians, the change of season means last trips to the Toronto Islands, farmer’s markets and cottage country. Shorts and sundresses are packed away with a sigh, scarves and sweaters pulled off the shelves to add textured layers to city fashion. This summer/fall, Lenzr has three great photo contests, running September-October, that epitomize the seasonal switch that occurs at the autumnal equinox.

Landscaping and Lawn Care Photo Contest

Lenzr’s Landscaping and Lawn Care photo contest wants to savour what’s left of the green grass and blooming flowers of summer. Do you or does someone you know have a perfectly manicured property that deserves to be remembered forever in a photograph? Is there a public space in Toronto that you feel has achieved excellence in landscaping design? Landscaping is an art, using organic, living materials and colors to express a wide variety of symbols and feelings. Send in your best shot of your favourite green space and you could win a great prize!

The prize is $250 worth of gardening tools, courtesy of the contest’s sponsor, a 100% emissions free property maintenance company located in the GTA.

Canadian Harvest Photo Contest

Lenzr’s Canadian Harvest photo contest is set to collect autumn stories from all across Canada. Harvest time is different from coast to coast, and Toronto has its own unique way of expressing the season. Kids on tours at Riverdale Farm, families walking under a canopy of bright red leaves in High Park, trips to apple orchards, or little towns in the country for a fall fair–these are all ways the modern Torontonian may experience the Canadian Harvest.

The prize for this contest is $400 plus a photo licensing contract with the contest’s sponsor Nora Camps, a brand personality consultant who specializes in coming up with marketing solutions for charitable and not-for-profit agricultural organizations. She is looking for a harvest-themed photo for her website; the winning photographer will be published online and scoop up $400 cash.

Metal World Photo Contest on Lenzr.com

 

Avant-garde structures like the ROM are exactly what Lenzr’s judges are looking for in the Metal World photo contest. If you’re a photographer who prefers to shoot in black and white, this could be your opportunity (along with the metallic world you shoot) to shine! Metallic structures have a decidedly futuristic feel about them and in most cases they’re cold and rather impersonal–try to capture these qualities and you may win a great prize!

The prize is a Sony laptop with a unique metal skin, courtesy of this contest’s sponsor, an Ottawa metal roofing company.

All three of these contests started September 1, 2011. Voting begins on October 15, after which the top ten user-ranked photos advance to the Lenzr judges. The winning photographs will be announced November 1, 2011.

CityEvents: Like the Facebook Page Contest

September 9, 2011 by  
Filed under Contest, Ontario, Toronto

It’s an exciting month! The ‘Like the Facebook Page Contest’ has kicked off. CityEvent is becoming more and more well known around the city.

To reward our fans we have a few surprising gifts for you guys! You can get the chance to win one of two gift baskets worth 200 dollars! Or a 100 dollars gift certificate!

All you have to do is login to Facebook, search for CityEvents and like our page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CityEvents

The contest runs until September 30th.

What are you waiting for? Did you already like our Facebook Page?

 


 

 

 

 

TIFF Hotspots. Who is open late this TIFF?

September 8, 2011 by  
Filed under Ask Deb, Ontario, Past Events, Toronto

Looking for the hottest places to visit during the Toronto International Film Festival from September 8-18th? Don’t worry. We’ve got the best locations uncovered. From the patio’s to the parties at the grand hotels, you will definitely enjoy everything these venues have to offer during TIFF. Just peeking to spot a celebrity or just having a great night. It’s possible during these exciting weeks. Most of the events or venues are open till at least 4 a.m. Take a look. Who is open late?

Brassaii 461 King St. W., 416-598-4730 www.brassaii.com
Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge is Toronto’s sophisticated cosmopolitan and culture destination.With a romantic cobblestone palazzo courtyard and charming outdoor patio, Brassaii embraces its architectural heritage, elevating your fine dining experience  to an expedition in urban archeology and design. Small select eats on the menu until 4 a.m.

Cabin 5 225 Richmond St. W., 416-979-3000 www.cabinfive.com
Cabin Five is Toronto’s party bar launched in 2009. The ambience of Cabin Five Nightclub is very welcoming, helped by the warm and inviting decor. The walls are covered in rough timber. The room is dominated by two rustic wooden bars with back bars being created out of original pine windows and lit with turn of the century coach lights. Open until 4 a.m.

Crush Wine Bar455 King St. W., 416-977-1234 www.crushwinebar.com
A wine bar with French bistro style restaurant. Offers menus, wine list, photographic tour, and details about private dining and tasting events. Special $80 menu for TIFF, featuring egg yolk ravioli, open until 4 a.m.

Fifth Grill and Terrace 225 Richmond St. W., 416-979-3005 www.thefifthgrill.com
Located on the rooftop of an old warehouse and accessible by a private elevator, The Fifth Grill & Terrace is a unique experience. The dining room with its warm eclectic décor, zinc bar, fireplace and crooning piano player is very inviting. The heated year-round rooftop terrace offers a spectacular downtown vista. Open Thurs.-Sat. Bar open till 4 a.m., last reservation for dinner 11 p.m.

Four Seasons Hotel21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411 www.press.fourseasons.com
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is rolling out the red carpet for TIFF from September 8 to 18, 2011. ONEXONE’s Charity Gala will be at the Four Seasons with a special performance by Harry Connick Jr.  on Sept 9th.

The team at Avenue bar at the Four Seasons have created a special TIFF Cocktail Menu, available exclusively from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 18 only. Open till 4 a.m.

Also, Bellosound Outdoor TIFF Music Lounge will be at the Four Season’s York Ville Entrance with live DJ performances and special guests. Thursday, Sept 9 – Sat Sept 10 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Gansevoort Goodnight 18 Wellington St. W. www.sirencommunications.com
This is where Brad Pitt and Leighton Meester are expected to show their faces. Gansevoort Hotel Group will be hosting Goodnight Gansevoort on September 9th and 10th. Goodnight will host a select group of A-list celebrities and fashionable VIP’s for two ultra-exclusive TIFF after parties on those days.  If you want the best of culture and nightlife you should be there. Open till 4 a.m.

LA SOCIÉTÉ 131 Bloor Street West. Unit 211, 416.551.9929 www.lasociete.ca
In the heart of Yorkville, the place is very popular and also called the “people’s” canteen. This art deco Paris brasserie with zinc bar, stained glass ceiling, two patios, weather permitting is a place not to miss. Food till 2 a.m., bar open till 4 a.m.

La Terrasse AMC & Nikki Beach350 King West, 6th floor, Tiff Bell Lightbox Roof Terrasse www.nikkibeach.com
This year during TIFF La Terrasse AMC & Nikki Beach are taking over a prime-time real estate: Rooftop, outdoor terrace of the TIFF Lightbox, Malparte by O&B. Sept 8-12th, 6pm – 4a.m.

Reservations are strongly encouraged at what is sure to be the hottest spot during the festival. Make your reservation here: reservations@nikkibeachtoronto.com or by calling (800) 583-3708.

Luma and O&B Canteen TIFF Lightbox 350 King St. W., 647-288-4715 and 647-288-4710 www.oliverbonacini.com
O&B Canteen will be a 3,500 square foot casual dining space on the ground floor. With space in doors and out, Canteen will offer causal dining options including sit-down and take-away. Luma, the fine dining area of the complex, will seat 230 indoor and 50 outside with a menu of globally inspired Canadian cuisine by Chef Jason Bangerter. The restaurant will connect to a lounge. Luma at TIFF Bell Lightbox is now offering à la carte brunch on Sundays.

Park Hyatt Hotel 4 Avenue Rd., 416-925-1234 www.parktoronto.hyatt.com
Located high atop fashionable Yorkville on the 18th floor, The Roof Lounge is visited by both locals and celebrities. The Hyatt Hotel has a beautiful patio with stunning views of the vibrant city of Toronto. Enjoy the light bar menu and the view of the top.

Monday through Sunday, 12:00p.m. – 1:00a.m. (after these hours for private parties)

Ritz Carlton Hotel – TOCA 181 Wellington St., 416-585 2500 TIFF central http://www.ritzcarlton.com
Many stars will be checking in at the Ritz Carlton. Toronto’s newest luxury hotel welcomes guests to the heart of the city’s bustling financial and performing arts districts. Located across from Roy Thomson Hall and only steps from the Toronto International Film Festival Bell Lightbox.

The TOCA Bar is the perfect place for an after work drink or a pre-dinner cocktail. With its trendy ambiance, free standing bar, tapas-style menu, raw bar, sustainable caviar tasting as well as 10 sparkling and 50 still wines by the glass, TOCA Bar will satisfy even the toughest critics. The TOCA bar, Toca restaurant, DEQ restaurant, with patio are all open till 4 a.m.

Bellosound is hitting the DEQ at The Ritz-Carlton during TIFF 2011. From Sept 8- 18, 10p.m. -3 a.m.

Soho House Grey Goose11 Duncan Street www.greygoose.com
Grey Goose, the world’s favorite luxury vodka, is celebrating the silver screen with an exclusive party for the world’s film elite in Toronto. A proud sponsor of film around the world, Grey Goose is continuing its highly successful partnership with the exclusive private members’ club, Soho House, to host this pop-up event. September 9th.

The Burroughes Building
639 Queen Street West. www.theburroughes.com
The Creative Artists Agency is a key player, making their TIFF party a must attend. The CAA’s party is hosted by Amy Sacco at the Burroughes Building.

Parlour270 Adelaide Street, 416.821.0901 www.parlour270.com
Parlour is a must go for socializing and networking opportunities. It’s an intimate bar and lounge. Let the art, music, food and architecture impress you. Parlour has a cocktail/wine menu and a snack bar menu.

The Hoxton 69 Bathurst Street www.thehoxton.ca
The Hoxton will play host to the Diet Coke Stay Extraordinary Gala, transporting guests back to Old Hollywood. September 12th.


The Thompson Toronto
550 Wellington Street W 416.640.7778 www.thompsonhotels.com
Thompson Toronto’s first international addition, opened the summer of 2010 in the diverse and artistically driven King West Village, a neighborhood adjacent to the city’s financial and entertainment districts. A new addition to the Thompson and long awaited is Toronto’s 889 Yoga and Wellness Spa who are now onsite for the TH guests. The Thompson has one of the most sought after roof tops and chances are you will find local and visiting celebrities.

Lobby bar open till 4 a.m.

The Drake Hotel1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042 www.thedrakehotel.ca
The Drake Hotel Fauxbo de luxe, the place to be for global hipsters. Bar open till 4 a.m., last reservation for dinner 10: 30 p.m. TIFF ’11: Two Gallants W/The Mumlers. Drake after dark to celebrate with bands and a crazy dance floor. September 9th, 8p.m – 4a.m.

Ultra Supper Club314 Queen St West 416 263-0330 www.ultratoronto.com
Ultra Supper Club rooftop patio and urbanist wannabes slick dining area is open till 4 a.m.

Throughout TIFF ultra will be serving TIFF-themed specialty cocktails, hosting film premiere parties as well as celebrity guests and DJs. . With a reputation for cocktails, dining and networking it is almost certain that stars will be spotted here. September 8-9th, open until 4.a.m.

Victor in Le Germain Hotel30 Mercer St., 416-504-4239 www.germaintoronto.com
Social Dining, Seasonal Produce and Ethnic Diversity. Victor Restaurant and Lounge specializes in social dining, creating dishes inspired by the ethnic mosaic that is unique to Toronto. It’s your opportunity to enjoy the best seasonal produce: bold salads, roasts, vegetables, fish and game. The dishes are served “family style” letting the joys of sharing and the pleasures of the senses free.

Fresh ‘n’ local kitchen closes at midnight, drinks till 2 a.m.

Windsor Arms Hotel18 St. Thomas St., 416-921-9121 www.windsorarmshotel.com
Consecutively voted the #1 hotel in Toronto by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Windsor Arms Hotel is located on a quiet street ideally located just steps away from Yorkville, the heart of Toronto’s most fashionable shopping and entertainment district. The Cafe along with Twenty Two and Prime will have license extended to 4 a.m.

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