Events for Event Planners – Beat the Catch 22
March 26, 2014 by CityEvents
Filed under Past Events
As an event manager, meeting planner or overall special events coordinator, we all have one common goal – to provide the biggest, the best and most out-of-the-box events to our clients. Most of this comes with experience but a good chunk of it is due to exposure. Our ideas and inspirations come from everywhere. From creating, attending or running an event, to a night on the town with friends and yes, even a good ‘ol lounge session in front of the TV. After all, who would’ve of thought of a lollipop dress as a way to serve dessert, or fishbowl centrepieces? If experience is what you lack, or you’re looking for some fresh new ideas, expose yourself to the following shows and resources to help broaden your creative spark and event knowledge!
Canadian Special Events Expo 2014 & Event Tech-ology Summit
This three-day event is jam-packed with new ideas, inspiration and affordable solutions for your event planning endeavours. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 25-27, 2014 the CSE Expo provides planners with the tools and resources to make your events POP, all while strengthening your professional network. Whether you’re an experienced event planner or are new to the game, you will definitely want to attend! This year’s expo includes over 50 new vendors, food trucks, and chocolate and ice bar samples. You can even join ISES on the show floor for insights and knowledge from industry experts at no cost! Have a burning tech question? Head to the tech bar to get your questions answered and even bring your own devices! Also, be sure to check out APPSTRAVAGANZA – new for this year, it will introduce innovative and effective online technology with hands-on and guided learning. This expo provides many opportunities and is not to be missed!
Ignite Business Event Expo (IBE)
The Ignite Business Event Expo will be returning to Toronto on April 8th and 9th at the Direct Energy Centre. Attend this event for NEW and exciting inspiration to help your career. Connect with unique suppliers and be sure to check out the experience zones that will help spark and kindle creativity. This expo offers an exciting business environment that sets the stage to perfectly network and connect!
Have you heard of IncentiveWorks? Coming up on August 19th and 20th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is Canada’s largest event for planners and organizers! This show gives industry professionals the opportunity to network with vendors, suppliers, speakers and other resources to stay current on what what’s hot and trendy! With a trade show of over 700 local, national and international suppliers in the meetings and events industry, you’re sure to make some meaningful connections!
Event planning is a career that is fast and is forever-changing. Trends are as unpredictable as spring in Toronto 2014. Stay relevant by exposing yourself to resources and network to equip you with the tools to be at the forefront of the event industry.
Located. An evening in Support of Fogo Island Arts
March 7, 2014 by CityEvents
Filed under Past Events
Located. An evening in Support of Fogo Island Arts
Tuesday, April 29th, Located. An evening in Support of Fogo Island Arts was hosted at The Wychwood Barns. Over 100 guests- more than we excepted- came to this evening filled with rich culture, inspiring art and locally crafted award-winning food. Located. An evening in Support of Fogo Island Arts is a fundraising event showcasing the diversity and rich heritage of Fogo Island. Proceeds raised will benefit the Shorefast Foundation – a charity rooted in the cultural and economic development of the island.
This event featured presentations by Zita Cobb about the Fogo Island project, Nicolaus Schafhausen and Zin Taylor discussing artist residencies with Fogo Island Arts and a talk from Kitty Scott, Art Gallery of Ontario Curator regarding “Residencies Matter”.
Thanks to the floral decorations of Iris Fraser-Gudrunas and the vintage plates, the Newfoundland atmosphere was all over the Artscape Wychwood Barns. Moreover, the attendees could have enjoyed a Newfoundland Boil Up prepared by Chef Murray Mac Donald – Top 10 “Best New Restaurants in Canada” – enRoute magazine; as well as a Newfoundland Blueberry Lemonade.
Auction turned out very well as every items were sold which enable Shorefast Foundation to collect over $50,000.
If you want more information on Fogo Island Arts : http://fogoislandarts.ca
The photos of the event can be found at : www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto
The Bond Affair Dinner
February 17, 2014 by deblewis
Filed under CitySocial, Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
Sophisticated, elegant and on a mission to stimulate your taste buds. The Bond Affair Dinner Series strives to transform the way people view the city by providing the best culinary food possible.
This “pop-up” social dinner was held in magnificent locations such as museums, conservatories, historical locations, 5 star restaurants, golf clubs, art galleries and many more areas that represent fancy, classy and timeless. Guests were aware of each events secret location 2 days beforehand.
For only $125, you experience a night in the life of 007. The night began with the 007 Photo concierges, who accompanied guests to take photos with the Bond background.
Special 007 concierges that escort guests to the bond lounge where drinks and Hors d’oeuvres were served. After the reception period, guests were seated and take part in the Q Branch. “Special Guest” which could be a book author, fashion designer or philanthropist.
And just so we’re clear, spies, we expect you to dine with us. A 4 course dinner was served, accompanied by the best drinks and a chef to describe the special menu.
What night isn’t complete without a little sightseeing? With A View to Kill, guests explored the beautiful venue with a guided tour. And finally, gift bags of products were given away at the end of the night. Remember spies, they are for your eyes only.
https://www.facebook.com/Bondaffairdinner/photos_stream
For more information about uocoming dinners : https://www.facebook.com/Bondaffairdinner
Good Luck with your mission, spies. From Bond, with love.
Valentine’s Day Guide for the Maters and the Haters
February 12, 2014 by deblewis
Filed under Past Events
Whether you’re married, in a relationship, single or have children, there is something for everyone this Valentine’s Day season! Here’s your guide in picking the perfect way to celebrate this season of love.
If you’re thinking ‘ I hate Valentine’s Day, it was created by card companies to get more money’, you’re in luck because we have a list of anti VDay activities for you too!
Couples
This weekend (Feb 15-16) the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will be screening the classic film Casablanca as the TSO will perform Max Steiner’s iconic score.
For couples wanting to sweeten things up, Le Dolci is offering a Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Learn how to bake and decorate like a pro while working with fondant, and buttercream making hearts, roses, bows and Cupid’s arrows, in this hands-on decorating class.
Sweep your partner off their feet with the Valentine’s Big Band Dance. An evening promising to deliver a night of romance, dinner and dancing. The band will be performing hits from the big band era, including hits by Bobby Darrin, Peggy Lee and Glen Miller.
For the animal lovers out there, The Toronto Zoo will be featuring a Valentine’s event with the opportunity for couples to look at how different animals raise their young. The evening will start off with a romantic dinner, followed by meeting some animals, learning about their offspring, and culminating in a visit to the zoo’s reproductive labs.
Family
For parents who want an evening of romance but can’t find a sitter, Pawsitively Pets has an exciting alterative that the kids will love. Close encounters with several animals and a special pizza dinner! A fun evening for everyone.
On Sunday if you’re feeling to lazy to cook from all the weekend excitement, Old Mill Toronto will be hosting Sunday brunch and dinner buffet with a little Valentine’s twist on it. Both meals will feature a selection of favourites and specialty dishes. And did you know the Old Mill is celebrating 100 Years?
Take a walk on the sweeter side of Kensington Market at Tasty Tours. Chocolates, cupcakes, pastries, you name it the tour will bring you there. The tour will take place on Friday, February 14.
Singles
Single and ready to mingle? Well you’re in luck because Valentine’s Day seems to be a bumping time for singles events.
On Friday House of Moments will hold the Sugar and Spice Valentines Party. This event features a dinner, dance with open bar option included. Attendees will groove to live music and DJ Ricky Lee amusing music.
Those in their 20s to 30s can search for love at Simply Sophisticated Speed Dating with a complementary glass of wine and gourmet appetizers.
Singles looking for their Sherlock or Nancy Drew make your way to the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is holding a singles-only murder mystery. A curator has been murdered and a trail of clues left behind. After the code has been cracked have the opportunity to explore the ROM famous collections. A night of mystery, learning and maybe even love.
The Beaver (ladies only) on Queen West, with a DJ’s spinning all female artists (LGBTQ)
An all male singles evening will be held at The Marquis of Granby. Meet 10 – 12 single bachelors while enjoying complementary drinks and appetizers. (LGBTQ)
The BOND Affair Pop Up Dinner Series promises to be a night of mystery and luxury. Four course gourmet meals, unknown set locations (golf clubs, museums art galleries ect.) and hors d’oeuvres with drinks in the Bond lounge. Valentine’s Day has already sold out but will be hosting others, so keep your double o’ open for the next one!
Anti-Valentines Day
Finally those of you who can’t stand this day, why not be surrounded by others who feel the same.
Revival Restaurant will be holding its 2nd annual Anti-Valentines Day Mixer. Enjoy fun and games as well as Dj Ideal who will be spinning everything from R&B to Funk.
Looking to let off some steam, Zirger Academy Martial Arts has a workshop for you. Pad Drills Valentine’s Day workshop is a great workout and an even better way to forget the chocolates, flowers or even that ex.
If you need a good laugh to get through the day, Second City has the show for you, “We’ll Tickle The Funny Bone. The Rest is Up to You.” So put down the ice cream bucket and save the tissue for tears of laughter.
Toronto’s Best Patios and Event Venues with a Patio
September 5, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under CitySocial, Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto, Uncategorized
As the mercury climbs every summer the need to find a watering hole becomes increasingly more essential. There aren’t many activities that beat grabbing a few cold ones on a patio with some friends, the perfect blend of summer heat and true refreshment. Presumably, you, the reader also enjoy a summer patio session as you are still reading. So, with that confirmed this post will lay out some of Toronto’s most enjoyable patios and will provide you with a Toronto Summer Patio Bucket list. Many of the patios below are also great venues for events and offer a fresh change from a hotel banquet room.
Cadillac Lounge Patio
1296 Queen St W, Toronto
The first patio we would suggest visiting is the Cadillac Lounge Patio at 1296 Queen Street West. The Cadillac Lounge has a unique back patio that is rather spacious and is filled with the aroma of their hickory smoker, minus all the smoke of course. It also offers a large variety of bottled beers or on tap. Its retro atmosphere will charm you and travel until the Southern United States.
Pilot Patio
22 Cumberland St, Toronto
When you think patio in Toronto you immediately think Pilot’s Patio: The Flight Deck! Opened in 1993 as the largest “patio with altitude” in Yorkville, its name came from a tribute to the heroic flyers of World War II. It has been known as an artist bar, then the hub of Toronto’s hippie community, to finally become the place to go for elite’s after work drinks and trendy after midnight party nowadays.
Hair of the dog
425 Church, Toronto
Hair of the dog is an upscale neighborhood pub and restaurant on Church St, on the southern fringes of the Gay Village. Hair of the dog reflects the diversity of the neighborhood thanks to a mixed clientele. Winning venue, with one of the top 10 patio in downtown Toronto. It has this particularity of having 2 patios! On the ground floor you can find a large space featuring 3 fountains. Facing south, the patio is filled by sun all day. A good time to enjoy a family brunch drinks with friends. Hair of the dog is also a dining experience where you can enjoy fine food in cozy and more intimate spaces. Fun fact: Hair of Dog has been voted best place to have a first date. And awarded great place to dump someone by the staff!
Against the Grain Urban Tavern
25 Dockside Dr. Toronto
Situated at 25 Dockside Drive on Corus Quay, right next to Sugar Beach, the patio has a spectacular view of Lake Ontario, the Harbour and Toronto Island. It comfortably seats 180 guests around traditional two tops, beach like lounge areas and umbrellas for this hot summer. Every weekend, from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant offers $5 Bloody Caesar specials and during the week you will be able to enjoy unique local and European brews, interesting new and old world wines and some amazing cocktails.
New Amsterdam patio
245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Amsterdam Brewhouse has recently opened a newly renovated, 14, 000 square foot craft brewery, restaurant and retail venue in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. Situated at 245 Queens Quay West, the venue can accommodate up to 500 in its rustic urban interior, and offers an additional 300+ on the spacious lakeside patio, for a total capacity of over 800 guests. AMSTERDAM BREWHOUSE features a bar/lounge, a dining room, several patios, a state of the art AV system, authentic wood burning oven, a working craft brewery and full retail store, all to be open 7 days a week.
Terroni Bar Centrale
1095 Yonge St, Toronto
In the Rosedale community one of the best patios to relax on would be at the Terroni Bar Centrale. This patio is a great way to enjoy the homey designed feel of Italy. With a vast selection from the “tapas style” menu plates are intended to be shared, which is the perfect scenery for a hang out spot with friends and family. Also, this wine bar has a signature selection of Terroni-exclusive wines and a unique variety from Italy. Experience a day or night on the patio laughing, sharing and appreciating the summer days. Enclosed with fresh greenery this patio gives off a natural blissful vibe. The Terroni Bar Centrale’s patio is a great way to retreat for some time of relaxation.
Museum Tavern Toronto
208 Bloor W, Toronto
After a long, hot summer day finding a patio that is just right could be difficult to find, but look no further because Museum Tavern Toronto has that just right patio. With a slight summer breeze and nice view this patio is to die for. Facing the ROM you can enjoy the menu from executive chef Steven Gouzopoulos which features all-American classics with a twist. Not to mention the Moses McIntee’s drinks list that is a temptation you cannot resist. Enjoy the last moments of summer on the restaurant’s second floor terrace, an experience you will not regret.
The new Mill Street Beer Hall
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto
The Beer Hall is the new space of the Mill Street Brew Pub situated in the Distillery District. Opened in April this year, this place offers a modern and lively atmosphere where it is pleasant to enjoy a good beer with friends or simply an excellent meal.
With its open concept kitchen offering local and international cuisine, a heated, a cover patio and communal seating, The Beer Hall is the perfect place to welcome group events from 15 to 500 persons. Also, don’t forget to try the bierschnaps, a traditional German Beer-based spirit, which is only served at Beer Hall.
