CityEvents goes Social

 

In case you missed the exciting news, we at CityEvents, Toronto’s premier event planning boutique, have expanded operations to include CitySocial, our social media management & training division! The new services being offering consist of designing and executing online marketing campaigns for products and events, focusing on social media planning and tactics. Additionally, we will have training and guidance available for those who wish to manage their own online marketing, but are not familiar with social media, or the right strategy for them.

We cater our event planning and marketing services to small and medium size businesses in international trade, arts and culture, and the hospitality sectors, as well as non-profit organizations. We are also offering our new social media services in French and Spanish!

Two weeks ago we had the opportunity to launch CitySocial, as the official social media sponsor of UnExpected ’13, the Opening Night VIP Party for the Canadian Special Events Expo. Our team managed online interactions prior to and after the event, and were responsible for on-site promotion of contests, and social media engagement. This recent expansion will now offer our client’s the opportunity for one stop shopping at CityEvents, from product and event development, marketing strategies, metrics, and more.

Check out the photos from UnExpected ’13 and our CitySocial launch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157633048285693

UnExpected ’13 VIP Opening Night Party

This year’s opening night party for the Canadian Special Events Expo was both ‘UnExpected’, and unforgettable; with a scrumptious variety of food, memorable entertainment, and ample networking opportunities, this event was a huge success. Approximately 700 event industry professionals from across Canada came out to UpCountry in the heart of Toronto, to mix and mingle at UnExpected ’13 on March 20^th.

From delicacies provided by Presidential Gourmet, Cheeseworks, Parts and Labour & Neptuno, beverages from Griffin Gastropub & Wandering Bean Coffee, and desserts by Bucket and Whisk, to performances from Sarah Violin, Jordan Clark, EH440, and Becky Hoops & David Fiset; UnExpected ’13 had something for everybody’s tastes. The event also featured ‘unexpected’ elements such as a sidewalk chalk drawing by Toronto’s own Chalkmaster Dave, an Easter bunny distributing Cadbury eggs & goodies out front, a puzzle by Master Pieces, and captivating projections from Apex Sound.

The CityEvents team sponsored the social media management for this event, and were on-site to execute several contests, interact with guests, and encourage online engagement. We hosted online contests leading up to the event in which we gave away passes to both the UnExpected party, and the Canadian Special Events Expo: Tradeshow. Our on-site contests were based on guests’ involvement with social media including activity on Crowd Activation’s Social Mosa, a combination Twitter & Instagram wall, and the event’s mobile app from The App Labb. Winners went away with a Bucket & Whisk gift basket, a fondue set or gift card from CHEESEWERKS, a Parts & Labour gift card, or tickets to Sensation: Ocean of White from Nasco Staffing and the Rogers Centre.

We at CityEvents had an amazing time at this year’s UnExpected opening night party, and we are already looking forward to the next one!

Check out our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157633048285693

Trade Show at the Canadian Special Events EXPO13

Thursday, March 21^st, The Canadian Special

 Event Expo 2013, hosted a Trade show at the Metro Toronto 

Convention Centre.

As a social media sponsor of the UnExpected13 opening night party the night before,

we were welcome to attend this one of a kind event.

What is a Trade show all about you would ask?

Event Venues in the Design District of King East

The King East neighborhood is known for its great design but it also is a good place to host an event as it has several beautiful venues that are sure to impress your guests. CityEvents is working on an exciting new project to revitalize and promote the King East Design District which includes a tour in the fall of 2012.

Saturday, September 29, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday, September 30, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Among those venues there are some you would not traditionally consider like décor and design stores. Design stores are a great place to host an event as the generally have lots of room and great décor. Experience something new and consider one of these venues for your next event.

Andrew Richard Designs offers two chic and contemporary event spaces great for a variety of functions. Andrew Richard Designs are experienced at hosting events their resume is as long as it is impressive and includes events for Smirnoff, Gap Canada Inc., and CAMH.

Urban Amish’s Loft Raum combines great style in a sleek setting. Their authentic conversion loft is a warm and open space great for small and large events like: gallery showings, product launches, corporate and media events as well as parties and weddings.

UpCountry can be a refreshing change of scene if you plan events frequently. The style they display in their store is apparent in their venue space. Friendly and helpful the staff at UpCountry are truly knowledgeable and accommodating.

The Biltmore Domicile is a large open space with high ceilings, arching windows and exposed beams and brickwork. The space is great for large parties like weddings and corporate events. This event is in the surrounding Distillery District.

King East known for its design stores provides plenty of choices when looking for a memorable venues, so explore your options with the design stores of king west.

Planning a Party for St. Patrick

In a city with so many cultures, it is only natural that Toronto would celebrate a day of full spirited Irish traditions.  March 17th is fast approaching, and with our Irish luck this St. Patrick’s Day has landed on a Saturday!  Many will want to take advantage of the weekend and throw parties in the spirit of the leprechaun.  Here are some simple tips that will make your party the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Décor

St. Patrick’s Day is all about green.  Most importantly you must wear green attire and encourage your guests to do the same.  Then one trip to the dollar store will save you money and maybe even save you a headache.  First pick up green shamrock decorations, along with stickers, balloons and construction paper.  Then make sure you grab green plates, cups, and cutlery for your St. Patty’s snacks.  Even with a small budget, you find all of your décor needs for under $20.

Food and Beverage 

The theme of this party is simple.  Green all the way through, even in the food!  Food colouring will be your best friend and your worst enemy.  Just add a few drops into beer, soda and even some food to get the feel good green effect.  Make sure to use the dye in plastic cups to avoid staining your own glassware.  Stick with classic finger foods and a variety of Irish beers.  Everyone can enjoy some classic food with a delicious new taste of beer.

Here are some ideas for Irish Brews that can be found at varying LCBO’s…

• Guinness Irish Stout
• Harp Irish Lager
• Smithwicks Irish Amber Ale
• Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale

For the ladies, try Animee Rosé Beer, an internationally known brew that has become very popular in Ireland and is available through Molson Coors.  The sweet and light taste will be splendidly refreshing this March month.

Music

Finding the right music for an event can be very tricky when trying to satisfy a variety of people.  Here are some east coast Canadian artists that you can integrate into your own personal play list to get the perfect Celtic sounds.

• Great Big Sea
• The Barra MacNeils
• Loreena McKennitt
• Natalie McMaster
• The Rankin Family
• Ashley Mac Isaac

Games

• Pot of Gold – Balloon Pop

Take a bunch of cold balloons and fill some with a chocolate coin, some with real coins, some with plastic shamrocks and keep a handful empty.  Each guest has the chance to pop a balloon to find their lucky prize inside.  The excitement comes from the mystery of what is in the balloon.

• Lucky Coin Grab

Fill a pot with chocolate coins and three Canadian loonies.  Each guest will have a chance to grab.  Either they will get a chocolate coin, or they will get a real dollar.  The three who pick the dollar will win St. Patrick’s Day merchandise.  They will get to choose between a hat, t-shirt, or shamrock beads.  Your prizes can vary depending on what you have available.

So whether your tradition is as simple as sporting some green gear for the day or drinking a pint of green beer, the tradition of the Irish is easy to carry on when you follow these simple party tips.

Best of luck!

-Samantha Crimi

CityEvents Intern

 

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