Re/Max Gala Was Shaken, Not Stirred

First he put the 007 in 2007 and then he put the party in Re/Max's awards dinner and gala. James Bond was the theme of the realtor's annual shindig for 1,600 of its Ontario and Atlantic Canada sales representatives at the Westin Harbour Castle. The event was dubbed Re/Max Royale after Casino Royale, the first James Bond novel by Ian Fleming and the 21st film in the James Bond series. "The movie was hot and the release date for the DVD was in the week of our event, so it was a perfect tie in," said Marianne Thompson, Re/Max's director of special events and meetings. "As well, our group is very attracted to gaming aspect, so we knew that in itself would be a huge attraction."Thompson worked with AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions to design the lighting and staging, creating an upscale Montenegro casino look. Elwood Saracuse Productions and Carol Priest Entertainment supplied live entertainers, including a troupe of eight authentic Las Vegas showgirls who performed to the Casino Royale theme song, Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name"; Duo Extasia, a circus act featuring a contortionist and a musician; and Christopher, a singer and puppeteer, who performed with four puppets wearing Village People costumes attached to him by poles. AVW-TELAV projected playing card graphics on the walls and, with decor help from Equity Showcase Theatre, established a roulette-wheel stage design. The awards show took place during dinner. Westin catered the event, serving a menu that included crab and lobster salad in martini glasses, grilled beef tenderloin and mushroom oka stuffed organic chicken with truffle spun potatoes, and a micro chocolate dessert sampler. The evening ended with an interactive casino and many happy award winners wearing medallions around their necks.

—Robyn Small

Posted 04.19.07

Photos: AVW - Telav