For this year's BiZBash.TO Event Style Show, more than 1,400 event planners converged on the National Trade Centre to take in two days of idea sharing and education, which took place in the centre's Heritage Court, and featured more than 80 exhibitors as well as speakers, discussion panels, and live entertainment.For the third year Contemporary Furniture Rentals designed and supplied the show decor for the education and party area. Peter Somers, the firm's cofounder, opted for bar-high communal tables and bar stools supplemented by a section of theatre-style dining chairs. Between the theatre-style seating and the high seating was a row of turquoise couches and elegant coffee tables, accented with elegant flowers from Church Street Flowers in purple to highlight the lilac-coloured carpet. Soon after the conference sessions got underway on day one, it became apparent that more seating would be needed, and Somers quickly arranged for delivery of 60 of his Philippe Starck Ghost chairs to handle the overflow.
On the opening day, Kelly Smith, senior national events strategy manager for Microsoft Canada, and Alissa Hurley, business manager of Microsoft events for Maritz Canada, spoke about measuring return on investment for events and meeting marketing objectives. Francine Socket, director of special events and merchandizing for CHUM Television, provided insight into planning the Much Music Video Awards. On day two, Renee Foote, founder of Ginger Island Cuisine, was one of several caterers who participated in a panel discussion about the role of caterers in event planning. Richard Aaron, president of BiZBash Media, and Kyle Hosick, president of BiZBash.TO, moderated the session. David Tutera, event planner, author, and host of Discovery Channel's Party Planner with David Tutera, spoke about his work, and judged the Iron Florist competition, a contest in which some of Toronto's top florists were given 20 minutes to create floral designs. Eric Aragon, founder of the Aragon Group, won the competition for the second year in a row.
Beyond Digital Imaging provided the stage backdrop and several large banners that hung from the venue's 35-foot ceilings. Registration sponsor Streampoint Solutions, which provided the registration technology, welcomed attendees from behind stylish glass bars and in front of Beyond Digital's 30-foot custom banners; staffers from the Butler Did It helped register planners for the show at Streampoint-provided computer terminals.
Artech Hunter provided technical production for both days of the conference sessions and the entertainment during a post-trade show cocktail party. Third From the Sun brought local legend and cocktail-lounge lizard, singer Jaymz Bee, of the Electric Jelly Orchestra, to the party, while the show's technical directors, Cornerstone Entertainment Concepts, provided many acts at the show, including a cappella foursome the Essentials, a magician, a comedian, and a swinging quartet. Party guests nibbled on Ginger Island Cuisine's delectable passed hors d'oeuvres such as Hpnotiq scallops with a citrus glaze and liqueur gel?e; Aztec chicken salad tartlets with chocolate sauce; and crostini with rare roasted tenderloin, parsnip mash, and horseradish aioli while networking and absorbing the Event Style Show's environment.
—Patrick Allossery
On the opening day, Kelly Smith, senior national events strategy manager for Microsoft Canada, and Alissa Hurley, business manager of Microsoft events for Maritz Canada, spoke about measuring return on investment for events and meeting marketing objectives. Francine Socket, director of special events and merchandizing for CHUM Television, provided insight into planning the Much Music Video Awards. On day two, Renee Foote, founder of Ginger Island Cuisine, was one of several caterers who participated in a panel discussion about the role of caterers in event planning. Richard Aaron, president of BiZBash Media, and Kyle Hosick, president of BiZBash.TO, moderated the session. David Tutera, event planner, author, and host of Discovery Channel's Party Planner with David Tutera, spoke about his work, and judged the Iron Florist competition, a contest in which some of Toronto's top florists were given 20 minutes to create floral designs. Eric Aragon, founder of the Aragon Group, won the competition for the second year in a row.
Beyond Digital Imaging provided the stage backdrop and several large banners that hung from the venue's 35-foot ceilings. Registration sponsor Streampoint Solutions, which provided the registration technology, welcomed attendees from behind stylish glass bars and in front of Beyond Digital's 30-foot custom banners; staffers from the Butler Did It helped register planners for the show at Streampoint-provided computer terminals.
Artech Hunter provided technical production for both days of the conference sessions and the entertainment during a post-trade show cocktail party. Third From the Sun brought local legend and cocktail-lounge lizard, singer Jaymz Bee, of the Electric Jelly Orchestra, to the party, while the show's technical directors, Cornerstone Entertainment Concepts, provided many acts at the show, including a cappella foursome the Essentials, a magician, a comedian, and a swinging quartet. Party guests nibbled on Ginger Island Cuisine's delectable passed hors d'oeuvres such as Hpnotiq scallops with a citrus glaze and liqueur gel?e; Aztec chicken salad tartlets with chocolate sauce; and crostini with rare roasted tenderloin, parsnip mash, and horseradish aioli while networking and absorbing the Event Style Show's environment.
—Patrick Allossery
Beyond Digital Imaging hung large banners from the ceiling of the National Trade Centre's Heritage Court for the BiZBash.TO Event Style Show.
The show's well-attended conference sessions covered a wide range of event-planning topics.
Contemporary Furniture Rentals outfitted the conference area with communal tables and bistro bar stools.
David Tutera (left), event planner, author, and host of Discovery Channel's Party Planner with David Tutera, judged the Iron Florist competition, won by Eric Aragon (right), founder of the Aragon Group.
