The live events industry needs your voice: Support NAICS
Listen to audio The live events industry has faced tremendous challenges over the past few years, but one key issue has been present for decades: the lack of dedicated designations for our industry in federal NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes. A lack of representation has long hampered our ability to quantify impact, advocate effectively and secure federal support. Now, we have an opportunity to change that by amending superdepartment NAICS code 72 to explicitly include "events." What is Super Sector NAICS Code 72? Currently, supersector NAICS code 72 is designated "Leisure and Hospitality" and covers hotels, restaurants and related businesses. While this designation covers a portion of the hospitality industry, it excludes the live events industry, which often intersects with the hospitality industry and represents a significant economic force. We request that super industry code 72 be changed to 'Leisure, Hospitality and Events' to align with the modernized National Occupational Cluster Framework approved on 6 June 2024. This…
Canadian spirit comes alive at FT Weekend Festival
At the Financial Times Weekend Festival events in Washington, D.C., and London, UK, destination canada They captivated audiences by bringing the essence of Canada to life through two immersive brand campaigns. Producer: TK activitiesevents designed to inspire travel to Canada by connecting guests to its culture and landscape in meaningful and memorable ways. As a major sponsor, Destination Canada carefully curates festival events to transform attendees’ desire to travel into a genuine interest in exploring Canada. These events focus on creating high-impact lounges that invite festival-goers to experience the country’s spirit of hospitality. IIn Washington, D.C., Destination Canada and TK Events are bringing a flavor of Atlantic Canada with the inviting Kitchen Party lounge concept. The space is designed to engage attendees with unique experiential elements such as an “open (if you are) bar” and a “Penny for Your Thought” refrigerator that encourages guests to share what draws them to visit Canada. Conversation-starting dice, a kitchen window that rolls to…
2024 Awards Ceremony – An Experience Inspired by Muskoka
This fall, creative hunter A corporate awards celebration was organized that captured the essence of fall in Muskoka. This event takes place in JW Marriott Muskoka And commend corporate achievements in a stylish and warm atmosphere. Muskoka's natural beauty combined with the elegant venue provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking and celebration. Rich textures, warm lighting, and lush floral arrangements in autumnal tones transform the space into a cozy and inviting environment. Rustic style and refined details blend seamlessly to create an ambience that is both luxurious and down-to-earth, embodying the fall charm of Muskoka. Entertainment was key to the evening's success, with fun and unique performances including performances by hip-hop ballerinas and world champion dancers, whose performances blended artistry and energy. The night ended with a DJ set, the dance floor was packed and spirits were high. The event highlighted the ability of creative hunters to transform vision into seamless and impactful experiences. Every element has…
Wychwood Barns: Toronto’s unforgettable urban hidden gem
walk into wichwood barnyou immediately feel a vibrant energy, an invisible but powerful presence filling the entire space. It's a place where creativity flows freely and every detail is carefully curated to inspire and create connections. The soaring ceilings, industrial charm of exposed brick, and warm sunlight streaming in through the windows create an atmosphere that is both inspiring and welcoming. For anyone planning an event, the energy of the venue is contagious. Wychwood Barns is more than just a venue; Here, your event can become part of a larger event. This is where art meets community, and every event feels like an opportunity to foster connection and collaboration. With newly restructured management under HUB and experts in maintaining and nurturing creative spaces, the venue is ensuring continued success. With fresh energy and a commitment to sustainability, Wychwood Barns is poised to deliver a premium event experience while maintaining its roots of creativity and community. One of the standout features…
Toronto Museum of Illumination: Redefining the event experience
The Toronto Museum of Illumination is a place where ordinary events become extraordinary. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District, this unique space offers event planners a fully customizable environment, making it the ideal backdrop for corporate events, celebrations, product launches and brand events. This venue stands out because it not only hosts events but immerses your guests in the story. The walls of the venue came to life with high-definition visuals that changed in real time, creating an atmosphere throughout the event. Whether they are landing on the moon, wandering the African savannah, or discovering new products or developments, guests become part of the story. The experience goes beyond passive observation – it is interactive, allowing guests to deeply engage with their surroundings. A good example is Estee Lauder "Own the Night" Event produced by OMG Events. At the event, the brand launched its skincare range using projections in the Illuminarium, immersing guests in an atmosphere that reflected…
St. Norbert Arts Center (SNAC): a sanctuary of history and
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian prairies, Winnipeg, Manitoba is home to a hidden gem that seamlessly blends history, charm, and modern amenities—St. Norbert Arts Center (SNAC). Located within the tranquil St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park, SNAC offers a unique and inspiring setting, ideal for small meetings, intimate weddings and retreats. SNAC is located in a historic Trappist monastery, founded in the early 20th century by Trappist monks seeking solitude and spiritual reflection. The peaceful surroundings of the monastery foster a deep connection with nature and the sacred. Although the monks relocated in the 1970s, the spiritual nature of the site is still evident. In the 1990s, the abbey was converted into the St. Norbert Arts Center, dedicated to promoting art, culture and environmental stewardship. Photo source: New Copper Photography Photo source: New Copper Photography SNAC offers a variety of spaces to suit different event needs: Church Gallery: A former monastery chapel, this space has high ceilings, stained glass…
Stop using staff to host your holiday parties
Company holiday parties are a time to celebrate, bond, and boost team morale. However, as any planner knows, organizing these events can be a complex and stressful process. One of the most critical yet often underestimated factors is event staffing, whether that’s a host, emcee, doorman, or event DJ; many companies rely on in-house staff or volunteers to fill these important roles, which can reduce the quality of the event and add to the Unnecessary stress. Instead, hiring professional event staff ensures that the party goes off without a hitch and that your employees can enjoy the festivities as guests instead of workers. Here's a closer look at the basic types of event staff to consider for your holiday party, and why hiring professionals is a wise choice. 1. Check-in, doorman, host, greeter and ticket taker These personas are the first point of contact for your guests. Professional check-in staff, door greeters, hosts and ticket takers set the tone for…
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Corporate Holiday Party
Choosing the perfect venue for your company holiday party is a crucial decision that will set the tone of the event. The venue affects not only the atmosphere, but also logistics, budget, and overall experience for attendees. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a venue, along with the pros and cons of different types of venues. Five Bullocks | Photo Credit: Eatertainment Special Events and Catering Factors to consider when choosing a location capacity and spaceThe venue should be able to accommodate all guests comfortably. Consider the number of attendees and make sure there is enough space for networking, meals and any planned activities. Avoid spaces that feel cramped, as this can make people uncomfortable, but don’t choose spaces that are so spacious that they feel empty, which can be equally off-putting. BudgetCreate a budget and find the right venue. Be sure to consider hidden costs such as service fees, taxes and potential overtime. Having a clear…
Jestr Entertainment – Elevate your events in stunning ways
Jestr Entertainment is a game changer when it comes to delivering jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind entertainment. Known for transforming mundane events into extraordinary experiences, Jestr leads the industry with bold, immersive and unforgettable performances. Founded by the dynamic duo of Rayn and JD, Jestr Entertainment has quickly grown to become one of the go-to teams for those looking to create new levels of entertainment that will wow their guests. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1CFxQx2TIE[/embed] One of Toronto's most beloved magicians, Wren has captivated audiences around the world for more than a decade with his mind-bending tricks and magic shows. High-profile appearance at CP24, 4 canadian weddings, Like Rogers TV, Lane has mastered the art of miracles and can turn any event into a magical spectacle. His partner JD brings the technical magic. As experts in sound, lighting and event production, JD knows how to create the perfect atmosphere, whether it's a high-energy corporate gathering, a glamorous wedding or a large-scale concert. Together, Rayn and JD have…
La Primavera Event Space – A hidden gem outside
La Primavera Event Space is a stunning, purpose-built venue that offers everything a city center space has to offer without the crowds, stress and high costs. The venue, which was magnificently renovated last year, stands out for its flexibility, accommodating events between 100 and 1,000 people. Whether you're planning a corporate evening, awards night or business meeting, La Primavera is a hidden gem just outside the city, offering exceptional service, superb catering and a great atmosphere. Jennifer_Rowsom_Photo Photo credit: amernabulsi.com The venue has three impressive ballrooms: Grande, Primavera and Bella, each catering for events of different sizes and styles. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate 900 guests and features high ceilings, exquisite chandeliers and a stunning dance floor for celebrations. The Primavera and Bella Ballrooms are ideal for medium-sized gatherings, each elegantly decorated and customizable to your vision. These spaces are designed to create a warm atmosphere that will make guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. A unique…
Featured Vendor: AirMagic Special Effects – Master
Engage your audience like never before with AirMagic Aquagraphics digital water curtainthe collision of innovation and imagination. This stunning technology layers dynamic, high-resolution images onto a water screen, blending art and technology to create an unforgettable visual masterpiece. Whether it’s a corporate gala or a high-stakes product launch, Aquagraphics digital water screens are tailored to your event theme, turning your vision into a mesmerizing reality. At AirMagic, we know the magic is in the details, and this digital water screen brings your brand to life in the most creative way. Founded in 1988 by Mark Fine in the basement of his Little Italy home, AirMagic began as a small boutique pyrotechnics company. Over the decades, it has grown into a full-service special effects company, offering everything from pyrotechnics to CO2 effects, confetti explosions and advanced water curtain technology. After nine years in King and Bathurst, AirMagic expanded to its current headquarters nearby daflin and stileswhich remains Toronto’s top special effects…
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Expert Commentary: Entertainment Trends for 2024
Corporate holiday events in 2024 aim to push the envelope, blending innovation with tradition to create experiences that engage the senses and spark conversation long after the event is over. From immersive experiences and tech-driven entertainment to personalized throwback touches, event planners across Canada are shaping the future of holiday celebrations, and we've gathered insights from top professionals to help you create a standout event. Emma Singer of Emma Singer Creative Agency The rise of immersive experiences that blend the real and digital creates spaces where guests feel completely immersed in the experience. Singer suggests using virtual reality installations or even creating physical environments to transform ordinary event spaces into another world. Acrobats, aerialists and fire dancers are just some examples of performances that add a sense of wonder and awe to holiday parties, Singer said. “Bringing back childhood experiences, like arcade games or customizable photo booths, can inspire nostalgia while fully engaging guests,” she adds, emphasizing the emotional power…