Finding balance: the core and ideas of sustainable activities
When we talk about sustainable events, we often focus on the technical aspects – waste reduction, carbon footprint and procurement policies. But behind these practical considerations lies a deeper, more personal journey that every event planner must go through. It’s a journey filled with hope, doubt, determination, and sometimes overwhelming stress. Get rid of eco-anxiety The burden of environmental responsibility can be heavy. Every decision seems to carry the future of our planet. Should we use digital tickets or recyclable paper? Is it always better to buy local? How about those international speakers we want to ride on? The questions are endless, and the “perfect” answers are often frustratingly out of reach. The truth is: perfection is not the goal. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The shame and blame we place on ourselves for not doing “enough” does no one any good – not our events, our participants, or the planet. We need to embrace progress over perfection…
Portland is an award-winning food destination
Listen to audio How did a forested subway become America's No. 1 food truck city? You may need to visit Portland to find out. After winning the title Food and winePortland's take on the art of healthy eating is something we all need to do when traveling, which makes its food scene irresistible. Food trucks, or "food carts," as they're called in Portland, are one of the core elements of the city's dining culture. Portland is home to more than 500 food trucks, with "pods" (groups of food trucks) at the following locations Inner East, Downtown Beer Garden and Nob Hill. Food trucks can even be broscorrect Attend your event at the Oregon Convention Center. Since your event is held within the Convention Center's 255,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, including two ballrooms and 52 meeting rooms, the Convention Center can host food truck events in the outdoor plaza just steps from the main entrance. And with no sales…
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…
Embracing Neurodiversity: The Heart Behind Heartspace
I have always been drawn to stories of resilience and the pursuit of authenticity. Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shanee Silver, co-owner and event director of Heart Space Events. Her journey resonates deeply with me, not only because of the challenges she faced, but also because of her commitment to building a space with joy, connection, and inclusivity at its core. Shawnee's story is about breaking free from an environment that didn't foster her creativity and forging a path that allowed her and others to truly thrive. Here's what she shared about why she started Heart Space, the values that drive its mission, and what's next for this inspiring business. JK: Why did you start Heart Space? SS: “We’ve all been through industries that are often toxic, and yet we still do the work we love,” Sheaney explains. “We wanted to express ourselves and lead a more authentic path. Heart Space was created to create moments…
Heart of the Industry: Remembering Debbie Meyers
City: Julie Daneloff and Ken Christopherson. Contributors: Ruth Moit, Steve Kemble, Andrea Michaels, Colleen Zane Dudin "I'm at peace with my life," she closed her eyes and left. As always, legendary entertainment mogul Debbie Meyers CSEP, CTEP passed away earlier this year, taking her final bow with grace and honor. Here she made a profound impact on the global events industry. Her vastness is boundless, as is her heart, so in the season of giving, we can't think of anyone better to highlight, because Debbie Meyers Reflecting the spirit of generosity throughout the year. Those who knew and loved her have countless stories to share. We've compiled a few here so you too can get a glimpse of the woman behind the scenes. She was able to "work miracles" not only in her own career, but in the lives of everyone she met. Debbie is a consummate volunteer, always generous with her time and expertise to the industry, her colleagues…
A big week in industry news: mergers, rebranding and
If you haven't heard of it, Chair-man Mills, Senik Events, E=mc2 and Fuze Entertainment have been making waves in the events world. Last week, the chairman of Man Mills, title sponsor of the Canadian Event Awards and CSE Live, finalized an integration strategy more than two years ago. Now renamed Element Activity Solutionsthe company brings together Event Rental Group, Higgins Event Rentals, Contemporary Furniture Rentals, Regal Tent Productions, Advanced Tent Rental, A&B Partytime, Loungeworks and MacFarlands under one banner, creating a streamlined, full-service partnership for multiple Category giant. "Our customers expressed a desire to have a unified, one-stop partner for their event rental needs." Reimagining our portfolio of Chair-man Mills Corp. brands as Element Event Solutions is a direct response to this feedback. We’re excited to leverage our scale, expertise and variety to create Canada’s first national event solutions platform. "Alison Freeman, CEO, Element Event Solutions. at the same time, Sainik Group Announcing a major merger that brings e=mc² event…
Labor Day Focus: Growing Demand for Specialization
Listen to Audio How the gig economy is impacting the events industry In celebration of Labor Day, Smart Meetings caught up with Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, to get the latest on current trends emerging in the gig economy for freelance meeting planners. Tracy Judge, CEO and Founder, Soundings Smart Meeting What is the gig trend like for freelance meeting planners? Tracy Judge There is an increasing demand for freelance meeting planners, especially those with specialized skills. There has been a clear shift in the market towards hiring for senior-level positions that require specific vertical experience and technical expertise. This includes positions such as event technology specialists, event registration specialists, meeting and event planners, event marketers, and marketing specialists. There is a clear trend towards hiring local staff for both international and destination country events, driven by concerns for sustainability, cost-effectiveness and a focus on supporting local communities and preserving culture. Additionally, the freelance market is evolving in…
Improving the quality of meetings during the Palm Beach Conference
Listen to Audio The meeting ended too early Meeting spaces of all sizes, equipped with the latest technology, share the stage with vibrant communities and stunning natural beauty. Beyond the insights and connections gained in the boardroom, Palm Beach delivers on the rest with inspiring venues, unique opportunities to connect and room experiences that make meetings special. Endless opportunities during the conference Between meetings, The Palm Beaches’ community partners, local flavor and stunning natural beauty become seamlessly part of the conference experience. Plan an evening team-building event with a tournament at the world’s largest dedicated croquet facility, schedule a group CSR program at a renowned sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation facility, or invite guests on a local culinary tour that showcases the flavors of The Palm Beaches. Here, you can explore 47 miles of golden coastline, improve your swing at one of our more than 160 golf courses, or relax at an award-winning spa. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, our…