Amaryllis Events

And The Winner is...

2011-08-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

The International Special Event Society (ISES Vancouver) was able to walk the red carpet so to speak during the 12^th Annual Louie Awards at the ISES Saint Louis Chapter. The Louie awards is an opportunity to showcase the organizations recognize those in the events industry to customers, potential clients, vendors and colleagues, reminding them of your accomplishments and industry expertise.

ISES has acknowledged the achievements of their members with the ISES Esprit Awards since 1995, with multiple categories that span from excellence in special projects to excellence in membership growth.

As the Vice President of Education and Programs for the ISES Vancouver chapter, I am proud to announce that we were this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Communications award for 2010/2011!

Congratulations to all of the Spirit of Excellence Awards Winners this year! Go ISES Go!

Chapter Awards:

Excellence in Communications – Vancouver Chapter
Excellence in Communications Honorable Mention – Dallas Chapter
Excellence in Programming and Education – Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter
Excellence in Programming and Education Honorable Mention – St. Louis Chapter
Excellence in Special Projects – New York Metro Chapter
Excellence in Special Projects Honorable Mention – Atlanta Chapter
Excellence in Membership Retention – Calgary Chapter
Excellence in Membership Growth – Calgary Chapter

Yummy Vegan Cooking - No Really!

2011-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Sally is a really cool new addition to my life. She is the delicious creator of the 24-7 Foodie blog looking for the next best dish, one tasty morsel at a time on the foodie trail. One thing I quickly found out about Sally is that she also has allergies. I know what you're thinking...what foodie can fully enjoy cuisine when you have to deny yourself of so many specifc foods?

Well, rather than just coping with not eating anything with dairy, corn or eggs, Sally has embraced vegan cooking. With some of the most dececious foods using tofu, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and veggies, she offers a variety of yummy creative combinations. Her poached pears in red wine and potato crusted halibut are out of this world.

But my ultimate favourite? Her vegan rum balls! From the first bite, I was hooked! And an added bonus, she had graciously shared her recipe with me and my Amaryllis Events followers! So, this is a must make if you want a tasty bit of heaven without being sinful!

Give this recipe a try and tell me what you think at the end of this blog!

Averie’s No Bake Vegan Rum Cake Balls-Gluten & Soy Free

Ingredients:

1/4 c Cashews–Grind them first, then add the remaining ingredients.
1/2 c Medjool Dates
1/4 c Raisins
1/2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (or similar clove, cinnamon, lemon spices)
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Dark Rum (or a rum you enjoy; note that schnapps such as banana, mango, peach, or pineapple schnapps would all be heavenly in this recipe)

Optional Ingredients & Tips: (I used all and in the amounts listed)

2 Tbsp Agave (or stevia to taste)
3 Tbsp Almond Meal (or 1/4 c almonds that you grind)
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

For more amazing food blogs and scrumptious recipies, visit Sally's 24-7 Foodie blog at:

http://24-7foodie.blogspot.com/

Till our next tasty tidbit!

You Gotta Be Here!

2011-07-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Question... What Vancouver attraction is to Vancouver what Disneyland is to Anaheim? What can hold a fully loaded 747 or 96 elephants?

...If you said Capilano Suspension Bridge to both questions you are right!

Not only did they wow us with the Bridge spanning 137 meters and 70 meters above the Capilano River, but then came the Treetops Adventure offering a squirrels eye view of the forest floor 30m below. Now, they just launched the new spectacular CLIFFWALK attraction described as a "heart-stopping cliff-side journey [that] takes guests through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above Capilano River to previously unexplored areas of the park.

I was one of the lucky first comers at their Grand Opening Celebration last week and let me tell you it's not for the faint of heart. Its high, narrow and in some sections, glass (very strong glass albeit) is all that separates guests from the canyon far below. It was a great experience that isn't just for tourists; every Vancouverite should put this on their "to do list" this Summer and get a bird's eye view of their beautiful city! Like the saying goes during the Olympics..."You Gotta Be Here"!

We Will Win This Battle One Day!

2011-05-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

Help Me Fight This Horrible Disease, MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Did you know that the risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if your father has the disease is approx. 1 in 100, but approx. 1 in 50 if your mother has the disease?

This definitely worries me. MS is an auto-immune disease that affects both men and women by damaging the protective coating of the body’s nerve cells. The cells get inflamed and then the body reacts by attacking its own cells in the brain and nervous system. And at this time, there is still no cure for the disease. I know this only too well, as I have lost my own father to MS.

My poor dad was stricken at the prime of his life with MS and was never able to enjoy the family he loved so much. The disease struck his central nervous system which caused a slow and painful demise. He spent most of his years at home with his family providing the constant needed care. What allowed us to do this was a hydraulic lifter that enabling us to get him in and out of bed.

This is the reason I now direct my donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Equipment Provision Program that provides MS patients with such things as wheel chairs, lifters and other expensive equipment that help people who suffer with this disease gain a better quality of life.

What is really sad is that the organization’s funds usually get depleted by July each year as most people donate to research. However, I really believe in supporting this department of the MS Fund as it really provides individuals with this disease and their care takers unbelievable assistance with day to day functions.

Starting today, I will donate $1 to the MS Society's Equipment Fund for every new person who clicks the “Like” button of my Amaryllis Events Facebook page. Please also feel free to share any of your stories with me after this blog or on my Facebook wall.

This is a great opportunity for those of us who have encountered this terrible fate to be able to share, connect, and support each other!

I appreciate all of your support in advance! Let’s fight this battle together and not let them run out of funds this July!

My Travel Adventures!

2011-05-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

I’ve been fascinated by the Everest region of Nepal for years. It all started with my book club selecting Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer as our monthly read. Up to that point I thought anyone wanting to climb the highest mountain in the world had to be nuts! When I found out that this was the book we’d be reading, I had not initial interest, but thought to myself – Heather you should at least make an effort. Not expecting to finish the book, I was hooked by the middle of the 1st page!

So on October 3, 2009, my adventure buddy Darlene and I headed for a 17 day trek to Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 18,000'.

Highlights of my trek:

Hiking 4-8 hours every day
No booze
Strictly vegetarian diet
Accommodation was in $2.00 a night tea houses
No showers, electricity or flush toilets
Going to bed at sunset and getting up at sunrise

But the amazing feeling of accomplishment and breath taking views were all worth it in the end!

Here are some photos of the adventure:

I am planning another trek to the Everest Base Camp in April, 2013 – Who wants to join me? Please leave a comment below or follow me on Facebook and let’s get in touch!

Everyone Should Have A Chef in Their Life!

2011-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

No, I don't mean a personal chef...although, that would be nice!

I mean that fabulous little hidden gem that is tucked away in your local neighbourhood. One of my favourites is Crave on Main, a 30 seat casual bistro complete with its own veggie and herb garden.

Wayne Martin, Owner & Executive Chef brings his immense experience from the Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel to create this casual, yet trendy atmosphere bistro. Chef Wayne prides himself on showcasing fresh, local, and organic ingredients to create an innovative menu of classic dishes with a reinvented twist.

Some of my favourite dishes - the short rib poutine is a must, as is the dry aged New York steak with the wild mushroom and bacon ragout. They also have good cocktails list to choose from. I always have the Tokyo Rose and Sour Apple martini.

Chef Martin will also be sponsoring our food station at this year's North Shore Mayor's G olf Tournament! The Charity event will take place at the Seymour Golf & Country Club on Friday, May 27th, 2011. This will be an amazingly fun event, so come on out to golf, or join us for the dinner and silent auction.

You can find Chef Wayne's delicious creations at Crave on Main is located on 3941 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. I highly recommend dropping by to see what everyone on Main is craving! To learn more about Chef Martin and his culinary journey check out the March 8, 2010 article of Scout Magazine.

Meet The Person Behind Amaryllis Events!

2011-04-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Heather Baker is the owner and Founder of Amaryllis Events. But what do we really know about Heather other the fact that she is an amazing event planner?

I had a chance to interview her some questions about her event planning company, family, and hobbies.

Q: How long has Amaryllis Events been in business?

I started Amaryllis Events in the Spring of 2000. I can't believe it's been so long.

why did you decide to become an event planner?

I have always been the party girl – I either am the life of the party or planning the party. I have been involved in planning and organizing events all my life so its just a natural extension of what I have always done.

Q: What is something unique about you?

I also have a degree from SFU in Woman Studies.

Q: What do you like to do on your spare time?

I love to cook, garden read and most of all, travel. In the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to have had some really cool trips. My favourites and most memorable are: a month in India travelling over 2,800km through historic Rajistan and then some R&R in Dubai on the way home; a 17day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and 10 days in Shanghai at Expo using our home made VIP badges to avoid the long line ups at all the pavilions. My next adventure is a hike on the West Coast Trail.

My other passion – Gardening! It makes me really happy and I feel at peace in my garden. I even placed 1^st place in a North Shore garden contest. That’s why I decided on the name Amaryllis Events, it’s one of my favourite flowers.”

Q: Do you have any pets?

“I do. I have two beautiful pugs, Toby who is 13 and his daughter Maggie. Toby loves to eat everything in sight! He once ate a dead crow on a walk and pooped feathers! He’s a riot! Maggie is calm but she loves being the dominate female of the family.”

By: Anna Louie
Amaryllis Events

The Myths of Green Events

2011-04-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

Today marks another Earth Day since its first launch day on April 22, 1970. As a professional event planner, I am cognizant that our industry has the potential to reduce the amount of waste and energy during the planning of an event. After 40 years of Earth Day's inception, I still hear common myths about why many people still choose not to use eco-friendly practices in their day to day lives. What are some myths that we buy into?

Myth # 1: Green events are too expensive – False. Simply switching to pitchers of filtered water at meetings and events instead of providing bottled water can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars?

Myth # 2: Green events are a hassle to prepare for – Is it really? The process of planning of an event is no different weather you print signage on sustainable cardboard than a foam core base.

Myth # 3: Green events reduce the quality of the event experience – This is not true. We are seeing many leading events such as the Juno Awards are making a transformation in their planning processes to include sustainable practices.

Here are some great recommendations on how you stay “GREEN” and help reduce the impact on the environment at your next event:

Choose a caterer that offers locally grown, organic, and Ocean wise products
Create centrepieces with edible products such as breads, fruits or potted plants
Use recycling or composting as a part of your waste management procedures
Select recyclable signage and invitations options whenever possible
Incorporate natural lighting, candle lighting, or LED lights to reduc e consumption of energy

Mr. Sandman, Bring me an Airstream!

2011-04-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to Amaryllis Events...

What will Amaryllis Events soon have in common with huge Hollywood super stars such as Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Pamela Anderson, and Colin Farrell? This week, I have travelled to Portland, Oregon to purchase the new member of our family...Consuela, a 28 ft Airstream trailer!

Photo Courtesy of Heather Baker

Now, I know trailers haven’t necessarily had the best reputation over the years; with the ridiculous stereotypes that these vehicles are reduced for people of a lower economic status, notorious for outdoor enthusiasts ready to climb Mount Selkirk, or the retired population. Let us break these preconceived notions that have been hammered into your brains by pop culture and I’ll show you Consuela can be the next trendy attraction at your event.

The Airstream has been making a comeback these past few years where it’s popular for celebrities to name their trailers. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie have the “Luv Sub”, Matthew McConaughey has “The Canoe”, and Pam Anderson’s “Lovestream”, complete with a vibrating bed and stripper pole – How’s that for trendy! Even Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie travelled from Florida to their home in Beverley Hills in an Airstream in the TV show, The Simple Life.

Photo Courtesy of Sean Flanigan

So, what could you possibly do with an Airstream trailer at an event you ask? Well, transportation for starters, but also equipped with a full bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area making it perfect for a bridal party powder room, or an event command centre. Complete with a classic streamline appearance to incorporate it as the main attraction at a vintage style wedding as a unique bar, a fast food kitchen, or even serve gourmet snow cones to your guests during the hot summer months. The possibilities are endless!

Photo courtesy of airstream bar by kate mefford

My Trip to Everest, Nepal

2011-04-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Have been fascinated by the Everest region of Nepal for years. It all started with my book club selecting Into Thin Air as our monthly read. Up to that point I thought anyone wanting to climb the highest mountain in the world was nuts. Had no interest in the book but thought I should at least make an effort, not expecting to finish the book.

So when I was hooked by the middle of the 1st page, I knew at some point in my life I would go to the Everest region of Nepal. So on October 3, 2009, my adventure buddy Darlene and I headed for a 17 day trek to Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 18,000'. Highlights of my trek: hiking 4-8 hours every day; no booze; strictly vegetarian; accommodation was in $2.00 a night tea houses; no showers, electricity or flush toilets; going to bed at sunset and getting up at sunrise.

Am planning another trek to EBC in April, 2013 – want to join me?

4th Annual North Shore Mayor's Golf Charity Tournament

2011-04-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Planning a Successful Golf Tournament:Tips to Ensure a "Hole in One" Event!

Golf is known as a sport requiring a significant amount of forethought, planning, and precision into each swing. This is no different on the opposite end of the spectrum – an event coordinator is planning a golf tournament for a charity organization. The key to managing a successful event starts with asking five fundamental questions before putting a plan into place:

Who is participating in the event?
When should the event be?
Where should the event take place?
What is the objective of the event?
What is my budget?

Heather Baker, the owner and principal of Amaryllis Events is seasoned in organizing fundraising events, with The Annual North Shore Mayor’s Golf Charity Tournament being her most successful venture. This annual charity event is a collaboration of the Mayor’s of the City, District of Vancouver, the Mayor’s of West Vancouver, and the Community Trust Funds of each district. Over the past three years, the event has raised contributions amounting to $348,000. Each year the proceeds have been equally divided between a local charity organization of the Mayor’s choice, and the Mayor’s Trust Fund which is managed by the North Shore Community Foundation. Heather is developing their 4th annual charity tournament coming this May 27, 2011, and will share her insights on her experience with holding fundraising events and how to manage sponsors.

Some suggestions she offers with planning a successful tournament include:

1. Know your budget! Aim to not only meet, but exceed your targets.

Have an outline of your sponsorship plan before meeting with potential businesses and vendors. Sponsorship packages should be clear and concise to attract sponsors at all levels. List local companies you wish to approach and those aligned with your event. Your sponsorships should be mutually beneficial, but focus on what they gain by supporting your event.

2. Select the right venue and date for the event.

Choose a venue that appeals to both the beginner, intermediate, and experienced golfer. The Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver is one of the best courses in BC, with a fantastic green and incredible staff. Make sure your venue meets your event’s space and accessibility requirements. Also, keep in mind other charity events in the city that may decrease attendance.

3. Never make the golf players wait for their food!

Our goal is to keep all in attendance happy. Remember generous donations don’t come from individuals that haven’t been treated properly! Incorporate a mix and mingle format for the after event where hungry golfers can easily grab a beer head to a buffet station with a selection of seafood, deli meats, or pulled pork sliders.

4. Reconsider the silent auction.

Why? They are a lot of work for about 50% of your return on investment at best. We prefer having a live auction with a fantastic auctioneer who can present bidding prices at lightning speed. This builds a sense of excitement and urgency to place a bid on an item that may become unavailable in the next minute. Avoid ordinary items like artwork – they don’t appeal to the attendees! Think outside of the box to create unique and exclusive experiences like the dinner with the Mayor package that raised us $14,000.

5. Use technology

Look for different techniques outside of the traditional print ads to create awareness about your event. Create social networking pages on programs like Facebook and also use Twitter to micro blog about the event. It is fast, easy to use and most importantly, it’s free!

6. Thank your sponsors!

Last, but probably the most important of all, thank your sponsors for their support! Always look for innovative ways to recognize your sponsors at the event. Some of our tremendous sponsors we appreciate are Seaspan, Pacific Arbour Group, and Darwin Constructions Ltd. Thank you all for your continued support!

ISES Vancouver Presents...

2011-04-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Liquor Licensing Within The Event Industry!

Thursday, April 14, 2011 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Location: Sutton Place Hotel (Salon Prommard)
845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC

Price: $38 Members
$28 Students
$54 Guests

Registrations are still being accepted at the door, so just drop on by after work!

Come join established event industry professionals welcome our guest speaker, Bert Hicks from Rising Tide Consultants! Bert, a liquor licensing expert, will discuss the need for new licensing categories for the event industry. It's a perfect event for most seasoned event planner to the novice event coordinator. Mix and mingle with others in your industry over delicious appetizers and beverages. This is a great opportunity for networking with ISES Vancouver professionals, other event planners and a chance to complete the evening with some wonderful door prizes too!

See you tonight!

New Green Meeting Standards

2011-04-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

NEW Green Meeting - Standards Thinking Beyond the Checklist

By canadianspecialevents.com Magazine •
canadianspecialevents.com

E-Interview with leading panelists:

Shawna McKinley
Director of Sustainability for MeetGreen®
www.meetgreen.com

Ginny Stratton
Principal of Strategin Solutions
www.strateginsolutions.com

ISES Vancouver had the pleasure of hosting a group of expert panelists in a discussion on sustainable event standards, as the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) gears up to launch their ‘Sustainability in Event Management’ Standard (ISO 20121) in 2012. “While the event industry offers valuable educational, social, and economic benefits”, Heather Baker, VP Programs for ISES Vancouver, explains, “the organization of these events can generate considerable waste and cause environmental harm”. We asked panelists Shawna and Ginny to provide their perspective on this crucial topic.

What initiatives do you hope to establish under the new ISO Standards?

Shawna McKinley “MeetGreen already operates a BS 8901-compliant management system for sustainable events. As this standard was the foundation of the ISO standard so we hope this will prepare us to comply with the new international requirements once they are adopted.” Ginny Stratton “Widespread use of the ISO 20121 standard will provide the Canadian event industry the opportunity to position itself as a leader in event sustainability.”

Will the standards be structured to roll out in stages set over a period of years or one single initiative?

Shawna McKinley “They actually all seem to be hitting at once, which I think is making it a bit overwhelming for professionals! My experience with BS 8901 has been that it is not productive to try to change your business or event over-night to comply with it. You really need to have a long-term commitment to the process and engage people in how they want to see it roll out. In terms of the APEX-ASTM standard it does have a four-level structure,
which you can choose to gradually implement.”

Ginny Stratton “ISO 20121 is currently in its final phases of development and its release is set to coincide with the London 2012 Summer Olympics. As part of the final development
phase, the ISO 20121 Draft International Standard (DIS) will be released for public comment in April of this year.

The public will have five months to review the standard and submit comments. For information on this process, you can check out the ISO 20121 website or contact local event sustainability
management specialists such as Strategin Solutions or MeetGreen”

How will certification impact private and corporate functions?

Shawna McKinley “Not all of the standards include a certification. Some do, some do not. Those that do may be selfcertified, or may require independent certification or provide options for both. It seems that certification is an important driver for people to comply with the standards. LEED is a perfect example of this - it is a huge coup for the Vancouver Convention Centre to achieve the Platinum designation. The independent certification provides validation that can be used in marketing. This kind of validation can be important to combat green washing concerns, which consumers often experience related to environmental claims.”

Will there be penalties or fees for non-compliance? And if so, who will enforce it?

Ginny Stratton “Pursuit of compliance with ISO 20121 is voluntary. It is designed to be used by organizations across the event supply chain, including event organizers, venues, and suppliers of event related goods and services, to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and event sustainability and to report on performance. Users of the standard may voluntarily claim compliance with the standard, or may pursue second or third party verification.“

Where can event and meeting professionals get the information they need to create events according to the ISO standard policy?

Shawna McKinley “There is a Linkedin group that is helping to disseminate information about the standard. Anyone can apply to listen and contribute to the group.”

Ginny Stratton “The ISO 20121 standard will include guidance for use, but local event sustainability management specialists and industry associations will also provide a wealth of information to assist event and meeting professionals.”

Thank you Shawna and Ginny for taking the time to provide us with your insight and extra special gratitude to Karran Finlay, VP Sponsorship, ISES Vancouver and President of Karran Finlay Marketing (kfm), www.karranfinlaymarketing.com/ for allowing us the opportunity to connect and learn.

Issue 22
CEP22.pdf page 24 & 25 of 36

Amaryllis Events - Heather Baker Featured in BIV Magazine!

2011-04-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

Planning a “hole in one” event

Golf tournaments have become the choice of many charities for raising revenue. What does it take to run one successfully?

By Jennifer Harrison

For many, the arrival of spring heralds the start of the golf season, bringing with it a spate of charity golf tournaments throughout Vancouver. With so many tournaments benefiting a variety of worthy causes, there are many factors to consider when organizing a unique and ultimately successful event.

Photo courtesy of Heather Baker

Heather Baker (in photo above), owner and principal of Amaryllis Events, a north shore event-planning company, has been organizing fundraising events for more than 15 years. She lists the North Shore Mayor’s Golf Charity Tournament as one her most successful ventures to date, raising $348,000 in its first three years.

This annual charity event is a collaboration between the mayors of North Vancouver and West Vancouver, and is administered by the North Shore Community Trust Fund and the West Vancouver Community Trust Fund.

Each year, the proceeds have been equally divided between a local charity organization of the mayors’ choice, and the Mayor’s Trust Fund that is managed by the North Shore Community Foundation.

Baker sees little difference between the game of golf itself and the actual organization of a golf tournament for charity purposes.

“Golf is known as a sport requiring a significant amount of forethought, planning and precision, and this is no different on my end of the spectrum,” she said, insisting that having plenty of lead time is crucial when organizing such an event.

Photo courtesy of Heather Baker

Most planning begins at least six months in advance, allowing ample time to secure key sponsorships. Baker always looks at ways to integrate the specific charity and what they do into the event.

“If the golfers can have a couple of minutes to put a face to the people that they are helping, they will be more willing to give money to support them.”

Baker accomplishes this by providing ample representation for the charity on the actual golf course at a specific hole. She also stresses that having a strong and committed team working collaboratively is vital to the success of the event. Additionally, Baker noted the importance of branding, no matter how small the budget.

“An investment in a charity event that will be ongoing is extremely worthwhile. You spend it up front, then the brand recognition is priceless in the following years.”

This sentiment is similarly echoed by Dave Whitaker, event co-ordinator, golf tournaments and events, at Vancouver’s University Golf Club. Over the spring and summer months, Whitaker oversees 80 golf tournaments at the course, more than half of which are charity events. He says that an annual golf tournament needs time to experience organic growth, and with this growth comes recognition and increased success.

“The scale and number of people that are required to help a tournament and the contacts that are needed to maintain a successful event are built over time.”

Tracey McVicar, managing director of Vancouver private equity firm CAI Capital Management insists that leveraging this network is key to her tournament’s success.

McVicar organizes an annual golf tournament – Golf for Good – at the University Golf Club. The tournament benefits the Atira Women’s Resource Society, Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland and the Vancouver Japanese Language School.

Last year, the tournament raised more than $105,000, and since its inception four years ago Golf for Good has raised more than $300,000. McVicar attributes the success of the event to the affinity group of the participants and their shared network.

“I theme it around private equity firms in town – where they go, the service providers follow,” she said. “I make it so there is a business reason for them to be there and its fun for them to see old friends or colleagues that they don’t get to see very often.”

When planning a successful charity event there are countless considerations to be made. However, the ability to focus in on one unique aspect of the event, whether it be the participants or the charity to be benefited, is paramount.

Said Baker, “It’s not just about having people come play golf and making a few donations, but creating a memorable guest experience from the moment they step on the golf course until their departure.” •

Photo courtesy of Heather Baker

jharrison@biv.com

This article from Business in Vancouver April 5-11, 2011; issue 1119

A JUNO FIRST!

2011-03-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS ON THE FOREFRONT OF NEW STANDARDS FOR EVENT SUSTAINABILITY!

Come and hear Strategin Solutions’ Ginny Stratton talk about her role with the Juno Awards, at the Vancouver Convention Centre on March 17^th, 2011. Canada’s most famous music award event is celebrating their 40^th year anniversary in Toronto. Over the years, the Juno Awards have been committed to reducing their carbon footprint and achieving sustainable initiatives. This year will be no different as this is the 2nd consecutive year the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) will be producing all JUNO branded apparel, with the use of organic cotton and viscose from bamboo. Ginny Stratton will reveal more insights on exciting initiatives the JUNO Awards has implemented in their event plan, and shows how event/meeting planners have a key role to play in contributing to event sustainability.

Another well respected panelist, Shawna McKinley, Director of Sustainability, MeetGreen® shows us how our day to day operations as event planners, impacts the environment.

Shawna McKinley will discuss how organizations can achieve these environmental goals:

Save 1653 trees
Enough energy to power 65 American homes for a year
Eliminate 774,000 water bottles from the waste stream
Conserve enough water to fill 3 Olympic-sized pools

A New Edition!

2011-03-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

Amaryllis Events is excited to launch their new and improved website!

http://www.amaryllisevents.com/

It still has the same great flavour as before, but now features a fresh new look with photographs of past events I have organized with my company and ISES Vancouver. I am also in the works of building an Amaryllis Event’s Newsletter which will give you insights on the latest information on upcoming events, company reports, and industry tips. For that reason, I’m reaching out to you Amaryllis Events fans! I want to hear the ideas and suggestions you feel are important. Who knows? It may land up in the next newsletter.

Giving Back to Your Industry

2011-03-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

I believe it’s always important to give back to your community, no matter which community you belong to. As an event producer, my way of giving back to the community is through ISES Vancouver, a not-for-profit society that underlines professional business practices and ethical conduct of its members in the special events industry. This organization brings together skilled individuals from a variety of different event backgrounds including: event planners, meeting planners, caterers, graphic designers, audio visual technicians, etc. My role is VP Programs, where I offer my event planning knowledge to create monthly events that will educate, promote, and most importantly advance the network of special event professionals in attendance.

Visit the ISES Vancouver website to get a glimpse into some of our past events I was involved with planning.

http://www.isesvancouver.com/photos.aspx

Our upcoming event, New Green Meeting Standards – Going Beyond the Checklist will be joined by well respected keynote speakers: Shawna McKinley, Director of Sustainability, MeetGreen, Catherine Wong, VP Operations, Vancouver Convention Centre, and Ginny Stratton, Principle of Strategin Solutions. Our panel of experts will discuss sustainable practices with suppliers, vendors, and how the event industry can help reduce negative environmental impacts.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on March 17^th, 2011 from 5:30PM – 8:30PM. All members, students, and non-members in the special events industry are invited to join us for this informative event. To learn more about the keynote speakers and to register for the event, please visit us on the ISES Vancouver website. I hope to see you all there and come by to say hello!

http://www.isesvancouver.com/page1240162.aspx.

My love Affair with food

2010-11-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

I started cooking when I was 9 years old.

My first gig was a special breakfast in bed for my parents. I did not start out with a burning desire to cook but I needed to find a way to keep my parents in bed longer so that I could have uninterrupted access to early morning TV, which had been previously denied to me. The breakfast was a huge success and continued for many months.

Food has always been such an important part of my life and continues to be as food is such a huge part of any event. Let's just say that my cooking skills have come a long way since I was nine years old...

One of my favourite restaurants is www.craveonmain.ca and I am absolutely mad about Wayne Martin, the chef/owner.

Stay tuned for more info on the culinary masterpiece he created for one of my exquisite private dinner parties held in one of Canada’s most luxurious private homes.

More about Wayne next time.

Welcome to the first Amaryllis Events blog.

2010-11-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off blogging for so long and have had so many conversations with myself about starting it, that I just decided to go for it. Actually, I have been "going for it" all my life so establishing a boutique event planning organization was a natural fit for me. One of the questions I am often asked is how I chose 'Amaryllis Events' for my company name so here goes.

When I started my company, everything was falling into place except the name; nothing seemed to be the right fit until I started looking through my gardening books (I am an avid and an award winning gardener). I was captivated by the grandness of the amaryllis flower and thought, what a great name for a company! My research confirmed this. The flower is actually a flowering bulb originally from the Andes Mountain and is named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology. The word means sparking and refers to the attractive flower which resembles a star.

Amaryllis Events is all about sparkle and shine.

Photo of an amaryllis bulb

Amaryllis Event's Blog Coming Soon!

2009-09-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Please check back for future updates!