Last week I had my first experience at Event Camp. I admit, it was a little less romantic than I had hoped, but left an indelible imprint in my thinking nonetheless.Event Camp Twin Cities was basically a live innovation lab for experimenting with new formats, new presentation methods, new technologies, new applications for social media and new ways of collaboration for hybrid events and conferences. Summary: Event Camp was about looking for new ways to effectively connect and engage.

I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t truly sure what I was signing up for, but Tahira said it would be good for me.  I am a fake plant expert, and technology is hardly my friend. Event Camp seemed like the perfect place for me to buddy up and make a new acquaintance. I attended Event Camp virtually through the Vancouver Pod (one of 7 small groups of people that gathered in different global locations) lead by Laura Tetzlaff and hosted by the Art Institute Vancouver.  Our team name and motto referenced Vancouvers lovely Peaks ‘N Valleys, so lots of boob puns “busted” through our conversation early in the day.  Irresponsible people gathered in a responsible venue.

Much went wrong.

Technologies failed, 7 Pods clustered on one Skype call did not work, there were issues with the 20 second delay on live feed, and so on. Mostly very high level AV issues that I would have simply dealt with by tilting my head and batting my eyelashes and saying “I’m so pretty.” What was attempted was extraordinary, and the next time it is tried, it will be a wonderful experience when it works seamlessly.

Much went right.

I admit, I was frustrated, I was overwhelmed. My Pod was mostly in disarray for the first day as we tried to deal with technology overload, flipping back and forth between trying to engage in person as a Pod, virtually with the other Pods and following the main conference sessions broadcast from Twin Cities, following the Twitter feed, being mesmerized by the lovely virtual emcee, Emilie Barta and then participating in the Great Event Camp Challenges (a series of social based challenges to complete as a team in order to earn badges – it’s not camp if you can’t earn a badge or two).

Brains hurt. Voices were raised. But everyone hugged before we left.

The risks were great. I am thrilled to have been a part of such a radical attempt at event innovation. Things failed. But so much was learned. If it had all gone smoothly – it would still all be magic to me. Since so much went wrong, I have an understanding of what is involved and engaged in learning with my Pod and event professionals around the world trying to understand how to make it all work together.

There has to be an inexpensive and effectively scalable way to have remote audiences in different locations experience an in room experience. I sure as hell won’t be the one to figure it out, but I certainly want to be close to the person that does! Kinda like Greenscape – we want to be part of bringing the outside in.

Thanks Event Camp Twin Cities Team that put this experience together.

Bamboo has long been the darling of the green design world. Known for its lightening speed growth and extraordinary versatility, this plant may very well be the future of, well – many things.Its fibers can be spun into soft fabric used for clothing, or its poles can be used to reinforce buildings. Lately designers are taking bamboo to heights never before imagined (and bamboo can grow up to 100 feet!).  New innovations such as the electricity-free bamboo speaker and the bamboo bicycle keep proving that the uses of bamboo are infinite.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Bamboo isn’t wood – it is actually a grass that grows in stalks called culms.

• Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the worlds – some species can grow over 4’ in 24 hours.

• Trees used in conventional wood fencing can take up to 50 years to replenish whereas bamboo can regenerate its full mass in just 6 months.  Bamboo renews itself from it extensive root system, so does not need to be replanted.

• It is stronger than mild steel.

• Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees and provides wildlife habitats for animals and birds.

At Greenscape, we love this renewable plant source, not only for its green factor but for its aesthetic excellence as well. Check out some of the displays we’ve recently done using this wonderful grass. Don’t forget to come by the warehouse to look at all the new bamboo we have in stock as well!

CELEBRATE!

Pride swept the city this past weekend and we want to know what you did to feel proud!

As Vancouver Pride celebrated its 33rd year, Greenscape Design & Decor wanted to show our support for the LGBT community by participating in the parade for our very first time!  You could say we lost our Pride Parade V card – and we couldn’t have asked for a better first time!

With over 130 floats and over 600 000 people in attendance, Pride is the largest one day event in Vancouver.  The theme for the parade this year was “Celebrate!”  And celebrate we did!

Our float was provided by the fabulous Erin KC from Dreamscene and 2011 was the 3rd year she participated in the parade.  The other collaborator for the float wasIs. Salon located in Yaletown.

Our chosen theme was “Welcome to the Jungle” and featured tropical palm trees, colourful floral decor, and over 25 people dressed as leopards, tigers, jungle warriors, plant people, wild flowers, and even a zebra! We definitely caused a ROAR!

Greenscape Takes Pride in Our Environment

With 100% reusable and recyclable décor used to embellish our float, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while celebrating at Pride.

Let us know how you showed your pride by leaving your comments below or on our Facebook Page!