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Corinne and I recently ventured down to Chicago to represent Vancouver at The Special Event 2013. With hundreds of speakers, 4500 attendees, evenings filled with Showcase Events and a whole tradeshow floor to explore, we were sure to have a good time.

My personal highlight of the trip would have to be the education classes. I was lucky enough to win a scholarship from the Search Foundation, which allowed me the opportunity to get as much learning in as possible. With a focus on design I narrowed down my list, grabbed my books (well, really my iPad, this is 2013 after all) and headed to class. Many of the speakers were fantastic, but a few really stood out. The first was Trends in Design by Diane J. Burner of MGM Resort Events.  The concept was how to take grand ideas and scale them down for individual events.Diane shared with us some fantastic artists to get us inspired:

• http://michaelmcgillis.com/sited-work
• http://www.runeguneriussen.no/index.html
• http://www.emmahackartist.com.au/emma_art/emma_home.html

Our fellow Canadians, Décor & More Inc. put on another one of my favourite classes, The Kaleidoscope Design Process. This particular session focused on the event design process. It spoke to three different lenses, the creative, the logistic, and the collaborative. By using what they dubbed ‘ large pieces of glass’ (ie. staple décor items) and turning the kaleidoscope to reimagine and reinvent them, you are able to create endless possibilities of event design.  I am really looking forward to applying my kaleidoscopic eye to transform some of our décor!  Email me to learn more about top creative event trends for 2013!

Enjoy some pics from our trip!

      

Most people don’t consider how they will look in the room when choosing their wall, flooring and décor colours.  The same is true for planning an event or wedding.It is important to choose a colour palette that is complimentary to the guest of honour. Flattering colours add brightness to the skin and bring out the colour of the hair and eyes, whereas unbecoming colours can drain colour from the skin causing it to appear sallow or unhealthy.

Blue eyes glow when surrounded by purple and lavender tints, and brunettes look great in orange, while natural blondes do well with neutral backgrounds that aren’t overpowering.  Warm complexions will look best in colours with the same undertones.

Try incorporating complementary colours in accent pieces, floral arrangements, linens or pipe and drape for something unique and eye catching. Experiment with using one colour, but in different hues throughout the space.  Colour needs to move and shouldn’t look like it’s landed.

Knowing your best colours will help you look your best!  Not only wearing the right colours, but surrounding yourself with the right colours in your home or on your special day can help you do just that!

           

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.

A few weeks ago I spent a day in the sky, literally! I worked on a promotional photo shoot for the Vancouver Lookout, located at the top of the Harbour Centre. Collaborators on this project included: the super talented photographer Anna Beaudry, A&B Partytime Rentals, Savoury Chef, Laura Tetzlaff, Stacey Klyne and the amazing Vancouver Lookout team. We created 3 different looks showcasing daytime business meeting scenarios and an amazing Hot Pink Evening Soiree complete with a pink candy-buffet table that brought out the kid in everyone!!!

The Harbour Centre is a notable skyscraper in the central business district of Downtown. The Lookout tower atop the office building makes it one of the tallest structures in Vancouver and a prominent landmark on the city’s skyline. With its 360-degree viewing deck, it also serves as a top tourist attraction, offering a physically unobstructed view of the city. It is also the most amazing backdrop for any corporate or private event that you could ever ask for.

Here’s what Stacey had to say about working with Greenscape:

“It was a pleasure to work with Christine from Greenscape Design. She was able to transform and create an amazing space for us to showcase our private event space. Christine’s creativity and willingness to step outside the box and execute an amazing design, allows the client to feel confident that the final product is going to be more than what you had even imagined.”

Stacey Klyne, General Manager Vancouver Lookout

What a fabulous day of creative collaboration! If you are looking to transform your space, email me!