I never understand how time flies by so quickly but another month has come and gone. Here’s a quick recap of April’s events:
Brian Jessel BMW Charity Gala: Cabriolet
Back when I first met Andrea (Blitz Media & Events), she suggested that a great way of gaining event experience was to join committees for various galas and fundraisers. So… I joined the organizing committee of Cabriolet which is hosted by Brian Jessel BMW. Currently in their 7th year, the gala is expected to sell out with over 1200 guests in attendence. There are 2 very cool things about this event:
- They hope to raise $200,000 that night for Arts Umbrella, UBC/VGH Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital
- CeeLo Green is coming to give a live 2 hour performance!
My role on the committee is to secure sponsors, live auction donations and help with all the lead up preparation. I highly encourage anyone looking to expand their events portfolio to work on a committee for an event such like this. Besides getting experience, you’re also giving back to the community while expanding your network – all win/wins!
Rewined – Make-A-Wish Foundation
Rewined was Make-A-Wish Foundation’s (BC/Yukon) first annual fundraiser event back in early April. The night saw 250 guests visit the Sheraton Wall Centre for a night filled with wine-tastings and live/silent auctions. I was an event volunteer and couldn’t remember the last time I had so much fun! It was truly a night just for the kids and I’m proud to say that they raised an incredible $38,000.
National Meetings Industry Day – MPI
In mid-April, I attended the National Meetings Industry Day at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Centre. The night featured a keynote speaker, Kaplan Mobray, and a cocktail/networking reception afterwards. Kaplan is one of the most energetic and unique speakers I’ve listened to (the only one that has ever jumped on top of a table while playing the sax) and the tips he had on personal branding were right on the money. I know networking can be a pain but I can’t stress enough how important it is. You only need to make 1 solid contact for a networking event to be worthwhile. That 1 contact can then introduce you to their contacts and so forth.
Big thanks goes to Heather from Cantrav Services who was a networking star and introduced me to so many event professionals that I lost track.
This meetup for wedding professionals started off as a simple get together for a few friends and evolved into a massive, 200 person industry cocktail party/networking event! This was my 1st wedding industry event as part of the Down the Aisle team and I’m really glad I went. I thought it was really valuable to meet so many vendors face-to-face because it’s very probable that I’ll have a chance to work with them in the future. Plus, the candy bar was a big draw for me 🙂
Phew, looking back at this, April was a busy, busy month and May promises to be just as crazy! What did you get up to in April?
Priscilla Chan 