Soooo it’s been a minute hasn’t it?   Lots has been going on and it was hard to always find time to jump on the computer to write.  Cardinal rule: if you have a blog then you MUST MUST keep it fresh, active and relevant.  and well…..i broke that rule. the last post was June 2009! Argh….  Oh well enough “blah blah blah’ing” let’s get to why we’re here!  Over the last little bit I planned holiday luncheons, closing galas, appreciation parties and yadda yadda. It has been a GREAT learning exeprience and I enjoy growing in this industry. 

As you may know Events by Dionne is my own company that  I run full time with part time hours.  I have part time hours because  I also work full time at Allstream Centre & Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.  It keeps me busy and requires constant answering of my phone, constant meetings, constant pitching of business and constant energy at the expense of many other things in life (you know…family, significant others, laundry, going to the freaking grocery store!! *breathe, inhale, relax* LOL) so I need to take a small break.  It’s not a complete hiatus because I’m still active in the industry at Exhbition Place working in the Marketing Dept, I’m still active with industry associations and events – I just won’t be taking on any new private clients or events for Events by Dionne as it’s closing the doors temporarily. 

I can now focus on a healthier work life balance and still engage through my experience in the marketing dept at Exhibiton Place. So for everyone who has worked with me, supported me, referred me, etc i say THANK YOU!!  I will open the doors of my “labour of love” another day in the future and when  I do  I hope to see everyone there! :0)

In the meantime you can find me at BizBash events throughout the year – the Toronto Expo is happening this September at Liberty Grand.  I’m joining ISES Toronto shortly so I’ll be around, I’m opening Allstream Centre May 29-30 for Toronto’s annual Doors Open Event, I’m organizing the Direct Energy Centre Golf Tournament this May 27 and sponsorship opportunites exist on various levels – just contact me:) and of course on any given day you can find me walking the grounds of Exhibition Place!

So until then…..Love Life. Stay in Touch. Keep Reading (now I’ll have time to blog lol) and Thank You Always.

~D~

Wayne Samuels and Ryan Robinson of Do Dat Entertainment

Toronto artist Gyles (from Jamesking) & Events by Dionne

I made a roll through UMAC’s Summer Showcase as well.  It was quick roll through so I could chat with some folks about some business.  Hopefully it will all work out favourably   UMAC has a lot of great initiatives coming up and people should stay tuned…….The venue was Tryst nightclub and I have loved that place since  the opening party last year.  They have the city’s largest licensed outdoor patio so I’m occasionally fooled into thinking I’m drinking in Miami

Craigg Slowly of UMAC

I encourage people to understand what Events by Dionne does and how my company can enhance the event experience.  Event flow, branding, and unique touches to make things memorable is what Events by Dionne offers.  Events by Dionne can certainly elevate any event to a new status.  I enjoy the creative artwork of event planning and the adrenaline pumping situations make me come alive  so I look forward to working on more events like VIP lounges, pre or post receptions and private dinners.

Stay Connected!

~ D ~

Lately I’ve been pretty busy with all kinds of interestng things.  To start my blackberry has been acting a smooth fool.  What event planner on the move can live without their blackberry? NONE. which is why these past few weeks I feel like I’ve been walking towards the “light” No messenger, no GPS, no PIN no Twitterberry?? what is a girl to do? Pray and do Yoga 3 times a week, that’s what! July 11 I’m eligible for an upgrade. Let the countdown a la Rhythm Nation begin.

Last Saturday June 6th I went to one of my spots, Dazzling on King St, to check out a fashion show put on by Churchdress.ca  I saw some old friends and met some new ones so you know I was in social butterfly heaven! The fashions were great and I may be calling a girl for some one of a kind peices.  Please believe I hate shopping in the mall and I hate wearing off the rack for major events (normal life no problem, but lights camera action?? *aahhhh!*). I’ve had to “rack it out” many a time and I continually cringe. If I can find a designer/seamstress of my very own I’ll be a rock star!

Check them out at www.churchdress.ca

My most recent project has been reconnecting with my peeps over at Do Dat Entertainment. Do Dat has been for years THE Dance Company for Hip Hop in Toronto and I am glad to be lending a helping hand. Stay tuned for some upcoming changes in the world of Do Dat cause like fine wine they just keep getting better

Check them out at www.dodat.com 

Summer oh summer where for art thou Summer? This is what I ask myself every morning when Matte Babel and friends tell me it’s cold outside. Every year I host a Canada Day Pool Party and this year my theme was going to be a “Picnic in the City” but at this rate it’s going to be own version of the polar bear swim (or dip or whatever that crazy event is called lol) I’m still going to start putting things together this weekend but so help me if its cold and grey on July 1 I really am moving to Miami……  Aye Papi!!

Stay connected!

www.eventsbydionne.com | www.twitter.com/dionne_b| 647.284.7744| info@eventsbydionne.com

Your choice for premier event planning.

Recently  I talked a friend of mine down off the ledge and helped her put together a quick “Playoff Party” for her boyfriend.  He’s a NEW boyfriend so she’s still trying to impress (lol- sorry girl!).   I gave her some drink recipes, snack foods and where to get themed party supplies.  She got it together so naturally I thought I’d share a few:

Guacamole Recipe

(Serves 2 -3 people ; double the recipe accordingly)

1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

¼ cup of tender cactus from a jar, chopped

2 or 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

2  tbsp vegetable oil

juice of ½ a lime

pinch of cumin

salt and pepper to taste

• Lightly sauté the garlic in olive oil and then set it aside to cool
• Put the avocado flesh in a medium sized bowl and break it up with the back of a fork into chunks
• Add all the other ingredients and stir together
• Taste and adjust seasoning.  The trick is balancing the lime and salt.  Remember that the corn chips are salted too!

Put this out in a nice serving dish alongside Corn Chips (Tostitos are popular) and you’re a Rock Star! (and don’t forget the salsa!)

You don’t have to be the best in the kitchen to pull off a playoff party, just get the basics prepared and present them with style.

Other easy food items:

Chicken wings (Quick and dirty version? – M&M meat shop is great)

Bite sized sandwiches on bread of choice (rye, white, multigrain); turkey, chicken breast, corned beef. Make sure you cut the crusts off – it just looks better. (Quick & dirty version? Place an order with Pickle Barrel

Make sure you present everything in a classy dish –  it makes the simple finger food options look well thought out and put together by a pro. No stryofoam, or plastic dishes please.

Drinks in the fridge?

For sports parties  it’s typically the beer of choice.  I say you can’t go wrong with Corona and/or Hieneken but I’m not a beer drinker so pay attention to what usually in the fridge and simply get more of it.  Truthfully in my personal world I do everything but the beer purchase –just like the barbeque I leave that to the men

Ladies – If you’re sticking around the party and called in your lady friend reinforcements, here’s a drink for you:

White Tea Sangria

Serves 6

5 cups citrus flavoured white iced tea (NESTEA product)

3 cups white grape juice

2 medium navel oranges, peeled with the pith removed, and sliced into rounds

2 lemons, peeled with the pith removed, and sliced into rounds

2 limes, peeled with the pith removed, and sliced into rounds

1 cup whole mint leaves

  ice cubes

• pour juice and white tea into pitcher
• add the navel orange slices, lime slices and mint
• stir well and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavours to combine
• add ice just before serving

Enjoy the rest of the Playoffs!

Up next: Denver vs. Los Angeles Tuesday May 19th

Flew with AirTran…..they were aiight.  Drove a Mazda CX7 and it was more than aiight…..it was wicked cool.  Stayed at the marriot boca raton and the bed was the most comfortable hotel bed I’ve ever slept in. Kudos to “Mrs Marriot” and her team! (yes  I said Mrs. – with sheets that smooth there’s bound to be  a woman behind it!)

I wish I had a video camera because I would post a video of the Seinfeld moment I had in Dunkin Donuts.  I created such a commotion trying to buy an “Iced Cap” a la Tim Hortons that  I swear the man behind me was physically shaking with steam coming out of his ears.   but I knew something was wrong when I asked for an Iced Cap and she responded with “do you want sugar in it?”    unh??….doesn’t it just come pre mixed out the machine?  Then she asked do you want whipped cream? What the! Stop the presses ….what are you making for me back there? I describe what I’m expecting and she says….”ohhh you want a Coolata”  which i followed with an” I do??”  I think it was that moment that the man started changing colour.  You don’t even want to know his response when I asked for a “dutchie” and the girl looked at me completely lost again – hahaha America can keep “running on Dunkin” but I certainly will not.

That Dramedy episode was worth it though, because  I love weddings and this one was Tony the Tiger. Grrrrreaat!

~ D ~

Brazilian Carnival Ball

Known for its elaborate decor and the colourful costumes  the Brazilian Ball took place on April 25th at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The charity this year was the SickKids Foundation and the theme was a teddy bear theme. How cute and how fitting.

Courtesy of BizBash

Source Tom Sandler

 

1. The topic is NOT funny but why do I keep dying every time I hear a news anchor say “gunman” when refering to the hijacking in Jamaica??

2. I’m still cheesed I didn’t see the Britney Concert – and she was here for 2 nights!! ugh…..

3. Twitter is freaking everywhere and with everyone.  I especially like thisisbabel.  His random thoughts are definitely entertaining. and It doesn’t hurt that I think he’s hilarious and one of the better looking men of Toronto. You see him on CP 24 breakfast?? eeeyeah…I’m up earlier these days for sure

4. My website www.eventsbydionne.com has been a labour of love and just like any child it’s causing me nothing but grief these days! I’ll get it together by Summer guaranteed…until then? enjoy the Splash Page lol

5. Checking out Jamesking on the 25th at……hmmm? can’t remember and I’m not getting up to get the flyer. I want to say Clintern’s tavern?? Go to their site and work it out.

6.Learned that you need 9-10 ft of space per person to have a comfortable atmosphere.  500 people? 5000 sf is a good idea.

7. I’m working on an online store selling my personal favourite pick me up/mood enhancer….Lingerie! Stay tuned for the items you (or your lady) need when you’re heading out to a high profile event, hosting a fabulous event or just need to tap into your inner “Sasha Fierce”

8. I’m planning a corporate Golf Tournament for May and wondering….how is this possible? I don’t golf. I don’t know what over par or under par even means but I’ll make it fabulous none the less.  There’s so many golf enthusiasts around me I’ll learn real fast.  I think I’ll let Stella McCartney dress me so I can look the part.  Eventhough Lacoste is really for Tennis I would have  gone with him but…. the advertising bugs the shiaat out of me. Why are the models still jumping? get a new campaign already….geeesh.

9. Last night was officially the dumbest most unrealistic episode of 24 thus far.. I was standing by you Jack Bauer but last night?? *eye rolling*

10. Yoga! Yoga! Yoga! If you don’t know, now you know…

Stay connected!

~ D ~

I am on the planning comittee for a national association that booked their annual conference and showcase in the Centre. The ideas we have are so serious it actually hurts just thinking about it. whoo weee….major hotness is coming to Toronto!  It’s in November so make sure you stick around to see the pictures.

Signing off now…but my parting thought? 

Jennifer Hudson is the truth.  Her Spotlight video always makes me smile.

~ D ~

Steve said I must still pay $200 for the restaurant space just as if I was in the meeting space upstairs. $200? Yesterday you quoted me $300 for the meeting space and Bob already quoted me no charge for the restaurant so …unh?

I asked for hotel policies, price list, packages etc to be sent over and well…..nothing! He actually wanted me to book the space with no appropriate paperwork to back up their constantly changing pricing structure. lol

Needless to say that’s not going to happen but this shower has got to keep on keeping on! Lucky for me I know lots of other small venues that could accomodate my needs and quickly –April is almost here……

Lesson here my fabulous people? Please please do not just take any cost that someone throws your way, get everything in writing and understand what your needs are and make sure you get it! Don’t settle for what their throwing at you because you think you have no other choice.

This economy is being real tough on the hotel industry and I’m sure that was part of his catalyst to try to squeeze every dollar out of me but good customer service is what’s going to keep everybody standing at the end of the recession.

I had a blast and enjoyed watching guests “ooh and ahh” over the food presentation and the lighting – I worked with great teams of people in house and external 3rd parties to make it all happen.

Decor: Designing Trendz

Catering: Centerplate

Audio Visual: Star Productions

Ice Sculptures: ice FX

This Ice Luge was a hit as guests lined up to get their signature cocktail poured through the ice into their glass. Very funky fresh.

Enjoy the view and until next time.

~ D~
Your Choice for Premier Event Planning