The Red Wagon

Promo FAIL

In preparation for this year's conference we’ve been brainstorming on ways to spread the word and continue building the brand of CREATIVEMIX. Some of the questions we’re asking are: Should we do the 100% recycled coffee sleeves again (they were cool, useful, but were a lot of work to distribute)? What about posters? Facebook ads are so 2007, should we just tweet our blog posts instead? How can we generate love and web traffic for those who help spread the word? Do you think people would join an ...

Strategic Event Review: BC Lung Association’s RUSH

Fundraising events are a tough gig for both the organization and the event planner who has to make it all happen. Most great events take a lot of time to plan, cost a lot of money, take a huge amount of man power, and when it’s all said and done the fundraising value can easily fall short. We’re surrounded by countless causes and endless heart-breaking stories - it can be a lot to take in much less respond with our time and hard-earned dollars. Designing a great fundraising event is a difficult ...

Great Tech Event

I used to be a preacher. Bet you didn't know that. Okay, preacher is a strong word but I was once a Youth Pastor (an evangelical version of a priest without the collar, and in my case, very little training and an unhealthy addiction to ping-pong and foosball). Being a man of the cloth was a ton of work but the hardest thing was the preaching (aka teaching). It wasn't the public speaking - I loved that part. It was the content. Preparing a sermon, talk, or lesson that had a personal and/or spirit...

Event for Creatives

As you probably already know, Eileen and I host an annual creative conference here in Vancouver (annual is a strong word, last year was the first). Well, it went super-duper and we're doing it again. Here's the date announcement from CREATIVEMIX.ca: Big news! CREATIVEMIX is coming back for another round! Thursday, November 4th. Remember that. Write that down. Tell other people. Now, you’re probably wondering what’s happening and who’s speaking . . . well, we can’t tell you that. There’s a ...

CREATIVEMIX was a Hit!

The reviews are pouring in! Here’s what people had to say about their experience at CREATIVEMIX: “This was a day of mind-expanding learning experiences. I’m glad I came. Thanks!” – Mary Mahon Jones “Working in a creative field is one thing, but learning how to connect with other creative people in other fields and getting to broaden your experiences in an overall creative community is something quite spectacular.” – Ewan Johnstone “It is a collaboration for generating and indulging in new...

Visualize This!

Okay, here's a shout out to Western Canada's best production company: Rocky Mountain Production Services. I've hired these guys for numerous events, the largest ones being the Camp Moomba Yogathon & Blissfest and the Lululemon Flip Flop Soiree, and they hit it out of the park. Sure their pricing is great but really it comes down to service - their team creates the best possible A/V environment for my events. They manage the stage and technical aspects with such effortless precision that they...

All Aboard!

If you're in the hotel biz then cover your eyes. The truth be told is, if I go to another event in a hotel banquet room I think I'm going to lose my mind. I realize they have their benefits, the least of which is the convenience for out-town guests, but I really don't think event producers should put them on their venue A-list for locally attended events. When it comes down to it, I'm a big fan of alternate venues... I love seeing a unique space turned into an amazing event destination. For e...