Dear Santa...

My mom is a shining example of how Santa defines “good”.  From an early age she instilled a philanthropic attitude in us and now as adults the holiday season continues to be about giving back to our community.  Every holiday season I keep an eye out for interesting new approaches to give in small ways - giving doesn’t need to be about large dollar amounts or extravagant gestures.

Here is one easy idea courtesy of the National Speakers Bureau that will literally knock your socks off!

Their “Feet First: SOCKS for the Needy” campaign helps keep people a little warmer over the winter. The socks are distributed through First United Church Mission (Vancouver) and Yonge Street Mission (Toronto), both of which run foot care clinics in the core downtown areas where hundreds of people living in tough circumstances receive treatment for foot issues.

Check it out and be GOOD!

NSB Socks Donation

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

I have always loved New York

I have always loved New York – the buzz of the city is like no other in the world, especially during the holiday season.

We were fortunate enough to plan an event at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) this past week.  This iconic location, both historical and exciting, provides a perfect location for receptions, launches and press conferences.

With heightened Occupy Wall Street threats, the NYSE is taking no chances.  As you can see by the photo, security was at high alert with street closures, barricades, hundreds of police officers, and several security check points requiring photo I.D.

Check out all the options they offer for event space rentals:

http://www.nyx.com/eventrental/event-space

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

CAAMP Mortgage Forum a Huge Success

Just back from the 2011 CAAMP Mortgage Forum held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past week and want to share some of the highlights with all of you.

Entertaining Moments

Howie Mandel performed at our Comedyfest.  He liked our usher signs so much he worked it into his act.  Gerry Dee opened up for Howie and they provided a very funny Canadian combo.

Golden Décor
Gold accents like these 12 ft. golden trees added elegance to our Hall of Fame Dinner.

Look Who’s Talking

Sports Broadcaster and Four-Time Super Bowl Champion Terry Bradshaw, CBC Senior Correspondent Amanda Lang and former Prime Minister RT. Honourable Joe Clark were just a few of our first class speakers.

Check out the complete line-up of speakers at www.mortgageconference.ca/

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit http://www.andlogistix.com/

Green Events in Green Venues….

Last month while traveling back from Vancouver, I came across a fantastic article about one of my favorite “farmers” Nicolette Novak from The Good Earth.  www.goodearthfoodandwine.com.  You can’t get any greener than the Good Earth gang who has been hosting corporate and private groups for unforgettable culinary experiences for about a decade now and I was happy to read that Nicole was doing so well.  Here in Toronto, we are so fortunate to have the bountiful green play area of the Niagara region just around the corner from us.

Curious to see what I could find in other regions, I reached out to some colleagues across the country to see what was new in Green Venues and Denise Bradbury, Director of Sales with the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax sent me this great tidbit:

Halifax has a unique new venue on the harbourfront that has a fabulous view of the ocean, 43,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, and an environmental conscience. Directly behind the Westin Nova Scotian and next door to Pier 21 in the Seaport District is the new Seaport Farmer’s Market.  It has been labeled "one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world".  The building is a state-of-the-art waterfront facility that has been completely designed with the environment in mind. The modern steel and glass interior is warmed up with the use of beautiful, exposed wood, all salvaged from trees that fell during Hurricane Juan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Juan).  The building has a rain water catchment tank, geothermal wells, windmills, a living wall inside the market and a rooftop garden that cools the building.  The roof is also a beautiful space for events. The garden, full of flowers attracting butterflies, was designed to make guests feel as though they are floating on the Halifax Harbour. Supporting local and sustainable initiatives is not a new concept but as we think of ways to reduce waste associated with meetings and events, holding an event in a green space is one way to give back.   http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

All about music today –

Ever get that one song stuck in your head all day?  I had breakfast
with my mom this morning and she had a Barbra Streisand cd on –
so it is going to be a long day of Babs’ greatest hits running
through my mind.

Lately I have received a few requests for different musical ideas –
the sort of cheap and cheerful addition for small meetings and
events when budgets are tight. 

Here are some suggestions:

The Rio Trio - a perfect mix of Latin, Jazz and Top 40

Call 905-834-6735

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rio-Trio/218363881529861

The MAZE - Live Music - All Kinds – Anywhere

Matt Segriff, Dave Rodenburg and the Boys are always a crowd pleaser.

http://www.themaze.ca/

Go Freddie Go - live band playing favorites from the 50's, 60's, 70's. 

They are always a huge HIT!

http://www.gofreddiego.com/

Erin Ford and the Good Life

Her voice has been described as soulful, smoky, and passionate with comparisons to Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, and Bette Midler.

http://www.erinford.ca/

And ……….

Joey Scatozza (Jazzotacs) - he is are “go to guy” for cool jazzy vibes - contact scatozzaj@rogers.com

SIMPLE CELL for Retro 80's Acoustic Duo or Lotus Magnet for Indie Rock trio - contact joe@backroomrecordingstudio.com

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

The Times They Are A-Changin………..

Dylan’s famous song is definitely an icon of the unrest of the 60’s but those poignant lyrics ring strong and true still today, as the “Occupy” protest continue across North America.

Last week, while organizing a meeting in Vancouver, the facility we were using went into partial “lockdown” because of the looming threat of protestors.  Lockdown has fast become a buzz word that everyone uses all too casually and frequently and should definitely be added to a planner’s venue checklist.

A lockdown of a building is an emergency procedure intended to secure and protect occupants who are in the proximity of an immediate threat. This procedure is used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate a building than stay inside.

By controlling entry/exit and movement within a facility, emergency personnel are better able to contain and handle any situation that may arise.

Being familiar with all the venue’s emergency procedure, including lockdown steps will be a must for any planner.  Here are some tips to help you know what to ask for and how to equip your staff and attendees through the unrest.

·         Have a plan or know the plan already established by the venue

·         Review emergency call numbers and procedure and have them handy in your onsite binder and on your mobile device (every venue has a different set of security measures)

·         Ask questions like:

o   Who will let you know about the notice that a "Lockdown" has been issued?

o   How will you be notified?

o   How many security guards will be added? (in case you and your client want to add more security for your meeting)

·         Report any suspicious activity

o   Look out for anyone hiding banners or signs under clothing or in oversized bags

o   unfamiliar persons loitering around (especially in restrooms and parking lot areas)

·         Follow the instructions that the building officials have planned out and never take matters into your own hands.   I often get asked from clients why we should not call 911 ourselves why working in a hotel or convention center.  The answer is simple in that the security personnel at the venue will know exactly how to instruct police, ambulance or fire response staff to get to the emergency quickly and safely.  They will know which entrance is the best, which elevators to use and which route is the fastest and most secure.

Finally, do not panic.  Panic just breeds more panic. 

I have had the privilege of hearing former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani speak several times on the topic of Preparedness.  Now this guy knows a thing or two about emergency procedures and after 9/11 went on to open his own consulting firm focusing on solving critical strategic issues within organizations. 

One of my favorite quotes from his speech is “I know it’s hard to say this, but you’ve got to keep saying it, that is to relax and deal with it,”

Keep these tips handy for “when the battle outside comes rattle your walls”.

We have a great Preparedness Kit Checklist – just send me an email and I would be happy to share it.

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

Doing GOOD has never tasted sweeter………

This week our office was filled with the sweet smell of apples, cherries and berries as we prepared for our annual “pie drive” for PWA.

Pie in the Sky is an annual Thanksgiving fundraiser in support of the vital food programs of Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA).  Every year we purchase pies and deliver them to our favorite clients and suppliers as a thank you for their patronage and support throughout the year.

Incredibly, the proceeds of each pie bring a meal to ten people with HIV/AIDS – maybe the only nutritious meal they get.  Every 15 minutes of every day, PWA provides a healthy meal to a homebound man, woman or child whose long term survival depends on proper nutrition.

So today’s idea is don’t forget about the charitable aspect when deciding on gifts for clients and colleagues at special times of the year.

There are so many national programs that you can support, but don’t overlook the smaller local charity that is just around your corner.

It is a great feeling knowing that you have been a part of helping someone - you can have your pie and eat it too.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

Getting down to the Nitty Gritty

September always brings a flood of resumes across my desk and this year what popped out at me was the use of the phrase “attention to detail”.  After a little digging on-line I learned that it is one of the top 3 skills that experts advise that you add to your resume for best results.

“Attention to detail” is certainly a good planner’s greatest strength.  But what exactly does “attention to detail” mean?  And if considered a skill then it must be bred not born?  Behavioral professionals lean towards the belief that shy people are considered better at attention to detail.  Their shyness results in being better listeners and better observers. Does that put A-types at a disadvantage? 

For me “attention to detail” means constant improvement.  I believe everyone can improve their “attention to detail” skills.

Try these tricks –

Proof Reading:

Attention to detail goes beyond just spell check and reading things slowly, backwards and out loud. 

-          Double check boilerplate text, like the company letterhead. Just because it's frequently used doesn't mean it's been carefully checked.

-          Make sure listed phone numbers are correct and work, do the same for listed links.

-          If you are listing a deadline make sure you add the day and not just the date Friday September 23, 2011

-          Do the math, do the math, and then do the math again. Somewhere between the screen and the printer 2+2 often becomes 3.

-          Clarity is Key - You must learn to watch for things that your readers could misunderstand.

People Watching:

-       Look at people and make a point to remember at least one thing that stands out about each person.  We always like to point out delegates with special dietary needs to the wait staff and maître d’.  Last night at a dinner event I took particular notice of what those delegates were wearing.   Women are easier of course (a blonde lady in a turquoise sweater with silver bangle earrings).  For men, try picking out the design on their tie or if they wear glasses.

Pay attention to your surroundings:

Site inspections are a breeze for me, paying attention to my surroundings is second nature.  I don’t just observe the area I analyze it.

-       Take photos (don’t overlook different entrances, different angles, floors, carpets and ceilings).

-       Use a check list.

-       Make notes on potential hazards.

-       Customize your review to the specific program.  If you have lots of deliveries for that program include a look at the loading dock and storage areas.  If you have lots of social functions you may want to note types and colours of linens, napkins and skirting.

Perfect “To Do list”

-          Too many people wait until the morning to review, or create their to-do list for the day. That’s way too late; the pressures of the day and all its little interruptions are already crashing down upon you, and you have no time to be objective.

-          The list is going to change – be flexible, delegate, defer and divide and conquer when possible

-          Write things down on paper, in your Outlook task list or in an app. - whatever works best for you.  Once you realize you have a safety net to capture all of your important thoughts, it frees you to really get stuff done.

Complacency is definitely an easy pitfall – everyday routine tasks can trigger carelessness.  Avoid this by turning lackluster assignments into a dynamic process by adding creative thinking; challenging assumptions, testing, executing, and follow up will result in continuous adjustments for improvement. 

It isn't always about paying attention to details. Sometimes it is about admitting your weaknesses and/or mistakes and figuring out ways to work around them.

I don’t believe most people can be calculated and precise in everything they do but try to asking yourself this EVERYDAY -  

Can I improve this process, task, system, etc. by ten percent or better today?

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

PS – I spent this past week at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls on a client program – a big shout out to the team there.   We were pleasantly surprised on the level of service and the food was really really good (you know that is a big compliment coming from me) http://www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/

September Shout Outs

September Shout Outs

September always means lots of travel for our team.  We have been collecting new ideas, suppliers and venues to share with you.

Here are a few for you this week:

·         Looking for a restaurant that can hold private dinners in Montreal?  Try Ariel www.arielrestaurant.com

It is small, quaint and the food is delicious.  Once you are on the website, go to AMBIANCE and then to the garden (a tranquil retreat).  You can hold a private dinner for a max. of 26 people.

·         New in our own backyard of St. Clair West – check out Baked on Lauder.  I hear the cupcakes are amazing! (145 Lauder Ave, (647) 352-3995) 

·         Star-studded September - Since these venues are “good enough” for TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) you must keep them on your list for your next event.

o    Soho House on Duncan – all the celebs have been hanging here for the Grey Goose After Parties

o    South of Temperance www.southoftemperance.com  hosted the Ides of March Party

o    The Burroughes Building transformed into a rooftop haven for the stars this week www.theburroughes.com

·         Looking for a private retreat at the ends of the earth - check out this boutique hotel in St. John’s,  Newfoundland www.ryanmansion.com

·         By having Water-on-Wheels mobile water refill stations at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Ride for Diabetes last week our attendees consumed 5,756 litres of tap water in place of using the equivalent of 11,512 (500ml) water bottles.   Do the environment some good and try them out for your next event www.wateronwheels.ca

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

10,000 people riding for a cure

Jan, Jimmy, Rachel and I are on-site today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre helping out with the Ride for Diabetes Research.  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has been a client of ours for over 15 years. 

Take a look at the photo:

·         252 stationary bikes   (all brought up by the freight elevator)

·         5 rotations every hour

·         1260 riders an hour for 8 hours

·         7300 pre bagged lunches

·         A team of 8 EMS

·         Over 150 volunteers

·         Over 10,000 fundraisers riding for Diabetes Research

·         4 aNd Logistix team members making sure it all runs smoothly

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

Return to Sender – address unknown…………..

Shipping is one of those awful jobs that if not done properly can give you nightmares!  We do a lot of shipping and we take it seriously!  Here are some tips for shipping and receiving that may help you in the upcoming busy fall season.

• Package your shipment properly. Do not scrimp on proper packaging. Regardless of your mode of transportation, arriving intact is just as important as arriving on time.  
• Your label is key and must tell a story.

ü  When we are sending large shipments we always include the content of each box which makes unloading a breeze.  Different colored labels are also useful.  Use a different colored label for each area of your conference (Registration/Trade-show/Office/Back-stage/General Session Room)

ü  If sending for a trade show include exhibitor name, booth number, show name, contractor name, street address, and a specified arrival date and time. Ensure you know the proper target date as well as the right check-in time.

• Know how to contact your carrier 24/7. Always have after hours contact phone numbers for all carriers and show site contacts. 

ü  Keep your FedEx/UPS/Purolator phone numbers and accounts handy in one centralized location and make sure you have them when you are traveling 

ü  For private van shipments, you should have the drivers cell phone number

• Proper documentation – a passport for your box. Ensure that your carrier has all of the information about what they are hauling and include an itemized inventory sheet and a completed Bill of Lading

ü  For tradeshows display the booth number, show name, contact person, show contractor and arrival date and time.

ü  Account for not just the price of shipping, but taxes, possible duty and brokerage fees to determine so there are no surprises to your bottom line

• Verify Verify Verify. 

ü  Shipping is not complete until you know for sure it has reached its destination. Track your package to make sure the recipient has received it or make sure you know where it will be stored if you need to find it at a hotel or convention center when you arrive.

ü  For large shipments and trade show deliveries – Does the venue require a lift gate? Where is the marshaling yard located? Has early load-in been approved? Is the move-out date/time still correct? Will the packages need to be picked up in a loading dock or be magically delivered to my exhibit booth?

• Leave time at the end of your program for packing. There are always items to return to your office.  Put Packing-Up right on your task lists. 

ü  Try to pack up things that are no longer needed at the end of each day.  Make sure you have all your shipping material for returning items.  Have labels ready so you know what is in each box making the sorting process much easier when you return to the office.

ü  Be sure to mark boxes/packaging that you want to save for return shipping as “DO NOT THROW OUT – BELONGS TO,..” . Even better, pack “Do Not Throw Out” labels into your shipment.

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit www.andlogistix.com

PS - A post script tribute to a Canadian Champion

I have never been much of a political keener; however I was very pleased to hear the news that Jack Layton was to receive a state funeral (a rare honor and a break from protocol as state funerals are only reserved for heads of government, cabinet leaders and governor generals).  I make my home in Leslieville where Mr. Layton, Leader of the Opposition served as my Member of Parliament for close to 10 years.  My neighbors are single moms, married gay couples, older adults, movie mogul money makers from the film district and new immigrants – and smiling Jack was the champion of us all. He helped make our little part of the world a better place - a vibrant, eclectic, tolerant neighborhood in the heart of the city.  So thank you Jack.  I hope your “new neighborhood” treats you well.