Apr1
[Alexandra of Union Jack News with Dave Olson of HootSuite]
Last Thursday night, the first-ever Vancouver Social Media Awards kicked off at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre.
A packed room of students, social media lovers, and industry people enjoyed mingling over appetizers from various Vancouver eateries, Red Truck Beer, and Blenz Coffee.
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Feb19
This is my third year covering the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs Gala; each year, the theme and guest speaker changes however the message and camaraderie don’t.
This year, a La Dolce Vita theme was chosen to highlight the 11th annual event that raises funds to help support women in their journey to entrepreneurship.
A silent auction was held throughout the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel’s ballroom lobby while an accordionist entertained guests.
By 6 pm, the room was fully packed with women (and men) from all industries, mingling and networking over wine and canapés.
[eBay Canada founder/Gilt Groupe's Alexis Maybank]
I had a few moments to sit inside the beautifully decorated ballroom with keynote speaker Alexis Maybank. Alexis started eBay Canada in 1999, leaving the US for one year to live in Toronto. She’s currently part of the Gilt Groupe duo, an online shopping site currently worth over $1 billion dollars with more than five million members. Together with fellow New York City mom Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, they started with a combined passion for sample sale shopping that’s led to an enormously popular “flash sale” e-commerce site. Gilt Groupe is now the go-to source for online fashion deals.
[Alexis Maybank, Emcee Monika Deol, Pamela Martin]
Alexis has a business background, and spent the 90’s in Silicon Valley, honing her e-commerce, product development, and marketing background. She’s all about creating online experiences.
As I spoke with Alexis, it dawned on me that even though last night was her first Canadian speaking engagement, she does as much as possible to support female entrepreneurs as a member of New York City’s FWE. She’s also involved with two organizations, Springboard Enterprises (on the Media/Tech Council), and Girls Who Code (on the Board of Directors), fostering high school girls to continue their tech/coding interests, even though “it’s not cool”.
And if that’s not time consuming enough, she’s recently been added to the Audubon Society’s board of directors.
We also bonded over our former beloved San Francisco neighbourhood, Noe Valley, and learned that we lived about four blocks away from one another (though at different time periods)! Alexis is an easy-going, soft-spoken woman who’s given a tremendous amount of her time and talent to several organizations throughout the States.
[Christina Anthony, CFA, Premier Christy Clark, Gilt Groupe's Alexis Maybank]
The evening continued with a delicious supper and live auction. Premier Christy Clark gave a speech at this year’s gala as well. Clark’s most memorable comment? “I believe that government should get out of the way of entrepreneurs like you”, with regard to Alexis Maybank. Alexis seemed to engage the Twitter crowd as well, proclaiming “It’s no longer OK to have a 30 second pitch. Find a way to get your message out in 5 to 10 seconds”.
As if 140 characters weren’t hard enough to formulate a brilliant thought.
The sold out gala saw over 500 attendees. That’s truly amore.
Jan23
Social Media Camp is a great networking event along with the chance to meet fellow connected friends in real life.
This will be the conference’s fourth year. The three-day conference will see a talented line up of speakers including Mari Smith, CC Chapman, Amy Porterfield, and Jaime Stein, all accomplished in their specific fields.
Here’s a quick breakdown of events including the highly-anticipated Social Media Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 7:
Monday, May 6
Kick-Off Party: Social Media Camp 2013 will kick off with a massive networking party at Victoria’s landmark party spot – the Strathcona Hotel, a two minute walk from the conference centre.
1 to 8 pm: Pre-Registration
2 to 3 pm: SMC Orientation – New this year, Paul Holmes will lead an orientation session to help newbies and return attendees get the most out of the conference
3 pm and 4 pm: Meet Your Coach – Back by popular demand is the SMC Coach, available to help you plan your SMC experience and answer questions
7 to 11 pm: Networking Bash – Hook up with speakers, sponsors, tweeps you haven’t met yet, connections from previous SMCs. Musical entertainment TBD.
Tuesday, May 7
8 am: Registration opens; sessions begin at 9 am
9 am to noon: Workshops, learning pods, presentations and panels
noon to 1 pm: Exclusive Luncheon Strategy Session with Mari Smith (Platinum ticket holders only)
1 pm: Opening Keynote presentation with Mari Smith
1 to 5 pm: Workshops, learning pods, presentations and panels
7 to 10 pm: Social Media Awards and Gala Dinner
Wednesday, May 8
9 to 10 am: Morning Keynote Address: Scott Monty, Head of Global Social Media Communications, Ford Motor Company
10 am to noon: Workshops, roundtables, presentations and panels
noon to 1 pm: Exclusive Luncheon Strategy Session with Boston-based CC Chapman (Gold ticket holders only)
1 to 5 pm: Workshops, presentations and panels
4 to 5 pm: Closing keynote address with CC Chapman
[Photo credit: radarhillwebdesign on Flickr]
Victoria is lovely in early May. Early bird pricing for the Gold Pass – including the Awards Gala Dinner – is in effect until January 31. The Silver Pass will allow you into the welcome reception as well as the trade show, main stage presentations, workshops and presentations, a social showcase and knowledge cafe, plus personalized coaching (while availability lasts). The early bird pricing for this ticket ends on April 5.
Other options include the Platinum Pass (all of the above, plus priority seating at keynotes and an exclusive opportunity to lunch with Mari Smith (limited to the first 40 registrants), as well as a Gala Dinner only ticket ($99 early bird price ends on January 30).
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in attending, I have a unique code to receive 10% off any ticket type! Visit the Social Media Camp website for updated information, and I hope to see you there!
The conference’s official hashtag will be #SMCamp.
Dec18
In case you hadn’t heard, W2 Media Arts is fighting to stay alive in Woodwards. I’ve edited the version sent to my inbox this morning:
The City is working to push W2 out over non-payment of $90,000 in amenity/strata fees, despite clear demands in correspondence as far back as February 2012 that W2 needs to receive services for these fees. Instead of hiding behind “legal” arguments about how they can’t do anything, the City should respect the local communities’ capacity and ability to build a centre inclusive for all – not just the market.
Members are invited to an information meeting to learn about the City of Vancouver’s threats to evict W2 from the Woodward’s heritage building. Learn about the organization and find out how you can participate in the community’s response to the attempt to evict W2 on December 31. RSVP here to the community gathering tomorrow, Wednesday, December 19.
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Nov1
[Flickr photo credit: woodleywonderworks]
As a small design business, I get a healthy amount of resumes sent my way, whether from students, recent graduates, newly-transplanted folks from all corners of the globe, or someone trying to help me out by offering an extra talent.
This afternoon, I was sent the most ridiculous letter, and thought, why not share it with my readers? Depending on your mood, you might find it worth a chuckle. Maybe you’ve got an even “classier” letter to share. And yes, the subject of the message was “hello!”.
Ready or not, here it is:
I was thinking because your company hires employees and because I make a perfect employee, we would be a great match! I am skilled in all areas of design from print, drawing and illustration, character design, logos, branding, photo retouch and photography. When using typography I do not always gravitate towards Helvetica, amazing no? My strong suit has always been my outstanding communication, people and interpersonal skills. They are second to none. I am fun as well as professional and driven. I work well on my own or as a part of a team.
So, you need someone to work in your place of business and that fits perfectly with my background of working in a place of business! …And why would you want to hire me specifically? I love food, eating is a habit I’ve been developing since birth. I’ve also got loads of other bills and genuinely love being able to pay them! If I wasn’t working for you, I would spend all my free time on my computer designing and creating anyways so you see why this makes sense. You can see I am very motivated and will enjoy working for you immensely!
Please let me know where I may send you a copy of my enthusiastic resume. I would be more than happy to present my portfolio in person so I could walk you through my unique design process and explain the motivation and inspiration behind all my ideas!
…hire me… hire me…hire me…
Sincerely
Super Brenda
Mar1
I was on hand for two Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival events yesterday: the Canadian Wine Awards lunch and a social media symposium cleverly titled You’ll Tell Two Friends….
Both trade events were held at the sleek, modern, and well-lit Wosk Centre for Dialogue, across from SFU’s Harbour Centre campus.
[Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Director Harry Hertscheg]
[Anthony Gismondi and David Lawrason of Wine Access]
The Canadian Wine Awards lunch was sponsored by Wine Access Magazine and featured 11 award winning wines from 2011, together with food pairings. I’ve included a few images here from the event, including an introduction by Playhouse Wine Festival director Harry Hertscheg, plus Anthony Gismondi and David Lawrason of Wine Access Magazine.
[Cassini Cellars Syrah 2009]
The following 11 wines were featured:
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery/Cabernet Franc 2009, paired with Beef tartare with grainy mustard
Cassini Cellars/Syrah 2009, paired with Mini steak frites, grilled flank steak and bearnaise red wine reduction
Gray Monk Estate Winery/Odyssey Merlot 2009, paired with brie in phyllo with raspberry compote
Hester Creek Estate Winery/Trebbiano 2010, paired with panko-crusted chicken satay sticks
Mission Hill Family Estate/Select Lot Collection Syrah 2009, paired with mini bison sliders and applewood smoked cheddar
Painted Rock Estate Winery/Red Icon 2009, paired with Smoked Brome Lake duck breast
Peller Estates/Private Reserve Chardonnay 2010, paired with Baba Ganoush tartlets with brie
Red Rooster Winery/Reserve Chardonnay 2010, paired with mini crab cakes with sweet potato, tarragon, and basil aioli
Road 13 Vineyards/Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2008, paired with crisp polenta crostini with goat cheese, oven dried tomato and basil
Tawse Winery/Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2009, paired with cauliflower and spinach pakora
Thornhaven/Gewürztraminer 2010, paired with Qualicum Beach scallop ceviche, grapefruit, fresh lime, fennel, cilantro, and jalapeño
[Beef tartare with grainy mustard]
[Brie in phyllo with raspberry compote, thyme, and roasted almonds]
[Mini steak frites with grilled Flank steak, Bearnaise red wine reduction]
[Baba Ganoush with brie and seasonal fruit chutney]
Wine Access aims to raise awareness of our great Canadian wines. It’s no secret that BC wines sell for a high price, many than most imports, so it’s necessary to raise the quality bar in order to compete with these markets. Wine Access recognizes the best in winemaking.
[Pouring Tawse Winery's Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2009]
More photos from the lunch can be found here.
[Wine and food journalist Tim Pawsey with Leeann Froese from Coletta + Associates]
You’ll Tell Two Friends… was a great way to connect and learn from several considered at the forefront of social media, both within and outside of the wine industry. Moderated by both Rick Bakas and Anthony Gismondi, the two hour symposium (with a pre- and post wine reception) included Township 7′s Bradley Cooper, All She Wrote Consulting’s Allison Markin, Tinhorn Creek’s Sandra Oldfield, Xomo Digital Inc.’s Ben West, Miss 604/sixty four media’s Rebecca Bollwitt, Hahn Family Wines‘ William Leigon, Dave.ca’s Dave Teixeira and Zook-It Media’s Charles Zuckermann.
Before the talks got underway, we were treated to two offerings of bubbly, a Deseado from Familia Schroeder, and a Rosé from Henkell.
[Rick Bakas, certified sommelier]
Rick Bakas believes that mobile commerce is set to explode in 2014. It will make today’s devices seem antiquated by comparison. More content is created online every 48 hours than the dawn of humans to 2003. “Attention is the new currency.”
[Sandra Oldfield, CEO/Winemaker, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards]
Sandra Oldfield trusts her employees to spread Tinhorn Creek’s message through social media channels. Although most would expect to find Sandra tweeting about wine, she has other interests that keep her readers engaged.
[William Leigon of Hahn Wines]
Bill Leigon told the humorous tale of Hahn’s Banned in ‘Bama blend and how it came to enter the scene, in spite of first amendment issues in the US, where Hahn Family Wines is based. Their winery has an app that allows users to set up their own cellar list, amongst other useful features.
[Charles Zuckermann, Zook-It Media & Marketing]
Charles Zuckermann warned about falling into the trap of talking about yourself and your brand too much: “Turn the magnifying glass away from you.” Support your community AND your competition, in order to build followers and gain trust within your industry. Involving philanthropy in your business and social circles is a great way to both give back and to gain followers.
[L: Dave Teixeira of dave.ca]
Dave Teixeira advises not to wait for social media to come to you. Often times, the person slamming you online is a potential future client that hasn’t yet been converted! Use hashtags and keywords to see where your competition is headed, and stay ahead of the curve by creating several streams within e.g. Hootsuite.
[L to R: Bradley Cooper, Sandra Oldfield, Charles Zuckermann]
Bradley Cooper is a firm believer of QR codes as a potential sales force. Additionally, every time a new wine is released, he goes to the vineyard with glass in hand, and creates a Youtube video, describing the new wine and what foods would go well with it. This is part of the winery’s relationship building with their customers.
[Center: Rebecca Bollwitt]
Rebecca Bollwitt had several good tips to share with regard to blogging: Make it easy for people to find you, give your blog a voice, share your passion, and interact with your readers by incorporating a way to give instant feedback via comments, etc.
[Ben West, Co-Founder, Xomo Digital]
Ben West started Xomo Digital a little over two and a half years ago, just prior to the Winter Olympics. His company proposed an 2010 Games mobile app that at first didn’t seem a popular idea with the organizers, however it proved such a valuable tool for mobile devices that Xomo can barely keep up with the demand that comes through their door.
[Allison Markin, All She Wrote Consulting, #eatdrinktweet founder]
Allison Markin wrapped up the talks by discussing the need for updated BC liquor laws as well as next year’s North American Wine Bloggers Conference to be held in Penticton in June. A new discovery for several mainstream media, Penticton is now definitely on the map!
After the symposium, the conversation flowed back into the lobby, where more food and wine was enjoyed. Post-reception wine pours included Hahn Winery’s Pinot Noir, Tinhorn Creek’s Cabernet Franc, Peller Estates’ Chardonnay, Hester Creek’s Trebbiano, and others. More photos from the symposium can be found here.
I’ve tried to keep this post brief, as I’ll be posting several more wine festival events over the next few days. Stay tuned!
Feb21
By all accounts, last night’s Forum for Women Entrepreneurs Gala was an overwhelming success. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the FWE holds the annual Gala in order to help local female entrepreneurs grow their businesses. This year’s theme was sparkle.
[FWE Chair and Founder Christina Anthony with Premier Christy Clark]
The event featured BC’s Premier, the Honourable Christy Clark, who gave opening remarks, as well as Eira Thomas (aka Queen of Diamonds), founder of Stornoway Diamonds. I was again invited to both the event’s pre-dinner VIP and guest receptions.
[Justine Brooks earrings for silent auction table]
A wealth of BC businesses stepped up to the plate, donating items for the silent auction. The FWE recognizes both community leaders who contribute to the organization’s success as well as its support of female entrepreneurs.
Held again at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, all 450 tickets were sold in a year that marks the non-profit organization’s decade in existence.
[Heather White (Cupcakes), Jen Adams, Wendy Anthony (Flamingo Row Fashions), Lori Joyce (Cupcakes)]
According to FWE Chair and Founder, Christina Anthony, “We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Gala. Celebrating 10 years of helping women entrepreneurs, as well as the community leaders who have supported them, is significant. It’s quite an honour to acknowledge the many female entrepreneurs in Vancouver who have been through our programs and grown successful businesses as a result.”
“98% of business in BC is small business and 36% of businesses are owned by women.” Says Jill Earthy, FWE’s CEO. “Female entrepreneurs are a driving force in this economy and FWE brings the best and brightest together, to enhance connections, education and ultimately business growth.”
My friends at Facebox Media were also on hand to photograph guests at their on site photo booth. Always fun!
[The faces behind Facebox Media]
Here’s a look at the evening in photos. Additional FWE Sparkle Gala photos can be found here. Congratulations to the event team, board, and members of this vital organization on providing 10 years of support to local women entrepreneurs!
[blo dry bar services on site]
[Matthew Greenwood of SNAP Downtown Vancouver]
[L: George Moen of Blenz Coffee]
[50/50 raffle ticket sellers]
[R: Lunapad's Madeleine Shaw]
[FWE Gala's Caya gift bags were filled with great goodies and services.]
Feb20
The 7th Annual Vancouver Women in Film Festival (VWIFF) is set to coincide with this year’s International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 8, and run through Sunday, March 11. All films screened at VWIFF are created by women in at least three of the key creative roles (one woman may serve in more than one role): Writer, Producer, Director, D.O.P., Lead Actor, Lead Animator/Editor, or Lead Composer.
Women behind the lens play a key role in the world of film, but still face challenges when it comes to receiving recognition. VWIFF helps to showcase talented women around the world through both film and industry events. The festival, presented by Women In Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), will showcase six feature films and more than 50 short films, made by both first time and seasoned women filmmakers.
Kicking things off with the Spotlight Awards Gala™ and the WIFTI short film showcase, three top BC filmmakers will be chosen to receive the Legacy Award, while the coveted Women in the Director’s Chair (WIDC) Feature Film Award will go to one outstanding filmmaker, who will pocket a prize of $120,000.
According to festival Director, Roslyn Muir, “The Vancouver Women in Film Festival and Women In Film and Television Vancouver programs are an integral part of the industry. Without our support, women filmmakers in Western Canada would not have the same filmmaking opportunities that exist today.” Muir continues, “Each year, our submissions and audience numbers continue to grow and, to me, that proves that there is a need to have women’s stories seen, heard and celebrated in the public arena.”
[Hip Hop Mom by Mina Shum. Photo credit: Matt Lyon]
The festival short films and director highlights include: Mina Shum’s comedy ‘Hip Hip Mom‘, Rainmaker’s animated production ‘Luna‘ directed by Donna Brockopp, and MPPIA winner ‘Move Out Clean‘ by Kelly-Ruth Mercier.
Additionally, VWIFF will showcase the ‘Wise + Wild‘ Yukon shorts curated by filmmaker Lulu Keating, which includes festival award-winners such as ‘Time Lines’ by Suzanne Crocker, ‘Soft Spoken’ by Evan Rensch, and ‘Longest Dream’ by Kim Beggs, to name a few.
[Swooni, directed by Kaat Beels]
The festival’s feature-length highlights will include:
Desiree Lim’s horror ‘The House‘
Kaat Beels drama ‘Hotel Swooni‘
Amy Bohigian’s same-sex adoption documentary ‘Conceiving Family‘
Tracy D. Smith’s ‘Everything and Everyone‘, showcasing some of Vancouver’s premier talent
Film genres will include Comedy, Dance, Music, Hip-Hop and Art, Dramedy, Drama, Documentary, Environmental, French language, Foreign language, Gay/Lesbian, History, Horror, Human Rights/Social Issues, Latino, Romance, Magic Realism, Sci-fi, Spiritual, and Western.
In addition to the gala and screenings, a pre-festival launch party, Digital Media Masterclass (“Exploring Platform + Content”), pitching sessions receptions, and networking lunch will round out the three day festival.
The Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street in Vancouver will serve as the festival’s venue. For tickets or more information, visit the VWIFF website.
Feb17
Profit x Design is a conference aimed at creatives, educators, and managers involved in either the creation or commercialization of new products and services. The event will take place at Emily Carr University of Art + Design on Granville Island, February 24 and 25. Profit by Design aims to engage leading businesses with both top designers and investors across many innovative industries. Sounds like a fantastic networking opportunity!
Industry Canada and the Institute for Product Development will also unveil a report, entitled Product Design, Research and Development: A Canadian Manufacturing Perspective. Within this report, attendees will discover the metrics of design valuation (ROI), learn creative methods best practices, and take home the full impact of integrated creative approaches in the marketplace today.
Some of the highlights will include speakers from Bombardier, Lululemon, and Research in Motion. You’ll gain insight regarding behind-the-scenes competition, strategies, research, investment and market intelligence.
[W. Brett Wilson]
Celebrity Entrepreneur W. Brett Wilson, host of Risky Business TV and former Dragon’s Den panelist will present a networking lunch keynote sure to inspire discussion on Wilson’s diverse experience in innovation, business, entertainment and philanthropy.
“Creative-led innovation is today’s key driver for business success,“ according to Chris O’Brien Wheeler, President of Unique Industrial Design Inc. and the visionary behind Profit By Design.
“By convening design and business leaders in a series of interactive workshops and stimulating presentations, this event will give businesses the strategic models, thinking and know-how they need to drive innovation in their companies.”
Profit x Design
Venue: Emily Carr University of Art + Design, 1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island
Dates: February 24 and 25, 2012
Tickets: Register online
Profit x Design is a co-production between the Association of Canadian Industrial Designers (ACID) and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Dec6
Mesh is a Toronto based organization started five years ago by five friends who believed that an event was needed to get people talking about the Web. Launched in Toronto as a two day conference, Mark Evans, Rob Hyndman, Mathew Ingram, Michael MacDerment and Stuart MacDonald (the “mesh gang”) have brought their conference out West to include Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
Each of the past five conferences have brought sold out successes to the group, and in 2009, meshMarketing was founded. meshwest is the one day version of the conference, one that I hope will see many future years! By all accounts, the tweets, questions posed to the speakers, as well as positive feedback I was overhearing (and contributing to!) during the day, this will certainly happen.
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