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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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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Jun19
I had the pleasure of giving a talk last week at Northern Voice (Vancouver’s two-day premiere blogging and social media conference), specifically at the Photocamp afternoon session.
Three other photographers (Syx Langemann, Morten Rand-Hendricksen, John Biehler) and myself each presented a topic at the W2 Woodwards Media Café. Each topic varied widely from the other, giving the session a something-for-everyone feel to it.
My talk was titled “Bags, Straps, and Slings: Taking your DSLR and accessories on the road in style and comfort.” From that talk’s documentation, I pulled together an overview for those who couldn’t attend the conference.
It was on a trip to Europe earlier this year that I came to realize the many day-to-day decisions to be made when it came to carrying my gear. This inspired me to put together a talk to present at Northern Voice. And here I am.
If it’s true that the best camera you have is the one that you take out with you, then I believe that the bag you carry it around in should be equally convenient. And as far as DSLR cameras are concerned, a camera that’s seemingly lightweight at the beginning of the day will feel different by dinner time!
You’ve bought a DSLR, a flash unit, and a couple of lenses. Now you’re faced with a wealth of choices for porting it all around.
Do you take out one lens for the day and leave the speedlight at home or in your hotel’s safe? And how heavy IS that speedy zoom lens?
If you’re jet-lagged from a long flight, take the point and shoot along for the first day or so, getting a feel for a new city. You won’t run the risk of leaving your best camera and lens behind in a restaurant. Landmarks can always be revisited with your DSLR.
How much will you REALLY need to take? Are you travelling locally to cover an event for the evening, or heading out for a full day of touring?
Planning your day before leaving the hotel can save a sore shoulder, neck, back or hip later.
Decide how you will be carrying your camera and gear on an average day. For example, on major museum days, I’d often leave the camera in the hotel room safe, and took a point and shoot instead. You’ll be faced with either checking in your camera at coat check or carrying it around and not being able to use it, as most museums allow no flash photography, and many, none at all.
Are you prepared to carry a bag on your back where you’ll constantly need to look out for potential pickpockets? Are you most comfortable carrying your DSLR around your neck? Using a wrist strap? At your hip?
Is the bag compact enough to be worn in front when in busy areas? If you can’t control the bag due to size or bulk, it’ll probably be more in your way and stand between you and enjoying your holiday. If the bag’s bulk won’t matter in your specific situation, make sure that the lenses are easily accessible without too much fuss.
Find a bag that will not only fit your DSLR and accessories, but also your essentials. Having one bag is easier to look out for, especially in crowded airports. Tip: Carry a foldable shopping bag that can be filled with snacks, a newspaper, etc. as a second carry-on item, one that can be easily accessed during the flight and can be packed down later.
Does your bag offer zippered areas for stowing away extra digital cards or batteries, cables or chargers?
Pack up a bag and take it out around town for the day. Try to use the camera often, grab at other essentials, and see how handy the set up is before taking off on longer trips. Assess your back, shoulder, and neck the following morning. Is the setup doable?
Bring an extra DSLR bag that can be collapsed into your luggage. Like travelling with an extra pair of shoes, it’s a luxury to be able to switch up bags during the course of any trip, as long as they’re equally productive ways of taking your gear around.
Is the bag waterproof? Are your lenses and camera prepared for wet, dusty, or hot climates?
If you’re in a car, it’s easier to bring a larger bag along for the ride, but if you need to take it in and out of the car several times, is it still a handy setup? Perhaps your partner or road companion won’t mind carrying the bag once in a while to lighten your load.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, feel free to share this post!
May31
The dreary late spring rain couldn’t stop the fun at last night’s Barefoot Wine & Bubbly event at English Bay’s Boathouse Restaurant. Barefoot Wines was on board to help its goal of pouring half a million glasses for charity across Canada this year.
[Upstairs at the Boathouse, English Bay]
[Found and Snap'd Matt Greenwood, from Snap Downtown Vancouver]
Their chosen charity for last night’s shindig was Beauty Night, an organization that helps care for women in the Downtown Eastside. Through beauty makeovers and counselling services, Caroline MacGillivray and her caring team of volunteers provide women with a safe place to receive a caring touch, often making them forget about their (and often times, their children’s) worries for just a little while.
I have the privilege to call Caroline one of my friends and have seen her organization blossom over the years (Beauty Night recently celebrated 11 years in Vancouver). I was therefore happy to hear that each time one of the guests tweeted the #Pedi4Cause event hashtag, the charity received a donation.
We were fully pampered with massage and pedicures by Absolute Spa, treated to an array of appetizers, Barefoot Wines and wine cocktails, and enjoyed DJ Veronica’s tunes in the background.
[Absolute Spa products]
[Sushi and prawns]
[Assorted mini cheesecakes; chocolate-dipped strawberries also made the rounds]
[DJ Veronica at the tables]
In brief, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly aims to:
- Give back to the community (they believe that it’s as important as making great wine)
- Support Canadian community events (they’ve already poured 450,000 glasses of wine at charitable events yearly since the 2008 program launch)
- Both promote its brand and help to make the world a better place by partnering with various non-profits and pouring at fundraising events
- Honour its unique “no advertising” marketing approach built on grassroots community involvement and support for cultural/charity events
- Provide wine to over 650 charity events in Canada yearly. As mentioned above, the goal this year is to pour half a million glasses of wine for charity.
They even have a dedicated team of “Barefooters” in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, providing a local face for the Barefoot Wine & Bubbly brand, building lasting relationships within each community they’re in.
[Barefoot Wines' Aaron Krombholz, Hostess Fiona Forbes, Beauty Night Founder/Executive Director Caroline MacGillivray]
[Hostess Fiona Forbes from Shaw TV's Urban Rush]
Urban Rush host Fiona Forbes was the evening’s emcee, her own bubbly character adding to the evening’s fun. Having lived in California for nearly 20 years, I’m a longtime Barefoot Wine fan and was more than happy to enjoy a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with my soothing foot massage last night.
For more information about Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and its community efforts, visit Barefoot Wines online.
Apr5
The 2012 In the House Festival is billed as “a festival celebrating music, dance, circus, magic and theatre in living rooms and backyards. It’s multicultural and open to all ages. Community building at its best!”
Experience intimate and extraordinary live performances of all sorts straight in the livings rooms and backyards of The Drive. Celebrate Vancouver’s cultural and artistic diversity in a heart-warming weekend of mind-bogglingly great talent. In the House is a three day festival including 19 shows and over 60 acts taking place in a dozen homes.
The festival organizers are also launching a fundraising campaign in order to make this festival the best in years. You can support the festival by donating online or spreading the word via Twitter or Facebook. There’s lots of perks and swag being given away in exchange for contributions, including CDs, tshirts, passes to the festival and more. Tax receipts will be given for contributions of $25 and above.
In the House Festival
Dates: June 1 to 3
Time: Box office opens at 5:00 pm on Friday, June 1 and at noon on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. The first show is at 7:00 pm on June 1 and 2:00 pm on June 2 and 3.
Box Office: Located at Napier and Victoria Streets
Tickets:
Available May 1 either online or at Highlife Records
Single tickets: $15 adults, $10 children
4-show pass: $50 adults, $30 children
Weekend pass: $95 adults, $75 children
For event schedule and info, visit the festival website.
Mar27
Earlier this afternoon, local press were invited to listen in on the City of Vancouver’s plan of attack for the upcoming Stanley Cup playoff run. Mayor Gregor Robertson was joined by Vancouver Deputy Chief Doug LePard and John Furlong, co-author of 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs review.
Throughout the 45 minute session, key elements were brought to the forefront:
- Vancouver will celebrate this year’s run to the Stanley Cup responsibly
- The downtown core will not hold major parties and game viewing events
- A strategic event planner will be retained in order to bring this year’s plan into use, serving as a template for future events in coming years
- Holding small community events around the city that will respect the diversity of each neighbourhood, encouraging family fun and alcohol-free celebrations
VPD Chief Doug LePard added that regional police as well as local police agencies will be leveraged, and be prepared to deal with problems across the Lower Mainland. All units will be part of the solution (or in this case, avoiding last year’s problem).
To help curb potential riots, Transit Police will screen for alcohol at Skytrain stations both inside and outside the downtown core. The City is taking active steps to avoid young people from coming downtown with alcohol during the playoffs.
All partners part of the plan will take matters into account, while giving the public a chance to have a great time and celebrate The Canucks playoff season. Social media will become more proactive, according to Mayor Robertson. “There is no anonymity.”
According to John Furlong, “The experience of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games left no doubt that Vancouver is a world-class city for hosting big events. The lessons learned from the 2010 Games, the Grey Cup and last year’s Canuck playoff run have helped inspire a comprehensive, thoughtful, and diligent plan for this year’s playoffs. The plan is ambitious and reaches further than the recommendations that Doug Keefe and I put forward in our report. This kind of planning is no easy task and the partners are to be commended for their hard work in making this happen. The collaboration has been impressive. With public support, these plans should ensure a wonderful, happy playoff season and hopefully, one that ends with the Stanley Cup for all of us.”
Mayor Robertson challenged every one of us to be responsible for our actions, whether it be this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, or any future citywide events that come our way. The City of Vancouver wants to give its citizens the chance to celebrate in their own neighbourhoods. The downtown core will no longer serve as the focal point of the playoffs.
The Vancouver Canucks Sports and Entertainment organization will be unveiling a plan of action to celebrate the playoffs. Starting tomorrow, they’ll kick off their “This is Our Home” campaign, an initiative of their strategists as well as the City of Vancouver’s.
It will be interesting to see how Vancouver takes in both the parties and city plans. Hopefully we can make it to the Cup and win it without last year’s “toxic soup”, a term used repeatedly by VPD Chief LePard during the press briefing.
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!
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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Nov23
Thousands of men and several brave women(!) have been growing and grooming their staches all this month in a massive fundraising effort that’s come to be known globally as Movember.
![[06/52] Traveling Moustache, en het afscheid nemen daarvan...](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4006/4346090959_391d226406_z.jpg)
[Flickr photo credit: dojaro]
Proceeds from this noble effort help in the fight against men’s prostate cancer through awareness and research. So far this month, over $64 million dollars worldwide has been raised, including Canada’s over $24 million dollar effort. Canadians can stand proud as they’re in the top position of all participating countries!
Here are two events that will celebrate losing all that pretty facial hair. Both are in the city and have RSVP attached to them. As well, both events will take donations and raise funds for the cause. Don’t sit on the fence with these; last I checked there were only 17 tickets (free) remaining for the Five Point’s Stacheoff 2 event (event hashtag: #STACHEOFF5PT).
The Five Point Restaurant event is a tweeup of tweetups, with a competition for BEST STACHE of the night. Take home a great prize. FEMMESTACHE (real and fake) will also be counted towards a prize in the female category.
The Five Point
Venue: 3124 Main Street, Vancouver
Date: Monday, Movember 28
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Free shot to the first 10 in the door who show a tweet with the above hashtag.
[Flickr photo credit: Eric 1874]
Over at Library Square Public House, Movember Alert will present Staches & Stilettos, featuring:
- Movember Alert girls
- Special performances
- DJ Yurie (Christine Colling)
- Photobooth with moustache props
- Best male and female STACHE
- Burt Reynolds shots (partial proceeds to Movember)
- Prizes
- More to be announced!
Powered, produced and promoted by the women, for the men.
Tickets are limited so RSVP fast! Email movamberalert [at] gmail [dot] com or contact Amie Nguyen.
Library Square Public House
Venue: 300 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Date: Wednesday, Movember 30
Time: 8 pm to midnight
If you’re not able to make either of these events, donations are still being accepted online. Even better, find a friend who’s taking part in an individual campaign and donate to their fundraising effort directly.
