Summer is over but that doesn’t mean that there’s any shortage of events to go to! Here’s a list of some of events that are on my radar.   in my calendar and they should be in your calendar too!

1. TIFF. September 10 – 20, 2015

Even if you don’t go to a movie, head downtown and hang out near any of the venues or even a hotel lobby to see how Toronto explodes during this festival.

Did you know that the Toronto International Film Festival® invites audiences to step outside the theatre for a Festival Street initiative?  From September 10 to 13, King Street West between Peter and University Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into a pedestrian paradise free for all to enjoy.

2. The Toronto Garlic Festival.  Sunday September 20, Wychwood Barns

I’ve been going to this festival for years and always delighted to see how creative the vendors can get. Please note the new location (which I think is great news by the way).

3. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. September 18 – 20, Nathan Phillips Square.

Never been to this event but it’s now in my calendar.

4. Toronto Food and Wine , September 18 – 20, Evergreen Brickworks

Sample, sip and savour your way through the festival, get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity chefs and culinary professionals, experience once in a lifetime dining experiences, relax in the exclusive VIP lounge, enjoy book signings, attend exciting trade seminars, and much more.

5. Soupalicious, Sunday September 27th at Wychwood Barns from noon to 3:30 pm. I absolutely adore this event as it’s well organized, supports a great initiative, and features dozens of great restaurants that serve tasty, tasty soups. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance and show up early!!

September is going to be a busy month. (but in a good way).

Hope to bump into you at one of the above mentioned events.

Cheers!!

 

 

I’m not sure how I found out about FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week, but it’s been on my radar for a long time. This year – IM GOING. Can you tell that I’m excited? Well I am! I thought it would be fun to share a quick email interview that I had with Gillian Graham, who is the CEO of Institute of Communication Agencies.

1.    How long has AD WEEK been taking place?

The week was launched in 2009 as “Advertising Week”, so this will be our 7^th year! It was renamed

“FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week” two years ago, reflecting its relevance to the entire marketing and communications industry.

2.    What are the most anticipated sessions?

All the sessions are highly anticipated, because they cover the broad spectrum of issues facing our industry, such as data, brand influence, multiplatform consumers, native advertising, mobile marketing, becoming an entrepreneur/starting a start-up, etc.  There will also be a screening of award winning global commercials from the 2014 Cannes “Festival of Creativity”. There are a few sessions that should definitely spark interest and conversation, such as the debate between Mitch Joel and Andrew Keen on “Is the Internet the Answer?”, the presentation by Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, and the insights from global advertising icon Shelly Lazarus of Ogilvy & Mather, New York. The Ad Ball on Thursday night Jan. 29^th is always a very well attended and fun party!

3.    How has AD WEEK changed over the last few years?

Like our industry, the week has evolved dramatically over the last several years.  It has grown from under 10 events in its first year, to over 40 events in 2015, and is now Canada’s largest and most diverse annual gathering for the advertising, marketing and communications industry. Last year we added a “Morning Master Series”, featuring esteemed marketing professors from various universities.  In 2015 for the first time, we will hold an exciting “Battle of the Bands” event, featuring bands from various Toronto agencies. This year we will also be welcoming presentations from several new and exciting sponsors, such as Twitter.

4.    Who should attend?

Anyone who has an inquiring mind about our changing world, or who wants to network with others in the communications industry (Starbucks coffee is supplied, providing ample opportunity to spark conversations and make new friends). If you are interested in creativity, innovation and new ideas, this is perfect for you!

5.    What should I wear?

For most sessions, wear comfortable clothes and bring your laptop or tablet to take lots of notes!  For the Ad Ball, wear bold, colourful dress to fit with the “Graffiti” theme.

6.    How do I register?

Go to www.advertisingweek.ca (best to do it soon – sessions have limited space and will start to sell out shortly)

7.    Where is it taking place?

Most presentations will be held at TIFF Bell Lightbox, but a few are in other downtown Toronto locations.  All details are on the www.advertisingweek.ca website

8.    Are student prices available?

Yes, we are very keen to have students join us, and additionally we will host our much anticipated “Next Generation Day” on Wednesday, January 28^th.

9.    Any other tips for attendees?

FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week highlights upcoming trends, opportunities and challenges facing Canadian businesses. It will feed your mind and provide new connections.  Jobs have been secured, careers have been kick-started, and businesses have been started/grown because of the contacts made and the speakers viewed during the week. And, we know of at least one marriage and baby that resulted from

Ad Week! 😉

Tastemakers Lounge was the first Canadian owned gift suite and it takes place during TIFF. It was founded in 2005 by Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski (Rock-It Promotions) and Lessa Butler (founder of Divine Lab) and this year they are celebrating 10 years!!

Tastemakers Lounge has long been a hotspot for local and International Talent ie. Brad Pitt, Woody Harrelson, Sarah Polley, Samual L Jackson and more.

It’s also open to the media…Lucky Me!!  Therefore, I was taken on a tour of the Lounge which featured products from Brita, Lush, Sorel, Danier Leather, Piloti, Tonia DeBellis, olive + piper, Consonant Skin Care (LOVE their products), Calvin Klein REVEAL and more! Most of these brands I was familiar with but some of them were new and now on my radar!!

One company in particular caught my attention. …Rise Gear.  They have a very cool product called RISE Jumper Carry-On Bag. This is a Toronto Based company that has created the perfect piece of luggage. I have a feeling I will be using this bag on future weekend trips to Ottawa!!

I was thrilled to see that Sorel has branched out and now offer stylish boots as well as heavy duty winter boots! I’m now looking forward to winter as I’m the proud owner of these Sorels (called Joan of Arctic – don’t you love it!!). Finally my feet are going to be warm this winter. Can’t wait!

I was delighted to be able to help Tastemakers Lounge celebrate their 10th anniversary! Here’s to 10 more!!

For more information:

Hashtag: #Tastemakers10

Twitter: @rockitpromo

Instagram: @rockitpromo

Facebook: Tastemakers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear TIFF,

It’s been fun reading the MILLION tweets (ok not quite a million) from my twitter followers regarding what movie they were seeing, WHAT PARTY they were going to (you know who you are), what they were wearing to those parties, and what actor they bumped into.

Seriously, I don’t mind. It’s kind of fun knowing that Toronto hosts this amazing film festival.

Last year, I was invited to the Diet Cola Gala and one movie.

This year, I didn’t go to one movie.  SNIFF.

But it wasn’t a total loss. I did manage to go to the Tastemakers Lounge!! I had a sneak preview regarding where the “talent” went in between parties, interviews, movie screenings etc.

Inside the Tastemakers Lounge, I came across the following “tasty” participants:

Le Dolci: Who wouldn’t want to snack on one of their delicious cupcakes. If you haven’t been to their new location – you should. Not to mention to check out their website to find more about the variety of classes they offer.

Pop Chips: After snacking on a delicious cupcake, these healthy snacks were very welcome! I also love their re-sealable clips. Brilliant marketing.

Kimberly’s Own: Had a lovely chat with Kimberly about her granola that is so pure, so organic and to boot it’s really really good for you.

Bobble Bottle: Not sure if you have ever seen these bottles, but it’s our household favorite bottle.

Tea Emporium: No question, that a cup of tea is the PERFECT way to relax and I’m sure the celebs truly appreciated their presence.

Now that I have been to a party, a movie, and a lounge…wonder what I might be introduced to at TIFF 2013? Stay tuned.

 

What a great week…I scored not only an invite to a TIFF movie (see previous post) but I scored an invite to a TIFF Party too.

Both invites were a result of twitter. So if you arent on twitter – what are you waiting for?? I mean really!!

OK back to the party. Here’s what my afternoon looked like on Tuesday:

4: 30 – 5:45 p.m. – watched the US Open Mens Finals at a friends house. It was an epic match between Nadal and Jokovic.

6:00 – 6:30 pm – hair straightened.

6:40 p.m – 7 pm. – shower and dress to impress!!

7:00 – 7: 45 p.m – make up gets done at Shoppers Drug Mart by the nicest make up artist (Andrew) who does magic with his brushes and powders.

Then I went downtown to The Hoxton (69 Bathurst S) for the Diet Coke TIFF Gala!! What can I say? The party rocked. …the music, the people, the drinks, the food and the overall atmosphere. I met some of old twitter friends and met some new twitter friends too (@wedding_crasher, @laurenjacobs @danjacobs).

Congratulations to Diet Coke!! You sure do know how to throw a TIFF party…right down to the napkins.

P.S a huge thank you to @MDee14 for the invite.