MPI Ottawa Puts on the Glitz

On Wednesday, November 26, 2018 members and guests of the MPI Ottawa Chapter gathered at the newly renovated host venue, Sala San Marco Conference & Events Centre to kick off the festive season. ‘Puttin’ on the Glitz Dinner Extravaganza’ was designed to be a night to remember with little surprises embedded into the evening programming. Guests were encouraged to put their best glitzy foot forward with a semi-formal to formal dress attire. The planning committee was thrilled to see guests took the theme to heart and showcased everything from glitzy shoes and dresses, to bow ties and top hats. MPI Ottawa sure knows how to dress to impress!

Upon entering, guests made their way down the red carpet and were greeted by the registration team and a flute of sparkling wine, courtesy of Vineland Estates Winery (Scott Vader) to start the evening off with a feeling of luxury. As guests moved into the room, the glamorous colour scheme, including silver, black and white with the blue of the walls, sparkled; complimented by cool toned up-lighting, spotlights and projections courtesy of Ottawa Special Events. The tall centrepieces and crystal accents all came together to create an old Hollywood glamour vibe. The white floral arrangements on each table, courtesy of Capital Florist, added a beautiful refined touch. 

As the energy rose, and the room filled up for the cocktail and networking portion, Co-Chair Heather Lockwood (HPL Meetings & Events) surprised guests by introducing City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson to deliver the opening remarks, highlighting the significant impact that the meeting and events industry has contributed to Ottawa and Canada. During this networking time, guests were also able to enjoy the fun props from the interactive photo booth sponsored by Ella Rose (RSVP Events) with everything from feather boas to clown sized sunglasses; as well as getting glammed up at the makeup station with Professional Make-up Artist, Karine Lukenda (sponsored by Heather Lockwood (HPL Meetings & Events).

Encouraged to take their seats by the emcees and event co-chairs of the evening, Katherine Craig (The War Amps) and Heather Lockwood (HPL Meetings & Events), dinner was served...

• ✳Bruschetta
• ✳Butternut Squash Soup with Fresh Nutmeg
• ✳NY Striploin with Sautéed Vegetables & Roasted Potatoes ORRoasted Bell Pepper Stuffed with Sautéed Vegetables and Rice
• ✳Baked Alaska, served in style

Right before the main course was served, Heather gathered the committee on the dance floor and they completely surprised the audience with a choreographed song and dance! A portion of the committee had created and rehearsed a rendition of “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, originally sung by Fred Astaire in Blue Skies (1946).  Emily Wong re-worked some lyrics to incorporate MPI Ottawa and our theme, ‘Puttin’ on the Glitz’. Backed up by the dancing pairs: Sandra Tislot (Choreographer) & Andrew Horsfield, Alice Parnis & Marc Forgette and Katherine Craig & David Manis, they brought the WOW factor!

A second surprise came in the form of dessert. When the evening started to wind down, guests were delighted by staff members holding delicious Baked Alaska on platters with lit sparklers illuminating up a path as they made their way through the room.

 

As always, this event is proud to support two wonderful community organizations, the Ottawa Food Bank and Moission Outaoius, who split the proceeds of $419 in cash donations, along with the non-perishable food donations collected on site. The Community Outreach committee led this initiative, while also mingling during the cocktail hour selling 50/50 tickets. Deciding to select two winners, each took home a pot of $125! Thank you to all our volunteers who helped us with this! A very special thank you to Freeman AV who, year after year, have worked their magic to make sure the donations make it from the event to both organizations. But wait there’s more! Congratulations to the winners of our door prize raffles and social media contests! Some lucky guests went home with one of the following prizes:

• Hillberg and Berk Sparkle Necklace (Nancy Bradshaw, Tourism Saskatoon)
• One Night Stay at The Metcalfe (David Manias, (The Metcalfe)
• One Night Stay + $75 Gift Certificate for Grill 41 (Andrew Horsfield, The Lord Elgin)
• A 2 Night Stay at any Fairmont Quebec Resorts property (Cindy Gascon, Fairmont Hotels Quebec Resorts)
• 2 Club Bell Senators Tickets, Parking, food and non-alcoholic beverages (Christina Amos, Ottawa Tourism)
• Four Course Dinner for two valued at $150 (Eric Diotte, DiVino Wine Studio)

 

And finally… a BIG THANK-YOU to the organizing committee for all their hard work and dedication to such a glitzy event. The goal was to make it a unique night to remember, and I think we delivered!

Co-Chairs:

Heather Lockwood (HPL Meetings & Events)
Katherine Craig (The War Amps)

Committee:

Alice Parnis (AV Canada)
Andrew Horsfield (The Lord Elgin)
David Manias (The Metcalfe)
Emily Wong (The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)
Gabrielle Whittaker (Valor & Solutions)
Marc Forgette (Tourism London)
Neisha Horsfield (Student)
Selina Zhang (Ottawa Special Events)
Sharon Fryer (Canadian Wind Energy Association)
Tyo Worku (Shaw Centre)

 

Article written by Katherine Craig, The War Amps of Canada

Article Edited By: Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services