Opening day is here for this summer’s YVR Take-Off Fridays. Every Friday from today until August 28, the terminal will come alive with music, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

We stopped by to check things out, and we weren’t disappointed. Today’s event had a DJ, live musicians, caricaturists, balloon artists, mascots, face painting and more. You can enjoy these activities between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Each Friday there will be delicious food samples and great deals from airport shops and restaurants. On select days there will be on-site activities with The Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, and the Vancouver Canadians.

For the aviation buffs, in the Public Observation Area there are interactive displays, quizzes, and behind the scenes videos. Tours are also available to learn about YVR’s history, art, and operations.

We’ll be back soon and hope to see you there too!

Here’s what you need to know:

WHEN:               Every Friday from July 3 to August 28,             9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE:             Vancouver International Airport, Domestic and International Terminals, Departures – Level 3

COST:                 Free event. Reduced parking rate available for $5 for up to four hours. Parking vouchers available at the Customer Information Counter, International Terminal, Level 3

ONLINE:            Website: www.yvr.ca | Twitter: @yvrairport | Facebook: Vancouver International Airport

#YVRTakeOffFridays

This is the third post in our ongoing series, “Two Minutes With”. We’re getting to know a little more about the Elettra team, our clients, and our partners/suppliers. Today we chat with Jenna Anderson, who has been on the Elettra team since September 2014 as a Tour Guide at Vancouver International Airport. Jenna is now moving into a Community Relations Coop position at YVR. Best of luck in your new position, Jenna!

Favourite quote: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” - Anais Nin

Favourite place to visit: New Zealand. It has gorgeous scenery, lovely people, and amazing activities like canyoning!

Favourite author: George R. R. Martin, he created a captivatingly detailed universe in A Song of Ice and Fire and I cannot wait for him to finish the Winds of Winter.

Morning beverage of choice: First, orange pekoe tea then an hour later a cup of coffee.

Best piece of career advice you have received? Take initiative, triple check all of your work, and always arrive 15 minutes early.

Why do you choose to live in Vancouver? Where else can you hit the slopes, go hiking, go to the beach, and then get some of the best sushi all in one day.

Natural talent you wish you had: The ability to gracefully walk in high heels.

Company now operates 16,500 square feet of premium lounge space at YVR

Vancouver, BC; (March 3, 2015) Plaza Premium Lounge is pleased to announce the official Grand Opening of its recently upgraded lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The lounge, one of four Plaza Premium Lounge spaces at YVR, is located in the airport’s new A-B Connector on Level 3 Departures of the Domestic Terminal.

The 6,390-square foot space continues Plaza Premium’s commitment to offering all travellers a first class experience regardless of airline or class of travel. The opening of the new lounge follows the 2014 facelift of Plaza Premium Lounge in YVR’s International Terminal. The company will also open a lounge in Winnipeg International Airport later in 2015.

 Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited Founder & CEO Mr. Song Hoi-see says, “Vancouver is a very important market for us, and this new lounge is the next step in our plan to grow the Plaza Premium Lounge brand throughout North America. For 10 years, travellers through YVR have embraced the comfort and convenience of having a lounge option. We are dedicated to continually improving upon the premium experience we offer our guests. And we say to all travellers ‘you are a member at Plaza Premium Lounge’.”

 The stylishly appointed facility has seating for 135, including a comfortable lounge, dining and bar areas, and a business centre. There are also private spaces where travellers can freshen up with a shower or unwind in one of three semi-private resting areas outfitted with comfortable recliners. Guests enjoy a menu of freshly prepared hot and cold food and beverages, and stay connected with Wi-Fi, large screen TVs, and a selection of international newspapers and magazines.

 Designed by Kinney Chan of renowned Hong Kong design firm, Kinney Chan & Associates, the space demonstrates the company’s commitment to first class comfort. Travellers enter the reception area via a soaring glass entrance and head up a sweeping spiral staircase to the lounge level. Upstairs, the expansive, open-air floorplan offers views of the airfield and the Strait of Georgia in the distance. The furnishings and materials are luxurious, with a warm colour palette.

 Plaza Premium Lounge takes traditional airport lounge food to the next level by offering a wide variety of enticing meal options. The focus is on healthy and fresh options that will help prepare travelers for their onward journey. The menu includes everything from freshly baked artisanal breads, hot breakfasts, signature pastas, toasted Paninis, quesadillas, soups, and salads. The bar offers specialty espresso coffees, juices, beers, wines, and spirits.

 “We are committed to providing our customers with remarkable customer service,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This stunning new Plaza Premium Lounge, which is open to all travellers within Canada, is a most welcome addition to the award-winning 170-plus shops, services and restaurants available to YVR passengers.”

 A single visit to Plaza Premium Lounge starts at CAD 40 per person for two hours, and includes use of the lounge facilities, showers and all food and beverages. Semi-private resting areas are charged separately.

 Travellers will find the new Plaza Premium Lounge after security near Gate B15. Other YVR Plaza Premium Lounges are located after security in the International Terminal (Gate D53) and after security in the Transborder Departure Terminal (Gate E86). Plaza Premium Lounge also operates a Distinguished Visitors Lounge on Level 2 of the International Arrivals Hall. This space is available by reservation only.

 Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited now operates in more than 120 locations in 31 international airports throughout the world.

We are told from a young age to “dot the i’s and cross the t’s”. The practical application for this expression has never been so clear in my mind until working on my first major event as an Account Coordinator.

On Tuesday, January 13, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) held the grand opening for the new A-B Pier Connector. This event unveiled a new space in the Domestic Terminal, including “new gates, an expedited baggage system, seismic upgrades and a bunch of new places for travellers to eat and shop.” The event also the featured the unveiling of a stunning work of art by First Nations artist Marianne Nicolson.

Here is what I learned while working on this event:

1)    Once the event date is set, create an event plan, including detailed budget, timeline, and event details. The more bases you cover leading up to the event, the more prepared you are to ensure the event is a success on the day.

2)    If there are technical requirements, do a run through. You don’t want to be on the other side of the building only to realize your walkie-talkies don’t work during a big unveil. For the YVR event, I watched the project leads test each tech detail before the big day.

3)    It matters how the room is arranged. When planning your layout, think about where you want most of the crowd to be and place something important there, such as food. Also think of where people should be looking; if there is a speaker, don’t use round tables so people have to uncomfortably crane their necks.

4)    Treat a speech as a highlights reel. Ensure speakers know their allocated time frame and give the key points only.

5)    A smile goes a long way. At the end of the day, everyone would rather work with positive people. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to do your best for the client, treat every guest like they are important, and receive feedback and compliments graciously.

One of the most exciting parts of event planning is that you can see your hard work unfold in front of your eyes. You can watch the crowd react, and witness the client’s expressions. It is rewarding work and I look forward to being a part of more events.