Well, the results are in and we are closing the books on another year of organizing Vancouver magazine’s Restaurant Awards. By now people have likely heard that Ask for Luigi was the event’s big winner with four awards, Hawskworth won Best Upscale, Vikram Vij won Chef of the Year, and Tojo’s and Zest tied (yes tied!) for best Upscale Japanese. This year marked the 13th year that I have organized the event. Vancouver magazine is my longest running client and, my two lovely children aside, this event is my proverbial baby. Every year people tell me it was the ‘best ever’ and I wonder how we are going to make it better still.

I have to say that our team does an awesome job of organizing this event and we are focused on nailing every last detail. But what made Tuesday’s event so memorable were the emotional moments on stage that demonstrate the passion that those in the restaurant industry have for what they do.

We saw Premier Crew award winner Rose Nguyen give an impactful speech saying that it was the “great moment of her life”. We heard the son of the Amay’s House’s owners praising his parents for coming to Canada with $20 and building a successful business. We saw Vikram Vij get overwhelmed as he thanked his grandfather for getting him started in his career. And we were even treated to a spontaneous singing of Happy Birthday by our entire crowd to Bartender of the Year winner, Lauren Mote.

event production, PR, vancouver, PR agency, pr company

These are the moments that we can't control, but that we aim for as we plan the event. We pore over the results as soon as they come in from the accountant, agonizing about which awards we are going to present on stage. We ask ourselves which categories saw exciting movement from the previous year. Who will likely be most surprised? Who hasn’t had a chance to shine on stage in recent years?

It’s hard to say exactly what makes one event more successful than another, but moving beyond the tactical details and trying to connect with guests on an emotional level is key.

I would like to thank everyone whose talents contributed to an amazing event. The entire team at Van mag. Mark Philps for his stellar videos (here, here, and here). CBC’s Gloria Macarenko and Stephen Quinn who nailed the tone of the event perfectly. Our amazing host venue, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. And the guys at PSAV who pulled an all-nighter to set up the event. And last, but not least, the fabulous women that I work with at Elettra. You rock.

Public chooses Help! Teeth Hurt! as recipient of social entrepreneur support kit from alumni UBCalumni UBC has revealed that the winner of its 2015 “your evolution” program is Help! Teeth Hurt! – a project aimed at creating a specialized dental clinic for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization will receive a “social entrepreneur support kit” including a mentoring session with UBC President, Professor Arvind Gupta.

“your evolution” empowers social entrepreneurism projects undertaken by UBC alumni around the world. It’s an innovative, online project-sharing platform that uses the strength of the UBC network to connect and support alumni working on socially beneficial projects. This year approximately 300 projects were uploaded to the “your evolution” website and 10 finalists were selected. The public has been voting at www.yourevolution.ubc.ca and this week Help! Teeth Hurt! was named the overall winner with a total of 1024 votes.

Help! Teeth Hurt! is a project founded by lawyer and UBC alumna Joan Rush.  The mother of an autistic son, Joan discovered that many adults with developmental disabilities fall through the cracks in terms of dental care.  Adults suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism can't be treated in a typical dental office and often require treatment under general anesthesia.  Many adults with developmental disabilities also have complex medical conditions, which require that they be near a hospital intensive care unit while under sedation.

There is currently no specialized dental clinic in B.C. that includes a general anesthetic suite for these adults, and dental students currently receive little or no training in how to treat them. The resulting problem is that many adults wait years for treatment in hospital and suffer serious and irreversible decay.

The goal of Help! Teeth Hurt! is to create a specialized dental clinic for adults with developmental disabilities at the UBC Hospital. This clinic would treat adults with disabilities and be a training centre for students of dentistry, medicine, and social work.

As the winner of this year’s “your evolution” Help! Teeth Hurt! will receive a “social entrepreneur support kit” including:

•  Professional photography session or the production of a video to help its cause.
• A mentoring session with UBC President, Professor Arvind Gupta.
• A mentoring session with entrepreneur, venture capitalist and Chairman of Rising Tide Fund Ossama R. Hassanein. MASc’74, MBA’76 – a member of UBC’s start an evolution Campaign Cabinet.
• Access to a consultation with a UBC faculty member in an area most relevant to the project’s needs (e.g. business, law, engineering, computer science).

It's an exciting time in downtown Vancouver. For the past three years, Pacific Centre at Granville and Robson - the city's busiest shopping, working, and entertainment precinct - has been undergoing a dramatic transformation. The first phase of the Pacific Centre redevelopment is now complete with the opening of the office space at 725 Granville Street. Sony Pictures Imageworks have now officially moved in. Retail tenants in the mall space will begin to open this summer, and the Nordstrom opens with a bang in September.

Check out the Vancouver Sun's story today about the completion of the 725 Granville office space.

Cadillac Fairview has opened the doors to its new AAA class office space at 725 Granville Street and the first tenant - Sony Pictures Imageworks – has moved in. Part of the redevelopment of the former Eatons/Sears building 725 Granville offers four floors of office space above Nordstrom’s future Vancouver location. Each floor has 17-foot ceilings, slab to slab, and offers 73,000 square foot floor plates, a unique feature not currently available in the downtown core.

Sony Pictures Imageworks will occupy a whole level of office space on the 5th floor of the building.

Microsoft will join Sony at 725 Granville later this year when they move in to their offices on the 6th and 7th floors. Law firm Miller Thomson will take occupancy of 48,000 square feet of office space on the 4th floor in early 2017.

This is the second 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 our friend and partner, Lisa Edward, Art Director/Owner of  Studio Chartreuse.

​Favourite publication:Paper Mag

Favourite social media sites or blogs: Design Milk, My Modern Met, and Dwell

Favourite quote: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. —Wayne Gretzky

Role model: Barbara Kruger

Favourite place to visit: Cannon Beach Oregon is my favourite beach along the Oregon coast. Tons of fond memories from family vacations here throughout the years. Cannon Beach is one of those places you wished were part of your everyday walk. Incredible rocky coast with miles of sand to walk while you listen to the waves crashing…

Favourite restaurant or food: Spicy and ethnic are my go-to’s: La Mezcaleria has an amazing atmosphere and the most amazing Mescal Margaritas! Kin Kau is a new one in my neighbourhood. The combination of excellent spicy Thai food with a relaxing modern interior is the perfect combination for me.

Favourite author: Stephen King (specifically ‘The Shining’)

Morning beverage of choice: Bulletproof Coffee - gives me so much more energy throughout the day without making me jittery

Favourite spot in Vancouver: Too many to list, but one of my ‘new favourite spots’ is the new Convention Centre. I can’t get enough of the stylized 3D stack of lumber walls throughout. Did you know that there are over two acres of wood feature walls!

Oxford comma: Yay or nay? Depends on which font I’m using ;)

Favourite font: Univers Condensed, Gotham Black, HelveticaNeue-UltraLight.

What are you most proud of in your career? Being one of three women who completed the design of the Scitech Technology Center in Al Khobar Saudi Arabia.

Why do you choose to live in Vancouver? It is such a beautiful city with oceans, mountains and is the exact perfect speed for me. Not too fast, and not too slow. I worked six months in Toronto and realized that even though I often work late, I definitely relate better to the west coast speed of things.

Fun fact about you: I’m quite the computer geek and love all things technology. Whether it’s installing a better Wordpress plugin for my clients site, or setting up a VOIP telephone system so I can work internationally with clients in different countries - I love learning so much and it gives me a great sense of achievement when I’ve mastered something I knew nothing about a few hours ago.

media training, interview skills, reporter, interview training, pr, public relations, media, vancouver, bc, firm, agency, consultant, company

The phone rings. It’s a reporter. And they want to interview you. It’s a rare breed who doesn’t find themselves feeling a bit nervous, if not completely stressed out, at this prospect.

The truth is, a little bit of nervous energy about media interviews can be a good thing. At Elettra we always say, “if the thought of doing an interview doesn’t give you pause, you’re doing it wrong.” But if you get too wrapped up in the anxiety of the situation, it will make it difficult to deliver your message in a clear and compelling way.

This is where media training comes in.

Interactions with the media are unlike social or business conversations, so it’s vital for company spokespeople to enter interview situations feeling confident and prepared. Media training teaches company spokespeople how to communicate clearly, concisely, and calmly during interviews.

Elettra Communications offers a variety of media training programs to suit your needs:

Media Training 101 Workshop

Our Media Training 101 Workshop is designed to maximize learning in a friendly and fun environment. The focus here is on building comfort and confidence. These sessions typically run four hours in length, and are offered one-on-one or in a small group setting of up to four participants. The training includes:

• An information presentation that covers media interaction theory and provides real-world examples of interview techniques in action.
• A brainstorm around potential interview situations that spokespeople may face and key messages they want to deliver.
• On-camera interview practice. Interviews are taped and the videos are played back for the group to review. Feedback is delivered in a positive manner, and participants learn from the feedback their colleagues receive

Media Training 201 Workshop

Media Training 201 is an advanced class that builds on the theory and practical training covered in 101. In this session we focus dealing with difficult or complex topics, challenging questions, and stressful interview situations. Sessions are approximately two hours in length. Time is spent reviewing messaging and engaging in on-camera practice. Typically, sessions have one or two trainees.

Tailored Sessions

If you have a particular situation you need practice dealing with, a group than four, or any other particular need, we can create a session just for you. Tailored sessions are available in person and over the phone.

Do you want to increase your comfort and capability in media interviews? Then talk to us about setting up a media training program to suit your needs.

Gwen Hardy and Simone Abt have a combined 28 years of experience providing media training to spokespeople and senior leaders in organizations large and small, including Vancouver Airport Authority, Starbucks, Rogers, Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, City of Vancouver, JOEY Restaurants, and Trail Appliances. They specialize in creating a supportive and encouraging environment that helps spokespeople to grow their interview confidence and capabilities.

Event: Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards Date/Time:  Tuesday, April 21st 10:30am – 6pm

Elettra Communications is looking for student volunteers to assist with Vancouver’s premier restaurant industry event. This opportunity will appeal to students who have an interest in public relations, publishing, marketing, or event management.

Now in its 26th year, the Vancouver magazine’s Restaurant Awards event is the biggest of its kind in North America. Twenty of the city’s top food critics form the judging panel and vote on the best dining experience in more than 40 categories. The event includes a reception and awards show. The annual extravaganza welcomes more than 900 restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers, suppliers, and food and wine critics.

Elettra Communications is the producer of Vancouver magazine’s Restaurant Awards. Elettra is a public relations firm that specializes in event management, media relations, and marketing consulting. www.elettra.ca

Duties:

Volunteers will assist with a range of activities including:

• Event set up
• Guest check-in
• Awards presenting/backstage coordination
• Coat check
• Event wrap-up 

 Benefit to you:

• Event coordination experience.
• Exposure to the behind-the-scenes workings of a large event.
• Opportunity to build contacts in the PR, marketing, and publishing industries.
• Lunch will be provided.

How to apply:

If you would like to volunteer for this opportunity, please contact leanne@elettra.ca

In your email please provide a brief introduction of yourself, and include a description of your current course of study, why you are interested in this position, and your contact information.

Spring Advertising hosted their annual Boink Day today to raise funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and people were eager to jump into action.

The Spring Advertising team was there showing off their pogo stick skills and encouraging people to join them in boinking for a good cause.

Despite the typical Rain-couver weather, passersby were happy to join in or donate to help the Food Bank.The team provided music, tips, and of course, pogo sticks to anyone interested in hopping on.

For every boink, Spring donates $0.10 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and for those skilled enough to boink long enough, Spring offered treats from Happy Planet and Fatburger.

Included in the great turnout from today were visitors from Vancity Buzz and Breakfast Television. Check out what Vancity Buzz had to say about the event or watch our friends from Breakfast Television give boinking a try!

If you missed out on the boinking festivities today, it isn’t too late to help out. Visit the Boink Day website to donate.

pr, public relations, spring, boink day, Elettra, company, firm, media, vancouver

This Friday, March 20, Spring Advertising will be celebrating the first day of spring with their annual Boink Day, a public pogo stick challenge to raise funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. They will be set up outside the Vancouver Art Gallery along Georgia Street, rain or shine, with their pogo sticks at the ready. Come down and challenge the team or boink on your own. For each pogo stick “boink”, Spring Advertising will donate $0.10 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Every $1 that gets donated allows the Food Bank to buy $3 worth of nutritious fresh fruit, vegetables, canned goods, and eggs.

Feel free to bring your own pogo stick or use one on-site to celebrate the beginning of spring while helping a good cause. If boinking isn’t for you, you can bring a cash or non-perishable food donation down to the Art Gallery to show your support.

When: Friday March 20, 8:00am – 6:00pm

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery on the Georgia Street side

How much: Free of charge. All donations will come from Spring Advertising and are based on boinks.

Rain or shine, we hope to see you there!

We are very excited to welcome our new intern, Kelsi Carleton, to the Elettra Communications team. Kelsi is a second year Marketing Communications student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the Vice President of Operations at Enactus BCIT, a student run organization on campus. She has dedicated the past two years to her education and building her communication skills through participating in networking events, presenting at Enactus regional and national expositions, and attending local events to support the Vancouver business community.

In her spare time Kelsi enjoys attending events including concerts, food truck festivals, and music festivals. She has a passion for travel and followed her passion by backpacking through Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.

Kelsi gained experience in communications during her time at BCIT. These communication skills, paired with her love of events were her drivers for joining the world of PR in Vancouver. She was drawn to the opportunity of working on a variety of clients in multiple industries. Kelsi has enjoyed refining her business writing and presentation skills in school and is excited to start applying them to the real world of public relations.

Welcome to the team Kelsi!

Top British fashion retailer to open first store in BC

PR, public relations, company, agency, firm, vancouver, bc, retail, shopping, fashion, real estate, cadillac fairview, pacific centre

Pacific Centre shopping mall is pleased to announce a list of first-class retailers that will be moving into its 44,000 square foot retail expansion, and are scheduled to open in early summer 2015.

The stores will be accessible via a new entrance at Robson and Granville, and Pacific Centre will then extend from Pender Street to Robson Street, giving it profile and access from the city’s premium shopping strip.

The retail outlets are:

• B2
• BOSS Store
• Kate Spade
• Microsoft
• PANDORA
• Rockport
• Ted Baker London
• TUMI
• Weekend Max Mara

“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of 9 world-class brands at Pacific Centre,” says Tom Knoepfel, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Cadillac Fairview. “These stores will enhance the shopping experience for our customers and give them another reason to shop downtown. Having the best selection of international fashion and tech retailers in one convenient location is a key factor in Pacific Centre’s continued success.”

Among the new brands is popular British fashion label Ted Baker London, which will be opening its first Canadian store outside of Toronto. Four additional first-class retailers, which will be announced in the coming weeks, are scheduled to open their doors in the retail expansion by fall 2015.

Designed by renowned, local architect James K.M. Cheng, the new building will also include Vancouver’s first Nordstrom, spanning three floors.  The top four levels have been converted to 290,000 square feet of AAA class office space and will be home to the head office of Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Vancouver offices of Microsoft, and law firm Miller Thomson.

The expanded Pacific Centre retail space is part of the redevelopment of the city block that was home to the former Sears building.  The project, which is one of the most significant to be undertaken downtown in recent decades, is reshaping the city’s busiest shopping, working, and entertainment precinct.

One of the most compelling parts about living in Vancouver is the amount of creative ways to get fit, and have fun doing it. Now, every Tuesday in March Harbour Centre is providing another great opportunity to shake up workout routines – the Urban Grind. Climb the stairs to the iconic Harbour Centre Lookout to kick-start a workout routine, get ready for the upcoming hiking season, or simply have fun with friends and colleagues.

Day one was a success, with 139 participants huffing and puffing their way to the top.  As a payoff for their efforts, participants were greeted at the top by a stunning 360 degree aerial view of Vancouver, a refreshing beer, and DJ entertainment. Climbers can customize their workout by completing the route as many times as they like during the workout time.

WHEN: Every Tuesday in March – March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 4 pm – 6:30 pm

WHERE: Harbour Centre lobby 555 West Hastings Street

COST: $5 (includes unlimited circuits between 4 pm - 6:30 pm)

Includes one beer and DJ entertainment

Climbers will also receive a $5 Harbour Centre Food Court voucher

Daylight Saving Time is this weekend, wand the switch often comes with negative side affects for the population including headaches, lost productivity, and a spike in traffic accidents. What many don’t realize is the profound effect that the time change has on Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers, for whom a regular schedule is critical to quality of life. Coreena Robertson, Communications and Wellness Director at Fraserview Care Lodge and creator of Boomerang LIFE  products, gave an interview with Richmond Review (see here) on how the time change affects seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. The time change causes confusion and can increase behaviours known as “sundowning,” which includes acting out, general aggression, a tendency to wander away, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

You can also listen to Coreena this Sunday (March 8th) on CKNW. Below are Coreena's tips for helping a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia adjust to Daylight Saving Time:

• Make the transition gradual. The sudden loss of a full hour is difficult to cope with. To address this, on the first day of Daylight Saving Time, allow your loved one to sleep for 45 minutes past their usual wake up time. On subsequent days, gradually move wake up time ahead by 15-minute intervals until the desired wake-up time is reached.
• Engage with your loved one. Take extra time to engage your loved one in the days following the time change. This is especially important around meal times, when what their body is telling them may not match what the clock says. Turn on their favourite TV show or play a game to help focus their attention.
• Relax into sleep. As the name suggests, “sundowning” happens in the early evening. To keep sundowning behaviour at bay, choose an activity to engage them with, but make it something calming such as listening to soft music and or sipping a warm beverage together. This will also help your loved one prepare for going to bed an hour earlier than usual.
• Be present. Meet your loved one in the moment they are experiencing, everyday. Join them in their journey by validating what they are saying. Don’t try to correct their ‘stories’.