BiZBash.TO EventStyleShow05

BiZBashTO scored a touchdown Tuesday and Wednesday by turning dreary February into an event! Take a room, drench it with sunlight, add some wheels, chocolate, creative people, imaginative details and stir.

Et Voila!

EventStyleShow 05 - A holiday-like ambiance without leaving home plus the convergence of the best and brights in the Events Industry.

So much was happening it is impossible to cover it all. Here is a snapshot of SalsaTO's two days. Fifty cards were passed out describing editing, copywriting for print and web along with where to find Toronto based Latin music, venues, instructors and performers. In return, more venues, different types of services, insight and methods to organize a happening came back. Lula's José Ortega's imaginative latin venue gave EventSTyleShow05 goers a peek at the sizzle that a Latin event brings.

The Venue

From Streampoint's easy and convenient registration to the National Trade Centre Heritage Court's sun drenched vast exhibit hall filled with companies that supply Venues, Caterers, Entertainers, Invitation designers, Printers, Rental companies, Decor designers, and Liquor and Wine companies, BizBash.TO brought event planning inspiration to a new level.

Even the Boogie Bus London Double Decker Bus shuttle from Union Station was a rolling a two-storey BiZBashTO venue as people connected, made their pitches, passed cards and ideas - all on the move.

Da Detailz

The atmosphere Tuesday was electric. Vendors and 'StyleShow goers alike were eager to talk, exchange notes, ideas, network and gain insight from a slate of A-list speakers. BiZBashTO President Kyle Hosick kept it all together, almost invisibly. People could see the goings-ons from almost anywhere with Beyond Digital Imaging's three storey screens with 3L Sound & Lighting.

The long high tables and the high-backed stools were a great way to see the happenings on the stage, while maximizing the schmooze factor set off the cafe tables off by stage left that became impromptu meeting venues, complete with laptop presentations. Those who needed to luxuriate could use the sofas and coffee tables right up front.

Speakers included Canada's own Dini Petty - if we all could be as dynamic as her at 60! - the Academy Awards' Governor's Ball Producer Cheryl Checchetto! - ISES, IMPAC, MPI and Site Presidents peeked into the event industry future. All in all, an essential primer for those who are in events or who want to get involved in events.

Sip, Nosh & Schmooze!

Tuesday's Cocktail Party was unforgettable. The Cocktail Party, powered by Skyy and Steam Whistle and Inniskillin products lit the fuze for a buzz that got some of the real connecting going and the talking and the exchanging of notes that is a PR person's dream. Eye candy and palette candy for everyody abounded. Flairco's acrobatic bartender-entertainers not only ran the bar, but entertained StyleShow goers with orbiting bottles, aerial garnishes and high-wire balancing glasses. Meanwhile, Les Coquettes Nouveau Burlesque caught everyone's attention with their saucy eyepopping show what would make any event unforgettable.

What's Next

Need to be re-charged, re-inspired, re-connected? Hit BiZBashTO.

Wonder what 2006 will bring?