Happy Holidays!

Ho ho ho!
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
All the best for 2009!

We've got exciting events in January.
Make sure you sign up!

Keep Gatherings in mind for both your event planning and event staffing needs.
Cheers

The Final FastLane of 2008

The final FastLane of 2008 took place last night at The Spoke Club, in trendy King West. Over 100 attendees filled the 3rd floor event space while enjoying cocktails and making new business connections. This month, FastLane welcomed TwentySomething TV and HiTech Tattoos as there special on-site guests.

FastLane, hosted each month by CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning, is the newest apres work networking event for young professionals in the City. Aimed at individuals between the ages of 25-40, FastLane features new venues, new themes, and new networking opportunities every month.

FastLane will be back in 2009, for 8 more great events, with even more venues, themes and more networking!!! The first FastLane of 2009, will be held at The Adelaide Club on Tuesday January 13th. More information to come.

For those of you that may need your FastLane Fix, don't forget to join the "FastLane Facebook Group" for updated photos, event news and meet other FastLane guests.

An extra special thanks goes out to the hardworking teams at CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning for all there hard work over the past year promotion, marketing and selling tickets to all our FastLane events.

We look forward to seeing you all in the FastLane for 2009!!!
Renata Altrao & The Gatherings Team

FastLane: November 11th @ The Spoke Club

FastLane- For People with Drive

After 7 successful FastLane's this year, join us for the final FastLane of the 2008 Season.

FastLane is where urban professionals meet to network, discuss trends with industry professionals and develop new skills. FastLane is a networking event which targets industry professionals, between the ages of 25-40. FastLane will feature new networking opportunities, as well as the chance to develop your skills through a variety of mediums. The price of your ticket includes 1 complementary beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and appetizers throughout the evening, prizes and a gift bag, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the industries best. This months FastLane will take place on Tuesday November 11, from 6-9:30pm at The Spoke Club, located at 600 King Street West.

Date

Tuesday November 11th
6-9:30pm

Where

The Spoke Club
600 King Street West, 4th Floor
(King & Portland)

Cost

$25.00 Early Bird
$35.00 At the Door
$100.00 for Groups of 5 People

You are purchase your tickets at http://fastlane.eventbrite.com/ or call 416-551-0241.

An Evening of Eleganc with The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble

This past Friday, October 3rd, The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble celebrated Alicia Alonso and The National Ballet of Cuba at An Evening of Elegance.

The black-tie Gala fundraising Gala was held at The Silversti Residence at 140 Garner Road East in Hamilton. The evening was full of "elegance" and began with a champagne reception & hors d'oeures in the residences lobby with enchanting harp music in the background. Guests socialized with the crowd and had a chance to bid on items in the silent auction. A lavish 5 course meal was served in the residences ballroom and the evening concluded with Ballet performance by the principle dancer of The National Ballet of Cuba and other musical entertainment.

All funds raised through An Evening of Elegance went directly back to The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble and there continued success.

About The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble

The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble is highly recognized as a creative and vital force in promoting the growth of the arts within our community and abroad. Since our inception in 1991 numerous accomplishments have been made. Best known for there classic repertoire of The Nutcracker, the Ballet has also produced and hosted numerous innovative events featuring some of Canada’s most accomplished dancers such as Rex Harrington and Evelyn Hart. The productions have also featured world renowned ballet companies such as The National Ballet of Cuba and The Kiev Ballet Company.

FastLane Goes To The Theatre on October 7th

FastLane Goes To The Theatre on October 7th

After hosting 5 trend-setting networking events in Toronto, CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning have joined up with the Nightwood Theatre for a night of FastLane Networking in the Distillery District.

FastLane has quickly become one of the most sought after Young Professional Networking events of its kind in the city. FastLane offers an opportunity for you to connect with people and expand your business without feeling like you’re giving a presentation or pitch. FastLane fosters new connections quickly and maintains a fun social environment. Closed business has been made at past FastLane events!!

On Tuesday October 7th FastLane will be heading to the famous Distillery District for an evening of Networking, Food and Entertainment.

Your evening begins at 5:30pm...

5:30pm: Start your evening with a guided tour of the historic Distillery District followed by a delicious meal at Archeo, one of the Distillery’s best restaurants. Your Mediterranean fare comes with an appetizer, main course and a glass of wine (or a beverage of equal value).
6:00pm: Networking opportunity with fellow FastLane attendees over dinner
8:00pm: Wild Dogs performance (seating will begin at 7:45pm).
9:30pm: Post-show ‘talk back’ with actors and creators

For tickets call Gatherings Event Planning at 416-551-0241 or email info@GatheringsEventPlanning.com.

Tickets are $60.00 before September 23rd and $70.00 after September 23rd. Remember to buy your tickets Early to avoid disappointment.

FastLane is Hosted By: CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning

CBYE's Fundraising Gala to Honour Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso

CBYE's Fundraising Gala to Honour Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso

Gatherings Event Planning has been hired as the third-party planner for The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble's Fundraising Gala, An Evening of Elegance, on Friday October 3rd.

An Evening of Elegance will Honour 88-year-old Prima Ballerina Assoluta and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Alicia Alonso. Alonso will be celebrating 60 years as founder, principal dancer and artistic director of The National Ballet of Cuba, which is recognized as one of the most exciting and innovative ballet ensembles in the world. Neither time nor adversities have fazed the Prima Ballerina Assoluta. Alonso's single-minded determination and her visionary, creative leadership has been the guiding, inspirational force behind the continued success of The National Ballet of Cuba on the world stage since its creation.

The Black-Tie Fundraising Gala Event, will take place on Friday October 3rd at 7:00pm, at The Silvenstri Residence, located at 140 Garner Road in Hamilton. Tickets are $500 each and include cocktails, dinner and a performance by The National Ballet of Cuba’s Principle dancers. Your Gala ticket also includes VIP entrance to the October 4th or 5th performance of Giselle.

We are also currently seeking Sponsorship for this event, and we invite you to join our “Friends of Ballet” circle for 2008/2009 season and support An Evening of Elegance with our sponsorship packages.

FRIENDS OF THE BALLET- An Evening of Elegance

BRONZE ($1,000)
- 1 ticket to An Evening of Elegance, 2 VIP tickets to Giselle, logo or name recognition as a “Friend of the Ballet” on marketing material
- Income Tax Receipt

SILVER ($1,500)
- 2 tickets to An Evening of Elegance, 2 VIP tickets to Giselle, logo or name recognition as a “Friend of the Ballet” on marketing material
- Income Tax Receipt

GOLD ($5,000)
- 2 tickets to An Evening of Elegance, 8 Corporate Box Seat to Giselle, 2 VIP tickets to Nutcracker, 2 VIP tickets to Henzel & Gretel, logo or name recognition as a “Friend of the Ballet” on marketing material, announcement at Gala & recognition as a “Table Sponsor” with Banner on table
- Income Tax Receipt
- Plus, VIP status at The National Ballet of Cuba in Havana during their next vacation (if they so desire a trip to the Ballet while visiting Cuba, you will be hosted by The National Ballet of Cuba)
Gala tickets to An Evening of Elegance can also be purchased at $500 each and includes VIP entrance to the October 4th or 5th performance of Giselle.

For more information on the sponsorship package or to purchase tickets for An Evening of Elegance Fundraising Gala call 416-551-0241 or email info@GatheringsEventPlanning.com

A Few "Gatherings" for Spring and Summer...

I wanted to update everyone on a selection of the past events that Gatherings Event Planning has worked on this past Spring and Summer. Its been quite a busy one...

Toronto Hydro "Take a Load Off" Spring Campaign

For the launch of the 2008 Spring Campaign, "Take a Load Off Toronto", Gatherings Event Planning transformed the Toronto Hydro building on Carlton Street into a laundry room. The new campaign was launched to promote the use of clotheslines in the City of Toronto which in turn limits the amount of power a single dryer uses. We hung several clotheslines from the buildings walls and filled them with colourful t-shirts and shorts and built an indoor laundry room, complete with energy efficient washers and dryers. The main press launch occurred on April 18th, with speaker Dalton McGuinty hanging his very own t-shirt on the clothesline to officially kick-off the campaign.

danceology Grand Opening

With a large Grand Opening Party scheduled, danceology contacted Gatherings Event Planning to do the PR for the event. The danceology studio is located in the heart of Liberty Village. This former warehouse space has been transformed into Toronto’s newest modern and fresh dance space. danceology provides a social dance opportunity, where its mission is to connect Toronto through dance and enhance the lives and relationships of all its members through movement and harmony. The Grand Opening saw over 120 people and various media, all helping to toast the new studio and its success.

Clarkson 200th Celebration

The Village of Clarkson in Mississauga celebrated their 200th Anniversary on Saturday June 21st, with an all day Village-wide celebration. Activities included horse and buggy rides, petting zoo, children's games and facepainting. Entertainment included, Judy- The Manners Lady, Beauty Queen Grace Martin, The Metis Fiddlers, Virgil Scott, Krista Blondin's Janis Jopplin Tribute and many more. Guests were Mississauga's Mayor Hazel McCallion, Councillor Pat Mullins and CityTv's Francis D'Souza.

And of course...

FastLane

Gatherings Event Planning and CityEvents hosted 3 successful and sold-out FastLane events in May, June and July.

The staff at Gatherings Event Planning have been busy working hard all summer long planning many events for the Fall. We're all looking forward to another busy event season...

August FastLane Patio Party

Following a sold-out event in July, FastLane is back again on another trendy popular rooftop Patio Party for August.

FastLane has quickly become one of the most sought after Young Professional Networking events of its kind in the city. FastLane offers a unique approach to networking, by connecting urban professionals in a variety of industries, between the age of 25 and 40. FastLane features monthly themed networking events, where professionals can meet new people, trade tips and make beneficial contacts while unwinding in a relaxing environment.

It's an opportunity for you to connect with people and expand your business without feeling like you’re giving a presentation or pitch. FastLane fosters new connections quickly and maintains a fun social environment. Closed business has been made at past FastLane events!!

August’s FastLane Patio Party will be held at Cheval Bar, located in the trendy neighbourhood of King Street West. Cheval’s patio offers remarkable views of the city, refreshing beverages and stunning brickwork.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Group rates are also available.

Remember to purchase your tickets soon, as space is limited and this event will sell out.

Come and join the après work Patio Party on Tuesday August 26, 2008

When: Tuesday August 26, 2008
6:00-9:30pm

Where: Cheval Bar
606 King Street West (King and Portland)

Cost: $25 in Advance or $30 at the door, Group Rates also available.
Your ticket includes a complementary beverage, hors d’oeuveres and a
gift bag

To Purchase your tickets visit http://fastlane.eventbrite.com/ or call 416-558-0001

FastLane is hosted by CityEvents and Gatherings Event Planning. For more information visit http://www.torontocityevents.ca/ and http://www.gatheringseventplanning.com/.

FastLane @ The Spoke Club

Last night Gatherings Event Planning and CityEvents hosted our forth FastLane Event at The Spoke Club. This months FastLane was the most successful yet...

This month we decided to have the event at The Spoke Club, a members only social club, loacted in the heart of the King West neighborhood. This month FastLane paired up with ideaNation, a Nationally registered not-for-profit chairty who's mission is to inspire, connect, and support people who want to make a difference by developing community projects that support social change. In support of ideaNation we had many gratious donations of products and services from the local community that we were able to put into a Silent Auction. All the proceeds from the Silent Auction went towards ideaNation. We were able to raise over $1500 for ideaNation and their continued success.

This month we also had a record number of attendees, over 100 people, causing the event to sell-out!! There was a great turn out of people, all making new connections with other young professionals in the GTA.

We're already planning another FastLane event for Tuesday August 26th, so be sure to mark your calandars off.

FastLane- Tuesday July 29, 2008

FastLane: Connecting Fast Minds

After 3 trend-setting and successful après work events in April, May and June, FastLane is revving its engines once again, and waving its Green Flag at Summertime!!

FastLane offers a unique approach to connecting urban professionals in a variety of industries, between the age of 25 and 40. FastLane is where professionals can meet new people; trade tips and make beneficial contacts while unwinding in a relaxing environment. The price of your ticket includes 1 complimentary beverage, appetizers and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the industries best!

Now it’s time to start your engines for Summertime and join the crowd at the FastLane Summer Social. This month's FastLane will be a Apres Work Patio Party will be held at the Exclusive Members Only Spoke Club, located in the fast-paced King Street West neighbourhood.

When: TUE. July 29, 2008, 6:00 - 9:30 pm
Where: The Spoke Club (http://www.thespokeclub.com/)
600 King Street West, 4th Floor (King and Portland)
Cost: $25 in Advance or $30 at the door, Group Rates also available

Your ticket includes a complementary beverage and hors d'oeuvresTo Purchase your tickets visit http://fastlane.eventbrite.com or call 416-558-0001.

Remember to buy your tickets soon, as space is limited and get ready to wave your Green Flag at Summertime!!!

Hosted by: www.torontocityevents.ca and www.GatheringsEventPlanning.com

Join the FastLane Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?id=512176686&gv=12#/group.php?gid=24694800824
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=18407284141
Check out the video coverage of April's FastLane. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2kzqvwAo7M

Welcome

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the new Gatherings Event Planning Blog!!

I will be writing a weekly blog on behalf of the team at Gatherings, which will give you an inside look at the behind-the-scenes actions, challenges, stresses and outcomes of our events.

I guess the best way to begin the first blog entry is to introduce Gatherings Event Planning to you and some of our key team members.

About Gatherings Event Planning
Impress your guests...
Gatherings Event Planning and Fundraising is a full service event planning company located in Toronto, Ontario. We can finesse the ideas you bring to us, or take control of the planning from brainstorming to completion. You call the shots, we make things happen.

Our Key Team Players
Kendra Court- President
Kendra has taken on the challenges of personal training pharmaceutical and medical sales and now the exciting world of event planning and fundraising. As a woman comfortable in stilettos or sneakers the board room a hip boutique or at an outdoor BBQ Kendra brings her versatility and style-savvy spirit to the planning of your event. In the short time Gatherings has been operational in the Toronto area Kendra’s personal and corporate planning portfolio include an impressive array of charity fundraising events product launches book parties sport tournaments abroad exclusive shopping parties team-building events weddings conferences trade shows and forums.

Nadene Schuster- Wedding Coordinator
Nadene has been planning and executing weddings for the last 10 years which has included intimate outdoor weddings in Banff to the grandeur of a country club. With her incredible eye for details and a wealth of knowledge from previous experience Nadene can help to make one of the most important days of your life into one of the most memorable and stress free!

Jill Garner- Event Coordinator
Having worked for over 10 years in the hospitality and special events sectors in both Alberta and Ontario Jill joins the team at Gatherings as an Event Coordinator with an Honours Diploma in Special Event Planning and Destination Tourism from George Brown College. Her outgoing and friendly attitude as well as her attention to detail and creativity makes her a valuable member of the Gatherings team. Jill has a reputation for anticipating client’s needs and always goes that extra mile.

Be sure to check out our website http://www.gatheringseventplanning.com/ for more information about the company, staff, our events and a full list of Gatherings services.

I invite you to join me each week to read the Blog and see whats new and happening at Gatherings!!

Cheers,

Jill Garner
Event Coordinator
Gatherings Event Planning