It’s winter on the West Coast. Which means rain. Lots of it. Instead of getting depressed over dreary weather, why not brighten your day a little by planning for your corporate summer event? After all, if you want to ensure you have a good selection of the best locations, caterers, and entertainers, now is the time to start getting organized. Here’s some great ways to celebrate in the sunshine.
Themed Summer Barbeque
Bright Ideas’s Western Roundup theme not only offers mouth-watering burgers, bbq chicken, corn on the cob, and all the fixings… you can also enjoy the light-hearted games such as cow-milking and roping contests, mechanical bull, western relays, and scavenger hunts. Country and Western music, and great decor, from the hay bales and wagon wheels right down to the red checkered table linen make this event a rootin’-tootin’ good time. Don’t feel at home on the range? How about the Carnival Celebration? It’s like your own private county fair, complete with cotton candy, carnival-style games, clowns, corn dogs, stilt walkers, caricaturists and of course… mini-donuts! Or, kick out the jams with a Rock and Roll Summer Barbeque, complete with classic cars, 50s celebrity impersonators, and delicious picnic and drive-in favourites. Click here to see some of the other fun themes we offer for summer events.
Boat Cruise
Lots of themes to choose from, including pirate, Hawaiian, and cruise ship make this summer event choice the kind of party you can host again and again with fresh ideas each year. Activities can include scavenger or treasure hunts via boat, while music can range from the tropical sounds of a steel drum band to sea shanties and traditional Maritime music. Best of all, with Vancouver’s stunning skyline of mountains and glass towers means, just enjoying the view glide by will leave you with beautiful memories. Click here to see the fun you can have with nautical themes.
Car Rally
Another great idea for family-focused events, car rallies are also a fun way to incorporate team-building into your summer event. You can have a scavenger component, fun activities at each checkpoint, prizes for the winners, and wrap it up with a barbeque at the finish line, complete with black and white checkered decor. Click here to see our full range of entertainment ideas.
Busy Times at Bright Ideas
Now that the holidays are over, we’ve been very busy at Bright Ideas Event Coordinators. Right now we’re researching venues for next year’s Christmas parties, planning summer events for our clients, and getting ready for the Star Awards in Toronto. Click here to read all about our recent win at the 2010 BC Event Industry Awards.
We’re also finalizing the judges and program for our EveryWoman competition. We’re proud to announce Canadian media personality Erica Ehm will be the National Event Ambassador, for EveryWoman 2011. Ehm is one of Canada’s most recognized personalities. Chosen to be the first female MuchMusic host, she became the voice of her generation. Since then Erica has remained in the spotlight as her multi-faceted media career has blossomed in television, radio, film, theatre, journalism, songwriting, and music publishing. She is also the creator/publisher of The YummyMummy Club, a website honouring the modern mom and highlighting the rewards and challenges of juggling work, play, kids, and community, making Ehm a natural choice for EveryWoman ambassador.
The EveryWoman competition honours those Canadian women who inspire us all with their ability to find the essential balance between home and career, while giving back to the community and setting a great example with their confidence, inner strength and beauty, and individual style. If you’d like to be a part of this event as a sponsor, or know someone you’d like to nominate, please make sure to visit our EveryWoman website.
Ask An Event Planner
What is the most common mistake people make when planning their Summer BBQ?
An entertaining barbeque has to have more than just burgers and buns. Without an interesting theme or activities your guests are left with awkward small talk or even worse, office gossip. Not a great way to ensure a memorable event. Make sure you have a plan and a balance between entertainment and activities so that your guests have plenty of things to choose from.
Where do I book a boat for a boat cruise?
Coal Harbour near the Westin Bayshore hotel and Granville Island both offer a wide variety of boats available for charters. You can choose from party boats for a crowd, or smaller vessels perfect for an exclusive sunset cruise. Small boat rentals are also available on Granville Island, as well as Horseshoe Bay.
What duration should the car rally be?
Are we there yet? Like many things, spending all day driving can be too much of a good thing. Most car rallies take about 2 – 3 hours from start to finish, just the right length of time for each group to bond over their successes and failures, while allowing room in the schedule for some fun after they cross the finish line.
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Top Three Summer Barbeque Venues
1. Brock House Restaurant
Two and a half acres of waterfront property, stunning views of downtown and the North Shore mountains, and on-site catering make Brock House an ideal venue for events where sophistication and style are the watchwords. Imagine your guests strolling the North Lawn as soft music plays in the background and elegantly dressed servers circulate among the guests with delicious appetizers and cocktails. The Great Gatsby would feel right at home!
2. Fish House in Stanley Park
A central location, spectacular setting, three private rooms to choose from, and the finest seafood from the West Coast. Great reasons to consider this venue, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. A menu featuring classic dishes and innovative creations, local wines and micro-brews, and the Fish House’s private rooms with patios – the perfect recipe for an impressive event.
3. Burnaby Village Museum
History comes alive, with attractions such as a vintage carousel and pipe organ, fascinating displays from yesteryear, and historic tram rides. A great place to host a kid-friendly event, the Burnaby Village Museum offers a glimpse at the sights and sounds of the British Columbia in the 1920s, complete with blacksmith demonstrations, vintage cars, and staff and volunteers in period costume.
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