Last month, we were honoured with the nomination for one of Tourism Montreal’s 2018 Distinction Awards, which are handed out during a gala evening commemorating those companies and events that make Montreal shine on the international stage. Using a custom-made furniture theme that underlined the cultural energy of the city, one of our events landed a finalist spot in the Business Meetings and Congresses category. We couldn’t think of a better way to describe this event than to let you relive it, step by step, just as our guests did. The atmosphere, the decor, the animations, the catering; an evening that captured the festive spirit of Montreal.
Imagine you live outside of the city. Your company has organized a three-day congress in Montreal, a city known for its numerous sub-cultures and music scene. Even better, you’ve heard that the island combines the best of both city life and nature: tree-lined streets, Mount Royal, a lively downtown core and the frenzy of festival season. Your first evening unfolds at New City Gas, a heritage building that boasts a modern look without losing its old charm.
You arrive at the brick building, where an outside red carpet awaits your welcome. It’s a beautiful summer evening. On your way towards the party, you pass green hedges and cross paths with an unusual-looking musical group. Seated on plastic buckets, the percussionists evoke an urban musical ambience with milk crates and bowls of all kinds.
You finally arrive at the terrace where the cocktail is in full swing. What’s the first thing you notice? A street artist working some magic on a canvas. The colours are bursting, and the style of graffiti is one-of-a-kind. A beautiful live animation to celebrate the increasing numbers of murals adorning the city. The atmosphere is defined by greenery and brick walls. Made from traffic signs, the tables and stools look like they’ve been specially designed for the occasion. The lounge furniture is decorated with graffiti. The ambience and decor are emblematic of a city always on the move. The bars boast green facades, and vases made of concrete and plants serve as the centrepieces. The view of downtown is breathtaking.
Once the cocktail has ended, you move into the New City Gas building. You enter a room with black and white walls and decor and are welcomed by three hostesses donning extravagant dresses. A little later, you realize that these dresses are made of maps of Montreal and were created by a local designer. The décor is stunning and out of this world. You stop in front of a big black structure that turns out to be a “Bucket List”. You take part in this interactive piece and write down your future goals, alongside your colleagues. In the opposite corner of the room is a vintage-looking mailbox as well as a metal frame from which hang postcards displaying photos of Montreal. Once again, you get in on the action and write a postcard to your loved ones, who will receive them in a few days.
From there you pass through a corridor where balls of light and lit columns show the way. Traffic signs lead you to a second cocktail scene followed by food stations, bars and a lounge area. Everything is quintessentially urban and captures the metropolitan soul of Montreal. Food stations are embellished with graffiti, as are the bars, and showcase local products. The lounge furniture is modern and rather refined.
Finally, we invite you into the interior courtyard for dessert. A Montreal DJ overlooks the dance floor. Greenery elements adorn, once again, the brick-walled space. An arch made of of traffic signs and flora is stationed close to the exit. Industrial chic has captured the spotlight. You walk away from your first evening in Montreal inspired by the authenticity of this city.
In short, this nomination was a real tribute to the expertise of the team at HAPPENING.CA. from the customized creativity to listening to the needs of their clients, our event designers boast a limitless creative instinct. In turn, we warmly thank Tourism Montreal for this honour!
