The ISES Eventworld 2007 Institute for Professional Development greeted attendees yesterday in Montreal with a rousing opening general session that lifted spirits with a gospel choir and an Olympic gold-medallist speaker.
From its headquarters at the landmark Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth hotel, the event runs through tomorrow.
The People's Gospel Choir of Montreal kicked off the opening general session with songs such as "Love Train" and "Oh Happy Day," which brought the audience to its feet.
Speaker Mark Tewksbury outlined his road from also-ran swimmer to Olympic gold medallist in the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain. Based on his experience, he offered tips to event planners, including embrace contradictions, continually evolve, adopt a "why not me" attitude, communicate effectively and embody values.
That evening, attendees boarded shuttles to travel to Montreal's Science Center for the Welcome Event. Glamorous "Mountie-ettes" greeted guests at the door, which led to an event space offering spectacular city views along with drinks and hors d'oeuvre. Tomorrow's events will include the ISES annual general meeting and the Esprit Awards.
Photos by Special Events Magazine
