While we are proud of all of our events, these are the most memorable and unique OPC projects from 2016.

Over $1 Million Raised in Cancer Research Event Organized by OPC

Last May, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at the Université de Montréal (IRIC) hosted the Audace fundraiser for cancer research. OPC was tasked with creating a spectacular event, with the aim of encouraging as many donations as possible.

This type of event poses many challenges, among them the coordination of VVIPs (very very important persons). Many of the top minds from the worlds of science and business were present for the fundraiser. One can imagine the complexity of the seating assignments alone!

We put our creativity and expertise to work to produce not only an outstanding event, but also an effective model for increased revenues relative to expenses — the event was produced from only 15% of total revenue. In total, IRIC raised $1.1 million from donations and partnerships, more than $300,000 over their target.

More than 400 guests were transported through time in the Parquet atrium of the Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec, as they explored the theme of “Science: 1850 to Today.” Master of Ceremonies Stéphane Bellavance hosted the evening amid decor that fused past and future, impressing attendees with his knowledge of current trends in science. We are extremely proud to have contributed to the success of this important event.

Conference Events Like Never Before.

Once again this year, numerous companies and professional associations asked us to organize their conferences and general assemblies. We credit our reputation for throwing corporate events that participants are excited about, year after year.

First-Timers

The American Public Works Association (APWA) had us organize its annual colloquium, marking the first time that the APWA has entrusted this event to an external agency. More than 200 delegates met in Victoriaville, Quebec for three days of workshops, conferences, a trade show, and a general assembly. Guests also enjoyed two evening events: a 1950’s-themed dance and the Starlight Gala. We were even asked to host this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Rimouski!

2016 was also the first year that the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) asked us to organize its Annual Assembly, which included a trade show, conferences, and a cocktail reception. More than 500 members of the real estate industry were thrilled to come together in Boucherville, Quebec, and were inspired by the uplifting words of keynote speaker and Olympic champion Sylvie Fréchette.

The Montreal chapter of the Canadian Association of Geomatics also featured impressive speakers at their event, among them Adam Evans, Head of US/Canada Business for the Google Maps Customer Team, who addressed an audience of over 600. The event involved the exchange of dynamic ideas, and participants enjoyed a variety of plenary gatherings including conferences, a trade show, and workshops. A cocktail reception on the 7th floor of Montreal’s Palais des congrès awaited them at the end of the day. The views of the city and the “Harvest Market” theme could not have been more perfectly matched!

The Challenges of Long-Distance Event Organization

Our events take place beyond the boundaries of the Montreal region. For Forum 360, we organized four separate events in as many different cities: Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Desjardins Insurance sought to exhibit the latest trends in the industry to its employees, with the central theme of how technology can help to improve public health. Luc Sirois of Hacking Health gave an informative presentation to insurance agents and other industry players.

Organizing events from a distance poses certain challenges, such as unexpected structural features of the venue that require modifications to floor plans. Our colleague Laurence has learned to ask the right questions at all stages of the planning process, reducing unwanted surprises.

Forum 360 also garnered media attention. While coverage of events like this is relatively uncommon, it is important to be prepared.

Exceeding Limits

Another Desjardins subsidiary, Desjardins Sécurité Financière invites its brokers from across Quebec to an annual provincial meeting, where participants celebrate their past success and discuss their goals for the months to come. The events are geared to encourage colleagues to motivate one another toward achieving their goals.

TechnoMontréal is another organization that has set out to push the limits in its field. In October, a conference on the theme “The Future of Health: The Impact of the 3.0 Revolution” brought together actors in the infotech and communications sector of Greater Montreal. La Scena welcomed dozens of participants on the docks of the Old Port, with large windows and a soaring ceiling that inspired an evening of networking among influential players.

Événement X: The Event Laboratory Where Anything Goes

We organize an annual event to celebrate our partners and clients, Événement X, which we often refer to as our “baby.” The event lifts the veil on trends in the event planning sector and creates a fantastic opportunity for networking. Last year marked the sophomore edition, coming alive under the theme of “Play,” where fun, interactivity, and technology were the focus of presenters.

The Master of Play was none other than Jean-Philippe Wauthier, and the event featured a hologram of him that welcomed each guest upon their arrival. The rest was all about fun! Guests played hopscotch to get to the reception and undertook a playful challenge to find their place in the conference hall. Justin Kingsley, Michel Coupal and Jonathan Belisle also took part to share their insights.

We are in play with our collaborators all year long, especially those who helped make the latest Événement X a reality: dada communications, Carte Blanche, Le Diplomate, and the Hotel Intercontinental. Thanks to all of them!

These are only snapshot of what was a very exciting 2016. We would like to take the opportunity to thank our clients for their appreciation of our professional touches, from enchanting décor to creative themes. We always strive to create memorable experiences that have one main thing in common: bringing together present and future collaborators!