Our world has been changing but how can we ensure events are changing with it? 🤔 We’ve answered the call by calling event changemakers together for our brand new learning and connection opportunity for you this Fall ... the “Endeavour Experience for Event Planners” 2026 Retreat in Calgary’s buzzing University District! 💡 The Endeavour Experience is built for the courageous event planner who is willing to get curious about what’s missing today’s events, ready to explore and embrace change, and committed to boldly work toward a better world. 🌎 🌏 🌍 Spaces are limited, be sure to DM @lisagareau_connectioncoach today! www.CandyConsulting.ca/Endeavour

Becoming an event planning and connection leader isn’t about climbing higher, it’s about going deeper. Welcome to Candy’s face to face, one-of-a-kind, interactive, weekend getaway that will help you become an unshakable, purposeful event planning leader who knows “the sky’s the limit”!  Candy’s Launch Pad to Becoming a More Purposeful Planner is happening at Alt Hotel in Calgary’s buzzing University District! If you are planning and promoting events for yourself, a business, organization or group this just might be the experience you are looking for to help you get grounded in yourself and growing in your planning work! Check it out here and consider joining your planning peers at The Ultimate Event Experience! www.CandyConsulting.ca/The-Ultimate Presented and Powered by @candyeventconsulting @lisagareau_connectioncoach

DYK? Over the last 2 years Candy Founder & Connection Strategy Coach @lisagareau_connectioncoach brought together over 30 expert, trusted, event-loving voices as she created 5 online Micro Credentials for Alberta University of the Arts, Continuing Education & Professional Development! @albertauarts This certificate was her opportunity to share the tools, strategies, and insider expertise YOU need to you find your place in planning events, learn to lead change, to increase your capacity, or even define your own voice in the industry. This game-changing certificate program allows you to learn at your own pace and prepare for future opportunities in event coordination, community engagement, cultural programming, and creating events that truly connect! Link through to see more about the BRAND NEW Event Planning Professional Certificate for creative, curious, courageous event planners here! https://www.auarts.ca/continuing-education/professional-development/professional-certificates/event-planning-professional-certificate PS 👋 Heidi Brandley, Manager Entrepreneurship & Innovation at AUArts joined Lisa on Zoom this Fall to discuss each one of the Micro Credentials. You can view the replays on our Candy Event Consulting YouTube channel here: 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGTg81mwmVKIdr6F9ePSiwMUchaBxWcbD&si=jzJbjxXmrnYYOrr4 Or DM us for the direct link!

I’m taking the stage at @gowestlive 2026 to share what I know to be true - that meaningful connection and real change can only happen when we move from independent actors to interdependent activators! 🚀 In my talk - Gaining Momentum Through Mindful Mentorship - I’ll share how the growth gaps we face in the world of events aren’t just individual challenges — they’re collective ones. When we work alone, we risk isolation, burnout, and missed opportunities. But when we come together — mentors with emerging talent, seasoned professionals with fresh thinkers, steady hands with creative risk-takers — something transformative happens. ✔️ We multiply knowledge. ✔️ We share experience. ✔️ We spark innovation. ✔️ We build confidence, resilience, and connection that no single person could create alone. The bridges we build together today become the pathways for tomorrow’s leaders. By uniting intentionally, we protect the future of the profession we love, and we create an ecosystem where curiosity, courage, and purpose thrive. Our collective future depends not on the work of one, but on the momentum of many — moving together, crossing gaps together, and shaping a stronger, more sustainable world of events.  In my Learning Lounge session, I’m excited to share my thoughts on how — through mindful mentorship, meaningful training, and an honest look at what’s missing — we can bridge the divide together and gain momentum toward a fresh, fun, fulfilling future through a mindful approach to mentorship! If you’re looking for fresh ideas, new inspiration, and the chance to connect with some of the most creative minds in our industry, GO WEST 2026 is the place to be. I’m excited to show up to learn, to share my learnings, and be part of shaping the events of tomorrow! Reach out for my planners discount code … 👉 Grab your ticket at the link below … and I’ll see you in Edmonton Feb 1-3! https://www.gowestlive.com/registration #GOWEST26 #EventProfs #candyeventconsulting @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Feeling the "fire horse" energy this morning as I head to Sunset Labs in #VictoriaBC to map and launch my next 12 months of Candy Event Consulting. Thanks to "Launch Lab" hosts Jason Guille, Liz Zdunich, and Tad Hargrave. 🔥 #firedup @sunsetlabs @jasonguille @marketingforhippies @lizzdunich @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Through the last 2 years I brought together over 30 expert, trusted, event-loving voices as I created 5 online Micro Credentials for Alberta University of the Arts, Continuing Education & Professional Development! @albertauarts This certificate was my opportunity to share the tools, strategies, and insider expertise YOU need to you find your place in planning events, learn to lead change, to increase your capacity, or even define your own voice in the industry. @lisagareau_connectioncoach This certificate program allows you to learn at your own pace and prepare for future opportunities in event coordination, community engagement, cultural programming, and creating events that truly connect! Link through to see more about the BRAND NEW - game-changing - Event Planning Professional Certificate for creative, curious, courageous event planners here! https://www.auarts.ca/continuing-education/professional-development/microcredentials/business-entrepreneurship-leadership PS 👋 Heidi Brandley, Manager Entrepreneurship & Innovation at AUArts joined me on Zoom this Fall to discuss each one of the Micro Credentials. You can view the replays on our Candy Event Consulting : Empowering Planners YouTube channel here: 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGTg81mwmVKIdr6F9ePSiwMUchaBxWcbD&si=jzJbjxXmrnYYOrr4 Or DM us for the direct link!

Are you working hard to create lasting connections through the meetings, gatherings, or events you plan? It’s time to turn those events into powerful “connection points” where your customers, clients, colleagues, or communities can truly gather and grow! As a Connection Strategy Coach, I guide planners, teams, and organizations toward more purposeful events—where every detail supports engagement, inclusion, and connection. With over 40 years of event planning experience—and 17 years since founding Candy Event Consulting—I’ve dedicated my career to coaching in-house and do-it-yourself planners to: ✨ Embrace their brilliance ✨ Activate their experience ✨ Cultivate meaningful connections through the events they plan! Candy’s game-changing strategy packages, deep-dive coaching sessions, empowering learning opportunities, and relevant planning resources help anyone planning their own events energize their efforts and experience better outcomes. Over the years it’s been my joy to share what I’ve learned through: 🎯 Moments Magazine – Event Planning Ideas + Inspiration – 10 evergreen issues 🎙️ The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners – now releasing season 5 🏗️ The Connection Architect Program – A “Connection-First” course & community I’m also the Micro Credential Creator and Facilitator for the Event Planning Professional Certificate at Alberta University of the Arts, Continuing Education & Professional Development, launched in 2025. This program supports creative entrepreneurs, artisan planners, and community builders to plan events better! I love to travel the world but always return home to Calgary, Alberta, near the beautiful Canadian Rockies—a favourite family playground and a constant source of inspiration. If you’re ready to plan with more confidence and build connection points through the events you’re planning - reach out! With you on the planning journey, Lisa Gareau 📧 Lisa@CandyConsulting.ca Connection Strategy Coach | Founder, Candy Event Consulting 🌐 CandyConsulting.ca | LisaGareau.ca | TheConnectionArchitect.ca

I'm coming into September with so much gratitude for my family, friends, and our Candy circle of caring clients, community, and connections. I have felt your care, concern, and continued support over what became a difficult summer that included saying a final goodbye to my mom who passed on July 27. This summer it was also important for me to get good at "letting go" AND "leaning in" simultaneously. I was reminded of the power of "now" and felt the peace that comes from "releasing the results". (Thanks to Furkhan for that one!) This video is my way of saying thank you ... and my opportunity tell you about a few things that have been brewing behind the scenes in Candy land - Candy Event Consulting : Empowering Purposeful Planners. • New conversations are being released for Season 5 (2025-2026) of The Connector Next Door Podcast for Event Planners. Check them out here: https://theconnectornextdoor.buzzsprout.com/ • The Connection Architect Program will return this Fall and will include full 30-day cohorts and fast track weekend learning opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca/ • Registration is OPEN for the 5 Microcredential Course I created for Alberta University of the Arts! (Eeek!) Register when you're ready here: https://www.auarts.ca/continuing-education/professional-development/professional-certificates/event-planning-professional-certificate This Fall I'm also opening the door again for new coaching clients and event strategy sessions. These sessions can be game-changers at any stage in your planning! If you, your team, or organization could use support as you plan and promote events for yourself, your business, your organization, or group, I invite you to link through here to book a virtual visit with me to explore the possibilities. https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min I look forward to connecting - or reconnecting - and helping you realize what's possible in your planning! PS. In the video I mention that I recorded a conversation with my mom - a true visionary and natural connector - in 2021 when she turned 89. You can listen in here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/e

We’re so proud to be partnering with @albertauarts to bring a brand NEW approach to #eventplanning training! @lisagareau_connectioncoach created 5 #microcredentials geared for anyone wanting to add event planning to their skill set! 🤓😁😀 Watch for launch details at AUArts.ca/microcredentials

After over a year of course creation and community collaboration, @lisagareau_connectioncoach is so excited to let you know that the 5 online micro credentials that she developed for Alberta University of the Arts are almost ready to launch! Today, she’s down at the Calgary EXPO with the AUArts team to let people know that “their dreams don’t belong in boxes” - and to share how YOU can get the skills you want whenever you’re ready … from anywhere! If you know anything about Lisa and her “artisan approach” to event planning, the personal and professional risk she took to start Candy Event Consulting, and her belief that anyone can learn to plan or promote events for their customers, clients, core teams, or community members … you know these micro credentials will be jammed packed with goodness and great learning for ALL! As I was creating these event planning micro credentials I felt compelled to not only add as much information as I could - but even more importantly - to share what has changed in event planning and how we can continue to embrace change that’s coming. If you’re at Calgary Expo today pop by and we can tell you more. If you’re not here link through to learn more. https://auarts.ca/continuing-education/professional-development/micro-credentials OR if you want to chat about how adding event planning to your set of skills can help you move forward in your life and work and life - reach out to me here! Remember “Your Dreams Don’t Belong in a Box” … but only you can set them free!

Here at Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo with Heidi Brandley and the AUArts volunteers to share about the many AUArts Micro Credentials - including the 5 I developed all about event planning! “Stand out from the crowd. Learn sought-after, career defining skills in ten weeks or less. AUArts Micro Credentials are a flexible, affordable way to learn practical real-world skills and amplify your career.” Learn more here! https://auarts.ca/continuing-education/professional-development/micro-credentials Alberta University of the Arts @albertauarts & Candy Event Consulting : Empowering Purposeful Planners @candyeventconsulting

Posted @withregram • @yycaap 💥💥 SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT 💥💥 We are pleased to welcome @candyeventconsulting back to #CAPS2025 Today is the last day to purchase tickets to join Calgary’s largest administrative professional’s conference. Reserve your spot at link in bio.

TODAY! Happy to be hosting ImpactUp: HOLD FAST - A Changemaker's Meetup in Calgary! 🎉 You can still register here to join us starting at 6:30 pm 😃 https://lu.ma/9srwu3zs The Staples Studio (2nd Floor) in Calgary's University District will be where Candy Founder @lisagareau_connectioncoach + co-host Marcela Zafra will host "ImpactUp: Hold Fast" - welcoming special guests @therealchristianortiz Christian Ortiz ✊🏽 + @gracegeeart Grace Gee ... to inspire the room of community, business, non-profit - and all-around amazing - local changemakers! Thanks to Jon McCoy @jonforgood + Becky Endicott @beckyforgood of @weareforgood We Are For Good for bringing ImpactUp* to life and for making a meaningful way for changemakers to start conversations that could change the way we connect and create community! PLUS!! DYK there is global ImpactUp conversation happening right NOW? Listen in by linking through here! https://www.airmeet.com/e/197776a0-fe90-11ef-a75d-4d1cbc045d38?code=6bce2e52-fd60-474d-9405-5b7053059ccf DM us for the link! 🎉

Thank you to our "ImpactUp: HOLD FAST - A Changemaker's Meetup in Calgary" venue partner ... Staples Studio! "Located in the heart of the #UniversityDistrictyyc , #StaplesStudioCalgary is unlike any space you’ve experienced before. We invite you to join us for #impactup and get a peak into this versatile #yyccommunity and explore their amenities from meeting rooms to podcast booths. With private offices, dedicated desks, and flexible workspaces, this Studio is ideal for entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, and community groups. Reach out to Tom Kenney at Thomas.Kenney@staples.ca to learn more and start your membership." https://studio-calgary.staples.ca/home?&v=4.0.800 Save your seat for our next ImpactUp meeting on April 10 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm mst here! https://lu.ma/9srwu3zs PS The University District Staples Studio is the new home of @candyeventconsulting : Empowering Purposeful Planners! We'd love to have you come by for a visit anytime! Contact me to set up a time at Lisa@CandyConsulting.ca

Is what you’ve been doing in the past not working for you anymore? As you look to rethink or ramp up your planning it might be time to learn what you need to shake off and where and how to skill up in your event planning work!   Listen in to “ Candy’s Short Guide to Expanding Your Skills” - part of “Candy’s Short Guides to Learning” online teaching series - on our Candy Youtube channel here!   https://youtu.be/dpMNeiEHj7Y?si=vwXCCLLdOBUJZqlM … or visit www.CandyConsulting.ca/Guides to get the link!   { This presentation was recorded with a group LIVE on Zoom on Thursday, April 21, 2022. You can find the links to ALL Candy’s Short Guides to Learning replays here: www.CandyConsulting.ca/Guides }   • • • • •    🤓 BTW at the 6-8 minute mark Candy Founder and Connection Strategy Coach, Lisa Gareau shares how - if we get clear about the problem we’re trying to solve - we can apply our experiences to enhance our planning.   @lisagareau_connectioncoach recently used this concept to ground her new book “Event Planning from the Inside Out: Embrace Your Experiences & Enhance Your Planning”. Learn more and get your FREE copy here: https://www.CandyConsulting.ca/Resources

Since 2008 it’s been our job - and joy! - to empower purposeful event planners to … > embrace their brilliance, > activate their experience, & > cultivate meaningful connections … with their clients, customers, core teams, or community members through the events they plan! And we’re here for you - and your team - too! Visit us at www.CandyConsulting.ca to learn how!

Join @marcelazafra and @lisagareau_connectioncoach for the Calgary Local Meetup of #ImpactUp 🎉 https://lu.ma/9srwu3zs ​ImpactUp is the quarterly gathering of nonprofit changemakers, created by We Are For Good @weareforgood , and we’re bringing the energy to #Calgary #yyc 😄 ​This meetup is all about #connection, meaningful #conversations, and building #community with fellow #changemakers. ​About our theme - Hold Fast. In times of rapid change, how do we stay grounded? Together, we’ll explore: ​✅ Getting clear on what we can control ✅ Using our voices and networks to drive impact ✅ Leaning into community as our anchor ​Help us spread the word—share this post, then bring your colleagues, social impact friends, and fellow do-gooders to the conversation. Community is everything! And we can't become a true, strong community with out YOU! Here's your link to save your seat for our local Calgary FREE meetup in Candy's new home in Staples Studios Inc. located in the budding, buzzing #universitydistrictyyc in Calgary's NW ... https://lu.ma/9srwu3zs We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌 ​PS Maximize your experience! Be sure to tune into the ImpactUp livestream hosted by @jonforgood and @beckyforgood even more insights. Register for free at weareforgood.com/impactup.

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach Here we go again - gathering changemakers in Calgary! 😀 #calgaryalberta #yycliving #yyccommunityevents #yyccommunity #yycbusiness #yycvolunteer Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, Local Changemaker? DM us for more info and the link to register for free! JOIN Marcela Zafra and I - @lisagareau_connectioncoach @candyeventconsulting - on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm mst at the new Staples Studio in Calgary’s University District! 🎉 @staplescanada @staplesstudiocanada @staples.studios #universitydistrictyyc #calgary #yyc Part of a Grounded and Growing Movement by @jonforgood & @beckyforgood at @weareforgood 😊

Here we go again - gathering changemakers in Calgary! Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, Local Changemaker? JOIN US on April 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm mst at the new Staples Studio in Calgary’s University District! 🎉 DM US for the LINK to join in FREE! Co-host: Lisa Gareau @lisagareau_connectioncoach / Co-host: Marcela Zafra @marcelazafra / @jonforgood & @beckyforgood @weareforgood

Happy Birthday to #mygirl @journee_live ❤️ I can’t imagine this beautiful life without you! 😘 #keepshining #birthdaygirl

Posted @withregram • @weareforgood 📣 SPEAKER REVEAL! (Part 1) ImpactUp: Hold Fast ⚓✨ It’s time for changemakers to Hold Fast—to anchor in stability, recovery + rhythms that lead to thrivability, not just survivability. Join us April 10 for We Are For Good’s next ImpactUp Summit, where bold leaders + coaches are future-proofing missions with resilience, authenticity + community. And they’re sharing their playbook! Expect actionable workshops, live coaching to get unstuck, community activation tables + more. Meet the seriously good humans headlining ImpactUp 👇 Keynote + Workshop 🏗️🤝 ✨ @bjrichiebabbage Coaches 🛟💪 👉 @iarapeng | JustFund 👉 Ori Carmel | Sowen 👉 @ty_spells | Stand Together Foundation 👉 @mikeduerksen | BuildGood 👉 @obiekweokolo | BitterSweet Creative 👉 Hali Lee | Radiant Strategies 👉 @lindsey_fuller_williams | The Teaching Well 👉 @scottmcurran | Beyond Advisers ✨ Free virtual summit - April 10. ✨ For bold leaders like you. ✨ Get grounded + fueled for what’s next. Register now 👉(link in bio) #impactuprising

It was summer 2022 when I - @lisagareau_connectioncoach - met @thesoberprofessorphd and @thematurescholar and the amazing - just emerging team - at Recovery on Campus (ROC) @rocalberta Not only did we meet but I have been working with them as their Connection Strategy Coach through @candyeventconsulting ever since. Even though I have been an advocate for offering alternatives to alcoholic beverages at events for as long as I have been planning events - 40+ years - I still have a lot to learn about substance sensitive events! In the last almost 3 years working with the ROC team, I have been learning even more about WHY planning substance-free, recovery-friendly, on campus events is not only a nice to have but an absolute "MUST" in event planning conversations moving forward. Not sure where to start and how to find the WHY for yourself and/or your team as you're planning more inclusive events? Recovery on Campus and The #UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC) have put together this interactive, informative session with YOU in mind! @ucalgary_wedorecover Your next opportunity to take their "The Recovery Ally Training" is online on March 19, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm mst. Register for free here: https://events.ucalgary.ca/recovery-community/event/486620-recovery-ally-training ROC/UCRC Program Manager, Chelsie Graham says, "The Recovery Ally Training is a two-hour interactive session designed for post-secondary campus members and community members who want to better understand addiction and recovery through an all-pathways approach. This training explores different models of addiction, the various ways individuals find and sustain recovery, and the concept of Recovery Capital, which includes the personal, social, and community resources that support long-term recovery. Participants will also engage in discussions about stigma and bias, how they impact people in recovery, and the role of Collegiate Recovery programs in creating supportive environments on campus. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to be effective Recovery Allies, helping to foster a more inclusive and recovery-friendly campus culture."

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach @internationalwomensday_global On this International Women’s Day know you CAN do what you need to do to. You’re stronger than you think. 💪🏼 #findyourpeace #findyourplace #findyourpower

A new episode of @theconnectionarchitect podcast for planners - The Connector Next Door - getting ready to take flight. (And so is @lisagareau_connectioncoach 😉) ✈️ www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast 🤓

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect Meet Mallory Erickson, Fundraising Disruptor, Alignment Advocate, and Natural Connector! @_malloryerickson Mallory Erickson helps nonprofits feel better, do better, and raise more from the right funders so they can stop hounding people for money. Several years ago, as an Executive Director, Mallory turned the organization she was working with from a 300K dollar organization to into 3-million-dollar one thanks to working 70 hours a week to keep everything afloat. She was driven by the dream to make a positive impact in this world, but she didn’t know how to get off the hamster wheel. Times have changed, but the best practices for the sector have stayed the same. When we look deeper, with openness and honesty, we’ll see those “best practices” just aren’t working anymore. Mallory believes to her core that the nonprofit sector can solve the problems of the world, but now believes in order to do this we must be ready to change. Mallory says, “By adopting new ways of fundraising and operating we will not only change how much we can fundraise, but we’ll change the way we feel about fundraising too!” Her recently released book, "What The Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose" challenges the scarcity mindset in the sector and offers a path to sustainable, joyful fundraising. @whatthefundraising_ To keep her focus, Mallory holds tight to her core values: Courage, Curiosity, Vulnerability, Imperfection, Alignment, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In our conversation Mallory shared the reason why “Alignment” – specifically – is such an important value. “The value of alignment is that we get to show up and be visible in alignment with our core values. We also get to be honest and reflective when things feel out of alignment. Being true to ourselves is key to sustainable fundraising success.” Listen in to my lively conversation with Mallory by linking through here! www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast

Join us TOMORROW for our in-person meetup where Calgary changemakers will discuss the global #impactup theme of “MULTIPLY: Unlocking the power of community to multiply your impact.”* ☺️ If you are in the Calgary area join me and a small group of changemakers at the beautiful community hub by Carya - Village Commons - in Calgary’s East Village from 6-8 PM* MST. It’s FREE ... simply register here - https://lu.ma/11e0a3gr - and we’ll see you there! DM @candyeventconsulting or @lisagareau_connectioncoach for a link to this poster and for the links to register!

Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, and/or Local Changemaker in Calgary? This Thursday - January 23 - I'm excited to host an in-person meetup where Calgary changemakers will discuss the global #impactup theme of “MULTIPLY: Unlocking the power of community to multiply your impact.”* ☺️ If you are in the Calgary area join me and a small group of changemakers at the beautiful community hub by Carya - Village Commons - in Calgary’s East Village from 6-8 PM* MST. It's FREE ... simply register here - https://lu.ma/11e0a3gr - and we'll see you there! DM us for a link to this poster and for the links to register! { *This FREE quarterly worldwide gathering of changemakers was created by Jon McCoy @jonforgood , Becky Endicott @beckyforgood , and the curious, kind, and connection-focused team at We Are For Good @weareforgood 🥰 Learn more and sign up for the global livestream here: https://www.weareforgood.com/impactup }

Good morning #Calgary 💓 #yycskies

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach Through four decades of planning and promoting events, I've learned to embrace my life experiences as a source of inspiration for my work. For over 16 years - it's been my job - and *JOY* - to encourage everyday event planners to embrace their experiences so they can enhance their event planning activities too. As you gear up for another year of planning your own events, I invite you to download my story-filled, heart-centered book - "Event Planning from the Inside Out: Embrace Your Experiences & Enhance Your Planning". Reading and reflecting on "Candy's 5 Keys of Event Planning" in this way might be just what you need to embrace YOUR experiences so you can enhance YOUR planning! Simply link through to download your copy of my book for FREE (no signup required) on our Candy website here: www.CandyConsulting.ca/Resources ... or DM me for the link. 😀 I can't wait to help you embrace your experiences so YOU can enhance your planning! 💖 Want to explore what's possible as you plan and promote your own events this year? Let’s connect! www.CandyConsulting.ca/Clarity Published by @candyeventconsulting : Making Your Team Stronger • Content collaboration with Executive Support Media @executivesupportmagazine @executivesupportmedia • Coloring Book* Art by Dean Stanton @deanstanton1 *Yes! Get out your pencil crayons as you work through the 5 Keys of Event Planning in this special publication!

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect My conversation with Artist, AI Ethicist, Tenacious Truth-teller, and Natural Connector, Christian Ortiz ✊🏽 @therealchristianortiz is just the conversation for "such a time as this". I invite you to link through, listen in, and be open to learning more about how you can create a more inclusive world around you ... and in the events you plan! The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners - Season 4, Episode 8 www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast • • • • • Christian Ortiz is a multifaceted American talent based out of Denver, Colorado, known for his groundbreaking work as a filmmaker, musician, photographer, artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He has been bridging creativity and business for years, specializing in helping creatives build sustainable businesses while empowering companies to create meaningful, impactful brands. Through his innovative social media management company – Mod Atlas Media @mod_atlas_media – Christian has helped hundreds of brands align their digital presence with their core values, fostering growth that is both innovative and socially responsible. Christian is on a mission to transform the tech industry by embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into its very core. He’s not just a tech entrepreneur—He’s a global advocate for social justice, using the power of AI and creative innovation to drive real change. His passion to see change led him to develop Justice AI an AI-driven solutions that was created to dismantle systemic biases. Justice AI is a tool designed to promote fairness and equity within corporate environments, ensuring businesses not only grow but grow ethically and inclusively. @justice.a.i Christian is mobilizing social activists, creatives, and tech innovators to reshape the tech landscape into one that reflects and amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities. In our conversation today Christian shares his belief that we can enjoy a future where technology serves everyone and that – when working together – we can all see that vision become a reality!

What fun to learn more about and (lightly) support the team of passionate planners at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) @sait who have created the shiny new SAIT Women in Business Club over the last few months. @sait_wib They truly understand that events can become "connection points" and started off yesterday evening with a High Tea Networking Event. The event was designed to "bridge the gap between industry leaders who focus on the growth of women and eager students in a fun, fresh way." ... and it did just that! Even I left energized and excited to see what the club - of already almost 200 members - will create in the months to come! #community #empowerment #inclusivity Congratulations to club president Silve Rahman, and team members Queen Abia, Beatrice Balas, Josh Johal, Nathalia Moraes Xavier, and Merryl Louise Dela Masa for putting together such a special launch! Special shout out to my friend and colleague Melissa Martin who has committed to the success of the team and continued growth of the club. #representationmatters #womeninbusiness #growingtogether #buildconnectionpoints #candyeventconsulting #lifeiswhatyoumakeit

"Kevin (Bacon) and I have always been centred on 'connection is important'. People don't just like connection - we actually *need* it as human beings. Creating ways that people can plug into community organizations and show up - feel that sense of joy, belonging, and connection - is really powerful. That gets people from just doing things once to being an ongoing volunteer, board member, donor, supporter, sharing things online ... feeling engaged ... feeling they are part of something." - Stacy Huston, Impactful Storyteller, Compassionate Changemaker, and Natural Connector. (Season 4, Episode 7 The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners) Stacy is the Executive Director of http://www.SixDegrees.Org, a nonprofit founded by actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon that uses social networking to amplify the unsung heroes and causes in communities everywhere. Listen in to my conversation with Stacy on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/episodes/16363814 Want more? I've posted the *uncut* Zoom recording of our conversation on the Candy Event Consulting : Making Your Team Stronger Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/hTkOIsHQhOI?si=_ViaMshUQufN6AQx Curious about the work of SixDegrees.Org? Visit https://www.sixdegrees.org/about Kevin Bacon: The Untold Story Behind SixDegrees.Org: https://youtu.be/Q_t9Z2gxHf4?si=IMuR8wSHXNCyElsW

Hey Changemaker! It’s time to unlock the power of community to MULTIPLY your impact. 😀 Join We Are For Good Founders Jon McCoy @jonforgood and Becky Endicott, CFRE @beckyforgood online ... and local hosts around the world - like Calgary-local, Candy Founder Lisa Gareau @lisagareau_connectioncoach - in-person on Thursday, January 23 as - together - we continue to build an Impact Uprising! @weareforgood ImpactUp is the quarterly gathering of disrupters, changemakers, nonprofiteers + social impact champions who gear up for one day, leaning into one theme, ready to have one big - impactful - convo. DM us for details!

Hey Changemaker! It’s time to unlock the power of community to MULTIPLY your impact. 😀 Join We Are For Good Founders Jon McCoy @jonforgood and Becky Endicott, CFRE @beckyforgood online ... and local hosts around the world - like Calgary-local, Candy Founder Lisa Gareau @lisagareau_connectioncoach - in-person on Thursday, January 23 as - together - we continue to build an Impact Uprising! @weareforgood ImpactUp is the quarterly gathering of disrupters, changemakers, nonprofiteers + social impact champions who gear up for one day, leaning into one theme, ready to have one big - impactful - convo. DM us for details!

Hey Changemaker! It’s time to unlock the power of community to MULTIPLY your impact. 😀 Join We Are For Good @weareforgood Founders @jonforgood Jon McCoy and @beckyforgood Becky Endicott, CFRE online ... and local hosts around the world - like Calgary-local, Candy Founder @lisagareau_connectioncoach Lisa Gareau - in-person on Thursday, January 23 as - together - we continue to build an Impact Uprising! ImpactUp is the quarterly gathering of disrupters, changemakers, nonprofiteers + social impact champions who gear up for one day, leaning into one theme, ready to have one big - impactful - convo. DM for details!

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect Looking to spend your New Years Eve reflecting on your the last year and being inspired toward a new - more connected - one? @thestacyhuston Stacy Huston, Impactful Storyteller, Compassionate Changemaker, and Natural Connector will give you lots to consider as she shares about her work with SixDegrees.Org with actor Kevin Bacon ... and unpacks her transformative CRAFT Method ... in the latest episode of The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners here! www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast Stacy Huston is a visionary leader in social impact, known for her innovative, purpose-driven approach to philanthropy. I first learned of Stacy in her work as the Executive Director of @sixdegreesofkb , a nonprofit founded by actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon that uses social networking to amplify the unsung heroes and causes in communities everywhere. With over eight years of experience in this role, she continues to lead the organization’s mission to connect people to critical resources, sharing stories from changemakers, and leveraging the power of celebrity to make a positive impact. As an extension of this work Stacy co-created and is the Executive Producer of the #1 nonprofit podcast in the country, ‘Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon’, which features guests from different fields and backgrounds who are making a difference in the world, alongside the celebrities that champion them. In 2023 Stacy founded Entertain Change. As the CEO, Stacy spearheads impactful collaborations between entertainers and organizations, working with major entities like Peacock, Warner Bros, and the ACLU. Creator of the CRAFT Method™ she works with groups to build deeper and more meaningful engagement through a 5-step principled approach. This Fall Stacy crafted and delivered a talk at TEDxFargo – based on her CRAFT Method™ - called “A Hands-on Approach to Remodeling Society”. In our conversation today Stacy shares her thoughts on how we can prioritize human connection by choosing compassion over comfort, and remodel ourselves and our communities through simple, intentional actions that foster deeper connections.

My 2024 word of the year was EASE. 2024 wasn’t EASY … but as inspiring people and infinite possibilities came my way, I was reminded to “receive” and allow the year of EASE to unfold! To those of you that intersected with my story and inspired my journey this year, THANK YOU. I see you - giving everything that you are to your work, inspiring others by your leadership, and being an example of what connection and community really means. Your work, leadership, and example have – in turn – encouraged me to keep leaning into my work, leading in new ways, and setting an example of how events CAN become meaningful “connection points” where communities can gather and grow. I’m excited to see the broader shift toward care and connection in the events world. But building events with a “Connection First” foundation won’t happen by chance. We all have to work, lead, and show up every day ready to make a difference! My word for 2025 – SOAR – will be a reminder to ramp up in relationship with others, rise above the negative noise, and ready myself for the winds of change. With all my heart I wish you ALL the best now and in the New Year! • • • • • PS. I have made my book “Event Planning from the Inside Out: Embrace Your Experiences & Enhance Your Planning” FREE to download whenever you're ready for some planning inspiration. Simply link through here to get your copy https://www.candyconsulting.ca/resources Enjoy! 💝 • • • • •

#candycolored #mountainviews near #lakeminnewankabanff 😍

I love it when my word of the year “arrives”! I’m ready to SOAR into - and through - 2025! #lettinggo #liftingoff

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect I feel I got to know author B. Jeffrey Madoff when reading his book “Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas”. @acreativecareer @jeff_madoff @bjeffreymadoff @madoffproductions It was one on my pile of library books I had gathered for an event planning course I’ve been developing for creatives. On the faculty at Parsons School for Design, Jeffrey taught a course he developed called “Creativity: Making a Living with Your Ideas”. I’m grateful he put many of the concepts and conversations from his course into his book so creatives like me – who don’t have the opportunity to participate in his course – can still learn from his journey as a creative. Jeffrey began his career as a fashion designer. He was chosen one of the top 10 designers in the U.S. then switched careers to film and video production as the Founder & CEO of Madoff Productions. Jeffrey edited and directed award winning commercials, documentaries and web content around the world for clients such as Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, Tiffany, Radio City, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Harvard University, and Weill Cornell Medical College. Jeffrey’s current creative expressions is as Playwright and Lead Producer of “Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical” celebrating one of the most resilient and influential entertainers of our time, Lloyd “Mr. Personality” Price. In our conversation today it’s interesting to hear how – instead of using the word “connection” Jeffrey uses the word “relationship” saying, “When you build a relationship, you’re building trust.” We both agreed it’s “trust” that opens the door to new conversations, projects, ideas, and spaces where we can be ourselves. DM me for the link to listen in to my conversation with B. Jeffrey Madoff, Relationship Builder, Resourceful Creative, and Natural Connector on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners! >>> www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast

#repost @weareforgood 🚨ImpactUp Theme Announcement! “We asked. Community spoke. January theme: Community-Building 👫X👫 Coming to you 1.23.25 (or 1-2-3, for short 😉) We’re calling it ImpactUp: MULTIPLY - unlocking the superpower of community to fuel, grow + sustain your mission. Here’s the thing, we see the potential of going beyond simply adding fans to your mission - particularly when you can multiply them. And the resulting scale influences more than you could ever imagine: funding x story x volunteers x awareness x partnerships x amplification x influence x loyalty x trust. Listen + Learn with us ✅ Build a community of belonging that scales ✅ Stoke next-level engagement ✅ Sustain + grow energy and involvement ✅ Case studies of who’s slaying it right now ✅ Integrating rest + wellness into the process Why does Community-Building matter? Because as our final core value says it best: Community is everything. And its collective power moves us in the same direction. It ensures no one journeys alone. So start the day with community. And we’ll help you multiply in these areas. There is hope in multiplication. We’re moving the sector from staff-led dependency to community-led vibrancy. Registration is open! Grab your seat - it’s FREE!” 👉 weareforgood.com/impactup

Leaving the Candy #coworkdesk @cspace.mardaloop and heading home under #candycoloured skies. 💗 #yycskies #calgarylife #mardaloopyyc

It's almost time for Candy's SWEET 16 Virtual Disco Party this Friday! But first ... it's time to reflect ... and reintroduce myself! 👋 I am a life-long event planner - starting to "officially" plan events when I was 13 - and have been a Connection Strategy Coach for 16 years. This photo was taken just as I was launching @candyeventconsulting in 2008 from my then-home #winnipegmanitobacanada. This smile signified the end of playing small and the beginning of my life's work of serving and supporting anyone planning or promoting their own events for their business, organization, or group. 2020 brought me even deeper into my passion to help planners build events with a "Connection-First" foundation through a ground-breaking course and community called @theconnectionarchitect . ... and the "What does connection mean to you?" conversations that started on my podcast in 2021 continue to inspire me - and everyday event planners - in what is now Season 4 of The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners. 2024 brought a new joyful challenge to create an asynchronous course for @albertauarts which is geared for creatives - of all kinds - who want to apply their creative skills in the events world! I believe we are all creative and that when we apply an "artisan" approach to event planning we will inevitably connect better with ourselves, our purpose, our environment, our teams, and those we wish to serve through the events we plan. It's with enormous gratitude that I invite you to join us to celebrate Candy's SWEET 16 on Dec 6 - this Fri from 4-5 PM MST!* The events - or as I say, "connection points" - you are creating for your teams, customers, clients, or community members matter. Your work as an event planner can be the catalyst to more connected communities. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, trusted the vision, participated in a workshop, contributed to a resource, AND to those of you who continue to connect others through events you plan. *DM me for the link and I'll look forward to celebrating the events you're planning, connections you're making through those events, and - of course - the SWEET 16 years of Candy. See you Friday!

Are you planning or promoting events for your biz, org, or group? Looking for some Friday night inspo? 💫 Listen in to the conversation between @lisagareau_connectioncoach and Authenticity Coach and Be You Disco Founder Carolina Panoff on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Event Planners here! @beyoudisco @beyoudisco.teams @theconnectionarchitect 😌 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/episodes/16189056 … or DM us for the link!

Posted @withregram • @rocalberta This week we celebrate ‘National Addictions Awareness Week’ as we aim to break the stigma surrounding addiction and celebrate those on the journey towards recovery as we build a society that offers help, support and learning towards all in need. Together we can all make a difference! Keep an eye on our stories this week as we post about some myths, facts and statistics surrounding addictions and its awareness! #Recovery #NationalAddictionsAwarenessWeek #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionAwareness #Awareness

Candy’s Turning SWEET 16! Since founding Candy Event Consulting in 2008 I have had the job - and JOY - of serving and supporting in-house, do-it-yourself event planners with connection-focused coaching, interactive workshops, and relevant resources. I am so grateful for each one who has been part of our Candy journey as a core team member, a community contributor, or as one of our treasured clients. It’s been Candy’s diverse, dedicated, and dynamic community that has helped her stay grounded and growing over all these years! It’s with a world of gratitude that I invite you to share in this sweet milestone as we gather to celebrate via Zoom on Friday December 6 from 4-5 pm MST (3-4 pm PST / 5-6 pm CST / 7-8 pm AST / 7:30-8:30 pm NST). In our hour together, we will reflect, reconnect, and reenergize with a vibrant virtual disco party expertly facilitated by Carolina Panoff, Founder of “Be You Disco” beaming in from beautiful Florida. Carolina will bring her combination of movement, meditation, coaching, and dance into a transformative experience that will uplift, inspire, and increase our mental and emotional health. Be You Disco is the next generation of corporate wellness and team building and we’ll get to experience a taste of the Be You Disco experience! Simply DM us here, we'll send you the link, and Zoom will send you the party link to join in for free. I can’t wait to celebrate with you! @lisagareau_connectioncoach Connection Strategy Coach and Candy Founder www.CandyConsulting.ca • www.LisaGareau.ca Learn more about Be You Disco at www.BeYouDisco.com @beyoudisco @beyoudisco.teams

Posted @withregram • @tukoda_productions You will walk away with skills that can transform how you plan and execute events, making them more inclusive and impactful. Register using the link in the bio.

3 things that helped me make the most of my morning. 🧢 ☕ 💬 Choosing my @thesinners2saints hat to cover my #snoozebutton #bedhead, a random inspirational mug from the @cspace.mardaloop tenant's kitchen (and a latte from @aromacafebaryyc) 😘 , and a kind comment from my coaching client after I apologized for the hat ... "If all you need is a hat to help you through the day, that's pretty good." 😋 In reality these 3 things represent three things that I love about my world and my work as a Connection Strategy Coach... 1. The inspiration I get from learning about local artisans (Love my hat that I got last year from this fun local brand ... you can find them at @marketcollective) 2. A creative and community-focused place to work (my co-working desk is in one of the most beautiful arts hubs in Calgary @cspace.projects) 3. My purpose-driven @candyeventconsulting clients who care just as much - maybe even more! - about people as they do the projects and events they are working so hard to plan. 🥰 #grateful #gatheringmyself #givingitmyall #lisagareau_connectioncoach 😊#eventcoaching #entrepreneurmindset #toolsofthetrade #takingamoment #gettingthroughtheday #womanpower

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect Mike Morrison @mikesbloggity is the leader and the founder of SocialNext, a premier digital marketing event organization that hosts some of Canada’s most influential conferences, including SocialWest, SocialEast, SocialPacific, and SocialNext: Toronto. @socialwest @socialeastca @socialpacificca @socialnextca With a passion for fostering community and professional growth, Mike has dedicated his career to curating events that bring together digital marketers, industry leaders, and innovators from across the country. Known for his keen insight into digital marketing trends, Mike’s expertise lies in crafting immersive event experiences that blend cutting-edge content with inclusive networking opportunities. His hands-on approach ensures that every SocialNext event delivers practical strategies, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable takeaways, tailored to the evolving needs of attendees. Mike’s commitment to accessibility sets his events apart—removing VIP barriers and providing equal opportunities for learning and growth. Through his work, he continues to champion diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in the event space, while also embracing innovation in areas like AI, influencer marketing, and creative storytelling. Whether it’s organizing a sold-out conference or designing new ways for attendees to connect, Mike brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and passion to event planning, making him a sought-after voice in the industry. Buckle up for a master class in engaging, surprising, and delighting your guests. You won’t regret taking the 57:53 minutes to tune in and learn from Mike - a master diy event planner!

After being down for the count with covid, managing the messy middle of course creation, and riding the wave of a family wedding last week - I'm "back at the board". 🤓 There are few places I feel totally immersed and inspired. Coaching individuals and teams to build better connections through the events they plan is one of them. 🥰 Are you planning and promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Check out how Candy Event Consulting : Making Your Team Stronger can help make you and your team stronger ... and more connected to your customers, clients, core team, or community members! 😁 www.CandyConsulting.ca • www.LisaGareau.ca • www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca

What a gift to partner with the great people at @weareforgood Are For Good to help #community #changemakers and #socialimpact leaders together to have meaningful conversations at #impactup centred around the theme of "PAUSE" in alignment with #worldmentalhealthday yesterday. All around the world changemakers enjoyed a full day virtual event hosted by @jonforgood and @beckyforgood 👏 Then 29 diverse cities around the world were the scene of deeper, local conversations where we discussed how to find the "power in the pause" and talk about our mental health - together. In our corner of the world - here in #Calgary - we gathered around snacks, stories, and squishy hearts. 🥰 Thanks to the beautiful Ila Edgar @bigc.hange for the homemade hearts, for sharing your journey to "spaciousness" in your life, and for the challenge you gave us to sit with the discomfort in our attempts to "pause". Some from our group were actively working in the non-profit sector and feeling the need to pause, others had taken much needed time away from what became toxic workplaces, still others have now found their way to practicing the pause even when it's uncomfortable. One of the most impactful aspects to the evening for me was a surprise guest who saw the poster for our meetup and choose to attend. He is someone who is currently living homeless, was recently incarcerated, and shared openly that during that "pause" for him he learned to mediate, breathe, and was inspired to continue his art. He wanted to sit in with our group as he has dreams of starting a non-profit to encourage others to embrace their artistic side. It was not lost on me that when we were discussing our inability to put down our phones to "pause" this kind man was living without one and without many of the "distractions" we love to hate. Even with the disparity of our worlds it was an opportunity to see one another as the humans we are. As I gathered up a goodie bag for him at the end he expressed his gratefulness for the welcome he received by the whole group, "It was nice to feel welcome". Thank you to all who chose to attend, share your experiences, and open your hearts to the humanity of others. ❤️

We’re officially live and are ready to kick off a day of connection, reflection, and wellness! 🥳 There’s still time to join us. Sign up to join the livestream at weareforgood.com/impactup (it’s free!). P.S. If you have already signed up but can’t find the link, search for “notifications@airmeetevents.com” in your email. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder, too! If you need help, please send us an email to hello@weareforgood.com. #ImapctUp #Pause #CommunityIsEverything #WorldMentalHealthDay

It’s time to build cultures of wellbeing from the inside-out and we want YOU to PAUSE with us. DM us for links to learn more about the We Are For Good Community, the Impact Uprising movement, and to register for the world-wide virtual event, and/or join us for our in-person gathering in Calgary on October 10 from 6-8 PM thanks to our meetup venue host Kids Up Front Calgary . @kidsupfrontcalg @kahanoffcentre @candyeventconsulting @lisagareau_connectioncoach @bigc.hange Together we’re getting ready to build an Impact Uprising with @weareforgood … Are you with us? 😀

We Are For Good is getting ready to build an Impact Uprising - around the world - THIS Thursday ... in 2 more sleeps! Use this link to save one of the last seats for our #impactup in-person meetup* right here in Calgary! 🙄 OR DM us! 😁 https://www.weareforgood.com/impactup-local-meetup *Seats are free but limited. Link through to save yours! 😃 #impactup Calgary is powered by these amazing partners! 🥰 Jon McCoy, CFRE @jonforgood Becky Endicott, CFRE @beckyforgood Ila Edgar @bigc.hange Nicky Nash @thenickynash Kids Up Front Calgary @kidsupfrontcalg The Kahanoff Centre @kahanoffcentre Candy Event Consulting : Making Your Team Stronger @candyeventconsulting Lisa Gareau @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, Local Changemaker? We’re excited to welcome you to ImpactUp - the quarterly gathering of the We Are For Good Community where caring community changemakers meet virtually by day to start convos and then continue discussions in local meetups around the world. One day. One theme. One bigger convo ... and an even bigger impact! On October 10 we are aligning with World Mental Health Day, for ImpactUp: PAUSE. It’s time to build cultures of wellbeing from the inside-out and we want YOU to PAUSE with us. DM us for links to learn more about the We Are For Good Community, the Impact Uprising movement, and to register for the world-wide virtual event, and/or join us for our in-person gathering in Calgary on October 10 from 6-8 PM thanks to our meetup venue host Kids Up Front Calgary . @kidsupfrontcalg Together we’re getting ready to build an Impact Uprising with @weareforgood … Are you with us? 😀

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, Local #yyc Changemaker? 👏 We’re excited to welcome you to ImpactUp - the quarterly gathering of the We Are For Good Community where caring community changemakers meet virtually by day to start convos and then continue discussions in local meetups around the world. One day. One theme. One bigger convo ... and an even bigger impact! 🎉 On October 10 we are aligning with World #MentalHealthDay, for #ImpactUp: PAUSE. It’s time to build cultures of wellbeing from the inside-out and we want YOU to PAUSE with us. 🧡 The We Are For Good Community headed up by @jonforgood + @beckyforgood started the Impact Uprising movement which is a world-wide virtual event. It’s followed up by local in-person discussions - including an in-person gathering here in Calgary on October 10 from 6-8 PM at The Kahanoff Centre thanks to our generous meetup venue host Kids Up Front Calgary. Special gratitude to Ila Edgar who will join us to share her story of learning to “Pause” in her own work and life. Together we’re getting ready to build an Impact Uprising. DM me for the link to learn more about the movement and/or the link to register for our free, in-person, intimate meetup of Calgary (CAL) #chanagemakers 😊 Hope to have you with us! @kahanoffcentre @kidsupfrontcalg @lisagareau_connectioncoach @candyeventconsulting @bigc.hange

Huge WELCOME to @bigc.hange Ila Edgar - a very special friend and trusted thought leader - who will be sharing her experience of "PAUSE" at the @weareforgood #impactup Calgary meetup on Oct 10. Thank you Ila for your example of an authentic approach to life ... and for your willingness to to encourage those who will be with us next Thursday evening! + You can read Ila's full reflection of her summer PAUSE here: https://www.bigchangeinc.com/ ++ If you haven't registered for the Calgary meetup yet here's the link to save your seat! https://lu.ma/5wxlybn5

Posted @withregram • @weareforgood Ready to hit pause ⏸️ on the grind? This #ImpactUp, we’re gathering on World Mental Health Day to dive into powerful conversations by day and take them to local meetups worldwide by evening🌍 Listen in as Jon + Becky share what’s coming up on October 10th and why you don’t want to miss it. It’s time to build cultures of well-being from the inside out. Grab your (free!) spot now at the link in our bio. 💡 Learn -The importance of pause and mental health in our sector -Findings from We Are For Good’s Mental Health Survey -Overview of the Impact Up gathering on October 10th

Are YOU a Social Impact Leader, Non-profit Team Member, Local Changemaker? We’re excited to welcome you to ImpactUp - the quarterly gathering of the We Are For Good Community where caring community changemakers meet virtually by day to start convos and then continue discussions in local meetups around the world. One day. One theme. One bigger convo ... and an even bigger impact! On October 10 we are aligning with World Mental Health Day, for ImpactUp: PAUSE. It’s time to build cultures of wellbeing from the inside-out and we want YOU to PAUSE with us. DM us for links to learn more about the We Are For Good Community, the Impact Uprising movement, and to register for the world-wide virtual event, and/or join us for our in-person gathering in Calgary on October 10 from 6-8 PM thanks to our meetup venue host Kids Up Front Calgary . @kidsupfrontcalg Together we’re getting ready to build an Impact Uprising with @weareforgood … Are you with us? 😀

16 years ago @lisagareau_connectioncoach had a dream, put her stake in the ground, and started a business for in-house and do-it-yourself - “everyday” - event planners who wanted to gain clarity, get connected, and grow in confidence. The Candy circle of coaching clients, workshop participants, magazine readers, podcast listeners, sweet partners, and encouraging friends have played an important part in her ability to stay grounded and have inspired her to keep going - and growing - over the years. Today she’s more motivated than ever to see everyday event planners embrace their brilliance, activate their experience, and make connections that will last for their businesses, organizations, or groups through the events they plan. Never one to miss an opportunity to celebrate a milestone, Lisa is ready to celebrate her SWEET 16 year of business on Saturday, November 16 from 6-9 PM at the recently revitalized @houseofskateyyc rink right here in Calgary ... and is excited to have YOU there! 😀 DM us for the link learn more and snag your “Sweet Roller Ticket” or a non-skater “Sweet Rinkside Ticket”! 🎉

What does it take to have an idea, "hang a shingle", hang on through tough times, and to continue to help everyday event planners to gain clarity, get connected, and grow in confidence for almost 16 years? 😮 It takes clarity of vision. 👓 It takes authentic connections. 🧩 It takes confidence that what we can uniquely offer will have a place in this world. 🧡 We're still here. We're still strong. 🌼 And we still are living the SWEET life here at @candyeventconsulting ... and getting excited to celebrate SWEET 16 with you in the next couple of months! 🥰 PS 🥳 Watch for links to join in on our Sweet 16 roller skating party on November 16 at @houseofskateyyc here in #calgary 🛼🛼🛼🛼🛼 … and/or our virtual party - with a VERY fun and exciting special guest - in December! @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Good morning #calgary 😍

"An event is not just an event, a campaign is not just a campaign ... it's so much more." 💯❤️ Jon shares his thoughts on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners - Season 4 Episode 2! 👏 You can DM us for the link ... 👍 or find the link to the episode here ... 👇 www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast or listen directly at ... 👇 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/15783227 "With a background in design – Jon McCoy @jonforgood has spent more than 15 years in the nonprofit world, starting as a graphic design intern, then marketer, and ultimately a fundraiser. A role he says – he still doesn’t really identify with – so he calls himself a “marketer disguised as a fundraiser”. In 2020 alongside two like-minded friends, Jon jumped his nonprofit job opportunities to create We Are For Good, a media company for social impact leaders. @weareforgood With a goal to disrupt the status quo, create a bigger, inclusive table for conversations and community Jon and his friends also launched a new quarterly virtual and in-person gathering called Impact Uprising - ImpactUp - with their first gatherings shaking the non-profit world this last July! Jon holds a fundamental belief that philanthropy is revolutionary in not just the impact it creates – but what it does to the hearts and minds of those who pour into their missions. Jon is co-host of the We Are For Good Podcast which debuted as #1 on Apple Podcasts in the Nonprofit category in 2020, and since then has surpassed more than 600,000 downloads and growing an audience of nonprofit leaders globally! In our conversation in this episode, it’s clear we share so many commonalities – not only are we both campers, artists, and connectors – but we both believe that anyone can make a positive impact in the world wherever they live." 🙌 The Program: @theconnectionarchitect The Host: @lisagareau_connectioncoach The Producer: @candyeventconsulting

That’s a wrap on @podsummit 2024 #podsummit2024 😁 Huge thank you to Tim Truax and his team for bringing this incredible 2 days to life. 👏🏼 I’m leaving today full of ideas for expanding my message, curious about what’s next for me as a newbie podcaster, and inspired by the connections made! #grateful #grounded #growing PS 👋🏼 You can listen in to Season 4 of the podcast for everyday event planners - The Connector Next Door - hosted by @lisagareau_connectioncoach for @theconnectionarchitect program here! 👇🏼 www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast 😁

Meet @jonforgood 😀 Jon McCoy, CFRE is a husband, father of two sets of twins, and a creative soul with a passion to make a positive impact in the world. With a background in design – Jon has spent more than 15 years in the nonprofit world, starting as a graphic design intern, then marketer, and ultimately a fundraiser. A role he says – he still doesn’t really identify with – so he calls himself a “marketer disguised as a fundraiser”. In 2020 alongside two like-minded friends, Jon jumped his nonprofit job opportunities to create We Are For Good, a media company for social impact leaders. @weareforgood With a goal to disrupt the status quo, create a bigger, inclusive table for conversations and community Jon and his friends also launched a new quarterly virtual and in-person gathering called Impact Uprising - ImpactUp - with their first gatherings shaking the non-profit world this last July! Jon holds a fundamental belief that philanthropy is revolutionary in not just the impact it creates – but what it does to the hearts and minds of those who pour into their missions. Jon is co-host of the We Are For Good Podcast which debuted as #1 on Apple Podcasts in the Nonprofit category in 2020, and since then has surpassed more than 600,000 downloads and growing an audience of nonprofit leaders globally! In our conversation today it’s clear we share so many commonalities – not only are we both campers, artists, and connectors – but we both believe that anyone can make a positive impact in the world wherever they live. It will take time and tenacity, but we can ALL to make space for each heart and mind to be heard and honoured around the world! DM us to get the link to listen in to my conversation with Jon on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners or cut and copy this link into your browser: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/15783227 @theconnectionarchitect @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Brisket for the #birthdayboy at @haydenblockyyc 🥳 Happy Birthday @timgareaumusic - love you! 😘

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect @petebombaci Pete Bombaci – and his team at @genwellproject GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement – are encouraging all Canadians not to wait to make those large, life-changing connections that we often dream about. BUT if we look for and lean into the little, everyday connections - like making eye contact, shaking a hand, or saying hello to a stranger - we’ll be 100% happier than if the connection never happened!* • • • • • Welcome my very first conversation of Season 4 with Pete - an inspiring Social Change Leader, Connection Visionary, and Natural Connector You can find Episode 1 of The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners here - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/15725459 - or wherever you get your podcasts! • • • • • Pete Bombaci is a visionary business and social change leader who believes that by doing the right thing every day, exceptional results are created. In 2016, Pete launched The GenWell Project, Canada’s Human Connection Movement, which has recently become more relevant than ever. The mission of The GenWell Project is to make the world a happier and healthier place by educating, empowering, and catalyzing people around the importance of proactive face-to-face social connection as an action we can all take for our health, happiness, longevity, and the betterment of society. In our conversation today Pete shares how critical it is as planners – especially in our pressure-cooker work world – to create connections with people who can support us through the ups and downs that we experience. By intentionally adding “frequency, time, and shared experiences” to our connection efforts we can enjoy the benefits of living in a more connected world! • • • • • *It’s true – listen in to learn why! • • • • • The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners is hosted by @lisagareau_connectioncoach as an extension of @theconnectionarchitect Program and is produced by @candyeventconsulting : Making Your Team Stronger / www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca/Podcast

Here’s the @rocalberta and @ucalgary_wedorecover team happily braving the elements at Recovery Day organized by @rockymountainrecoveryalberta on #princesislandpark today! 👏 “ROC is the central point of contact for services and supports, research and collaborations, and education and training to support recovery communities on campuses throughout Alberta.” - https://www.recoveryoncampusalberta.ca/who-we-are “Recovery Day is committed to mobilizing and organizing Canadians in recovery from addiction and addiction related problems. Our mission is to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving life for individuals, families, and communities. We believe that recovery saves lives. We envision a world in which recovery from addiction is a common, celebrated reality – a world where individuals will not experience shame when seeking help. We are passionate about sharing the faces, voices and stories of recovery in hopes of inspiring and inviting others to join us on the rewarding, yet diverse, path to wholeness. Together, we will demonstrate the power and proof of recovery from addiction.” - https://rockymountainrecovery.ca/recovery-day/

Announcing Candy’s Sweet 16 Celebration! 🥳 Watch for links to join in on our roller skating party on November 16 at @houseofskateyyc here in #calgary 🛼🛼🛼🛼🛼 … and/or our virtual party in December! For now … add the year you turned 16 in the comments below! 👇🏼 For me - @lisagareau_connectioncoach - I turned 16 in 1986! 😁

For the last 2 years I have had the joy of serving Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta through my biz @candyeventconsulting : Making Your Team Stronger in my work as a Connection Strategy Coach. 💜 @rocalberta / @ucalgary_wedorecover / @lisagareau_connectioncoach How exciting to see the University of Calgary sign the Recovery-Friendly Campus pledge this week - and to see the ROC influence growing with many post-secondary schools considering doing the same in the months to come! 🙌 (The pledge, which aligns with ROC’s mission to sustain programs that support all pathways to recovery, has eight criteria. You can read through them in my last post!) To promote sustained recovery there is a need for more recovery focused spaces and events on campus, peer support, substance-free housing, sober role models, and built-in, bold opportunities to connect with peers on similar paths. 👍 Substance-free, recovery-friendly, on campus events are an important part of the vision. 🎈 As this new school year starts, I'm proud to continue on with the team at ROC - once again coaching committed students, faculty, and/or staff in the 26 publicly funded post-secondary schools to host fun, informative, innovative recovery-friendly, on campus events. 😊 If you're curious to learn more, ready to lean in to volunteer, or inspired to show some love with a donation to ensure the sustainability and growth of this important province-wide initiative reach out to Founder Victoria Burns, PhD, RSW @thesoberprofessorphd or ROC Manager Chelsie Graham @thematurescholar or visit www.RecoveryOnCampusAlberta.ca 👈

Congratulations as UCalgary signed the Recovery-Friendly Campus (RFC) pledge on Tuesday, September 10 at the UCalgary Recovery Community Hub located in the Yamnuska Hall student housing building! “The University of Calgary is set to become the first Alberta post-secondary institution to sign the Recovery-Friendly Campus (RFC) pledge. The pledge is part of a broader initiative led by the UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC) and Recovery on Campus Alberta (ROC) to create a campus environment where all recovery pathways are prioritized and celebrated, for students, faculty and staff. Aligned with UCalgary’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan and Community Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, the pledge is tailored to the unique needs of Alberta’s post-secondary community. Both the UCRC and ROC were founded by Dr. Victoria Burns, PhD, an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work, an addiction-recovery researcher and a person in long-term addiction recovery herself. The pledge, which aligns with ROC’s mission to sustain programs that support all pathways to recovery, has eight criteria: 1. Provide peer-centred, all-recovery pathways programming for students and employees. 2. Raise awareness, educate and advocate about addiction recovery to reduce stigma. 3. Ensure that recovery is normalized, valued and celebrated through increased visibility. 4. Provide a recovery-friendly space on campus to build community. 5. Create recovery-friendly events and activities on campus. 6. Ensure student and employee support teams meet the needs of campus members along the addiction-recovery spectrum. 7. Increase awareness and address the needs of family members/friends of campus members in or seeking recovery. 8. Promote inclusive campus life by addressing systemic barriers for campus members along the addiction-recovery spectrum.” “UCalgary Recovery-Friendly Campus pledge opens a new chapter” by Megan Creig, Communications

This week I've landed back at my coworking desk in the Sandbox at @cspace.mardaloop ... and love passing through my fav installation to grab a coffee at @aromacafebaryyc 😍 "Imaginarium by daniel j kirk and Katie Green >>> https://cspaceprojects.com/public-artists/imaginarium/ <<< Imaginarium was commissioned from artists Katie Green and daniel j kirk after winning an open call to Alberta artists. It uses a multimedia approach to transform the contemporary main entrance of cSPACE into a space devoted to the imagination. The work stretches across the entire four-storey stairwell with a mixed material installation/mural using low relief, collage, built material, light and shadow (LED lighting), silhouettes and screens. Imaginarium seeks to better understand how people engage their imaginations and the relationships we form with the creative process. This installation began as an investigation of how the surrounding community of Marda Loop and the tenants of cSPACE relate to their creativity. The artists reached out to the surrounding community of Marda Loop and the tenants of cSPACE for stories to inspire the project. Participants were welcomed to an onsite studio space for drawing sessions, and the artists distilled participant stories into their own visual interpretations. The project is supported through the City of Calgary 1% Public Art Policy. The artwork is included in the permanent collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts."

"UCalgary Recovery-Friendly Campus pledge opens a new chapter" by Megan Creig, Communications for @rocalberta @ucalgary_wedorecover "The University of Calgary is set to become the first Alberta post-secondary institution to sign the Recovery-Friendly Campus (RFC) pledge. The pledge is part of a broader initiative led by the UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC) and Recovery on Campus Alberta (ROC) to create a campus environment where all recovery pathways are prioritized and celebrated, for students, faculty and staff. Aligned with UCalgary's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan and Community Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, the pledge is tailored to the unique needs of Alberta’s post-secondary community. Both the UCRC and ROC were founded by Dr. Victoria Burns, PhD, an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work, an addiction-recovery researcher and a person in long-term addiction recovery herself. The pledge, which aligns with ROC’s mission to sustain programs that support all pathways to recovery, has eight criteria: 1. Provide peer-centred, all-recovery pathways programming for students and employees. 2. Raise awareness, educate and advocate about addiction recovery to reduce stigma. 3. Ensure that recovery is normalized, valued and celebrated through increased visibility. 4. Provide a recovery-friendly space on campus to build community. 5. Create recovery-friendly events and activities on campus. 6. Ensure student and employee support teams meet the needs of campus members along the addiction-recovery spectrum. 7. Increase awareness and address the needs of family members/friends of campus members in or seeking recovery. 8. Promote inclusive campus life by addressing systemic barriers for campus members along the addiction-recovery spectrum. UCalgary will sign the pledge on Tuesday, September 10 at an event running 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the UCalgary Recovery Community Hub at 5, 3500 24th Ave. N.W, located in the Yamnuska Hall student housing building." Register to join ROC Founder @thesoberprofessorphd Victoria Burns, PhD, RSW, Manger, @thematurescholar Chelsie Graham, the team, and me - @lisagareau_connectioncoach 🎉

In August I had my first real visit back to my "heart-home" #Winnipeg #Manitoba in about a decade. When looking for parking to meet a new friend, I had the happy surprise of parking near my first “office” for my new-at-the-time biz – Candy Consulting. The space was on the second floor of this beautiful building in the Historic #exchangewinnipeg Exchange District. Thanks to dear friend, graphic designer, and creative collaborator @segunolude 'Segun Olude for believing in me, building an enduring brand for my dream, and making this space available as I started out in 2008! - @lisagareau_connectioncoach 🥰 #throwbackthursday #timeflys #timewithgoodfriends #smallbusiness #returninghometomyself #dreamshappen

What are you reading today? 📚 Share to inspire others! 🪴 #learningeveryday #goodreads📚 #everydayeventplanners

I wasn't born in Calgary. I chose Calgary as my home - twice! - because I could feel the energy, saw the community of entrepreneurs, and admired the drive for excellence and innovation. 🤩 But I'm a #mountainmama to my core and usually go running for the hills when the city fills with Stampede activity. ⛰ This year I decided to get curious about what this special city-wide celebration means to me. 🤔 I know - in my head - the incredible economic value of the #calgarystampede and the unbelievable efforts of 1000's of individuals who make it what it is - #thegreatestoutdoorshowonearth 💯 - BUT this year I gave it a chance to speak to me personally and to find ways to participate that felt right. 🤠 I'm already making my #stampedewishlist for 2025! #moretocome 🌟 For now I'll leave you with a late night #throwbackthursday shot of my #hunkyhubby @timgareaumusic and his (short-lived) love affair with a bucket of #minidonuts 😍 Thanks to everyone who made this year's Stampede a special one for me! ❤️ - @lisagareau_connectioncoach

How it started. 😅 How it’s going! 🥳 #whiteboardwisdom #coursecreation #eventplanning #auartscontinuinged #candyeventconsulting

@lisagareau_connectioncoach is happily stuck in her happy place of course creation! 🤓🥰😀@candyeventconsulting and @albertauarts are collaborating to bring a brand new, purpose-powered, 5-part event planning training course tailored for creatives who are ready to add core event planning and promotion skills to their lives and work. 🙌 Watch for updates … and plan to register this Fall! #eventplanning #eventpromotion #eventplanningskills #creativeentrepreneur #creativebusiness #creativeplanning #creatingcontent #creatingopportunities

Awesome day for some pancakes and handshakes at the @cspace.mardaloop #calgarystampede pancake breakfast for artists and friends today!

When I moved from Winnipeg to Calgary the first time in 1994 I arrived in a city that seemed to be lacking in grassroots arts, activity, and opportunities for young people like me to engage in the arts. I dug hard and found a few diehard musicians, artists, and arts communities working hard at their craft but it seemed to stop there. I knew Winnipeg as a vibrant, welcoming, “arts for all” culture. It wasn’t necessarily about the expertise of the artists or the groups - it was more about bringing fringe ideas to public places, giving audiences exposure to new perspectives, and seeing those “putting themselves out there” doing so with the support of the community. In 2001 I moved away from Calgary only to return 10 years later to a vibrant, welcoming, “arts for all” focus in the city I knew was now home for good. (Even though I #istilllovewinnipeg 🥰) Yesterday I had the joy of attending a very special announcement event at #artscommons @yycarts celebrating “the largest philanthropic gift to the performing arts in Canadian history” that “will create a hub for creativity, education, and community engagement in Calgary.” There are many reasons I am proud to call Calgary home. … The investment in innovation and big ideas, the recognition that access to the arts is an essential human right, and seeing evidence that Calgarians are excited to #buildconnectionpoints through the thousands of events that happen here each year! Thank you to the artists that take a chance to create, teach, inspire others. (Great time see you @paula_timm_artist 😁 @yycartsed ) Thank you to the teams that help bring arts experiences to all - including the committed, creative event planners! Thank you to those that invest - like @davidwerklund - for helping Calgary feel like home. Thanks to @alexsarian and his team for the invite - and the reminder that arts are alive and well here in Calgary! Now it’s up to all of us to ensure there are arts experiences that represent - and are open to - all! Learn more about ACT here: artscommons.ca/act

So inspired listening to the @calgaryartsdev report to the community at @cspace.mardaloop Studio Theatre today! @patti_pon_yyc shared “Innovation has to include artists” saying, “If you hear someone say “We have to be more creative!” … ask them, “where are the artists?” #artsforinnovation #artistseverywhere #artistsplanningevents #yyccreatives #eventsbyartists #eventplanninglife

There are not too many places I can show up an hour late not feeling great and leave feeling right on time and feeling fine. 🥰 Thanks to the @yycaap board and members for (always!) creating “meaningful connection points” for partners like me - and all participants - to belong! @candyeventconsulting has been a long time partner with this group of next-level, heart-centred, leadership-focused #adminpros and there is a deep and enduring reason for that. If you’re looking for a place to “learn, grow, and thrive” as an admin - while having a whole lot of fun - connect with the team about membership and monthly events starting again in September! www.CanadianAdmin.ca 👏

Celebrate the beginning of SUMMER (and Maya's Birthday today!) with the last conversation of Season 3 of "The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners" with compelling, creative, connection-focused couple Maya Corona and David ⚡ Schmeikal! @mayacoronaart @davidschmeikal @thebearandunicorn You can find the link in my bio or listen in here ... https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/15291674 "Maya and David are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, blending backgrounds in graphic design, painting, branding, and coaching to help humans create and be creative. Maya, with over two decades in graphic design, now explores the depths of her self-expression and joy through painting and creative initiatives focused on connecting communities together. David has worked as an entrepreneur and creative professional for 15 years and now guides others to unleash “who they truly are” into the world. He does this through improving the pragmatic performance side of process so professionals can unleash their creative potential. To many event planners creativity can feel messy. And adding that element of creativity into our planning work can feel even more out of place. But if we want to see change in ourselves, our world, or our work, we cannot avoid the mess. In my conversation with Maya and David, we explored how we must build up our tolerance for the creative process even as planners. When we learn to sit with the uncomfortable inability to structure, schedule, or add the creativity to a spreadsheet, we will gain access to the peace and possibilities only accessible by going through the – as David says – “chaos of creativity’’. Listen in and be inspired to lean into who you truly are, what matters to you in your planning, and get ready to surround yourself with those that do the same!" The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners is produced by @candyeventconsulting : Making Your Team Stronger as part of Candy's "Connection First" Course & Community - @theconnectionarchitect Program! >>> www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach DYK? The Healthy Campus Albeta (HCA) Wellness Summit serves as an annual gathering for the HCA Community of Practice, providing an opportunity to come together, learn, share, and celebrate efforts across the province to strengthen post-secondary mental health and wellness. This year’s theme: Introspection: Looking Back to Look Forward I’m loving the opportunity to attend, present, support, and celebrate with the Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta team! 🥰 @rocalberta @ucalgary_wedorecover ROC Alberta is on a mission to co-create, champion, and sustain recovery programs that support and celebrate multiple recovery pathways for all campus members in Alberta and beyond. 👏 Reach out to ROC Program Coordinator Chelsie Graham @thematurescholar (second from the left in the photo) to learn more about this important - exciting - initiative - or visit www.RecoveryOnCampusAlberta.ca

I’m #grateful to be in Edmonton this week to lean in with those working to create healthier campuses in Alberta at the Healthy Campus Alberta Wellness Summit hosted by Healthy Campus Alberta - presenting, supporting, and celebrating with the team at Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta*! 😀 Since the summer or 2022 Candy Event Consulting has been working with the @rocalberta / Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta and @ucalgary_wedorecover / the UCalgary Recovery Community teams. The months to come will be even more exciting with increased funding and growing engagement with the 26 publicly funded post-secondary schools all around Alberta! *ROC Alberta is on a mission to co-create, champion, and sustain recovery programs that support and celebrate multiple recovery pathways for all campus members in Alberta and beyond. Learn more about this important - exciting - initiative at www.RecoveryOnCampusAlberta.ca

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach How fun to join my energized event-planning, event-producing, event-supporting, event-loving friends* … and 100’s of friends of The Calgary Stampede ... last week to enjoy the highly anticipated opening of the expanded #BMOCentre at Stampede Park. #bmocentreyyc The President’s Event and grand opening (organized in part by the amazing community of planners at @sparkeventcol Spark Event Management & Collective!) was an incredible evening of celebration as the team opened the doors to Western Canada’s largest convention centre! To those in our Candy* Circle across Canada and around the world, If you’re looking at Calgary, Alberta, Canada for your next experience - conference, meeting - we ALL invite you to experience a “Greater Way to Gather”! @candyeventconsulting • • • • • Photo 1: David Woodward, Executive Director, Meetings and Conventions at Calgary Tourism (This project was a personal and professional milestone for him and his team! HUGE congrats David and team!) @tourismcalgary @meetingscalgary @woodyda Photo 2: Lisa Christensen, Art Historical Research, Writing, and Curatorial Services (Lisa curated ALL the amazing art on the walls of this incredible building! Oh, and Lisa and her husband Dave have been friends of my hubby @timgareaumusic since they were kids and I’ve been “Folk Festing” with them since I met Tim 12 years ago! So, yeah, we’re Calgary Folk Music Festival tarpies, lol!) Photo 3: Amanda Stephenson, Event Planning Entrepreneur, Founder, @lilyandlarch Lily and Larch Events and Experience Manager at Benevity (Amanda is an event planning powerhouse and is a long time friend of Candy Event Consulting. Great to see you Amanda!) Photo 4: …and many friends from Association of Administrative Professionals - Calgary Branch. @yycaap (Great to see these hashtag#nextlevel hashtag#adminpros Jimmy-Lee, Teresa, Jaclyn, Shayan, and Tammie!) BTW Photo Credit for #4 @cosmophotobooths 📸 www.cosmophotobooths.com

#somewhereovertherainbow 🌈😃

Just when you think the world is over saturated with sceptics and insurmountable circumstances you meet an incredible group of humans ready to build better connections through the events they’re planning. ❤️ #buildconnectionpoints Thank you to each one who put your hand up to join in on this special collab between Candy Event Consulting : Making Your Team Stronger @candyeventconsulting and Alberta University of the Arts @albertauarts & Alberta University of the Arts - School of Continuing Education & Professional Development #auartsconed - a super-fast-track version of @theconnectionarchitect Program. 🤓 { www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca } 14-hours of learning and connection and they were still engaging and left energized to “Build Better Connections with Events”! 😀 Congratulations Nita, Stephen, Heather, Lori, Sean, Patricia, Pam, and Holly … and welcome to Candy’s growing circle of equipped connectors! 👏 #throwbackthursday #candyeventworkshop #theconnectionarchitect #lisagareau_connectioncoach #albertauniversityofthearts #auartsconed

@lisagareau_connectioncoach just wrapped up with a cohort of 8 everyday event planners who joined in on the “Building Better Connections with Events” Workshop this weekend! It was an online, fun, 14-hour, fast-track of @theconnectionarchitect program thanks to a fun collab with @albertauarts #auartsconed and @candyeventconsulting 😀 Special thank you to this amazing group of planners and to Heidi Brandley, Manager, Entrepreneurship & Innovation for all your support on making this learning possible for everyday event planners! #tcapconnectors #candyeventworkshop #auarts #lisagareau_connectioncoach #buildconnectionpoints

@lisagareau_connectioncoach is getting ready to facilitate “Building Better Connections with Events” - tomorrow’s online, fun, fast-track of @theconnectionarchitect program thanks to a fun collab with @albertauarts #auartsconed and @candyeventconsulting 😀 Tour today. 😍 Teach tomorrow. 🤓 Special thanks to Heidi Brandley, Manager, Entrepreneurship & Innovation for all your support on making this learning possible for everyday event planners! #tcapconnectors #candyeventworkshop #auarts #lisagareau_connectioncoach #buildconnectionpoints

DYK? The Connection Architect Program contains Four Levels of Learning? Level One • EVENT STRATEGY Level Two • EVENT PLANNING Level Three • EVENT STAKEHOLDERS Level Four • EVENT MARKETING But what inspired each, connection-building Learning Level? In 2022 @lisagareau_connectioncoach recorded a short four-part storytelling series on her podcast for planners sharing some of her life lessons and how those lessons informed and inspired each learning level of this "Connection First" course and community. We invite you to lean in and listen to all four episodes at the links below on "The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners" or comment which Learning Level interests you most and we'll send you the direct link! Level One • EVENT STRATEGY (17:57) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9358892 Level Two • EVENT PLANNING (15:40) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9387195 Level Three • EVENT STAKEHOLDERS (11:31) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9466329 Level Four • EVENT MARKETING (13:30) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9849252 The Connection Architect Program is for the everyday event planner who is ready to build more meaningful connections through the events they plan. Are YOU ready? 😀 Sign up to join our next online, fun, fast-track cohort on May 25-26, 2024 in collaboration with the Alberta University of the Arts here - www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca or directly at https://www.auarts.ca/building-better-connections-with-events - and we’ll see you there! PS Add Promocode: TCAP2 to get $20 off your registration! 😀

Posted @withregram • @theconnectionarchitect Since founding @candyeventconsulting in 2008, Connection Strategy Coach, @lisagareau_connectioncoach has helped guide 1000’s of everyday event planners and their teams to build more meaningful connection points – aka events – for their customers, clients, core teams and community members. In her “Connection First” course and community called The Connection Architect Program (TCAP), Lisa now guides planners to first lay the foundation for better connections with the cornerstones of Mindset, Mastery, Mentorship, and Momentum. She then leads each cohort of connectors to Master the Four Levels of Event Planning & Promotion. But what inspired this game-changing, connection-building program? In 2022 Lisa recorded a short four-part storytelling series on her podcast for planners, sharing some of her life lessons and how those lessons informed and inspired the development of each learning level of The Connection Architect Program. We invite you to lean in and listen to all four episodes at the links below on The Connector Next Door Podcast for Planners! Level One • EVENT STRATEGY https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9358892 Level Two • EVENT PLANNING https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9387195 Level Three • EVENT STAKEHOLDERS https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9466329 Level Four • EVENT MARKETING https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/9849252 If you are planning and promoting events for your business, organization, or group, you already know events can be used to grow your business, create a positive impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. But meaningful connections don’t happen by chance. The Connection Architect Program is for the everyday event planner who is ready to build more meaningful connections through the events they plan. Are YOU ready? 😀 Sign up to join our next online, fun, fast-track cohort on May 25-26, 2024 in collaboration with the Alberta University of the Arts here - www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca or directly at https://www.auarts.ca/building-better-connections-with-events - and we’ll see you there! PS Add Promocode: TCAP2 to get $20 off your registration! 😀

I had a fantastic time at the “Faith, Fundraising, and Communications Symposium” in Edmonton last week! https://ffcsymposium.net/ Thanks again to organizer and visionary Wilfred Golbeck (Skyline Communications) for the invitation to present my passion - and some practical learning - for those planning and promoting fundraising events. My first session on day one was “Making Your Event Matter” where we explored what would make our events matter to teams, donors, partners, and - ultimately - our attendees! In the second session on day two I had the joy of presenting - aka pinch-hitting - with friend and colleague Ashley Cruz about how to create an engaging social media campaign. The selfie here was a real-time example - and hopefully an encouragement - to “just get started” by telling their stories right-smack-in-the-middle of their everyday moments. (Thanks all for being great sports about taking the shot!) And to all of those that stopped me to chat about your event joys and challenges - thank you too. Your stories were an inspiration and remind me why I have chosen to do this work as a Connection Strategy Coach! PS If you are out there planning and promoting events for your non-profit, charity, organization, or group know that I’ve been there and I’m ready to be with you - and your planning team - as you work to make your events matter! www.CandyConsulting.ca/Clarity • www.LisaGareau.ca

Posted @withregram • @lisagareau_connectioncoach Being a Mom has been one of the biggest joys of my life. 🥰 My girls have found their way to adulthood with grit and grace and are a constant source of learning, inspiration - and comic relief - for me. Love you @journee_live and @sharayaah - today and always! 😘 { PS I was able to record a “road trip” episode of my podcast with my girls Journee & Sharayah https://theconnectornextdoor.buzzsprout.com/1812614/12065297 }

What a joy to have met Inez Ashworth @inezashworth, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Strategist and owner of @inclusive.concepts and Narissa Jessa narissajessa, Inclusion Specialist and their work with #IDEAleaders and #HRprofessionals last month at their incredible #leadingwithheart2024 conference at the @kananaskislodge 👏 As part of their fantastic experience they made great resources available to each attendee including some thought-provoking and inspiring reading. I've been in deep conversation with event planning connectors over the last few months and making "IDEA" - or Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility - actionable is top of mind. I'm looking forward to diving into these books over the next couple of months and helping planners move from curiosity to conversation to caring to creating action. Do you have hashtag#IDEA hashtag#DEI resources, links, books, to share with the hashtag#eventplanners in my circle? Please add your favourites in the comments below! 👇 Wondering how to start the conversation in your business, organization, or group? Reach out to Inez and Narissa or link through to learn more about this important conference - and their important work - here: https://inclusiveconcepts.ca/events/leading-with-heart/ @lisagareau_connectioncoach @theconnectionarchitect @candyeventconsulting

Are you ready to build better connections through the events your planning? Welcome to a fun, fast-track, live, online, weekend experience of The Connection Architect Program @theconnectionarchitect on May 25-26 in collaboration with @albertauarts Alberta University of the Arts! Register to join in on this special cohort of event planning connectors here >>> https://www.auarts.ca/building-better-connections-with-events <<< and I’ll see you there! {Make sure to add the Promocode: TCAP20 to get $20 off your registration!} #buildconnectionpoints #candyeventconsulting #lisagareau_connectioncoach @lisagareau_connectioncoach

Posted @withregram • @eventmindsmatter If your an #event #meeting #incentivetravel or #hospitality professional than you want to be part of this conversation with @annette.m.gregg from @siteglobal and Leslie Bennett from @mentalhealthinnovations. #emotionalhealth and #wellbeing is not defined by a month, week, or day. It’s finding the everyday awareness and actioning solutions that benefit us and those in our workplaces and life. Join #eventmindsmatter May 28th at 11am EDT for an honest, organic and safe conversation about breaking a cycle of not prioritizing ourselves first. Registration can be found on our @eventmindsmatter LinkedIn page. We welcome your input and ideas. @lizakeyy @gisele.robert.1 @sitetexas @site.chicago @sitemtnwest @sitesocalyl @sitesoutheast @sitesocal @site_ireland @sitemexicochapter

What a day at the @ecschoolmuseum for the #eastcouleespringfest yesterday! Loved the road trip out through the #hoodoos, hearing my #hunkyhubby play his first #festival, and spending time in this historical location! #springfestival #timgareaumusic #festivalvibes #newconnections #eastcouleeschoolmuseum

Are you #livinthedream 😎 Who we surround ourselves with matters. 🥰 I’m so grateful to be with a true partner who supports my #candyeventdreams and who I can support as he pursues his #musiclifedreams 😀 #buildingalifeworthliving {PS My #hunkyhubby @timgareaumusic is on stage at 5:30 at the East Coulee Spring Festival!}@ecschoolmuseum #roadtrippin #timgareaumusic #prwifelife

We've been celebrating connection over the last couple of weeks! When I find myself saying it's "heavy conference season" I remind myself it's actually a "happy connection season". 🥰 Thank you to master connector Chelsie Graham @thematurescholar - who's sporting the pink flower glasses - for taking the time to support the conversations and connections at the #candyeventcoachingcorner at this year's @yycaap Canadian Administrative Professionals Symposium #CAPS24 for the 340 #adminpros attending! Loved that some of our Candy connections were ready to get silly too! 😄 Wonderful to reconnect with Carrie "cool" Mittelstadt @carriemittelstadt , Camille "OMG" Barry @camillebarry16 , Dinah "heart" Richard from the @aap_edmonton executive team, and Chrisy Burton @chrisyburton National Director- President at AAP @administrative.professionals of Canada! 🎉 Are you an Administrative Professional in Canada looking to "learn, grow, and thrive" check out what's possible when you get connected at www.canadianadmin.ca 💯❤️ 📸 Oh, and that's @lisagareau_connectioncoach repping a #yyc #cowtownhat #yycishomenow #yycbusiness 🤠 #buildbetterconnections #candyeventconsulting #lisagareau_connectioncoach #heavyconferenceseason #happyconnectionseason #connectionmatters