From our CEO, Joanne Burns Millar
On May 6, 2023, PDS proudly celebrated 25 years of delivering destination and event management services in Western Canada to our corporate clients around the globe. It seems like just yesterday when the roll of crinkled fax paper spat out our first contract after countless failed connection attempts on the dial up network!
As I look back at the adventures, experiences, good times and some very challenging and scary moments, what resonates with me the most is the unwavering support of our trusted clients, program and event specialists, and industry partners.
The fabric of our beloved community is woven together by our resilient PDS team. Every day I am amazed at Team Purple’s strength, adaptability and creative solutions to solve complex problems for our clients, our industry and our company.
Together, we have all weathered incredible storms and stood the test of time. Bravo!
PDS Extended Family!
Celebrating 25 Years of Community
Our 25th anniversary is truly a celebration of our community. So, we asked some of our longest standing clients and industry partners about their experiences working with us.
Here’s what they had to say….
Q: What do you think is the “secret ingredient” in our long business relationship?
The support of you and your team over the years has been outstanding. We share a like-minded commitment to service and the creation of unique and fabulous memories and experiences for our clients. Your team’s “whatever it takes” attitude is completely aligned with the philosophy at IQ and we have shared many laughs and solved many a challenge together.
– BARB ISSETT, Principal/Owner, IQ Business Events
Garden Gala, Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Trust, reliability and respect. As the DMO we put our name and reputation on the line when we recommend and refer clients to our partners. With PDS, not only are we very proud to do so, we are unconditionally confident. We know the PDS team will represent Vancouver with the utmost professionalism, creative energy and just plain fun.
– DAVE GAZELY, Vice President, Meeting and Convention Sales, Destination Vancouver
Urban Rainforest and Vancouver Culture Crawl, Vancouver Convention Centre
PDS and Madison have a mutually respected partnership for 20+ years. The secret ingredient is that we each take an active interest in one another, while working together with an out of the box approach to creatively develop shared success for our clients.
– MARC GRABER, Vice President, Strategic Accounts & Business Development, Madison Performance
Rodeo Ready, Boundary Ranch and Bare Naked Ladies, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity
Q: What is the craziest request that you asked us to make happen?
More snow for a Whistler event after a really dry run. And just like that, PDS delivered! Not even kidding!
– DEB PARSONS, Owner, The Parsons Project
Vintage Supper Club, Whistler Conference Centre
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Summer Sommelier Dinner, Lost Lake, Whistler
Q: What is the one memory that always brings a smile to your face when you think of PDS?
Amanda and her husband drove a truck full of décor to our 350-person event in Kelowna from Vancouver. We couldn’t find any local companies with enough décor for the size of the event. So grateful. Saved the day!
– LORNA ALEXANDER, Account Executive, IQ Business Events
Private Wine Tasting, Kelowna
Q: Which is your favourite destination in Western Canada?
Wow that’s like asking do you have a favorite child. I love some Whistler and have had so much success in that destination but I am also wild about Vancouver and Banff. The Canadian Rockies will steal your heart every time and entering the destination is one of the most incredible “welcome scenery” backdrops in the natural world.
– DEB PARSONS, The Parsons Project
Mountain Market, Spray Meadows, Banff
Q: What program and/or event experience with PDS are you the proudest of?
We had 2 large client events in Whistler just one month apart. Both were executed expertly and clients were very happy. Great teamwork between IQ and PDS. Attention to detail including team building events, décor, entertainment, transfers, etc.
– LORNA ALEXANDER, Account Executive, IQ Business Events
Blackcomb Mountain 4X4 Expedition, Whistler
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Brilliant Together
I am filled with gratitude, pride and genuine love for this community that has supported me, my team and our little company for 25 years! Thank you to each and every one of you who have been part of the PDS journey. With you as our partners, I am excited for what our future holds.
We are absolutely Brilliant Together!
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
