After two years of virtual events and carefully curated in-person small group retreats, PDS is proud to be at the forefront of kickstarting the BC meetings & events industry. In collaboration with our trusted partners, we welcomed Canadian and American guests to the first major corporate events held at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Fairmont Empress Victoria–both in Q1 of 2022.
WHISTLER
In Whistler, our team hosted 140 aviation professionals from Canada and the USA for four days of iconic mountain experiences, culminating in an alluring Gala Awards dinner. To elevate the VIP arrival experience, premium smaller vehicles were utilized, furnished with generous gift bags and snack packs for each guest. Private venue buyouts contributed to guests feeling safe and comfortable throughout the program.
A memorable logistical element our team navigated was the changing Provincial Health Orders that occurred as the program progressed. At the sudden announcement that COVID-19 restrictions around dancing were lifted, our event team jumped into action, quickly changing up the program adding an off-site networking event to the program as well as a dance floor and a live band for guests to kick up their heels at the Gala.
“Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort has proudly welcomed our first corporate group back to the hotel. Our hotel teams are so excited to get back to hosting the business meetings and events sector, and working alongside our trusted DMC and event partners, like PDS.”
– Norman Mastalir, Managing Director, Fairmont Chateau Whistler
VICTORIA
In Victoria, we welcomed back an annual client who put their trust in PDS to deliver an extraordinary multi-day program for 300 automotive professionals attending from across Western Canada. To ensure a seamless experience, PDS managed airport arrivals and departures for guests and transportation throughout Victoria. We engaged many local vendors, offering guests the opportunity to participate in everything from fishing charters and golf to Saanich Peninsula Wine Tours, ‘Hoppy Hour’ by bike, and exploring the rich history of Vancouver Island with a variety of food and beverage experiences.
Our client took full advantage of the opportunity to recognize their devoted team members in person by hosting three separate dinners: a New Partners Dinner, a Gala Awards Evening, and a Retiree Dinner.
“It was great to feel the excitement in our City and the Victoria Conference Centre as we hosted our first corporate group with the partnership of PDS executing such a successful event demonstrating the recovery of our Meetings Industry. The value the Conference brought to our community and member businesses was a welcome to all as we see the return of these business events.”– Miranda Ji, VP Sales, Business Events Victoria & Victoria Conference Centre
