Written by Valerie, Charming Media President

Our summer 2016 press trips, events and a list of our new clients. 

It’s crazy to think what a difference a year can make. Since I started this company, I can honestly say that each year has been better than the last. This summer has been no exception. I’m feeling very thankful for both my team and amazing clients while I reflect on what a great season we’ve had.

Here’s a little recap of what we did and who joined in the fun!

A Trip To Turkey with Turkish Airlines 

In June, Charming Media took 8 journalists to both Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey. It was an amazing group to travel with and I was so grateful for the opportunity. This trip was particularly special for me as my long time friend, Terrilyn Kunopaski joined as the Editor of My Passion Media. We first met almost 6 years ago, working at the same online travel magazine. It’s incredible to see how the world works! We explored the stunning city of Istanbul visiting iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. We also had a behind the scenes look at the Turkish Airlines Flight Training Centre! Check out some of my own shots as well as a few submitted by those in the group such as  Sissi Wang – Canadian Business, Bay Street Bull, Danny Kucharsky – Marketing Magazine and Isabel Payne – Ottawa Life 

 

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New Clients

This summer also brought a series of incredible new clients and brands to our roster. We are so thrilled to be working with celebrity favourite Wolford (stay tuned for fall, a little birdie tells me there is a Yorkdale Mall store opening and event in the works ), surf and lifestyle brand Reef (a longtime favourite of mine), Canadian shoe brand, Shumaker, Canada’s leading supplier of high-quality spa products and education for industry professionals, Esthetics Plus and several of their brands including IMAGE Skincare, Novalash and Sunescape Tanning line, Toronto’s iconic landmark building The Great Hall, which will be revealing its restoration and renovation late September and the delicious and incredible cake company La Rocca (stay tuned this month for big news from them!)

 

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Events

A large part of what we do on a day to day basis is plan events and activations. Whether we are planning a media-focused event or a large public party in the heart of downtown Toronto with one of our Oxford Properties retail locations, we typically always have something on the go. This summer was packed with event and activation planning, mainly for Turkish Airlines, Esthetics Plus and Oxford Properties.

Esthetics Plus Inaugural Media Beauty Suite at The Thompson 

There’s nothing like a day of luxurious spa pampering complimented by bubbly and goodies. In late August, we took over The Thompson penthouse and turned it into a private lounge for esthetics treatments from some of Esthetics Plus’ top quality brands and educated estheticians. Media were offered spray tans from Sunescape, facial peels from IMAGE skincare and incredible lash extensions from Novalash.

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Turkish Airlines: International Festival de Jazz de Montreal and Toronto Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Open 

I was lucky enough to get to spend a good week in Montreal in early July as we worked with Turkish Airlines and their sponsorship of the world recognized International Festival de Jazz de Montreal. Montreal is an amazing city! Carli joined me and we had a great time taking in the city while being part of an amazing event. As official sponsors, Turkish Airlines had a dedicated stage area in partnership with the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office and created L’Escale de Turkish Airlines, a 360 degree interactive experience where people could enjoy Turkish food, dance, music, and art. See the article in Marketing Magazine here and enjoy this video.

 

This year’s Toronto Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Open was held once again at the lovely Glen Abbey Golf Course. Mike Hoffman from the Ottawa Senators joined in the day as well!

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Oxford Properties Urban Retail Summer Socials – Richmond-Adelaide Centre and Royal Bank Plaza

We LOVE putting these events together for those working downtown in Toronto’s Financial District. We had such a blast preparing lunch time Summer Social events at these two properties this summer. Nearly 800 people joined in for each two-hour event to enjoy some of the most tasty foods and beverages available within each location, while taking in great music and company. Participating companies this year included The Keg, Hy’s, 3 Brewers, Davids Tea, Starbucks, Fresh West Grill, Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and Subway, as well as many more non-food focused brands like The Body Shop and Consonant. A great way to end the summer!

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Oscar Got Famous

Doggy lifestyle magazine Get Leashed visited us one day this summer to learn more about our day to day and to see how our company mascot Oscar fits in to it all. Check out the full article and see the images. Oscar got his well-deserved 15 minutes of fame!

 

What’s Coming Down The Pipe 

A great summer means a busy fall. Stay tuned this fall to see how we will be involved at TIFF this year, information on The Great Hall’s grand reopening, the new Wolford store at Yorkdale and what celebrations and delicious surprises La Rocca will be bringing your way.

 

Thanks to my incredible, amazing team, Carli, Delaney and Anne-Marie for a very successful summer!