Blog Archives
FAB PEOPLE: A Golden Key for Christmas
Wow has it ever been an exciting last couple of weeks. I am proud to announce that I’ve officially received my second Les Clefs d’Or Golden Keys!
Proudly displaying my 2 keys at the Golden Key Ceremony
It’s a huge honor not only to wear them on my lapels, but to have the “keys” to the city. I am one of 4000 new members internationally and one of four who received my keys for the Alberta area including Nella (Westin Edmonton), Jeff (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise) and Udo (Corporate Affiliate Oxford Securities). I am a proud ambassador to the Hyatt Regency Calgary and a key component to making our guests feel like they’re at home during their stay. The have gained an abundance of knowledge and strong network that I’m excited to use to help guests with an array of options for their travels.
There are lots of different things going on in the city right now for the with holiday flare. If you haven’t checked out Zoo Lights at the Calgary Zoo I highly recommend it. The Zoo is in the setting of a winter wonderland. With over 100,000 lights glowing, this is a FAB outing with your family or friends. Remember to pack a thermos of hot chocolate… and maybe a little Bailey’s 
The Nut Cracker will be showing from December 20-24th. As a “World Class Show” this is a FAB date night out and is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. It is showing at the Jubilee Auditorium.
I am proud to announce that Hyatt Regency Calgary nominated Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) as our THRIVE* community grant partner this year, and we won! Through our nomination for consideration and their grant application we were able to secure CUPS an incredible $15, 000 USD grant to help improve the lives of Calgarians!
*THRIVE is a program builds on Hyatt’s belief that no one better understands a community’s most pressing issues – and their solutions – that those who live and work there.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
Everyone from around the world have a very merry Christmas and healthy happy New Year. Thanks for all the kind words exchanged back on my blog and support. This has truly been a fun year and I enjoy sharing all of my experiences with you.
FAB Things to Do: Summer in the City
Hello to all my FAB People, I’m back. I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer and enjoying the heat. Well what can I say, it’s been a FAB summer in the city of Calgary and I have a lot to share with you.
Stampede Midway
To get you up to speed lets start with the infamous Calgary Stampede. WOW….salute to everyone in the city for pulling together to make is year so special. What a way to display the world’s best in show. The Calgary Stampede is always quite the spectacle but this year in particular was exceptionally special as we celebrated the centennial. Every aspect of the traditional 10 days was taken to the next level, truly highlighting Calgary’s western way.
I had the pleasure of speaking with a guest visiting from Oklahoma who mentioned their thrill of traveling the world to see as many shows and local festivals as possible. Their excitement was bubbling as they explained that they’ve never experienced anything like this before and the Calgary Stampede is officially the best show they’ve ever been to. What a moment, I was overcome with pride, honour and love for my home city. Calgary is not just a dot on the map anymore, it is a destination filled with new energy that celebrates its culture infused with worldly inspiration on a daily basis.
Being a hotelier and having the opportunity to experience all emotions of the Stampede, including long days and long hours, I can honestly say this was the best one ever. It reminded me of the 2010 Winter Olympics when I worked in Vancouver. The energy is so powerful, and filled with so much happiness, it’s FAB-U-LOUS!
For those of you inspired to travel from abroad, the annual Calgary Stampede takes place in the first week of July. Come on over and take apart of this world class experience in 2013.
Alright, enough of the past! We have an abundance of other things going on in our city. Currently Shakespeare in the Park is performing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the beautiful Princes Island Park. In partnership with Theatre Calgary, Shakespeare in the Park is celebrating its 25th season with a FAB cast and crew, including students from Mount Royal and Theatre Calgary professionals. I highly recommend this for a date! Just bring a couple blankets, snacks and a beverage – easy! Details
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Image borrowed from Theatre Calgary
The Fringe Festival kicks off this weekend and runs through August 11th in Inglewood, this event is full of fun and perfect for families. Details
Last but not least “Legally Blonde” the musical is showing in Olympic Plaza until Saturday, August 4th. The show starts at 6:30pm and is performed by Summerstock, the only live outdoor musical theatre company in Calgary. Take the other half, your friends or family and enjoy some of Calgary’s finest theatrical talent. Details
With so many things happening this long weekend, you should have no problem finding many ways to fill the time.
I’m excited to be hosting my Les Clefs d’Or meeting this coming Tuesday with all my fellow members. Stay tuned to my next FAB Dining post!
FAB People: I Met In Vegas
Well what can I say besides “WOW” Vegas. From the moment I arrived the service, the venues, the people and the hotel room were completely amazing.
Wet Republic hosted our opening reception where various high end restaurants showcased there menus. The Golden Keys were splashed so brightly that at times you were literally blinded by the light! This event was our first opportunity to meet, greet and share with our international concierge brothers and sisters. There were over 50 representatives from Canada and over 500 attendees from around the globe. To end the night, Cirque du Soleil took us away with an incredible, private performance.
The following day started with a trip to the fabulous Aria Hotel to kick off our educational day. We were greeted and introduced to the Pan American Congress Las Vegas. The President of Les Clefs d’Or USA gave a FAB speech which was followed by a saluted from the Mayor of Las Vegas. The energy of the room was explosive! I was so tickled to be there and to be part of this group. After a few more speeches we were introduced to the chairman of Forbes Magazine, Mr. Jeff Arnold. The amount of stats and information he delivered in regards to the tourism industry was incredible. Following Mr. Arnold’s Speech was Jeff Wielgopolan, Director of Executive Training for Forbes Travel. This was another inspiring person with an abundance of knowledge to share with us.
Education day was filled with a ton of great exercises and many examples of how the tourism industry and customer service is a true asset. I found this day to be extremely informative while giving me some great ideas of how to further enhance my skills.
The convention continued with many elaborate cocktail receptions, theatre show, black tie galas and many networking opportunities with my colleagues in service through friendship. Las Vegas did such an fabulous job on showcasing there city, and these examples of highlights are just a few that I experienced.
The incredible things we experienced during our time will always remain as lifetime memories. I look forward to meeting my friends again in New Zealand next year and Los Cabos the following year. I am truly honored and proud to be one of the Canadians representing our great country and city.
The Canadian Gold Key Concierge Members
FAB People – Are Awaiting Me in Vegas
Spring has sprung and do I ever have some exciting things to share with everyone.
How to spot a Les Clefs d'Or - this golden key is worn proudly on the jacket of members
I have met many new friends and established lifelong relationships throughout the process. When I need information for guest interested in the mountain region I’m confident that my fellow Les Clefs d’Or member will assist with quality world-class service.
FAB Food & Wine: Where To Dine Awards
Hats off to another world class dining extravaganza! Calgary is showing the global foodie scene what we have to offer and Where Magazine is recognizing restaurants efforts with the Where To Dine awards.
Murrierta's second floor belcony overlooking Stephen Avenue Walk
