An email popped up in my inbox from Lars Callieou on January 21st, cordially inviting me to a networking 'VIP' event that was happening on January 24th.
'Casino Yellowhead. Pure Canadian Gaming, Hear by Request DJ and I wanted to invite the top event companies in Edmonton to unveil the new Pearl Showroom...'.
Now, I have been to several of these kinds of events and usually know what to expect but this was different. The way it was executed came across as a lot more personal, as if everyone attending were already connected. And that was the kicker, we all were connected and didn't realize it. We were all friends of Lars and/or Norm Shaw (Hear By Request).
"It played out exactly how I intended it to.
Over the last 2 years I have been compiling a list of the event companies that are in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. I had the idea of putting on a corporate comedy show for those businesses. The only thing I was missing was the location.' Lars explained.
"I met with Hector Castro, the Marketing Manager for Casino Yellowhead, and Norm Shaw of Hear By Request for lunch. Hector showed me the Pearl Showroom and then it just clicked! It was the perfect space for this event.
So I pitched this idea: We put on a reception for the event companies that I gathered. We introduce them, offer them some food and drinks and then do a comedy show after. Of course they both liked the idea."
At 6:45pm on the 24th, we all met in The Social Banquet Room prior to the show where we were wined and dined with drinks and delicious appetizers. Conversation came easy as we all had a bit in common and a great ice breaker from the hospitality provided. After that reception, the long awaited reveal of the new room was next.
There were still "X's" of tape on the glass as we walked in to the new Pearl Showroom at the Casino Yellowhead. It is the newest addition to the establishment and is soon to be an attraction of its own. It's a bright, modern, and inviting room, with a perfect layout for almost any event I could possibly think of.
The room filled up quickly and I could not see an open seat anywhere. One thing that I especially appreciated about this room was that the seating was spaced out properly. We weren't too close to other the neighboring patrons and the staff could walk freely without having people move their chairs.
Speaking of the staff, they were on the ball that night for service! They were efficient and friendly.
Now on to the best part, the entertainment! At 8pm, it was showtime and the crowd was ready.
Jokers Gone Wild
At The Pearl Showroom
Ryan Short
Ryan Short emceed the night while promoting his cd release,
'Coming Up Short' (which you can get at any of his upcoming
shows, and I highly recommend it). Ryan is a character. He is short,
has a speech impediment and a jocular perspective on his
personal life.
'I think the show room is amazing. I really enjoy the new lay out. I am just out getting pierced but I’ll come up with something for you by the end of the day.'