Thankfully, there is no shortage of memorable events for young professionals across the country, providing ample opportunity for socializing and networking, often in the name of a good cause. Here are five of our favourite events for young professionals in Canada, either to connect with other like-minded professionals, support an inspiring charity, or engage in good, old-fashioned fun.
Powerball, Toronto:
With an ever-increasing list of charity events throughout Toronto, nothing quite compares to Powerball — an evening of art, discovery and a little glam as well. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery transforms each June to kick off the summer with a multi-room indoor/outdoor party that generates funds for the exhibition and public programs at The Power Plant. The annual event features art installations, interactive elements, over-the-top food stations (this year’s event featured a full bison) and ample opportunity for networking. With every new room there is something to see, do and stimulate the senses. The next Powerball takes place June 2013.
Operanation, Toronto:
Operanation offers the fusion of a shamelessly elegant gala with artistic exploration and entertainment. Equal parts party and performance, Operanation fills three levels of the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with over 1,000 glammed up and ready-to-party YPs for the Canadian Opera Company’s annual premier fundraising event. YPs Guests are always bold, daring and mysterious with their outfit choices; part of the allure of Operanation is its emphasis on the impact of fashion as an art form. In a show like no other, a highlight includes mashup performances featuring rising young opera stars from the COC’s Ensemble Studio in collaboration with big name stars, who have in the past included Broken Social Scene, Nelly Furtado and the 2012 Juno Group of the Year winners the Arkells. Sadly, we have to wait almost another year for the next Operanation, which happens next October.
Kids for Kids, Montreal:
On November 23rd, over 800 20-40 year-old party-goers will attend the Kids for Kids gala to benefit The Sarah Cook Fund of The Cedars Cancer Institute. This year’s gala commemorates Kids for Kids’ 20th anniversary. Unlike most charity events, where the $150 plus ticket doesn’t quite reflect the younger demographic, tickets for the party cost just $50 in advance or $60 at the door, 9:30pm – 3am. Of course, you could always spend $150, with a pre-party experience that includes an open bar and a meal of all local food. After 9pm Espace Réunion turns into a swanky club as Montreal’s most fashionable file in for an evening of old-school funk, soul and house of DJ Greg Amiel. Each year features secret entertainment, with this year’s theme being ‘Enchanted Garden’. Montreal locals – save November 23rd! $150 VIP tickets inlcudes food by Bice and open bar 7:30 – 9pm.
Schmancy, Calgary:
A stark contrast to stuffy charity events, Schmancy offers a “still fancy, but more fun” evening out for young professionals in Calgary to support arts and culture programming at the Glenbow Museum. Although details of February’s events have yet to be released, our expectations are high based on the success of last year’s event. Hosted by Canada’s beloved Jian Ghomeshi, the event sold out weeks prior. Ghomeshi’s feature presentation called “Why Pop Culture Matters” kicked off the evening before guests made their way down the red carpet to for an evening of entertainment, exhibits, cuisine and cocktails at the Glenbow Museum. Keeping with the “still fancy, more fun” theme, guests drank and danced the night away in the museum’s fourth floor Club Pivot Lounge. Glenbow’s signature fundraising event returns February 9, 2013.
Motionball, Vancouver:
Motionball is a non-profit organization that builds awareness and raises funds for the Special Olympics of Canada Foundation. One of our favourite events in cities across the country (Toronto and Calgary each also host their own Motionball events), the Motionball Gala has quickly become one of the biggest charity events for young professionals in Vancouver. The event is filled with Vancouver’s social set of young professionals and features an evening of culinary indulgence, drink, celebrity guests, games and top-of-the-line entertainment. Motionball’s 2012 Vancouver Gala, Syndicated, brought back the 1930’s speakeasy as Vancouver Urban Winery was dressed to evoke a provocative underground scene straight out of the Prohibition era. This year’s Motionball took place on November 3rd.
Of course, we couldn’t not mention one of our favourite events of the year, The Notable Awards. Last year’s first National Notable Awards presentation and party was a huge success in Toronto and this year’s promises to be equally impressive as we switch up the city to Montreal for the Quebec Notable Awards powered by Fusion on December 6th. For more information click here.
Top photo: Motionball, Toronto