Meet the Professionals

Firefly Projects + Canadian Outback Adventures = Canadian Meeting Professionals Inc.

CMPI is built on sucess. Two highly successful companies with a shared vision (Firefly Projects and Canadian Outback Adventures) formed CMPI out of desire to provide world-class, creative and unique event management services in Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia. Our combined expertise and experience in team-building, outdoor adventure expeditions and corporate and charity events taught us that there was a need for someome to inject some energy and enthusiasm into corporate events. You might say we have one foot in the backcountry and another in the ballroom. The result is that we can offer you edgy urban chic and survivor sensibilities in one package.

We spent years getting this good. Each member of the CMPI team possesses an array of talents, skills and experience which when combined create a company that can provide you with choices that you did not even know existed. For example, let's say you want to create a truly unique customer appreciation program - call us. We have ideas that will make your customers feel valued and excited. Or, imagine launching your brand with an event that is unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. Is there a better way to tell people that you are offering something new?

We don’t know of any other company that can offer expertise in event marketing, public relations, team building events, event production and outdoor adventure – but we can! The result is a dynamic, multi-talented team that gets the big picture and knows how to break it down into its smallest parts.

This is the best-case scenario for a meeting planning company.

We are not so myopic that we forget what the goal is and we are not such visionaries that we forget to order the coffee.

Each member of our team possesses well-defined areas of expertise. Firm believers in ‘expediential addition’, our complimentary skills allow us to make a lot happen without costing a lot. Everything starts and ends at the same place. Your goals are our benchmark.

Firefly

Firefly Projects has a bit of a reputation. It parties with the beautiful people and organizes events of mass appeal. Firefly has been there, done that and then some – and yet it has a fresh approach to every new client. The company is behind some of the most glamourous black tie galas and the edgiest modern interpretations of classic holidays. But don't let the glitz fool you. This is business.

Renowned for a seamless attention to detail, the company has earned its accolades and is widely respected for its consistent quality of service. At the helm of Firefly are Ruthie Shugarman and Gillian Turner.

Both have proven experience in directing all aspects of a successful event -- from concept creation through sponsor solicitation to event promotion, volunteer management and site logistics.

Gillian and Ruthie first had the opportunity to work together at Spectrum Marketing where they joined forces to present high profile sponsorship opportunities to corporate prospects.

Requests from clients and an entrepreneurial need to expand and branch out into new ventures prompted the pair to include corporate meetings, executive retreats and team building programs in their repertoire. Now partnered with James Corbett, owner of BC's leading adventure tour operator, Canadian Outback Adventure, Canadian Meeting Professionals Inc. was launched.

A sample of some of Firefly’s Projects:

• BC Women’s Hospital Foundation, Trek 2003, Feasibility Study, July 2002
• Vancouver Sun, Raise-A-Reader Campaign, Sponsorship Sales, October 2002
• CIBC Wood Gundy, Client Appreciation Program, July 2002
• Vancouver Park Board, Halloween Ghost Train, Fall 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
• BC Women’s Hospital, Illuminations Luncheon, November 2000, 2001, 2002
• Dave Barr - Darcy Rota - Boston Pizza Golf Tournament, June 2000, 2001, 2002
• Kids Help Phone Evening with Oscar, March 2000, 2001, 2002
• Western Management Consultants, 26th Anniversary Client Event, October 2001
• Vancouver Park Board, Rainforest Train, August 2000, 2001
• Vancouver Park Board Children’s Farm Yard School Program, Spring 2001
• Kids Help Phone Bowlathon, November 2000, 2001
• Voyus Canada Inc. (formerly Velocity Computers) AGM and Launch Event, June 2000
• City of Surrey’s Millennium Sponsorship Program (with Lang & Associates),1999
• NBA “Hoop it Up” Basketball Event, Marketing Services, June 1999
• Winter Solstice Lantern Procession, Sponsorship Consultant, December 1999
• Vancity Ethics in Action Awards, Marketing Services, June 1999
• Bonnie Peters “Trust-touch Baby Massage” Video Launch, Sales & Marketing
• Game Guard™ “Children Playing” Safety Sign, Sales & Marketing

Canadian Outback Adventures

Canadian Outback was conceived in 1991 in order to provide adventures throughout British Columbia, Canada for individuals and groups. Corbett’s goal continues to be to provide excellent experiences and value in 3 primary areas: individual & group adventures; packaged holidays for visitors to BC; and corporate teambuilding. In addition to providing a long list of amazing excursions including ski trips, bald eagle viewing, heli-rafting, snowmobiling and more, Canadian Outback also maintains a fully serviced adventure base from April-October in the Squamish area, just over an hour from Vancouver and 45 minutes south of Whistler. This base is home to the various rafting trips, "Survivor: The Canadian Outback", “The Amazing Race” and other adventures.

COA Signature Events