10 Amazing Must-See Toronto Summer Festivals
With the sunshine we have been appreciating lately, we can’t help but dream of all the amazing summer activities our great city has to offer. So, to assist with any planning you might be doing, we bring to you, 10 festivals you don’t want to miss this summer!
May 6-10
Over 1000 artists. 60 venues. 5 nights. Recognized as a premier music event in North America. Enjoy performances by Ellie Goulding, Tegan & Sara, City and Colour and many more at various locations around the city!
June 6-15
For 10 days in June, The Luminato Festival transforms the city. From theatres to parks and public spaces, artists create astonishing art forms. This boisterous festival takes over the city with music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, film and celebrations of all kinds.
June 19- 28
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals. The 10 day event is produced annually by Toronto Downtown Jazz. “Jazz Fest” annually attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons. Attractions include more than 350 performances at around 40 locations around Toronto.
Redpath Waterfront Festival Toronto
June 20-22
Get ready for excitement at this year’s Redpath Waterfront Festival. For 2 kilometers along Toronto’s waterfront, you can check out the family and dog friendly events! There is everything from the 2014 DockDogs® World Qualifying Championships to the 2014 Flyboard® North American Championships (the world’s newest extreme sport) happening at Harbour Square Park. Head over to Sugar Beach and unwind at the Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival, getting a taste of the latest trends, while the hottest new musical talent in Toronto entertains you at the EMERGE Artists Showcase.
June 20 -29
Attracting over a million attendees each year, Toronto Pride week is one of the biggest Pride festivals in the world. Bursting with enough energy to power a city, Pride is a 10-day long celebration of queer culture that attracts people of all ages, ethnicities, and sexual identities. Pride is all about celebrating diversity.
June 28-29
90 Dj’s on 4 stages over the Canada Day weekend! Showcasing some of the biggest and best electronic artists located at The Flats @MCA. Performances by world renowned Tiesto, Luciano, Justice and many more.
July 4- 20
For two mouthwatering weeks in July, savour delicious three-course prix fixe menus served at close to 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants. Lunch and dinner menus ranging from $15- $45.
July 8- August
This festival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. This year celebrates the 46th anniversary. It has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. Toronto comes alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands.
Aug 8- 10
GreekTown Taste of the Danforth sponsored by Krinos is one of Toronto’s signature events, showcasing the best of Hellenic food, culture, and music our multicultural city has to offer – from souvlaki to mezes, authentic Greek music to interactive children’s games! Come enjoy the culture that makes the Danforth a year round destination.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Aug 15- Sept 1
“Let’s go to the Ex!” is a statement that rings throughout Toronto every August. With over 1 million visitors each year, the CNE has become a symbolic close to summer festivities. The CNE is Canada’s largest fair and boasts fun for everyone. Join in on ring toss, enjoy some deep fried delicacies or gamble at the casino. Whatever you choose to do, it is sure to be a great time!
Content Mixology [INFOGRAPHIC]
As we have seen, content marketing is an imperative part of today’s social media culture. However, the number one struggle for content marketers has always been audience involvement and content creation. Here is an infographic with tips to help combat these common problems from Uberflip.
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Mar 26, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Your personal brand makes a promise to others that you have a strong foundation & that you can be trusted. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) March 25, 2014
Be prepared to gracefully accept the word “no.” #PRTips #PRRockStar
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) March 25, 2014
#PRTip. Stay on offense during a #media interview. Know your key messages and bridge back to them when you’re going off course.
— Publicity Dude (@PublicityDude) March 20, 2014
Avoid #jargon. It’s not just about your messaging. It’s about how your audience is interpreting your messages. #PRtips
— Sabrina – Blu Lotus (@BluLotusPR) March 24, 2014
Honesty is extremely important in the world of #PR. You want your audience to gain a trust with you & look to your brand for answers.#PRTip
— The PR Princess (@thePRprincesss) March 24, 2014
If you’re expecting an 8-5 job, PR is not for you. #PRTip
— Nancy Gutierrez (@NancyG_PR) March 25, 2014
#PRTip: Pitching to journalists – for best results; get to the point within the first paragraph – or first sentence if possible!
— Whitefoot PR (@WhitefootPR) March 24, 2014
Want reporters to notice you? Retweet their articles and always ask relevant questions. http://t.co/Vvqg7nLTX3 #PRtip #socialmedia
— Sparkpr (@SparkPR) March 21, 2014
If you sell a product, invest in quality product shots #PRTIP
— Christina Daves (@PRforAnyone) March 21, 2014
#prtip – SEO can make your press release stand out among the thousands of others. Use it.
— Issuer Direct Corp (@IssuerDirect) March 21, 2014
Toronto Zoo Celebrates One Year With Pandas!
Today, EDPR had the amazing opportunity to visit the Toronto Zoo with children from Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada. It was a big day at the zoo, as it marks the 1 year anniversary of the arrival of two giant pandas, Er Shun and Da Mao. The pandas arrived at Person International Airport a year ago today with the help of FedEx; their arrival generated more media attention than the Queen! Toronto will be home to these playful creatures for five years until their journey continues to Calgary. Starlight Canada had the opportunity to see the pandas up close and personal, while being featured on Canada A.M. Check out some of the pictures from the exciting morning!
Morning aerobics to keep warm!
Brushing up on our Panda knowledge.
Our first panda look!
The panda seems to be just as interested as the kids!
Getting ready for Canada AM.
Starlight’s moment in the spotlight!
Big thank you to CTV’s Canada AM and Starlight Canada for making the morning so special.
Social Media Celebrates First Decade [INFOGRAPHIC]
It’s hard to imagine a life without social media. It’s even harder to believe it was only a decade ago that this popular form of communication was created. So, in honour of 10 years of social media, we celebrate with this info graphic from engadget.
Starlight Canada Visits With Matt Dusk on Canada AM
On Monday, EDPR had the privilege of accompanying children from the Starlight Children’s Foundation as they watched a taping of JUNO nominated musician Matt Dusk, on Canada AM. Once we got there, we immediately knew we were in for a treat! Matt was amazing, taking the time to talk to the children and families, he even busted a move with some little Starlight dancers. Check out some shots from the morning below!
Big thank you goes out to Canada AM, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Matt Dusk for making this morning happen!
Top 10 #PRPro Tips Of The Week: Mar 19, 2014
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Say no to email blast pitching. Research a ‘top targets’ list and approach each outlet directly and strategically. #PRTip
— Publicity Dude (@PublicityDude) March 17, 2014
#PRtip of the Day: Make sure your messaging is uniform on your website and all social media platforms. #publicrelations #PRhelp
— Crockett PR (@_CrockettPR) March 18, 2014
#PRTIP: always make sure your client’s image is being portrayed in the right light!
— Tia Greene (@TiaGreene) March 18, 2014
#PRtip – Keep the line of communication open between you and your audience.
— Issuer Direct Corp (@IssuerDirect) March 17, 2014
The fundamental rule for effective communication is to know your audience. #prtips
— Carita P. (@Parks_PR) March 18, 2014
Networking: Don’t be a bore. Don’t do monologues & don’t interrupt others. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) March 18, 2014
Be thankful for every mention your company receives. There is no such thing as a small hit. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) March 18, 2014
Never ever ever ever post pixelated photos. Whether your branding yourself or a business, just don’t do it! #petpeeve #branding #PRtips
— Allyn Lewis (@allyn_lewis) March 18, 2014
What’s the #1 mistake of media spokespersons? Talking too much. Put your main message up front. Make your point in 6-15 seconds. #PRTips
— Delta Media Inc. (@DeltaMediaPR) March 18, 2014
Measurement is more than just reporting. Generate insights to fuel future work. #PRTIPS
— Aneela Rose PR (@AneelaRosePR) March 17, 2014
Celebrate the 2014 JUNO Awards with EDPR! [PRINTABLE BALLOT]
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The JUNO Awards celebrate major accomplishments in Canadian music. Canada has had an above average year when it comes to chart toppers, thanks to the help of artists like: Robin Thicke, Matt Dusk, Serena Ryder, Drake, Hedley and many others. Hosted by Classified, Johnny Reid and Serena Ryder, this star studded event promises to be a good one. We will be watching and live tweeting throughout the evening along side one of our clients, musician Dee Bronte. Be sure to use the #EDPRJUNOS hashtag, to join the conversation. For your convenience we have also made a ballot sheet so you can participate in some friendly competition at home!
Click here to download the 2014 JUNOS ballot sheet.
#Film Friday: 73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker
Recently, the amazing Sarah Jessica Parker took some time out of her day for an unusual interview with Vogue. Filmed in a 5:34 minute video, the interviewer/cameraman asks SJP, 73 rapid fire questions which she answered flawlessly (likely due to some PR preparation). The result was a brilliant interview that showcases the SJP that we all know and love, and left absolutely no time for audience distraction. Take a look and see for yourself!
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5 Quick Exercises For Staying Fit At Your Office Job
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Spending 8 hours a day at work, sitting behind a desk can be a detriment to our health. Without even realizing it, our days pass b, and the only time we get up from our desk is for our 5 cups of coffee. Here at EDPR, we have pledged to go on a bit of a health kick (kale chips and all) s0, in the spirit of health, we are giving you some tips for short and easy exercises you can do in the office to improve your physical and mental health. These are our top 5 picks!
1. Leg Lifts
Sitting in your chair, slowly lift each leg and lower. Repeat multiple times. If you are looking for more of a challenge, lift your leg and hold straight for 5 seconds then, slowly lower back to the floor. These exercises will help increase leg circulation and strengthen your thigh muscle.
Stand up and face your desk. With your hands shoulder width apart, place them in front of you on the edge of your desk. Move your feet backwards until your weight is being supported by both your arms and feet (moving back about 1 meter should do the trick). Now, proceed to do a push-up much like you would on the floor; bending your elbows to 90 degrees and straightening them back out. Do as many as you feel comfortable with.
3. Squats
Ah, the classic squat. This is a simple exercise you can do at your desk that helps you tighten those glutes. Here is how it works: stand-up and move your chair out of the way. With your feet shoulder width apart, slowly bend into a sitting position and stand back up. Be sure to keep your back straight and don’t bend your knees past 90 degrees. For more of a challenge hold the seated position for an extra 5 seconds during every squat.
4. Go For a Walk
While on your lunch break, instead of spending 40 minutes reading your favourite book, go for a walk, either in the office or outside (walking down the street to McDonald’s does’t count). This will leave you refreshed for the afternoon workload.
For many of us, our day is consumed typing on a computer. To avoid any of those nasty typing injuries like carpal tunnel, take time everyday to stretch out those wrists. Stand at you desk with your arms straight down in front of you. Place the top of your hands on the desk , fingers facing towards you. Press down gently until you feel a small stretch. This will help relieve the tension you feel in your arms and wrists.
Check out this video for a quick 10 minute desk work out!
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