VIA Rail's Josephine Walsh and Tourism Jasper's
Anastasia Martin-Stilwell
Paul Brandt and the team from
Travel Alberta
(l-r) Jessica Harcombe-Fleming, Global Media Specialist North America;
Noelle Aune, Executive Director, Public Relations, Media & Events;
Shelley Grollmuss, Executive Director, North America; Susan Fekete, Director, Public Relations & Media; Twyla Ursaki, Events Co-ordinator
The brains behind Hawksworth Restaurant, Chef David Hawksworth
Travel Alberta sure knows how to wow the crowd. In Vancouver to launch their summer campaign, “Absolutely Alberta,” they brought in Albertan country artist Paul Brandt, a multi-platinum singer/songwriter, for a private performance to help promote the destination.
The event was held at the recently opened fine dining Hawksworth Restaurant at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Formerly known as the historic Hotel Georgia, the Rosewood is undergoing a complete facelift. Chef David Hawksworth, a Vancouverite, is the mastermind behind the Hawksworth Restaurant.
Wait staff offered up specially designed cocktail concoctions: Prairie Pride (made up of Grand Marnier, Alberta Springs Aged 10 Years Rye and topped with bubbles) and Big Sky Sour (Alberta Springs Aged 10 Years Rye and fresh lemon ginger bitter). Alberta-inspired finger fare was also available including bison, and lamb & goat cheese mini burgers.
The “Absolutely Alberta” campaign features information on summer events and can be found in newspaper inserts, TV commercials, and on www.TravelAlberta.com. An entourage of Alberta suppliers were also on hand to talk about their products: Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Bodo Archaeological Centre, Calgary Stampede, Canadian Mountain Holidays, Edmonton Tourism, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hôtel Le Germain Calgary/Charcut, The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Tourism Jasper and VIA Rail. Calgary-based fashion designer Paul Hardy, who happened to be in Vancouver, was also in attendance. Hardy’s collections are inspired by Alberta’s landscape and light.
Back to country sensation Brandt. Guests were treated to a four-song performance that included the preview of a new release, Give it Away, the theme song for Brandt’s new TV show, “Build it Forward.” The singer ended the set with the aptly titled Alberta Bound. Needless to say, many guests were converted into country music fans that evening.
