Each March, Vancouverites get their climbing legs in gear by participating in Harbour Centre’s Urban Grind. The 26-floor staircase run is the perfect way to get shake off the winter blues and get the heart pumping. This year was no exception as hundreds took up the stair running challenge over four Tuesdays in March.

Elettra loves being part of this annual event. Is it all the smiling faces, the touch of spring weather, or the stunning 360º aerial view of Vancouver from the top of the Vancouver Lookout? All of the above, we say!

Check out our photo gallery.

Vancouver Centre II is a 33-storey, AAA office building set to rise at Seymour and Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. The GWL Realty Advisors project team has recently completed the demolition of the existing parkade, and work is now heading underground for excavation.

Elettra teamed up with Noravera Video Production to capture demolition highlights and to get an update from the project team. Watch the video here.

The Elettra event planning team is in full gear in the lead up to the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. This year's event will be held Monday, April 16.

Vancouver Magazine recently release the list of finalists in all categories. Is your favourite restaurant on the list?

On behalf of our client, CMCH-Granville Island, today we released some exciting news for the island:

Angus An, Robert Belcham, Hamid Salimian and Joël Watanabe will team up to open Popina Canteen – a gourmet counter-service restaurant housed in repurposed shipping containers

VANCOUVER, March 14, 2018 – Popina Canteen, a gourmet counter-service restaurant housed in repurposed shipping containers, will be opening this summer on Granville Island. The concept is a collaboration among four of Vancouver’s most renowned chefs – Angus An, Robert Belcham, Hamid Salimian and Joël Watanabe.

“We have been playing with the idea of a collaboration project for years,” says Angus An, co-founder of Popina Canteen. “Popina Canteen is a project that distils our years of fine dining experience into something that is casual and fun. To be able to share and launch this concept on Granville Island, an iconic Vancouver landmark, is a dream come true”.

The addition of this new restaurant is one of a number of initiatives that are being implemented as part of the Granville Island 2040: Bridging Past & Future report recommendations. The key strategies of the report include expanding the Public Market and transforming the area around it into a Market District, as well as improving access to the island, embracing arts and innovation, and enhancing the public realm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Popina Canteen to Granville Island. This innovative concept is the ideal way to move forward with our vision for an expanded Market District on the island,” says Lisa Ono, Manager, Public Affairs & Programming for CMHC-Granville Island. “During our recent Granville Island 2040 public consultation and planning process, there was strong demand from both locals and visitors for more varied and creative food offerings on the island”.

Popina Canteen will be located on the northwest side of the Public Market. The kitchen and takeaway counters will be housed in repurposed shipping containers while newly created outdoor public seating will offer great views of False Creek and the downtown core.

An official opening date will be announced in late spring.

Are you the Communications Consultant we’re looking for?

Do you have a passion for being in the know? Do you start every day getting up to speed on what’s happening in your city and around the world? Does the idea of working with a wide range of clients from a variety of industries excite you? Then this job may be for you.

COMPANY PROFILE:

Elettra Communications is full service communications agency that offers stakeholder communications, media relations, event management, and social media services. Our clients include Granville Island, YVR, Emily Carr University, Cactus Club Cafe, Harbour Centre, and GWL Realty Advisors.

We are a team of smart, informed, resourceful, quality-driven, and accountable individuals. We currently have an opening for a dynamic Communications Consultant.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Writing and project management form the core responsibilities of this position. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Stakeholder Communications

• Planning campaigns, managing projects, and creating budgets, timelines and status reports.
• Producing compelling communications materials (written and visual).

Media Relations

• Executing media relations campaigns, which includes preparing written and visual materials, researching and crafting story angles, and pitching media.
• Preparing spokespeople for media interviews and assisting with formal media training sessions.

Events

• Supporting the development of comprehensive event plans and working with suppliers to create top-notch event solutions.
• Handling event logistics, collateral production, and aspects of project management.

Digital

• Developing social media content calendars, creating content and managing paid ad campaigns.
• Working with videographers to produce compelling videos to support campaigns.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:

• Smart: You are sharp and quick-thinking.
• Informed: You’re a newshound who is informed about our city and our country.
• Resourceful: You are not daunted by obstacles or uncertainty. You simply find a way to get it done.
• Quality-driven: You are dedicated to producing work of the highest standard.
• Accountable: You keep your commitments. You take responsibility and ownership over your work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Arts, Marketing, or Public Relations.
• 3-6 years’ direct experience in a public relations or communications environment.
• Exceptional writing skills. You write clear and sophisticated prose in a variety of styles.
• Experience in communications project management, working with multiple suppliers, managing timelines and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of regional/national media landscape.
• Proven success in conducting media relations campaigns.
• Experience developing social media content calendars, creating content and managing paid social ad campaigns.
• The following are considered assets: Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency; photography skills; WordPress skills; experience with video production; agency experience.

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a permanent, full-time position. While we encourage work-life balance, the nature of our industry means that you will occasionally be asked to respond to media/client inquiries and work at events outside of the 9-5, Monday-Friday work week.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary based on your experience
• Extended medical
• Downtown office close to transit
• Annual professional development grant
• Mobile phone plan subsidy
• Guidance and mentorship from PR industry veterans
• A group of coworkers who love discussing current affairs and politics just as much as you do

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Demonstrate your exceptional writing skills by sending a well-crafted cover letter and resume to careers@elettra.ca.

Application closing date: March 28, 2018

Volunteer Opportunity: Event Coordination

 Event: Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards

 Date/Time: Monday, April 16 10:30am – 6pm (required)

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Elettra Communications is looking for student volunteers to assist with Vancouver’s premier restaurant industry event. This opportunity will appeal to students who have an interest in public relations, publishing, marketing, or event management.

Now in its 29th year, the Vancouver magazine’s Restaurant Awards event is the biggest of its kind in North America. Nineteen of the city’s top food critics form the judging panel and vote on the best dining experience in more than 40 categories. The event includes a reception and awards show. The annual extravaganza welcomes more than 800 restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers, suppliers, and food and wine critics.

Elettra Communications is the producer of Vancouver magazine’s Restaurant Awards. Elettra is a public relations firm that specializes in event management, media relations, and marketing communications. www.elettra.ca

Duties:

Volunteers will assist with a range of activities including:

• Event set up
• Guest check-in
• Awards presenting/backstage coordination
• Coat check
• Event wrap-up

Benefit to you:

• Event coordination experience
• Exposure to the behind-the-scenes workings of a large event
• Opportunity to build contacts in the PR, marketing, and publishing industries
• Lunch will be provided

Dress code:

All black. No jeans; no running shoes/sneakers.

How to apply: 

If you would like to volunteer for this opportunity, please contact victoria@elettra.ca

In your email please provide a brief introduction of yourself, and include a description of your current course of study, why you are interested in this position, and your contact information.

We're back in the office today, hot on the heels of another successful YVR Stars event. This is one of our favourite projects every year. It's a night to honour those people who work and volunteer at YVR who go beyond, every day for customers. 

We collaborate on this gala awards show with Vancouver Airport Authority's awesome Customer Relations team. The planning takes months, and it's so worth it to see the smiles on the faces of all the award winners.

Take a look at our photo gallery below. And next time you get great service at YVR, be sure to hop on line and recognize a YVR Star!

GWL Realty Advisors’ 33-storey office tower signals eastward shift of Vancouver’s core business district; Launches amid heightened demand for downtown office space

GWL Realty Advisors officially broke ground today on Vancouver Centre II, a 33-storey AAA office tower in downtown Vancouver. The 371,000 square foot building will be constructed at 753 Seymour Street in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s burgeoning tech hub. GWL Realty Advisors is developing the project on behalf of the project owners: The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, the Great-West Life Real Estate Fund, and London Life Real Estate Fund.

Vancouver Centre II is the first major project to commence construction in downtown Vancouver’s next cycle of commercial office development and is launching amid heightened demand for office space in the downtown core. With these compelling conditions at play, GWL Realty Advisors is proceeding with construction on a speculative basis. The building is slated to open in summer 2021.

“With its premier location and exceptional design, we expect that Vancouver Centre II will attract considerable market interest,” says Paul Finkbeiner, President, GWL Realty Advisors. “The building has been designed for forward-thinking, industry-leading firms that want to attract top talent, nurture innovation, and deliver results. We’re targeting WELL Certification and LEED Platinum standard, which will make VCII one of the healthiest and most sustainable buildings in the city.”

Vancouver Centre II is the next phase of the Vancouver Centre complex, which includes Scotia Tower (650 West Georgia) and Vancouver Centre Mall.  Together, the two Vancouver Centre towers will form one of the city’s most amenity-rich, spacious, and sustainable office developments. With its central downtown location and its direct, underground connection to two SkyTrain lines, Vancouver Centre II will be the most transit-accessible new-build office tower in the city.

“Vancouver Centre II will play a major role in facilitating our city’s green economic growth by providing much needed office space as companies of all sizes and industries from all over the world look to set up shop in downtown Vancouver,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson. “As Vancouver’s innovation economy booms, Vancouver Centre II is sure to be a new hub for our booming local tech sector and a great addition to the downtown core, close to the city’s best amenities and transit.”

The launch of Vancouver Centre II represents the eastward shift of the city’s core business district. The area is quickly becoming the epicentre of Vancouver’s tech community and is already home to several global tech giants. Growing interest in Vancouver as a tech hub is increasing the demand for office space. In its most recent market report (September 2017), Colliers International notes that downtown Vancouver vacancy rates are currently at 5.1 per cent compared with 6.9 per cent at the same point in 2016. Colliers also notes that technology, advertising, media, and information firms now account for 47.8 per cent of all current office space demand in the downtown core.

Designed by Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership, Vancouver Centre II’s contemporary architecture is defined by sculptural form and clear glazing. An expansive, light-filled lobby atrium will connect Vancouver Centre II and Scotia Tower. Employees will have access to first-class amenities, including the 29th Floor Skyline Rooftop Deck and a private, state-of-the-art fitness facility and yoga studio with changerooms, showers, and end-of-trip cycling facilities. The building offers open and flexible floor plans that foster creativity and collaboration, and interiors can be tailored to meet each tenant’s specific needs. 

Vancouver Centre II has been designed for businesses that understand the connection between the workspace environment and the ability to attract top talent. Health and wellness principles that aid in improving the fitness, mood, comfort, and performance of building occupants have been incorporated into the building design and long-term operations of Vancouver Centre II. The project is registered with the International WELL Building Institute™ in its WELL v1 for Core and Shell building rating system and is being designed in accordance with WELL requirements. Building structure, window locations, glazing selection, building proportions, interior finishes, ventilation, and lighting systems will all be considered for their impact on human health and wellness. 

It’s the Vancouver Lookout’s 40th anniversary and to celebrate, they’ve partnered with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation to present Perspectives: Talks & Discussions – a five-part speaker series that sheds lights on the forgotten history of Vancouver.

Among the various topics to be covered is the fascinating story of Vancouver’s first forensic investigator, John F.C.B. Vance, who used cutting-edge scientific techniques to solve some of the most sensational crimes of the early 1900s. So effective were his methods that there were seven attempts made on his life and he and his family had to be given round-the-clock police protection.

Other topics in the series include the history of some of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings and the golden age of Granville Street nightlife as well as stories from Indigenous and South Asian communities.

The talks will take place atop Harbour Centre in the Vancouver Lookout – offering attendees stunning 360-degree views of the city as they hear stories drawn from the surrounding area.

Talks & Discussions

• Blanketing the City: Musqueam Stories
  Speakers: Debra Sparrow and Kamala Todd
  Saturday, September 23, 10:15 am-12 pm
• Cultural Landscapes: Vancouver’s South Asian Community
  Speakers: Naveen Girn, Paneet Singh and Milan Singh
  Saturday, October 7, 9:45-11:30 am
• Historic Crime: Early Forensic Investigation
  Speaker: Eve Lazarus
  Thursday, October 19, 6:15-8:00 pm
• Heritage from Up High
  Speaker: John Atkin
  Sunday, October 29, 9.45-11:30 am
• Vancouver After Dark: History of the Entertainment Scene
  Speaker: Aaron Chapman
  Thursday, November 16, 6:15-8:00 pm

To learn more and book your tickets, visit the Vancouver Perspectives website.

We are delighted to welcome Kyle Krawchuk to the team this week as our new PR Consultant.

Always up for a challenge, Kyle left his hometown of Maple Ridge at age 18 to enrol in HEC Montréal’s trilingual Bachelor of Business Administration program – where the courses were taught in equal parts English, French and Spanish. Four years later, Kyle set off on a career that would see him live and work in some of the world’s most vibrant cities – Paris, London, Rome, Shanghai, Beijing, Lima – and pick up two new languages (Italian and Mandarin) while he was at it.

Over the course of his career, Kyle has done in-house marketing and PR for both B2C and B2B brands in addition to earlier roles in the luxury retail, human resources, tourism sectors.

Outside of the office, you can find Kyle performing improv, hiking up one of the local mountains or catching rays at Sunset Beach. An voracious reader and political junkie, Kyle likes to start each day with a generous helping of news.

Now back in Vancouver, Kyle is excited to leverage the ideas and experience he obtained abroad to help Elettra’s clients achieve their PR objectives. We are thrilled to have him onboard.

We are beyond thrilled that More Awesome Now's Kickstarter to raise funds for FIELD in Ackery's Alley has met it's fundraising goal of $35,000. Public art in a Granville St alley will become a reality!

People from all over the world have supported our campaign. Folks from across Canada, the USA, Australia, the UK, Chile, Germany, Mexico and South Africa support the campaign which will enable the More Awesome Now team to create an interactive sound + light installation in the alley behind the Orpheum Theatre. 

Our stretch goal is to grow our community to 500 people.  What this means, is every dollar backed above our goal will help with extra things like programming the alley (allowing people to truly make the space their own), but what is really meaningful to us is the size of the community, and how many people are connected to this vision.

Our Kickstarter campaign has already built a sizeable community around this project, (of more than two hundred and fifty three people!) and we know there are more people out there who believe in what we are doing. 

 By making a pledge (of any value, even $1!), you become part of this global community. Pledging means you will be kept updated on the progress of Ackery’s Alley and FIELD. Belonging to this community means you are addressing the issue of urban isolation, a common plight in all major cities across the globe.

Better yet, pledge $100 and your reward will be a set of limited edition Ackery's Alley and Alley Oop posters. (See image.)

Are you the PR Consultant we're looking for?

Do you have a passion for being in the know? Do you start every day getting up to speed on what’s happening in your city and around the world? Does the idea of learning something new every day thrill you? Then this job may be for you.

We are a team of smart, informed, resourceful, quality-driven, and accountable individuals. We currently have an opening for a dynamic PR Consultant.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Stakeholder Communications

• Participating in campaign planning and handling day-to-day project management including budgeting, timelines, and status reporting.
• Producing compelling communications materials (written and visual) to support campaigns.

Media Relations

• Executing media relations campaigns, including: preparing effective written and visual materials; researching and crafting compelling story angles; and successfully pitching media.  
• Preparing spokespeople for media interviews, and assisting with formal media training sessions.

Events

• Supporting the development of comprehensive event plans and working with suppliers to create top-notch event solutions.  
• Handling event logistics, collateral production, and aspects of project management.

Social Media

• Developing social media content calendars for clients, including paid and organic content. Preparing written and visual content.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:

• SMART: You are sharp and quick-thinking.
• INFORMED: You’re a newshound who is informed about our city and our country.
• RESOURCEFUL: You are not daunted by obstacles or uncertainty. You simply find a way to get it done.
• QUALITY-DRIVEN: You are dedicated to producing work of the highest standard.
• ACCOUNTABLE: You keep your commitments. You take responsibility and ownership over your work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Arts, Marketing, or Public Relations.
• 3-5 years’ direct experience in public relations.
• Strong knowledge of regional/national media landscape.
• Exceptional writing skills. You write clear and sophisticated prose in a variety of styles.
• Proven success with conducting media relations campaign.
• Highly adept at, and engaged with, social media.
• The following are considered assets: Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency; photography skills; Wordpress skills

POSITION DETAILS:

Full time, permanent. You must be flexible with hours and able to respond to media inquiries and work at events outside the 9-5, Monday-Friday work week.

Salary will match experience of the successful candidate. Expected start: Early September 2017.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Demonstrate your exceptional writing skills by sending a well-crafted cover letter and resume to careers@elettra.ca.

Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be accepted. 

Application closing date: July 10, 2017.

Campaign to raise funds for interactive sound & light art installation in Ackery’s Alley

More Awesome Now, the collective who brought Vancouver its first reimagined alleyway, Alley-Oop, is asking for the public’s help to fund an interactive art installation in the city’s next activated laneway – Ackery’s Alley.  The collective is launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise the $35K needed to secure FIELD, an interactive public art installation by renowned international artist, Alex Beim.

Once transformed, Ackery’s Alley (located off Granville Street in the alley behind the Orpheum Theatre) will be a space for public art and performance, with FIELD at its centre. The installation’s field of sensors and lights will detect the presence of a person, changing colours and emitting sounds in reaction to movement. FIELD will work like a large musical and light instrument that creates a unique composition every time someone moves through it.

“I can see people coming together and experimenting with FIELD -  dancing and creating something that is completely unexpected,” says Alex Beim, artist and director of Tangible Interaction. “I think Vancouver needs more spaces that create conversation and connection. This installation will bring people together in that way, and it would be amazing to get the funding to make this happen.”

More Awesome Now will use the funds raised through Kickstarter for the procurement and installation of FIELD.  The collective has already raised funds to transform the alleyway with artful signage, psychedelic paint, a metallic gold feature element, projection walls and a glowing orb beacon.

“Human connection is at the core of rich urban experiences.  By creating interactive public spaces, we can foster connection and social exchange,” says Charles Gauthier, member of More Awesome Now, and President and CEO of the Downtown Vancouver BIA. “We hope this project inspires the people of Vancouver and also those outside our city who want to try something similar in their own communities.” 

More Awesome Now is a collective of thinkers and doers who reshape underutilized urban land spaces into engaging, accessible public spaces.  The group includes the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), HCMA Architecture + Design, in partnership with Vancouver Civic Theatres and the City of Vancouver’s VIVA Vancouver program.

More Awesome Now hopes that the concept of reimagined alleyways takes on a life of its own, so that one day Vancouver and other cities around the world have a connected system of colourful alleys that are places of human connection.

The Kickstarter page will be live for thirty days, ending on the 12th of July.  Ackery’s Alley and FIELD will be completed and ready for the public to enjoy by the end of summer.