2011 Report on RIMS

May 7, 2011

Well our 10th RIMS Conference was as always a world wind experience! We started with some long travel; I have to say maybe the roughest flight this traveling man has ever been on. A quick stop in LA, not so glamorous at LAX and then on to Vancouver!

What a beautiful city! It was my second trip and my cohorts first. We were all blown away at just how clean and accessible the city is. Our hotel, here comes a cheap plug (Fairmont Waterfront) was nice and one block from the convention center. Avoiding those shuttles is the way to go, walking over even in the rain is so nice.

Setting up was interesting, we all were asked to wear orange safety vests, not a bad look on a few of us, and I have attached a photo for your review.

After setup came time to begin our party circuit. Robin and Debbie attended the opening ceremony and said as always was well attended and well done. The odd part was the dog riding the turtle? Not sure where that came from but have to say nice touch.

Jason and Kevin caught up with clients for a few drinks and discussion on upcoming hiring needs at the other Fairmont, which is spectacular. We then moved on to the Hartford Party at Rogue Kitchen, again what a great party with some very good Clam Chowder! We saw many friends and then moved on to the Chartis Party, were live music and candy were a plenty. Nothing like drinks and candy (including to-go bags for those late night or early morning munchies). We had a great night and yes that was our VP of Sales tearing up the dance floor! Everyone should have her energy and attitude, what a wonderful teammate and dancer she is.

We opened the show Monday morning in great form, with bagpipes playing and we were off to networking and selling the greatness of our two companies. As always, Robin and Jason were marketing king and queen. For those that do not know, those two are really good at what they do, so we appreciate your business and we hope you know that we have true talent working for us that makes us look really good!

Night two,  again the boys and girls split up to tackle the town. Robin and Debbie went to York to hang out with them at the top of  the Banc Building; we hear they did a great job and saw some fantastic views. The boys spent some time with XL, who  put on an amazing show at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, wow the dolphin show was really something to see. Up close and personal with some amazing creatures.

We joined back up in time to see ACE put on its annual bash, this year featuring Sugar Ray which I have to say I was not sure about this decision by ACE. I left really impressed with them and just how much fun we had singing along and kudos to Mark McGrath, he is a true lead man of a band. Thank you as always to our friends at ACE for having us.

We had dinner at an amazing restaurant called Coast, if you are in Vancouver make this one of your stops because it is tremendous and the service was impeccable. Servpro invited us to the Penthouse suite for a hospitaility suite and again the views of the city were spectacular, we appreciate them including in us in some great conversation and drinks!

We finished the show tired and exhausted but after we tore down the booth, Robin and Debbie gave big thumbs up to Granville Island, wonderful food and a market that is a must see!

So the night, our last night ended at Sedgwick Party. As always they delivered by renting out Joe Forte’s', another must go eatery. Wow, a wonderful place and everyone ended the show on a high note (it seemed like everyone that stayed for that last night attended this bash). Dancing and eating until we just could not go anymore. The dancing was done by Debbie and Robin, I with very little dancing skills decided to just sipp on wine and enjoy the night.

Once again a wonderful trip and we look forward to filling those new jobs we collected and we  already are beginning our plan for 2012 in Philadelphia!

Kevin M. Burch
President/CEO