As of yesterday, my little city has been flooded with a lot of people a lot like me. The Canadian Public Relations Society is holding its national conference right downtown, bringing hacks, flacks, writers, designers, and other corporate mouthpieces to the east coast – far from the comforts of the Toronto agencies, their Vancouver firms, the Capital HQs and the Calgary oil fields.
On the plus side for our visitors, it’s a scorching 26 degrees outside making our habour views beautiful rather than dreary. So, they find themselves among other chatty, networky folks in the midst of all the bars and restaurants that anyone could ever want.
While I am tragically not getting to any of the conference (it’s not as fun when you have to pay close to $1,000 out of your own pocket versus expense it), I am going to get the scoop on all of it this evening when I meet up with some PR powerplayers from across the country at O’Carrolls (Upper Water Street, 6pm). So far, twitter has told me that Halifax is still pathetically out of tune with social media. When asked about blogs, twitter, even Facebook, only half the audience said they were actively participating. The rest seemed satisfied knowing that these things existed. Seriously?!
Another message informed me that the audience was a “pen and paper” crowd. Not good, Halifax. Not good at all.
If you’re around town, pop in to O’Carrolls. If not, check out the fellas online:
http://www.radian6.com/cms/home
http://propr.ca/
[Cross-posted on The Talk]
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
“Slutty Jonas Brother”.
Thank you Ben. You have just given me my Halloween costume for next year.
Also, (this is a general comment but is prompted by this latest post) you are awesome.
If the Newf is the super hottie underneath the girl (no offence intended to her I’m just not interested in what she’s got) and the Slutty Jonas Brother, I’d like to have a go at him.
Actually, no matter who the super hottie underneath the girl and the Slutty Jonas Brother is, I’d like to have a go at him.
I need to learn to avoid the “I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m hammered” phenomenon. Can you tell me the secret? What if you have to wait to eat b/c dinner is being served at the party? I’m screwed this weekend at mine…
The picture is awesome. And my office does not have an office party.
We don’t like to socialize with each other. Or give hugs from behind.
ok but did your boss take his shirt off and dance on a table?
and then fall off the table?
no?
my christmas party kicked your christmas party’s ass
ps: you DO look like a slutty Jonas brother. I love it.
Hehe good times!
‘Tis the season INDEED. People have decided that the holidays, this year more than ever, are when inappropriate touching, hugging, general awkwardness needs to be kicked into high gear. I, for one, am NOT A FAN.
I will try to follow your stellar example Friday afternoon at my party, but I make no promises.
Umm…. Happy Holiday Hugs from behind? I want some.
Congrats on not coming out of the night unemployed
Arielle: Thanks – if you’re not making fun…
Phil: From near-strangers? Not AS good.
Andy: Awww…you’re sweet.
Mel: Thanks!
Mega: Damn right I did.
Alexa: It made me snort with fear and surprise.
Rachel: The vest saves all!
Scargosun: You best not be making fun of my vest…
Kez: I tried
Lfar: It’s unpleasant at the best of times, detrimental when mixed with the office.
Kyla: I’m glad I was able to pull it off!
Deutlich: mmm it’s kinda built-in to my industry.
Maxie: Get them really high and drunk at an office christmas party and stick out your butt, apparently…
Maki: You have NO idea! Christmas parties would suck otherwise.
Brookem: Why thank you!
Essentially: This is true.
S.: I was happy but cautious.
Tia: If I do anything, I’m doing it slutty.
EP And borderline illegal haha
Amy: Ohgod. I’d be arrested and mauled by tween girls!
AskAlice: Nice abbreviation hahaha
Rambler: So true, so true.
Saratogajean: I might be able to build on this….well, if the Jonas brothers maintain a career for a full year.
Kylie: Me too!
Ashley: Absolutely!
Oh the joys of the office holiday party. Gotta love the free alcohol and the post-party blackmail moments
Very cute pic…you guys are HOTT!!
Glad you’re still employed!
Slutty Jonas Brother…am I to surmise you went sans promise ring?
I smell ’09 Halloween costume.
Always so good to hear we have our jobs the next day after the staff party
I want random hug from behinds!!
You look sharp my friend, and also, I am a big fan of the IFIFIF…IH syndrome, apparently.
Office Xmas parties – arent they just horribly awesome ?
Also, slutty Jonas brothers dont exist – yet. Perhaps you could try hitting on one of them instead of your workmates husbands, and then we’ll see…
A slutty Jonas Brother? Hmm…
Sounds like fun.
haha a slutty jonas brother. you put them to shame, my dear.
clearly.
Impressive considering the Open Bar!
The Newf is Hot. That is all.
great picture (and HOH) my friend.
It is so nice to be able to work with bunch of good folks – I could totally tell that by just reading your quotes…
Loving the photo – fun times!
OMG you do look like a jonas brother– but way cuter than the real ones!
Hug From Behind? Please teach me how to get men to do that.
because of the nature of where I work – I always feel REALLY awkward drinking in front of colleagues.
lol! Especially in that picture I really do agree with the Jonas brother’s claim! It’s a good thing though, it works!
Congratulations on escaping the work party unscathed, that’s a social networking skill that you can’t learn online.
the dangerous ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m hammered’ phenomenon.
…. I know that one all too well
The slutty Jonas bro look is very suited to you. I quite like the way you’re rocking that look!
Oh yeah…um the vest…
ok, no words.
What? No lamp shades on heads?
that party? LAME
Though the vest does kind of save it.
1. great picture buddy!
2. happy holiday hug from behind just made me snort out loud
Dude…a vest. You’re wearing…yes…you’re wearing a vest. Ben? Really? A..VEST?
You have just earned 100 cool points.
nice picture!
Hm. The Jonas Brothers would WISH to be as hot as you look there.
Score one for the hug. The hug from behind is always a killer.
All I have to say is: nice.