BC HRMA Conference 2008

On April 30th, Pomponia and I attended the showcase for only a short while in the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre before we were to meet in the lobby for the “Mystery Dinner”. After a little confusion as to which group we were supposed to be in, we soon found ourselves in Nichole’s group. Nichole is the Business Developer for Bernard Hodes Group and she is the chair for the marketing committee for this three day conference. I don’t think anyone can quite say enough about how great Nichole is. Her energy, togetherness and professionalism allotted a kind of exuberance around our perky group of six. All I can say is that I’m not surprised Nichole enjoys spa’s so much - she is most definitely one women I’ve met that certainly deserves entire days at the spa, going from all the work she does daily.

We settled into our group for a short while meeting and introducing ourselves in the lobby before getting whisked away in a Yellow Cab - not having a clue on where we were going. To tell you the truth, I would have been happy going to Subway with having such fine and interesting business professionals as my company. To much of my surprise and my appetites appeal, we found the taxi taking us up Robson Street. We parked around Burrard and Robson and walked a few steps to a restaurant called “Hermitage”. Walking into this hidden little Robson Street treasure of French innovative cuisine - it appeared as we were walking into a heritage house in Aveyron.

Not only was the decor and ambiance relaxing just as much as it was beautiful, but to top it off, the service was on par with the scenery. The waiters were knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, with a touch of sullen French humor. At this point I’m thinking, “Can this get any better? #1 table full of interesting folk, beautiful restaurant and great service (which put my theory that the service industry is lacking in Vancouver to rest). Oh yeah… THE FOOD!!!”

… I’ll get to the food in a second.

Conversation flowed as titles, genders and ages dissolved - everyone was engaged in what I call “world class conversation”. Conversations consisting of everything between your most embarrassing HR moments, to personal hobbies, to current events, to personal thoughts on what the missing links in our industry today. Throughout the night there were people saying, “I’ve haven’t learned this much in one night in such a long time!” “I love this networking thing!” “I never expected this from you!” “This is so much fun!”
Quotes regarding the food were similar to that of people’s thoughts on the well put together 2nd annual Mystery Dinner event. Everything positive to say and “mmMmMm’s” and “Oh my Gods!” “WOW’s” and “OOOOoOOoOoo’s”.
The food was - AMAZING! Presentation, texture, quality, taste, aroma - One girl even said when we were leaving that she “hasn’t had good food like that in such a long time!” I agreed. I opted for the steak, but the other option of BC Wild Salmon would have been just as good a pick. My extreme respect and regards to all at Hermitage at 115-1025 Robson Street. I’ll be back!

I was bragging to Pomponia as we left that we MUST have had the best dinner crew. The funny, bright and inspiring personalities made a huge impression on me. People from Great Canadian Casinos, Accenture, the Association of Administrative and Professional Staff at UBC and even a student attended. I believe like fine chefs, we were all able to bring such special ingredients to the table. The blends of ethnic spices and saucy whims resulted in a five star meal that would have made the Iron Chef proud.

It certainly made me feel proud to be in my HR field - and I walked away feeling inspired and motivated to do the best that I can at P3 Resources Ltd. We already can’t wait for next year!

~ Julie