With Suzanne Christie
31OCT07
Bryan Adams & Linda Khanna rockin' it
Imtiaz Seyid, RBC; Surjit Babra,
SkyLink & Nigel Page, Emirates
Michael Friisdahl, Thomas Cook
Canada & Bruce Hodge, Goway
Emirates Rocks The House
For over 10 years, the elegant little airline from DXB has wanted to serve YYZ. Now that they’re a really big elegant airline and have finally touched down in Canada, they had something to celebrate! And, celebrate they did. A dazzlingly eclectic crowd of movers, shakers and international gad flies were treated to a first class evening at Toronto's Carlu. It was the Super Schmooze of the decade. The EK crew, led by Chairman & CEO His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al -Maktoum, spared no details. The entire venu was draped in sheer curtains and bathed in mauve lighting with Emirates logo's glittering from behind mirrored waterfalls. Battallions of waiters served hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner.
Gord Martineau MC'd in fine voice, introducing interpretative dance troupes representing EK's newest destinations - jiggly gyrators from Sao Paolo and boot scooters from Houston. The hockey dancers, representing YTO, made some great moves - the Leafs should check them out.
The worst kept secret of the night was the 'surprise' after dinner entertainment. EK staff had been sworn to secrecy, but when Nigel Page, Sr. V.P. for the Americas, landed at YYZ, a customs official told him she heard Bryan Adams would be performing for his guests. And, so it was. The kid from Kingston brought down the house. A mosh pit of travel and finance folks formed at the stage. Others climbed on stage. Emirates own Genevieve joined the rocker in an oustanding version of "Baby When You're Gone". These people are so talented -- and they know how to run a successful airline.
Thinking and acting BIG has served Dubai and Emirates well - a truly class act!
© Open Jaw