Just in time for the school bell chime, High Road worked with TELUS to invite media to a Back to School preview event showcasing the company’s exciting line-up of devices and services. From Facebook-centric phones like the HTC Status, to social-networking based music service Rdio, media were invited to see the many ways TELUS is curating the Internet to offer customers the services they know and love on smartphones built around social trends.

To kick-off the Back to School theme, media were sent invites in the form of college admission letters, encouraging one and all to take part in a freshman orientation at TELUS. 19 media spanning technology, lifestyle and online publications attended the Back to School preview event held at the TELUS tower in Toronto.

Technology reporters and bloggers were invited to an afternoon briefing at the TELUS Innovation Centre with VP of Mobility Solutions, Brent Johnston, who discussed TELUS’ smartphone and services strategy. A few hours later, a slew of lifestyle reporters and bloggers joined for the second half of the event, complete with fun and interactive demos from TELUS spokespeople. Media enjoyed a live DJ, bar service, appetizers and a “Glee”ful performance from the Etobicoke School of Arts club, SPLASH, who charmed the audience with foot-stompin’ renditions of classics like “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Lean on Me.”

Jen McNeeley, editor of SheDoestheCity, echoed everyone’s feelings about the Glee club performance, going so far as to tweet that the TELUS event was the highlight of her life: And the glee club did Journey. Who knew the @telus event would be the highlight of my life? Several others commented that the event’s look and feel creatively captured the “Back to School” theme.

Class may be dismissed, but one thing’s for sure: media are hard at work because the coverage is rolling in at record speed. From blog posts to tweets, this class is on their A game!

You’ve no doubt heard the news that High Road has had a few changes this week.

As my arrival and my new role as president of High Road is one of these changes, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself on our blog.

In a nutshell, here are a few of the reasons I’m excited to work with High Road:

• The stereotype is true: Canadians are really nice. The welcome I’ve received from the High Road team (as well as those in our U.S. office) in a very hectic week has been warm and genuine.
• I am an engineer by training, and absolutely cannot wait to work with High Road’s amazing roster of tech clients.
• I have a passion for working on lifestyle programs—everything from global launches to bingo halls. Let’s just say that in my past, I’ve broken up brawls over who yelled “Bingo!” first.  
• I love winter sports. Moving to Toronto from Dubai means that I’ll actually be able to ski on a mountain that hasn’t been constructed inside of a mall.
• I love Canadian beer. What’s not to love?
• I’m a Brit who’s lived in London, San Francisco, Oslo, Denver and Dubai, so I think I’ll fit quite nicely into the Canadian cultural mosaic.
• I’ve been a huge fan of High Road for years. There are few agencies in North America that have the kind of reputation that High Road has built for excellent programs and creativity. I’m thrilled to be a part of the strongest team in the industry.

I’m excited to be here, and look forward to your input and feedback as High Road starts a new chapter.

Annalise.Coady@highroad.com

Gearing up for the snowy season in style, Canada Goose showcased its 2010/2011 collection of jackets, hats and accessories at an exclusive event for Toronto fashion bloggers. The venue played the perfect host, as the rustic, log cabin interior at Cabin 5 provided the ideal backdrop for Canada Goose outerwear.

Photographers and bloggers were paired up with the minds behind the designs, allowing those in attendance to peruse and model their favourite Canada Goose jackets and vests. Media loved interacting with the latest designs, as well as getting the chance to learn more about the iconic Canadian brand that is on holiday wish lists worldwide.

Everyone left with a personalized Canada Goose snow globe, a copy of the Goose People coffee table book and a USB key full of the latest Canada Goose product images and info. The cozy buzz between familiar bloggers at Cabin 5 breathed an air of intimacy into the event and the feedback has been nothing short of sensational…

“Canada Goose, you really pulled out all the stops for this one – from custom snow globes to the racks and racks of goods to try on.” –Urbane Bloc

“The event was set up really well, very informative, and the venue gave it a cozy winter feeling. I think it’s safe to say that most if not all of us love and want Canada Goose jackets as it is, but wait ’til you see the new stuff.” –1LoveTO

“I really like way the agencies are starting to get creative with event activities and takeaways. Last night we each got our photo taken in Goose gear, were given it on a branded USB key, then the image was made into a snow globe.” –Casie Stewart