Planning IRL in an AI World

How event facilitators are using AI to free up time and reinvest it in real connection.

As the GM of a busy venue in a glorious city, let me be clear: yes, I use AI. I use it to format proposals, organize task lists, draft emails, and clean up documents I need to share with clients or staff.

A mentor once told me to think of AI as a kind of “mini me” , a little assistant who handles the more mundane work, so I can focus on the meaningful stuff. And honestly? That’s exactly how it feels.

When I was a young woman living in Toronto, just starting out in my career, I had plenty of experience with monotonous tasks: filing paperwork, binding manuscripts, sorting, stacking, repeating. It was a deeply analog world and AI wasn’t even on the horizon.

But today, we have tools that can help us skip the drudgery. So why wouldn’t we use them?

If I boil down the essence of my job, it’s this: I’m a people person. I run a business, mentor my staff, and build relationships with clients and vendors - all for an in-person business. And the more time I spend out of spreadsheets and into conversations, the better I do my job. 

With AI handling the heavy admin, I can use more of my own steam to power brainstorm sessions. I’m more creative, more available, and more energized to bring bold ideas to life.

Over the past six months, I’ve felt more energized than ever to connect with my events community. I’ve found myself more patient with clients, more curious about what other people are building, and prouder than ever to show up to industry events, not just at my own venue, but all over the city. 

So no, this isn’t a post warning you off new tools. It’s an invitation to use them well.

Let the bots handle the humdrum. Use the time they free up to go to lunch with a mentor. Say yes to that coffee with a curious new mind. Plan the event of the season - and show up as your brightest, warmest, most human self. In real life.

Are you brainstorming your next IRL meet up? Get in touch with me - and we can chat about it… in person ;) 

Great times connecting at The Permanent, IRL. Photo: Rachel Barkman

The Floor Beneath Our Feet – A Hidden Gem at The Permanent

The beauty of The Permanent is in the details. The longer you spend inside the space, the more layers of history reveal themselves — quite literally in the case of our micro mosaic tile floor.

When the building was purchased in 2008 with the intention of restoring it, there was no indication that anything so intricate lay beneath. In fact, the mosaic had been buried under 13 layers of flooring, including three thick layers of tar.

It wasn’t until those layers were peeled back that the restoration team uncovered something truly special. We brought in expert tile artisans to carefully restore the floor piece by piece, preserving this work of art for future generations.

The design is more than just beautiful — it tells a story. Look closely, and you’ll see the floor mimics fish swimming, a quiet homage to Vancouver’s past as a turn-of-the-century fishing town. In those days, it was the fishermen who brought prosperity to the banks… and now, they’re woven into the very fabric of our space.

At The Permanent, history isn't just on the walls — it's underfoot.

An Internet Archive Canada Event, here at Vancouver HQ

Preserving Canada's Digital Legacy: Join Us in Honouring Web Preservation

In an era where the internet serves as the primary repository of our collective history, the importance of preserving Canada's digital heritage cannot be overstated. The Internet Archive Canada is proud to present an event dedicated to this crucial endeavour: "In Honour of Canadian Web Preservation."

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

• Time: 5:00 PM

• Location: Internet Archive Canada, Vancouver, BC, The Permanent

This event aims to shed light on the significance of web preservation in maintaining Canada's rich digital tapestry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field, learn about ongoing preservation initiatives, and discover how they can contribute to safeguarding our nation's online history.

Why Attend?

• Educational Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of web preservation and its impact on Canadian culture and history.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, archivists, and enthusiasts passionate about digital preservation.

• Community Engagement: Learn how you can play a role in preserving Canada's digital footprint for future generations.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a movement dedicated to protecting our digital heritage. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

👉 Register Now

Feel free to share this post on your blog or social media platforms to encourage others to participate in this significant event.

Why Gathering Still Matters – Especially Now

By Louisa Cohen, General Manager of The Permanent

In today’s hybrid world, the way we work has shifted. Many of us are now comfortable juggling calendars, chat threads, and meetings from behind a screen. Digital tools have stepped in to streamline tasks and take care of the grunt work—but there’s one thing they can’t replace: in-person, human connection.

There’s something irreplaceable about sharing a laugh in real time, telling a story to a room full of peers, or simply catching someone’s eye across a table. These moments create space for people to see the humanness behind all the business—even in the most formal corporate structures. And it’s that humanness that builds trust, deepens relationships, and fuels strong organizations.

At The Permanent, we witness this magic every day. Whether it’s a team offsite, an annual general meeting, or a long-awaited celebration, people walk into our space and something shifts. Conversations open up. Ideas start to flow. You can feel the energy return.

Gathering gives us a chance to connect—not just professionally, but personally. It reminds us that behind every business strategy or quarterly goal is a group of humans doing their best to build something meaningful. That connection is what we believe lies at the heart of every strong business.

If it’s been a while since your last gathering, this is your sign. Step away from the screen, even just for a day, and reconnect with your team, your clients, your community.

Let’s make space for real connection. Let’s gather.

We're Throwing A Party

A Spring Awakening at The Permanent
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 7PM – Late
Tickets now live → HERE

We’re throwing open the doors of The Permanent this May for a night of music, movement, magic, and connection—and you’re invited.

A Spring Awakening is a seasonal soirée: part party, part portal. We’re celebrating the shift in energy that comes with longer days and lighter hearts, bringing together community, creativity, and a little mysticism under one historic roof.

Expect an atmosphere filled with intention and delight:
✨ Tarot readings to reveal what’s ahead
📸 Aura photography to capture your current vibe
🎶 DJs spinning sounds to move your body and stir your soul
🍷 Natural wines at the bar
🦞 Iconic lobster rolls from Salty’s Lobster Shack

• unexpected moments to keep you lingering well into the night

The space will be transformed with candlelight, cozy lounges, and immersive elements that invite you to gather, explore, and just be. Whether you come solo or with your crew, there’s room for you here.

Tickets $25
This is a 19+ event with limited capacity grab your spot early.

*🎟 Your $25 ticket gets you in — but what you do inside is up to you.
Aura photos, lobster rolls, and beverages will all be available for purchase on site.

We can’t wait to welcome you.
→ [Grab your ticket now]

Crafting the Perfect Bar Experience at The Permanent

More Than Just a Bar—It’s an Experience

When planning an event, every detail counts—but few elements shape the guest experience quite like the bar. Whether you’re going all out with top-shelf selections or working within a tighter budget, a thoughtfully curated bar can elevate your event and leave a lasting impression.

At The Permanent, we offer something unique: we’re both your venue and your bar provider. This streamlined approach means one less vendor to coordinate—and a more cohesive, customized experience overall. It also allows us to work closely with your caterer or chef to ensure your beverage selections perfectly complement your menu, from welcome drinks to wine pairings and nightcap cocktails.

We offer a range of classic cocktails and are always excited to craft something new—whether it’s a custom wedding cocktail, a seasonal menu highlight, or a branded creation for a product launch or corporate celebration. Creative bar offerings add depth and personality to an event—they're just another way to make the experience feel distinctly yours.

Our wine list includes standout Canadian selections, exceptional imports, and a rotating lineup of natural and low-intervention wines that always bring something fresh to the table. And when it comes to non-alcoholic options, we go well beyond soda, offering a curated selection of NA beers and craft mocktails that ensure every guest feels included.

We take pride in making sure our bar service is as elegant and thoughtful as the building itself. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, launching a brand, or gathering your closest people, we’ll help you create a bar experience that’s personal, polished, and unforgettable.

Cheers to that.

How to Make a Quick Toast Without Losing the Room (Or Your Mind)

How to Make a Quick Toast or Introduce a Keynote Without Losing the Room (Or Your Mind)
By Louisa Cohen, GM of The Permanent

Photo Credit: The Apartment Photo

As the General Manager of The Permanent, I’ve introduced my fair share of speakers, raised a glass more times than I can count, and even found myself unexpectedly asked to say “a few words” with exactly four seconds’ notice.

Growing up as a kid who loved to perform, I've always had a knack for connecting with an audience—but that doesn’t mean I haven’t flubbed a line, rambled too long, or fumbled my cue cards. The truth is: delivering a quick, heartfelt toast or a concise intro to a keynote is an art—and like any art form, it gets better with intention, empathy, and maybe a little rehearsal in the mirror while your dog looks on judgmentally.

So, if you find yourself about to step up to the mic and say a few words at a wedding, conference, fundraiser, or launch party, here are a few tips that might help:

1. Know Your Audience (and Read the Room)

This one’s big. Whether it's a room full of policy wonks, newlyweds and their extended families, or foodies who've just been handed a canapé—what works for one crowd might bomb with another. Empathy is your secret weapon here. Ask yourself: what matters to this group? What tone are they already setting? Can I meet them there and gently guide them into the next part of the evening?

2. Be Yourself (Unless You're a Jerk)

The best toasts don’t sound like someone reading a teleprompter—they sound like a human being. You don’t have to be polished, profound, or perfect. Be honest. Be gracious.

3. Thank the Right People

Start strong by thanking the hosts, organizers, and—if it’s relevant—the person you're introducing. People remember when you’re thoughtful with gratitude, and it signals that you're aware you're standing on a foundation others helped build. Just don’t go into Oscar-acceptance-mode and thank your seventh grade gym teacher.

4. Keep It Tight

A good toast or intro is like a great cocktail: short, balanced, and leaves you wanting more. Aim for 1–2 minutes. If it has to be longer, earn the audience’s attention by being intentional. Rambling rarely reads as charming—it just reads as long.

5. Use Pacing and Pauses Like a Pro

Theatre taught me this: silence is powerful. Don’t rush. Breathe. A well-placed pause draws your audience in and gives weight to your words. Let the laughs land. Let the thank-yous land. Let you land.

6. Make Eye Contact (but Not in a Creepy Way)

Scan the room gently. Smile. Let people feel like you’re speaking with them, not at them. If you’re nervous, find a few friendly faces and rotate your attention between them—it’ll steady you.

7. Wrap It with Warmth (or a Laugh)

End on a note of optimism, celebration, or humor. A small joke or shared sentiment that brings people together is gold. And if you raise a glass, raise your energy too. People mirror what you give.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to be a professional speaker to give a meaningful toast—you just need to be present, a little prepared, and open-hearted. And if all else fails? Speak from the gut, smile like you mean it, and always double-check that your mic is on.

Cheers ,
Louisa Cohen General Manager, The Permanent
(Recovering theatre kid, professional microphone wrangler, occasional speech panicker, and people person)

The Permanent Meeting Package

Elevate your next corporate meeting in a stunning heritage venue—a refreshing alternative to traditional boardrooms.

the details

📍 Available: Monday–Wednesday, April–June 2025
⏳ Time Slots: Venue access from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (max 6 hours)
👥 Capacity: Up to 100 guests
💰 Pricing: $4,500 flat rate

What’s Included:
✔ Exclusive use of The Permanent for up to 6 hours
✔ Flexible furniture setup (theatre, boardroom, or classroom style)
✔ High-speed WiFi & essential AV (screen, projector, microphone, speakers)
✔ On-site venue coordinator for seamless execution
✔ Natural light & historic charm—far from the usual meeting space

🔹 Optional Add-Ons:
☕ Coffee & tea station
🎤 Additional AV support
🍽️ Catering coordination

Perfect for: Corporate meetings, workshops, team retreats & presentations.

📩 Limited availability – Book now!