The Elmhirst’s Resort first annual Meet & Greet was a huge success, and so much fun!
On April 24th 2019, Elmhirst’s Resort began an annual tradition with the first Meet & Greet – an event designed to give meeting and event planners a deep dive into our corporate gathering site and wedding venue.
We welcomed our guests to a fun filled afternoon by first fueling them with some lunch. The Elmhirst’s culinary team did not disappoint, with an upscale farmhouse sandwich buffet and spectacular charcuterie board that highlighted our farm raised beef and locally sourced ingredients. Bobcaygeon Brewery was on hand pouring samples, and 2 Ontario wines also delighted our palettes.
While enjoying lunch, and indulging in the house made desserts, we were informed and entertained by our guest speakers. Greg Elmhirst, General Manager, welcomed us and piqued our interest for what we would experience during the rest of our afternoon. Jennifer MacKenzie, a Professional Home Economist who wears many aprons as a freelance food writer, recipe developer and media spokesperson with a little event planning added to the mix, inspired us with ideas for incorporating food into meetings and events, and how Elmhirst’s is an ideal location. Finally, Anne Marshall, Elmhirst’s chief brand ambassador delighted us by demonstrating that Elmhirst’s Resort is made up of the perfect ingredients, including everything our guests can enjoy while here – from delicious food and fun recreation – to wonderful accommodations and amenities.
Following lunch, we made our way through three samples of the various experience offerings available at the resort. First up, the dynamic cooking duo of Jennifer MacKenzie and Jay Nutt presented a brief cooking demonstration. Whether providing a cooking presentation, or providing a hands on cooking workshop, bringing a cooking class into a group meeting contains just the right ingredients to get people talking, sharing ideas, and building team spirit.
Our next stop was the wine cellar. Greg Elmhirst was on hand to provide a short insight to what a wine tasting might be like. As we attempted to identify some of the aromas in a delightful white wine from Big Head winery, we could easily imagine the creative thinking, cooperation and experimentation that would develop as a group participating in a guided wine tasting.
Our yoga instructor Katelyn offered the third experience demonstration, and spent 15 minutes guiding our group through a mindfulness and relaxation session. Imagine bringing your colleagues through this session as a break from a day meeting! We all felt relaxed and rejuvenated and ready for the rest of our day!
As our day was winding down, we took some time to tour the property. Bob and Mack, Elmhirst’s faithful team of Clydesdales, pulled our wagon tour around the property as we learned more about the farm, the Black Angus cattle, chickens, turkeys and the bio-waste boiler custom built for the resort. We toured some cottages and really began to feel what it would be like as a guest at the resort.
When we returned to the main building, we couldn’t depart before enjoying a custom cocktail and home made gourmet s’mores as the Al Black trio played their unique mix of New Orleans funk and echoes of the early blues masters.
As the day ended, our guests were all smiles after a full and fun day of exploration and learning. It was such a success that we are already planning next year’s event. We hope you can join us!
