Here at Meetings + Incentive Travel (M+IT) and IncentiveWorks (IW) we’ve been on a mission to destress, unwind, relax, chill, stay healthy, have a life…and still get our work done! As part of this journey, we’ve made a list of the small things that make our lives better, the activities that invigorate and inspire, the stuff we love—in short, what’s making us happy, personally or professionally. Here it is. ~ Lori Smith, Editor
“Buttertart bars. Lots of buttertart bars!” ~ Robin Paisley, managing director, M+IT/IW
“Travelling the world makes me happy!” ~ Lori Winch, event manager, IW
“Brunch on my balcony—best view of the city!” ~ Megan Mehlenbacher, event coordinator, IW
“The fry truck outside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre!” ~ Stephanie Hiltz, senior event coordinator, IW
“Watching my baby girl—who’s eight now and still my baby—grow up (too fast!).” ~ Kevin Legallais, trade show manager, IW
“Cocktails made with shrub syrups—sharp, sweet and smooth!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
“Summertime (with its warm, sunny weather), when the living is easy…” ~ Don Douloff, senior contributing editor, M+IT
“Running in the park with my dog on a sunny Sunday morning.” ~ Thierry Quagliata, exhibitor services, IW
“Cottage weekends with my family and dog!” ~ Sarah Gray, event coordinator, IW
“Steel cut oats married with fresh-cut fruit and a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate power food.” ~ Mark Kelly, advertising and marketing consultant, M+IT
“Binge watching Damian Lewis in Billions!” ~ Robin Paisley, managing director, M+IT/IW
“Acts of kindness—giver and recipient—and Theirr Bear!” ~ Sim Frayne, event manager, IW
“Planning my daughter’s fifth bday with her—mini-planner in the making!” ~ Stephanie Hiltz, senior event coordinator, IW
“Family, friends and scotch!” ~ Tiffany Gin, event coordinator, IW
“Getting new pictures of my great-nephew Jack. He’s the best!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
“August 18th!!!” ~ Megan Mehlenbacher, event coordinator, IW
“The ethereally light and fluffy Japanese-style cheesecake served warm from the oven at Uncle Tetsu’s in Toronto.” ~ Don Douloff, senior contributing editor, M+IT
“Having friends visit from out of town.” ~ Ellie Robinson, art director, M+IT
“My recent trip to New Orleans made me very happy!” ~ Alanna McQuaid, international business development manager, M+IT
“Picturesque backdrops, stunning vistas and nature’s wonders.” ~ Mark Kelly, advertising and marketing consultant, M+IT
“I’m loving the longer days. Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” ~ Ellie Robinson, art director, M+IT
“Planning my garden…petunias, geraniums and begonias!” ~ Megan Mehlenbacher, event coordinator, IW
“Football, football and more football!!!! Whether it be the Cinderella Foxes doing the unthinkable in capturing EPL glory or waiting in eager anticipation for the Champions League and European Championships to start, nothing uplifts my spirit like the ‘Beautiful Game’.” ~ Mark Kelly, advertising and marketing consultant, M+IT
“Vacation—where the sun is hot, the water is blue and the drinks are flowing!” ~ Stephanie Rapko, event coordinator, IW
“Takeout when don’t feel like cooking.” ~ Sim Frayne, event manager, IW
“Putting away everything that has to do with winter—boots, gloves, coats, ice scraper, rubber mats, etc.—because spring is finally here!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
(l-r) Raleigh and Wallace McQuaid
“Road salt-free walks with my canine kids – Raleigh and Wallace!” ~ Alanna McQuaid, international business development manager, M+IT
“Spin class with my accountabili-buddy who happens to be a close friend! The best part is we can catch up over tea and shopping when it’s done!” ~ Christine Otsuka, associate editor/content manager, M+IT/IW
“Having the windows open in my stuffy apartment – the sound of the city is calming and helps me sleep. Spring is here!” ~ Megan Mehlenbacher, event coordinator, IW
“Tulips (gift from dinner guests!) blooming in my living room when it’s -11 out!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
“Good friends over for dinner: good company, good food, great laughs!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
“Just finished reading ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk‘ by Ben Fountain. Excellent! Ang Lee is turning it into a movie, which will be out later this year. Hope he does the book justice.” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
“A healthy dose of close friends and family—always there when you need a hand or a laugh!” ~ Robin Paisley, managing director, M+IT/IW
“A Place to Call Home TV series. I can’t wait for each new episode. Sitting in my favourite spot and turning on the TV and turning off the world for an hour. Bliss!” ~ Ellie Robinson, art director, M+IT
“Reading at night before I fall asleep. It takes me away from the world and all its issues and helps me relax and clear my head from all the clutter of the day.” ~ Stephanie Rapko, event coordinator, IW
“My Vitamix! I dusted it off as part of my 2016 resolutions. Nothing says good morning like blended spinach and cauliflower you can’t taste! Next on the list – kale!” ~ Sim Frayne, event manager, IW
“The Slate Culture Gabfest podcast—it makes my commute to the office on Wednesdays a pleasure!” ~ Lori Smith, editor, M+IT
