08.26.2024

As summer break winds down, teachers everywhere are gearing up for another exciting chapter. While lesson planning and curriculum development take centre stage, it's equally important to create an environment that fosters creativity, organization, and inspiration. That’s where we have you covered. As the exclusive printing partner to several of Canada’s largest school boards, we're your go-to for creating a personalized classroom experience. So, we've put together a comprehensive checklist to help teachers elevate their space and head back to school in style. Here’s your step-by-step checklist to a killer September kick-off: Print your classroom course materialsCreate a personalized notebookDecorate your classroom Fuel your day with a personalized mugOrder a custom calendarCreate a custom teacher's tote 1) Print Your Classroom Course Materials A successful school year begins with well-organized and engaging course materials. Instead of relying solely on generic handouts, consider the impact of personalized course materials – from custom worksheets to study guides – that reflect your unique approach to teaching. Plus, if you order your classroom materials from WCD before September 15, you'll receive a FREE personalized notebook. And on that note... 2) Create a Personalized Notebook Jot down lesson ideas, doodles, and reflections in a notebook that's as unique as your teaching approach. A teacher's desk is the heart of the classroom, where lesson plans come to life and creative ideas take shape. With a notebook made specially for you, you can make this space truly your own in a fun and functional way. Use our custom template made just for teachers, or create your own design that mirrors your personality and teaching philosophy! 3) Decorate the Classroom with Vibrant Posters Engage your students visually and foster a stimulating environment that encourages exploration and curiosity. A well-decorated classroom is a canvas for creativity and learning—and you can transform those beige walls into a vibrant educational masterpiece with just a few posters and prints. Whether it's motivational quotes, historical timelines, or scientific diagrams, you can bring life to any subject in creative ways. 4) Fuel Up with a Personalized Mug Energizing your day of teaching begins with a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea—and what better way to enjoy your favourite beverage than with a mug made just for you? Showcase your name, motivational quotes, or even subject-specific graphics as a fun way to sip and savour while creating conversation with students and fellow teachers. It’s a way to self-express, reminding you of your dedication to your students and your craft. 5) Manage Your Time with Customized Calendars Balancing lesson planning, grading, meetings, and personal life can be a juggling act. Stay organized and in control with a customized calendar made just for you. Tailor your calendar to include professional development days, to-do lists, and other special notes meaningful to your day. Whether it’s a miniature standing desk calendar or an oversized wall calendar, you'll navigate the school year with confidence and ease, ensuring that no important task slips through the cracks. 6) Get a Personalized Tote Bag for Teaching Essentials From textbooks and lesson materials to personal items, a teacher's tote bag is a lifeline throughout the day. Choose a design that resonates with you and add your name or a motivational slogan. Not only will you have a functional bag for all your essentials, but you'll also make a statement among students. Claim Your FREE Personalized Notebook! Teachers across Canada—we’ll send you a FREE personalized notebook for ordering course materials through WCD prior to September 15, 2024. To claim yours, simply submit your order online. For support, email clientservices@wcdconnect.com.

08.05.2024

There’s magic in event planning—an overwhelming feeling of pride that rushes in as you watch your guests arrive and their eyes light up with joy. It’s the small moments of surprise and delight, curated with care throughout every detail, that make for a truly unforgettable experience. From the venue down to the menu, every selection is an opportunity to put your event a cut above the rest. But where do you begin with crafting that standout experience? In this article, we’ll walk you through the behind-the-scenes planning process our Creative Services team uses to dream up and design branded event experiences—from the initial concept down to the decor, print, and signage materials that bring it all together. We’ll be looking at this process through the lens of our 2024 West Canadian Cup, an annual occasion we’ve hosted at Spruce Meadows for more than three decades! You'll learn all about how to: Dream up your branded event's themePlan the on-site experiencesWeave the theme through every detail Step 1) Dream up your branded event’s theme We’re firm believers that all great events begin with a memorable theme. Each year, the West Canadian Cup is hosted at Spruce Meadows. There are just a few constants to this event: it’s always a brunch accompanied by the equestrian competition. Other than that, we take creative licence in transforming the event space into whatever’s inspiring us. In this initial ideation stage, we’re looking for general inspiration rather than specifics. That begins by establishing the tone of the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a customer appreciation event or a conference, this will help you nail down the overall vision for the theme and the event’s brand and design. Here are a few examples of how you might identify your event’s tone: Fun, quirky, creativeProfessional, sophisticated, suave Dark, moody, mysterious This year, we wanted the event to reflect the phrase "I choose chocolate"—a concept of embracing whatever life brings you. To us, this optimistic outlook was best brought to life through a fun, inspiring, and whimsical event experience. Once we have a general concept nailed down, our first step is always brainstorming themes. We begin by assembling 2-3 mood boards, incorporating elements of colour, typography, imagery, and decor that help us visualize the creative direction. Here’s a sneak peek at what that looks like. Mood Board 1 — WCD's Chocolate Factory Mood Board 2 — Chocolate-Western Chic Ultimately, our team chose to run with the first mood board—and our Wonka-inspired West Canadian Cup began to take shape! Step 2) Plan the on-site experiences The Welcome Creating immersive on-site experiences is our key to making each guest feel special from the moment they arrive. At the West Canadian Cup, we start with a welcoming experience that sets the tone for the entire event. This includes branded nametags, thematic welcome signage, and a signature welcome cocktail inspired by our theme of the year. Welcome name tags personalized to each guest. Custom event cocktail to greet guests. Welcome floor decal made with removable, non-damaging vinyl. The Entertainment Next, we focus on the entertainment experiences—the heart of our event. Hosted at Spruce Meadows, the West Canadian Cup always involves an equestrian competition, but we elevate it by adding elements like a custom photo backdrop inspired by our event theme, allowing guests to capture and share their memories. We include interactive experiences such as a blind Calcutta auction that adds an element of excitement and engagement. Photo backdrop designed and produced by WCD. Branded tablescapes including custom-designed Calcutta instructions. A whimsical spread by Great Events Catering. The Parting Gift Finally, we leave our guests with a lasting impression by creating takeaway gifts that are both meaningful and on-theme. This year, we crafted personalized print products including custom-branded mugs in-house, which we filled with gourmet chocolate as a sweet reminder of a day to remember. Guest giveaways featuring mugs custom-made at WCD. Step 3) Weave the theme through every detail Event Decor To truly make an event memorable, we weave the theme through every detail. This starts with the event decor, where we integrate colours, textures, and elements from our mood board. At the West Canadian Cup, this includes florals and centrepieces that feature whimsical Wonka-inspired elements. Wonka-inspired florals. Event Print and Signage They say it's all in the details—which is why we weave the theme throughout event signage and print materials as well. We design and produce branded menus, programs, and table numbers that carry the essence of our theme, serving both a functional and thematic purpose. Custom-designed menus and signage materials. Small table details that bring the theme to life. Wonka-inspired candy bar to wow the guests. Ready to craft your next unforgettable event? If you need a little creative juice to design the theme for your next corporate event, lean on our WCD Creative team to help bring it to life. From conferences and tradeshows to customer appreciation events and more, we specialize in crafting unique, memorable event brands that are sure to wow your guests. Sound like what you're looking for? CreditsPhotos: Jonathan Tieh Photography Venue: Spruce MeadowsFood: Great Events CateringFlorals: FoxGlove StudioChocolates: Epiphanie Chocolate

06.18.2024

Bringing an Exceptional Fan Experience to Life Through Print this Basketball Season A cornerstone of Calgary’s local business community since 1972, WCD is proud to announce our selection as the Official Print Partner to the Calgary Surge, Calgary’s beloved professional basketball team. This partnership highlights our commitment to supporting our local sports community by enhancing fan experiences through high-quality printed materials. A Partnership that Celebrates Calgary’s Community Spirit As the Calgary Surge embark on another exciting basketball season, WCD is set to bring the energy of the game to life through vibrant, engaging print solutions. From eye-catching arena signage and court decals to stickers and flyers, our collaboration aims to connect fans and players together in a visually impactful way. "We are thrilled to join forces with the Calgary Surge as their Official Print Partner,” says WCD’s Vice President of Partnerships and Client Engagement, Robert Steed. “At WCD, we believe in the power of print to transform spaces and create memorable experiences. Through this collaboration, we are excited to support the team in bringing every game to life in a way that resonates with their fans and players alike, while enhancing the overall atmosphere of attending a basketball game here in Calgary." WCD’s Role in Enhancing Game Day Excitement Throughout the 2024 season, fans visiting WinSport Event Centre will experience the results of this collaboration firsthand. Look out for dynamic WCD-produced decals and promotional materials that capture the spirit of the games and community events. These elements are designed not only to inform but also to enhance the overall fan experience, making each game truly unforgettable. Calgary Surge: A New Era of Excitement in Calgary The Calgary Surge, entering its second year with a strong following after a remarkable debut season, continues to make waves in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). After securing the top spot in the Western Conference and reaching the CEBL Championship Weekend Finals last year, the Surge is geared up for an even more thrilling season in 2024. "We were completely blown away by Calgary’s open embrace, and our early success on and off the court would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support from our fans," says Surge’s Vice-Chairman and President, Jason Ribeiro. “Looking ahead to the 2024 season, we are eager to expand our influence by partnering with organizations like WCD that share our love for sport, vision to create a positive community impact, and desire to create a fantastic game day experience.” Get your tickets today! We invite all fans to experience the magic of Calgary Surge basketball and the enhanced visual experience brought to you by WCD. Don’t miss out on any of the action—check out the full 2024 game schedule and secure your tickets to be part of the excitement. See you courtside! About Surge The Calgary Surge, established in Calgary in May 2023 and formerly known as the Guelph Nighthawks, is a proud member of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Following a spectacular debut season finishing first in the Western Conference and reaching the CEBL Championship Weekend Finals, the team is geared up for an even more thrilling 2024 season.