My Virgin Invitation
I receive an e-mail invite to attend a reception for Virgin Airlines in Toronto at the Thompson Hotel. A few days later, someone in sales calls and wants to know if I will be attending. “Will Richard Branson be attending?” I asked. “As a matter of fact, he will be” was the response. “Well then, yes, put me down”.
The Reception
As my friend and I arrive at the hotel entrance, we are greeted with a red carpet and a door man controlled entrance. We walk up the red carpet and introduce ourselves to a woman with a clipboard. But our names are not on the guest list. Ugh. My friend starts a somewhat animated discussion with the big doorman – “how can we not be on the list?” Well, they forgot to add us. We are literally about to be “bounced”. I start a conversation with the reception lady and drop some Virgin names. She checks with a higher up and a few minutes later we are on the list and welcomed in. Up the elevator to the rooftop lounge and we are amongst 200 or so other guests. It’s a beautiful June evening in downtown Toronto. A short time later, I notice Sir Richard enter the lounge area. A more masterful cocktail celebrity networker I have never seen! In approximately 90 minutes, he manages to say hello and chat with anyone and everyone in the entire lounge area. He also gives a short speech.
Meeting Sir Richard
•Mark Crone is an accomplished traveler, photographer, golfer, and skier. Visit his blog→ “Mark’s Travel Journal” to find out more!
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