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 the sales department 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”. Who wouldn’t want to meet Sir Richard Branson?

The Reception

As my friend and I arrive at the hotel entrance, we are greeted with a red carpet and a door man controlled security 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 now on the list and welcomed in. Up the elevator to the rooftop outdoor 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

As Sir Richard wanders near me, I reach out my hand and say “Hello Sir Richard, it’s nice to meet you” and introduce myself. Original? No, but saying “Sir” (as in knighthood) was pretty cool- as was remembering to say it. “Can I have picture with you?” “Of course Mark”. Picture taken, we chat for a few minutes. He’s in Toronto for a few days. He is warm, genuine and interesting. Before I can take a sip of my drink, he excuses himself and moves onto the next group. He may be a masterful marketer but he is also real and a genuinely nice man. I didn’t have to travel far – a subway ride in Toronto – to meet the most interesting and famous person that I have met (so far).

Author Bio

Mark Crone is the traveller and storyteller behind Mark’s Travel Journal, where he shares practical tips, destination guides, and real experiences from his adventures around the world. Based in Canada, he aims to help others travel smarter and discover meaningful moments on the road. Explore more of Mark’s work:

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