Based on attendance alone, the Whistler Chamber of Commerce's Olympic party for employees thrown last week was a success.
According to President Fiona Famulak, the chamber had budgeted for 500 attendees but instead clocked close to 1,100 at the event that was designed to give Whistler employees the information they need to work professionally and enjoy the Olympics and Paralympics personally.
"The event was designed specifically to address employees' questions, and there was no RSVP required, so we didn't know how many attendees would appear that night," said Famulak.
"We were hoping it would be attended strongly. We were really happy with the turnout and the quality and quantity of the questions being asked, and I am confident that the people who attended were there for the right reasons."
Famulak said feedback she received from the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), B.C. Transit, Whistler Live, Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb was they were really impressed by the number of people asking questions and the type of questions.
Whistler Live's booth was one of the most popular, with people interested in what type of entertainment to expect during the Games. VANOC's booth was also busy with questions about transportation.
Also, B.C. Transit sold more than 100 bus passes that night, which was more than they expected, said Famulak. Whistler Blackcomb also had lots of inquiries about what would be open on the mountains during the Games.
The event was dubbed "Let the Party Begin" and took place for three hours at the Westin Resort and Spa on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
