Vancouver, a No Fun City? Don't tell Frances Hui. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, the social convener has been running one of Vancouver's largest private social clubs in the city. Boasting some 9,000 friends and followers, Hui's company, FHS Events, has been helping people have a good time for nearly a decade. If you're new in town or looking to make new friends, rest assured the 45-yearold can introduce you to some of the city's friendliest folks. The sales and marketer turned social media maven and networking queen has garnered quite the following hosting exclusive parties and helping connect and promote all the best people and things in the city.
HOW DID FHS EVENTS COME ABOUT?
I've always been friendly and outgoing, always organizing my friend's social activities. Then one day in 2003, I was asked to take over a private social club as its host and run their events. It was a natural fit for my talents, personality and style. I did well with it. Eventually in 2006, it morphed into what is now FHS Events, a private social club-turned-event planning and management company. We strive to connect like-minded people who enjoy and appreciate interesting and intelligent conversations at some of the city's most beautiful and coolest venues in town.
WHAT MAKES YOUR SOCIAL CLUB DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
I personally take the time to screen people who would like to attend my events. Basically, you must be friendly, polite, outgoing and open to meeting new people as well as making new friends, whether for personal or professional reasons. Generally at my events the ambience is like a great house party where everyone there is connected to the host in some way. I've mandated inclusiveness so anyone who attends my events can feel comfortable approaching anyone to strike up a conversation.
WHAT QUALITIES MAKE A GOOD SOCIAL CONVENER?
They have to be very organized and detail oriented; have a high energy level; able to think fast on their feet and prepared for the unexpected; have good relationships with everyone; a good memory for faces and names; an outgoing and positive personality; and be a good communicator.
IS VANCOUVER A NO-FUN CITY?
I believe that Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»is more fun than some people realize and that there are more options than most people are aware of. Personally, I've always been the kind of person to make things happen rather than waiting for things to happen. Lead not follow! Is it hard to meet people here?
Having grown up in Vancouver, it is true that people are a bit cliquey to newcomers. I've always tried to be inclusive and have gone out of my way to meet people. I enjoy making others feel welcome and comfortable in whatever situation. I think that it's important not to take any rejections personally and to keep going and doing things that you're passionate about. This will always lead you to like-minded people.
WHAT ARE MOST MEN AND WOMEN LOOKING FOR?
Honesty and loyalty! I know that is two qualities, but they go hand-in-hand in any relationship.
DID ANY OF YOUR INTRODUCTIONS RESULT IN A WALK DOWN THE AISLE?
Yes, I had two female friends meet their now-husbands at two different events I organized. Another couple of friends met each other at a holiday event I threw one Christmas and they have been dating for about three years now.
BEST LIFE LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED?
We are all connected in some way, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, religion, education, upbringing, political affiliation, profession, age, gender or sexual orientation. We all share the same basic human needs and experience similar human emotions. If we understand this, then it will help us to understand each other.
ONE LESSON YOU'D LOVE TO GIVE OTHERS?
The most attractive thing about a person is their confidence.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR?
My high metabolism as I LOVE to eat!
WHAT'S ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
My iPhone so that I'm able to keep connected to people and what's happening in my world.
LAST $20 BUCKS TO YOUR NAME, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT?
A meal on a waterfront patio on a sunny day.
ONE THING YOU WISH VANCOUVERITES WOULD STOP WHINING ABOUT?
The rain. Nothing you say or do will change the weather. Please get over it, make the best of it or please move. Thank you.
