My Best Event: Family movie day

The Ortencio Group, Toronto

Number of advisors: 3

Asset minimum: $1 million

Number of households: 75

Financial professionals strive to give clients the big picture. Frank and Derrick Ortencio of Toronto took that literally, treating clients and their guests to a 3D release on the big screen at their annual Family Movie Day.

The December event is a chance to thank clients at the end of the year with a new family film. “It kick-starts the holidays, when family time becomes the focus,” says Derrick Ortencio, associate investment advisor with Richardson GMP.

The Ortencios used to rent out a farm for hay rides, apple picking and petting the animals. But weather worries prompted the switch to a movie day.

They invite all clients, as well as a small number of prospects, centres of influence like accountants and lawyers, and their own families. Last December, about 150 people turned out for a 10:00 a.m. showing of Rise of the Guardians. One of the most excited clients wasn’t a youngster but a gentleman in his 60s: “It was his first 3D movie!” says portfolio manager Frank Ortencio.

(L to R): Frank Ortencio, Jayne Fiamboli and Derrick Ortencio at a downtown Toronto cinema.

It costs about $3,000 to rent the suburban SilverCity theatre and to throw in popcorn and other refreshments. The Ortencios brought in muffins and coffee for people who hadn’t yet had breakfast.

Last year marked the Ortencios’s third annual movie day, and many clients already see it as a tradition. Frank says some people contact him before invitations go out to ensure they set aside the correct morning.

Though the Ortencios suspect the invitations prompt some clients to call about business, they emphasize the main point is generating goodwill.

“We’re quite family-oriented, and the movie event is an opportunity to meet the families of our clients, and for them to meet our family,” says Derrick. “It brings us a little closer.”

Stuart Foxman is a Toronto-based financial writer.