The Lebanese Chamber of Commerce threw its Christmas gathering at the Moxy Halifax Downtown, Marriott’s cool, rebellious younger child; the one that refuses to share DNA with the “sister-orphanage-dormitory hotels.” A bold new hotel concept designed for travellers who prefer their lobbies quirky, their lamps suspiciously artistic, and their couches stylish enough to belong in a Scandinavian sitcom. The Moxy does not just host events; it poses for them, as if it majored in Design and minored in Mischief.

Inside this aesthetic lobby, 120 guests mingled through an evening of gourmet amuse-gueule so refined they practically introduced themselves before being eaten.

But the true performance art of the night came from Chamber president Norman Nahas. A well-known name in the world of entrepreneurship and real estate development, he performed his classic trick; being everywhere at the same time. One second he was greeting business leaders, the next he was checking in on the catering, and the moment after that he was deep in discussion about market trends. If networking were an Olympic sport, Nahas would already have a sponsorship deal.

The highlight of the formal program was the Zed Family Entrepreneurship Grant, awarded to Adele Mansour, whose joy nearly matched the Moxy’s neon signage. Her framed award was lifted with the pride of a startup founder holding her first investment cheque.

Even some financial brokers, notoriously immune to feelings, appeared genuinely happy, which may be a rare astronomical event that, according to experts, occurs only under perfect atmospheric conditions: a relaxed environment, warm lighting, and hors d’oeuvres so good they should be tax-deductible.

The atmosphere stayed light, friendly, and wonderfully unpretentious; a blend of ambition wrapped in holiday spirit.

In short:
A night where business felt human, the food felt gourmet, and the Moxy felt… well, Moxy.