I’ve been in the event marketing world long enough to know that no two years are ever the same — and yet, this one feels especially different. Right now, my team and I are deep into the marketing campaign for Toronto’s Festival of Beer (TFOB) — a legacy summer event that’s been a staple in this city for decades. But like many large-scale festivals navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, we’re at a crossroads. The realities we’re facing are not unique: Audiences…
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the most transformative thing you can do for your team might be as simple as stepping outside. Forward-thinking companies are trading boardrooms for barn doors and flip charts for fresh soil. These aren’t your typical offsites — they’re regenerative resets, rooted in nature, nourishment, and a return to what truly matters. Whether you’re team-building among tomato vines or brainstorming beneath a canopy of trees, a day (or two) on the farm offers something no…
As a millennial who’s spent the better part of my career building relationships, scaling a business, and navigating the nuances of the global events industry, I recently found myself curious: How does the next generation see all of this? Gen-Z professionals are entering our industry with strong values, sharp perspectives, and an unapologetic lens on what matters to them. I wanted to pulse check my own beliefs — especially when it comes to the increasingly politicized conversation around “shopping…
In the corporate world, events aren’t just social gatherings, they’re strategic tools for brand building, networking, and business growth and the venue plays a pivotal role in how an event is perceived and remembered. For corporate event planners, choosing the right venue can mean the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical nightmare. QUALITIES OF A GREAT CORPORATE EVENT VENUE 1. Prime Location for Business Convenience A central, easily accessible location is non-negotiable. Your venue should be close…
The traditional office lunch may have once been synonymous with an underwhelming basic salad, lukewarm pizza, or a selection of ‘classic sandwiches’, but not anymore. In 2025, office catering is experiencing a full-blown renaissance, driven by an evolution in workplace culture where offices, grappling with the rise of hybrid and remote workers, have renewed their focus on employee experiences to draw them back into the office. We’ve seen firsthand how the role of food in the workplace has shifted…
In a city like Toronto — where expectations are high, and costs can climb fast — managing event budgets with discipline and foresight isn’t optional. It’s the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical headache. We understand that successful event planning isn’t just about creativity — it’s also about cost control without compromise. Here are seven critical budgeting strategies to help you stretch your event dollars while still delivering a high-calibre guest experience. Plan Backwards from the Budget:…
When planning a major event – whether it’s a product launch, sales conference, corporate party, or awards gala – selecting the right creative audio visual (AV) production partner is crucial. These events are major extensions of your brand, requiring partners who understand that every touchpoint matters. In an industry where many companies claim similar capabilities, how do you identify a true partner who can transform your event from standard to extraordinary? The answer lies not in what companies say…
With my over 25 years of industry experience, we’ve learned that successful events hinge on thoughtful rental planning and strategic execution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the rental selection process for your next event. Smart Budgeting Strategy $25-45 per guest for basic rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware). This baseline helps establish realistic expectations and can scale up based on specialty items or upgraded selections. From your total event budget, plan to allocate 15-20% for rentals, typically…
With the economy and tariff issues taking up more than their fair share of the news cycle, the environment has often been pushed off the radar. Thankfully, Earth Day is upon us and serves as a timely reminder that sustainability needs to remain a priority for individuals, companies and all levels of government, and of course, our events sector. From large festivals to intricate and intimate gatherings, we who work in the events space generate our fair share of…
I’m frustrated. Frustrated, and honestly, a bit embarrassed by humanity at the moment. A lot of that has to do with the way information is being shared, or more accurately, distorted, by many news and communication outlets. We’re living in a time where it’s incredibly hard to get a clear picture of what’s actually happening in the world. The news I see isn’t the same as what my friends in other regions are seeing. And it’s definitely not the…
