Kris speaks with Jessica Tkachuk, Events and Communications Specialist at Boom Goes the Drum. Jessica cares deeply about getting people back to interacting face to face in a world where tech and social media are driving us further away from those sorts of experiences. She thrives on the experiences when people are truly caught up in the magic of a moment and she has the expertise to deliver them. Kris asks Jessica to delve into the process that goes into planning the magic and how to stay organized in doing so. Boom is different from other Event Planning organizations because they focus on the “story.” Jessica also explores how to use various customer engagement tools to continually interact with your brand’s audience and she dives into a case study with a Holt Renfrew Fashion Show. Lastly, Jessica addresses the challenges of navigating budgeting by evaluating value versus cost in order to achieve the best experience possible for a client.

Listen to episode 26 here

Kris speaks with Barb Mitchell and Laurie Parente, Founders of Occasional Notes. Barb and Laurie began as performing pianists and piano teachers. As good friends they teamed up and began playing at various events, especially weddings. They began developing a team of performers which has expanded over time and has allowed them to take a step away from performing themselves. Now, the pair puts a great of deal of care into coordinating everything necessary for having spectacular live music at your event. Occasional Notes also produces shows including Zoo Street, a musical children’s show, and Incognito Entertainment, which are surprise singing and dancing shows to liven up corporate events. Barb and Laurie discuss Event Core and reflect on what it’s like being a part of the valuable network of vendors who operate as a community without competition.

Listen to episode 25 here

Kris speaks with Kaleigh Doherty, Founder and Creative Director of Banff Yoga Festival. Kaleigh discusses the goals of the festival to support local wellness-focussed businesses and provide a space for yoga students to build a consistent practice. She outlines some of her marketing strategies and her rigorous process for recruiting high quality teachers to participate in Banff Yoga Festival. Kris asks further questions to Kaleigh which get them discussing sponsorship, metrics, and volunteers.

Listen to episode 23 here

Kris speaks with Carrie McManus, Director of Programs with Sagesse. Carrie tells us about their Annual Eat Play Love event and enlightens us about the ins and outs of coordinating this fundraising event of indulgence which pampers its guests with wine, food, spa services and more. She outlines her strategy for doing a “big ask” of sponsors to accrue diverse items that could appeal to all the different kinds of people who attend. Carrie also explores ways of cutting costs in the budget, food and drink coordination, and the importance of flexibility and communication with event staff on the day of.

Sagesse empowers women from any socio-economic background through programs and services that strive to break the cycle of violence.

Listen to episode 22 here

Kris speaks with Kelly Beames, Event Manager with River Cafe Group. Kelly discussed how she moved up through Restaurant positions and made her way into events through that world. She lays out the top considerations one should focus on when booking restaurants and dives into the tools that come in handy with organizing the logistics of an event. Kris describes the beautiful, rustic appeal of the Deane House, which is River Cafe’s newest restaurant in Inglewood and Kelly delves into the types of events that are hosted there.

Book your wedding at the Deane House or River Cafe at riverweddings.ca

Listen to episode 21 here

Kris speaks with Jenn Egroff Delconte, an Event Producer and Marketing Strategist with Catalystica. In this episode she takes us through her marketing background and recalls how she discovered a passion for event production through that work. Delconte places a special focus on connecting people with a brand in a unique way and highlights many effective strategies for incorporating that mindset into event marketing. Kris asks her to hit some major points on how Catalystica approaches budgeting and organization for their events and Delconte also shares some tidbits of advice for first time event planners.

Listen to episode 20 here

Kris speaks with Jason Kingsley, who is the Program Lead for Event Management at Bow Valley College as well as the President of Calgary Pride. Kris asks about the technical audiovisual facets of providing event production to Pride Festival, and Jason delves into financing strategies for this steadily growing event. Their conversation branches into the topic of event security as it relates to recent global events. Additionally, Kris and Jason discuss event promotion through social media, managing talent and client expectations, and advice for new event planners.

Listen to episode 19 here

Today I met with Caitlind Brown from Wreck City to discuss the in’s and out’s of hosting an art showing in a venue set for demolishing.  We also touch on the logistics of touring her complex work of art Incandescent Cloud.

Listen to episode 18 here

Today I met with Pat McGannon from PM Gigs to discuss talent buying, advancing shows, event management details and his experiences with his band the Dino Martini’s.

Listen to episode 17 here

Today I met with Ryan Corry to discuss his recent productions with the  Alberta Ballet.  We spoke about the importance of the arts, how to attract the right event sponsors, and how to create a successful event by leveraging the help of others.

Listen to episode 16 here