Recent months have seen the sprouting of three specialized event planning companies, each with its own area of expertise. Here's a look at these firms now offering services in Toronto.
1. Founded this summer by Candice Chan, a former brand director for the Toronto-based chain of RK stores, and Alison Slight, a former general manager of Dubai-based event agency Platinum, Candice&Alison has an emphasis on the fashion and arts scene. The firm a range of design and production services geared towards retailers, designers, and corporate clients for events like product launches, runway shows, galas, and exhibits.
2. Mary Jo Sterns is building on experience she gained during her 20-year career in the hospitality industry by offering incentive travel, meeting, and event design services through her new firm, the Global Event Group, which opened this summer. The company designs travel programs for corporate clients and handles every aspect of the event planning process, including destination and venue selection, contract negotiation, and on-site management.
3. Launched by Star Spider last spring, Alternate Reality Events offers themed experiences and interactive activities designed to take participants away from their everyday lives. The company offers a full range of event management services but specializes in creating custom role-playing games suitable for corporate teambuilding activities.