Meet the Maestros Behind the Madness: Eatertainment’s Sales Team
At Eatertainment, magic is crafted by an exceptional team of event and catering managers who turn visions into reality. Ever wondered how a venue transforms into a breathtaking spectacle? Or how every dish arrives at your table, perfectly timed and exquisitely presented? It’s time to pull back the curtain and introduce you to the creative geniuses behind the scenes.
Our Sales Team is the heartbeat of every event we produce. They’re the dream weavers, logistics wizards, and decor orchestrators who ensure every detail is flawlessly executed. In this blog series, they’ll answer some of your burning questions and reveal the secrets of our success, offering you an insider’s perspective on the extraordinary work that goes into every celebration.
1. How did you get into event & catering management?
Kori – I had always worked in and around hospitality. When I moved to Toronto from the East Coast many years ago, I was working on Theatre when I was offered a role in Events and Catering that I took and fell in love.
Lisa – I have always had a passion for anything related to the food industry. A job that is surrounded by good food and drinks, yes please! I primarily focused on the restaurant industry for years, until I realized that my skill set and drive was more suited for events and catering. I’ve always been detail-oriented, which naturally led me to appreciate the intricate planning and execution involved in event management. What truly drives me is the opportunity to work with diverse personalities and be the catalyst for ensuring everyone has what they need to excel in their roles. I thrive on bringing people together, whether it’s through coordinating logistics or crafting an atmosphere where every guest feels special and every moment is unforgettable.
Cameron – I met Sebastien one evening while bartending a party for one of my clients. We talked at length about the industry and how it might be a good fit for someone looking to transition out of restaurants and into a more corporate environment. His enthusiasm for both the company and the industry sold me right then and there as I started on the operations team two weeks later.
After 6 months of learning all of the elements that it takes to pull off one event, it was a natural next step for me to start planning and executing my own!
Joan – I started working as an event supervisor and I truly enjoyed overseeing the event, coordinating staff and collaborating with different vendors This experience motivated me to pursue further in event management, leading to my current position
2. What’s your favourite type of event to manage and why?
Kori – I have a passion for logistics! My passion lies with the larger and more complicated the event is. Creating a smooth event from back of house to guest experience is where I am most rewarded.
Lisa – It’s hard to pick just one type of event, as each has its own pros (and cons). Weddings, or any event that is deeply personal and meaningful to a client, are very special. I consider it an honor to be included and relied upon to ensure the day is as special as intended. That said, these events can be extremely stressful and labor-intensive. If I had to choose just one, I would say any event for a repeat client are fantastic. You get the opportunity to truly understand what the client likes, and as you build a relationship, the events just keep getting better and better. Seeing
the progress and taking each event to the next level is so much fun!
Cameron – I would say my favorite type of event to manage would be popups and experiential marketing events. Clients put so much thought and creativity into every element of the experience which inspires our team to push our own boundaries. Getting the chance to design custom menus, cocktails, and presentation pieces to fit the theming presents a rewarding challenge when it all comes together on event day.
Joan – Weddings are my favourite event to manage, they are like intricate puzzles where every piece must fit perfectly together to be fully completed. It takes dedication, patience and attention to details. Which makes me enjoy them even more!
3. What’s the most memorable event you’ve managed, and what made it special?
Kori – I had the privilege of working on the Much Music Video Awards for several years. Devising a plan for successful execution of an event that spanned 5 floors of a historic building with no elevator in addition to over 1000 guests in the parking lot will remain one of my most memorable and rewarding events. I also found the interaction my team and I had with the celebrity guests very special.
Lisa – The most memorable event I’ve managed was my first large-scale event outside of the city. This event stands out for several reasons. Not only did I learn a tremendous amount and overcome many first-time challenges, but I also had a lot of fun throughout the process and made lasting memories with my coworkers and my client. The experience taught me how to adapt to new environments and handle unexpected issues that arise when working in unfamiliar locations. It pushed me to think creatively and find solutions quickly. The event itself was a huge success, and seeing the joy and satisfaction on the clients’ faces was incredibly rewarding. This event not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for event management.
Cameron – I would have to say one that we did recently for a private client at the Toronto Reference Library. In four hours, we transformed the space into a mystical forest complete with a 15 foot tree draped in LED webbing. With all the activations, vendors, and décor it truly felt like we has transported guests somewhere they never expected to find in Downtown Toronto.
OR
I would have to say The Corus Upfronts at Evergreen Brickworks last summer. An event for 1500 people is always both exciting and intimidating no matter how much experience you have in the industry. Managing vendors, activations, staff, and décor for an event of that scope requires rigorous planning and meticulous organization. From the inception of our tailored menu items to the execution of our full-room flip, we had to plan for anything and everything that could happen on event day. Thankfully, our team and leadership are some of the best in the business, their insight and experience contributed to a very successful evening with guests partying and getting tattooed long after the lights turned off!
Joan – So far, I haven’t had the opportunity to manage a memorable event in my current position but I am definitely looking forward to it based on what I’ve seen Eatertainment accomplish in the past!!
4. What trends or innovations in the events & catering industry are you most excited about?
Kori – The return of a fulsome event theme has been very exciting. Clients seem to have reconnected with the importance of tying all components of the event together to create a more immersive guest experience.
Lisa – I’m excited by the rise of personalized and immersive experiences. Clients are looking for unique, tailor-made events that sets their events apart from others and reflects their personal style, or their company’s branding. This allows me to get creative with interactive food stations, customized menus, and experiential setups that engage guests in new ways. Take it to the next level with all the latest AI and tech advancements, you’ve got yourself a fun and one-of-a-kind party tailored just for you!
Cameron – Personally, I am very excited about the industry trending towards more sustainable practices, particularly in the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes to reduce food waste. I think there is a lot of room for the catering industry to improve from waste reduction perspective but I am heartened to see we are moving in the right direction with both ourselves and clients becoming sensitive to this often overlooked aspect of the industry.
Joan – Technology is making the industry more attractive and competitive which allows us to customize the catering experience, finding this one of the most exciting trends in the industry.
5. What’s your favourite Eatertainment canapés?
Kori – Without hesitation! SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN. Buttermilk chive scones, Cajun mayo – perfection!
Lisa – Well now, this is the toughest question of them all. It is absolutely rude of you to make me pick just one, so allow me to narrow it down to my top 3…Al Pastor Chicken Taquitos, Sweet & Spicy Crackling Mango Chili Shrimp, and the Korean BBQ Beef on a crispy sushi rice and pickled garnish. Thank you for that, now I’m hungry.
Cameron – Ooo this is a tough one! All of our canapes are fantastic so narrowing it down is a difficult task. The Mescal Infused Watermelon is a personal favourite, original developed for a client of ours, it is a delightfully balanced blend of sweet and smokey, perfect for any summer party. Of course the touch of booze doesn’t hurt either! Another can’t miss canape of ours is the Wagyu Beef Slider. Not only do we use the highest quality beef, but pairing it with soju tomato jam and serving it on a matcha bun delivers a classic dish in an unexpected way, one of the many things we are known for at Eatertainment!
Joan – Has to be the Beef empanadas!!