About Daniela:
With one of the most established careers in the event planning industry, Daniela has built a unique reputation based on professionalism and versatility. Experienced in everything from client services and project management to marketing, event execution, negotiations, and sourcing, she is known for her keen eye on details, impeccable networking skills, and resourcefulness. Daniela is passionate about providing her clients with a level of service that is second to none, and won’t settle for anything but the best. Her list of event successes include conferences, corporate incentive programs, and weddings, just to name a few.
Daniela’s expertise is regularly recognized by her peers, with nominations including Planner of the Year – Industry Builder and Mentor. She is a sought-after figure in the meetings/events industry, and her insight on best practices and upcoming trends have been featured in numerous magazine articles. She strongly believes in paying it forward on an education platform (her teaching motto is “Aspire to Inspire!”), and is an in-demand teacher at Lasalle College’s Event Planning Program and certifies future Wedding Planners at WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada).
Some of Daniela’s other professional roles include:
- Board member for Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) local chapter, having served as Strategic Alliance Director, Special Events Director, and Public Relations Director
- Chair/Judge for the RISE Awards as part of MPI’s annual World Education Conference (WEC)
- Speaker for the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s Operation Back to School, encouraging youth to stay in school
- Wedding BootCamp weekend workshop style at WPIC (in French)
- Co-founder of the Association of Montreal Professional Wedding Designers
How long has your company been producing events? What is your main focus?
It’s been 16 years of love as an independent – however, I’ve been doing it for 25 ++ years.
I started as a Corporate Planner and then evolved (due to requests from clientele) into a logistics specialist … basically touching on everything regarding events, at all levels. In short, facilitator of events.
What do you enjoy most about your role in corporate event planning?
OMG EVERYTHING – I know it sounds cliche … but it is true …. the natural adrenaline rush and making my clients’ dreams come to life is AWESOMENESS, to say the least !!
How do you keep up with the constant change in the industry?
You just do …. education education education … it is tiring at times … however, EXHILARATING and EXCITING all wrapped into one.
Do you have any advice for a company having a hard time choosing a theme. Is a theme necessary?
Sometimes simplicity is BEST. Themes are always good – it helps the focus.
What are some ways to personalize a corporate event?
LISTENING to the client’s wants, needs, and the message they want to convey to their guests – good listening is KEY.
What do you see as the corporate event industry’s greatest challenge, currently?
The MAIN challenge is always budgets – even though they have a healthy budget, it’s that. Then it would be the logistics of pulling it all together flawlessly.
How do you leverage event technology and what would you consider the biggest game-changer?
Technology …. OMG, it is coming fast and furious. The only reason it’s not the norm yet is due to costs … but it’s here and staying …. better or worst…. we need to brace ourselves. 🙂
Have you used Gamification in your events? If yes, how was it received?
No, not yet – but it will come.
What is your favorite city for events and why?
OMGosh – all of them (it’s hard to choose)! I travel quite a bit and LOVE LOVE every place so far. Each city has tons to offer in its own right.
What are some practices to follow that will help you to create the Wow factor that attendees seek with a limited budget?
BEST BEST BEST one is the “KISS” method – Keeping It Simple (as much as you can).
Mind you simple does not mean plain …. it means well organized and uber well executed.
Sustainability is a current movement that can be challenging for large events. What is your approach?
It’s really hard to bring it up to clients and suppliers … simply because everyone has their own version. It becomes complex to adapt to those versions ’cause sometimes on paper, it sounds perfect and when it comes to executing it OMG what a mistake.
I TRULY think this movement needs to be perfected more and more before we can get there.
How do you measure the success of an event?
Happy Clients (= happy planner)
