Events by Emma’s fresh approach and innovative thinking have made it one of the most sought-after planning, production and design companies in Canada.
Events by Emma is a professional full-service event planning company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Events by Emma specializes in Corporate, Non-Profit, Upscale Private Functions, Social Events and Weddings.
The Events by Emma team prides themselves in the ability to understand their clients, realize their specific needs and goals and deliver a successful event in a professional and cost-effective manner. Our event professionals have over twenty-years of experience and an outstanding record of customer satisfaction. We are proven leaders in high-quality event management, able to translate objectives into high-impact events.
Our planners work with our clients, as a partner, to create special events to meet their specific needs. This personal attention assures that everything runs smoothly, and expectations are surpassed. Clients seeking unique ideas, advice and trusted assistance know that Events by Emma can help handle all their event details.
Emma has over 20 years of event management experience. She has also worked extensively in fundraising, marketing, communications, cultural and environmental education.
She studied at Washington State University and University of Manitoba
AWARDS & RECOGNITION | “Named one of Canada’s Top 5 Planners”
• 2016 TOP EVENT PLANNER WINNIPEG WINNER: TOP CHOICE AWARDS
• 2015 TOP EVENT PLANNER WINNIPEG WINNER: TOP CHOICE AWARDS
• 2014 BEST RECEPTION DECOR WINNER: CANADIAN WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS
• 2012 BRIDES CHOICE AWARD WINNINER: WEDDING WIRE
• 2010 MEETING PROFESSIONAL INTERNATIONAL, MANITOBA CHAPTER: HORIZON AWARD WINNER
• 2010 STAR AWARDS NOMINEE, EVENT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
AFFLIATES & MEMBERSHIP
• Canadian Special Events Society (CSES)
• The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Member since 2008
• Manitoba Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
• Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP)
• Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)
• Grace Ormonde Wedding Style: Canadian Platinum List Member
• The Wedding Planners Institution of Canada (WPIC)
• Style Me Pretty – Little Black Book Member since 2008
• WED LUXE, Platinum Member
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
There never are enough hours in the day for me. I find my biggest challenges can be myself and my determination to be different and unique. I try to push the boundaries of what we create and produce and sometimes the most frustrating challenges are resources, local expertise and clients’ budgets. But somehow we always make it happen!
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
Although we are faced with many challenges right-now due to the pandemic, I am excited about how our industry is pulling together and how we are embracing smaller intimate events.
I am excited about Micro Events and all of the Hybrid and Virtual Events we have planned for 2021.
What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?
With a tight budget, you can still get things done and make a strong impression and get your message across to your audience. We always aim to create memorable experiences for all our clients and their guests.
A few tips:
1. Get to know your client and attendees
2. Create a working Budget right from the start
3. Get organized with your venue early and don’t be afraid to negotiate and create partnerships with vendors for the event
4. Source Local
5. Be flexible
It is always important to be flexible and creative.
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?
This is a hard question, but my dream client is always a client that trusts in my abilities and wants to collaborate with me and my team.
A dream event looks like a true partnership of our teams abilities and our clients goals and objectives met.
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
Relationships with vendors are always a number one priority for me. Over the years, we have developed really strong relationships with all of our vendors and venues. This comes over time, but also is cultivated by strong communications and transparency throughout the planning process of all of our events.
What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?
Hire an event planner! or at least consult with a planner that has experience in the planning and executing of fundraising events. I specialize in fundraisers, as we have done hundreds over the years and I spent the beginning of my career as a fundraiser.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I am excited about new opportunities after covid and what challenges and new chapters the industry has in store for me.
What inspired you to launch your own company in the event industry? How long did it take from initially having the idea to setting up and starting to attract a client base?
Events are my passion! Twenty + years ago, I started my career in Marketing and Fundraising and events always came part and parcel with those jobs. I realized that there was a need for professional planners and there were none with the experience and knowledge I had. So I decided to start a small event business. I was blown out of the water by the interest and need and within a year, I left my full-time job to run my business….twenty years later we have one of the largest event management firms in Manitoba.
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
The first event I ever planned was when I was just a kid …. I had to plan a fun night for my siblings ….that then lead to various volunteer and paid roles that had me planning events through junior high, high-school and university. I realized it was my passion pretty early. I loved seeing people having fun and enjoying what I planned and I enjoyed the challenge of planning events.
What are some things you wished you knew before starting your businesses?
Lots …. you don’t start a business because you are a great business person, you start because you have a passion …. and you want to make a business of it.
I have always tried to surround myself with people who could assist me with areas of my business I was not proficient in, like accountants, lawyers etc.
I always wished I had a business background. But I have done my best for the past twenty years.
What’s the most surprising or unusual request you have ever received from a client and were you able to fulfill it?
We have had lots of unusual requests over the years, from elephants, helicopters, cirque performers etc.
We always try our best to meet these special requests and to deliver above and beyond our clients expectations. I am always honest with my clients and try my best to fulfill their requests.
