Essentially Unlocking the Class of 2020
Keri Miller • Jul 16, 2020
In June 2020, a community rallied to bring hope, joy and closure to graduates and their families.
www.drivethrugrad2020.com
As live event designers and producers
we relish in celebrating life’s greatest moments, creating memories and changing lives through the work that we love. The key to those moments is human to human connection, inspiring people through multiple mediums and creating emotive experiences that can never be repeated. In most milestone celebrations rituals prevail, blowing out the candles, sharing of rings, crossing the stage, slideshows of human history, and the people that have impacted these lives, all brought together.
As COVID enveloped our lives and cancelled live gatherings and events
we felt intense loss, fear and immediately understood that the way we do our business needed to change. Upcoming milestones were canceled or forced to go virtual, the bringing together of people became the one thing the world said was deadly and dangerous. As event professionals we are driven to innovate, to think differently, to advance through crisis and celebrate humanity regardless of the situations thrown at us.
Milestones Matter
My son is part of the Class of 2020, a massive group of youth that have been thrown the biggest curve ball of their lives. Stop, change everything and not only is your future at risk, but your immediate life milestone, one of the most important in life’s transition, has been canceled. Graduating high school is not about the marks, the scores, the school even, it’s about a launch into adulthood, a crossing over from your young self into a new life, a new direction and a big glorious future. There was an instant response form the live events community to want to give them a way to celebrate and for me, I knew that no matter what, my son and his group of friends would have a grad, small or large. He would wear the suit, see his beautiful girlfriend in her formal dress, take pictures, wear the cap and the gown and cross a stage. What that looked like was unknown, but in the end a group of us made it happen. Not just for him but for 1000 Calgary grads over 10 days in June 2020.
I started drawing out on a napkin what I felt a grad could look like if we contained the families in their own units (cars), ensured physical distancing and 'touchless' engagement. I drew options to give them the photos, the moments and the crossing the stage moment that would become their crossing over into a new phase of life. I designed it, timed it and handed it over to our president to see, his son was also graduating. With tenacity and passion he went searching for support from schools, school boards, calling every principle and engaging every student body possible. In the meantime, we started the process of approvals from the multiple levels needed to produce an event of this scale during a pandemic. Four weeks later we were given the go ahead, 15 people total, getting out of cars including all crew, security, volunteers and photographers. We assessed and determined that we could use cars, golf carts and contained units to execute it, always hoping we would reach phase two by opening day.
Community is Everything
Event partners came on, all suffering businesses, willing to invest what they could to ensure we made this happen, in the end, hard costs were covered, no one profited from this, but they were happy to get back to doing what they love.
Community sponsors wanted to help, but they too were unable to provide the funding that we needed. The school boards and faculty could not participate so we used the power of moms and media to get the word out, securing small groups and grads from all over the city, all wanting their moments. A huge team of event professionals came together to rally, to connect parents and grads, to form alliances that the schools would not support. We all came together to divide the intense work over four weeks, creating a brand, website, communications plan, health and safety plan, logistics, site management and also creating a very poignant production and video ceremony.
Honking is the New Applause
What ensued was ten days of moments that we will never forget. Graduates were able to choose to come, to graduate their way, to have a grad like no other. They experienced something they will never forget, secured by a priceless photo of them, in cap and gown, or formal wear, in, on top of, beside and streaming out of their cars, beaming with joy. With them were parents and siblings, dogs and supporters, all proud, crying and incredibly grateful for what we had done. The drive thru and drive in concept was unique, but what resonated more than anything was the spirit and energy felt on the grounds of the parking lot. The human connection, even from two car stalls away, through steel, was earnestly felt and heard through the endless honking and celebrating.
I was lucky enough and honoured to greet each and every car that passed through the event (except my son’s graduation day) congratulating each grad, seeing each proud supporter and telling them they could take their dogs up on stage, they could pop out of their sun roof, and they could have their parents video them from right in front of the stage as they crossed it. My favourite moments were when collectively the hosts, volunteers and crew would form a physically distanced gauntlet and wave good-bye to every car and family as they left. Families blew kisses, thanked us profusely and grads made hearts out of hands and honked until we could hear them no more.
While we went into this thinking that it was our professional responsibility to give the grads their milestone celebration because we felt they needed it, what we came to know and understand is the power of our work, it’s real. We touched lives and in turn we were touched. We all cried and wished we could hug, we were emotionally drained and yet excited for each and every time slot, graduation ceremony and family that came and went.
The Biggest Win!
The words and comments from families have been outstanding and the pride we feel is priceless. We created a physical opportunity for a milestone to happen during this crazy time, but the positive impact on the mental health of young adults, families, our team and partners is being spread throughout our communities, this is our biggest accomplishment. There are no words to describe what happened over the last two weeks of June 2020, but in the words of a parent “It was a gift to our family for our boys to graduate together and truly CELEBRATE their accomplishments. I am floored by the efforts made to create a magical life memory for all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” – A mom.
Celebrating the milestones of life is essential. We as an industry of people that gather humans to educate, celebrate, connect and inspire are essential. The priceless learn from this is that while the world is telling us we can’t gather, we need to and we will, and we can innovate ways to make it happen, even during a pandemic.
We are excited to announce that our independent brands of e=mc² events, e=mc² productions, and fuze entertainment have joined forces with the SÉNIK Group of companies. A message from our Founder & CEO, Jocelyn Flanagan Pressing the button on the press release below is both nerve racking and exhilarating. In 2001, “e” started as an idea to put on an event or two. 23 years later, we have created countless experiences, broken down barriers, stretched beyond our limits, and met a multitude of incredible people. Alongside our friends, colleagues, mentors, clients and partners, we have built this collective of brands, known as “e”, that reaches across the country [and the globe]. We have reached many milestones, and in the last few years, the question has been… What's next? How do we bottle up all that we have learned and experienced in the past 23 years and build for the next 23 [and beyond]? We knew we needed a plan - a plan that would excite us, provide opportunities to our team, and continue to make experiences that matter for all of our amazing clients. What better way to expand and grow than to sell our cherished company to friends - friends that we know will treat our people and our brands the way we do. Friends that will collaborate with us as we continue to expand our wings. Friends who will work with us to seek more opportunities, and friends with whom we can continue to push the industry into the future. We have known these friends for nearly two decades. We have played together in the industry, worked together, motivated each other, supported each other and cheered each other on through the years. Our exceptional team, alongside the SÉNIK Group of companies, our independent brands of e=mc² events, e=mc² productions, and fuze entertainment, are going to build something greater than we could have ever done alone. I’m excited for the future and to continue as the CEO of e=mc² and Executive Producer of many exciting projects. Exciting News: e=mc² events and fuze entertainment join the SÉNIK Group to amplify live events for clients around the world. Montreal – September 9, 2024 — The SÉNIK Group is excited to announce a bold new chapter in the world of live events! e=mc² events and fuze entertainment are joining forces with the SÉNIK Group, creating a powerhouse that will redefine how events are experienced across North America and beyond. This partnership is a game-changer for their clients, their teams, and the entire industry. What does this mean for their clients? More creativity, more expertise, and more opportunities to captivate their audience. "This is a very exciting time for both organizations. e=mc² and Sénik have been industry friends and loud cheerleaders of each other for the past two decades, and this next step will elevate both organizations to create even more impactful experiences for our clients, our partners and our teams", says Jocelyn Flanagan, Founder & CEO of e=mc² events. Sebastien David, President of Sénik agrees: "By elevating our extraordinary teams of passionate event professionals, we are unlocking unparalleled potential to create more value and capacity for all of our clients. Together, we are set to become a driving force in North America's live event landscape." With over 43 years of combined experience, this passionate group of event professionals will push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing innovative solutions, new markets, and unparalleled service. The SÉNIK Group of brands is poised to deliver world-class live events and experiences that resonate, engage, and drive results. Together, this exceptional team of experts will provide impactful live events & productions, groundbreaking conferences, world class entertainment, and luxury bespoke incentives & meetings. The SÉNIK Group proudly supports the following independent brands in its portfolio: About e=mc² events An industry leader in live event and conference design, management, and production, e=mc² events is committed to its tagline "The Experience Matters”. Since 2001, e=mc² events has delivered world-class, award-winning experiences to corporate, non-profit, and social organizations in over 40 locations globally, including the International Space Station. In 2023 e=mc² Productions was launched, offering exceptional live production and broadcast services. The team at e=mc² focuses on creating experiences that matter through purposeful strategic thinking, collaboration, and impactful human-to-human experience design and delivery. About Sénik The Event Agency Founded in 2003, Sénik quickly emerged as a key leader in the event industry, specializing in corporate events. The company grew rapidly, expanding to a team of 23 employees. With thousands of events managed globally, Sénik is distinguished by its expertise in handling large-scale projects and its commitment to innovation. In 2020, the company acquired Champagne Events, all while retaining its entire team despite the challenges of the pandemic. Today, Sénik continues to evolve, driven by its mission to create memorable and engaging experiences, always with a splash of fun. About Champagne Events Champagne Events specializes in creating unifying moments, combining charm, elegance, and excellence. Their unique concepts have allowed them to stand out across the country and shape the event industry as it is today. A member of the SÉNIK Group since 2020, Champagne Events is distinguished by its exceptional service and highly skilled client support. With over 30 years of experience, they can confidently say they are experts in the field. That being said, they continuously renew their ideas to offer expertise and innovation. About fuze entertainment With over 20 years of experience, fuze entertainment has delivered exceptionally creative event entertainment to all sizes and styles of events across North America, including corporate, non-profit, and private events. fuze offers a unique blend of entertainment professionals who pride themselves on providing custom entertainment solutions.
We are thrilled to introduce the newest additions to the “e” team: Natalie Julian and Chantal Walchuk [pictured above, respectively]! Both bring fresh perspectives, high energy and a wealth of knowledge from their recent studies in the events industry. Natalie holds a certificate in Office Administration from Mohawk College and graduated with honours from Fanshawe College with a diploma in Event Planning. Chantal, who earned her diploma in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in Event Management from SAIT, also graduated with honours. Their impressive volunteer experiences further set them apart - Natalie has contributed to high-profile events such as TIFF, The JUNO Opening Night Awards , and the Canadian Screen Awards. Chantal has also gained valuable insights through various school-related volunteer activities like Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival and taking on the Event Manager role for OneTalks 2024. With their diverse and robust backgrounds, both Natalie and Chantal bring unique strengths to our team. We are excited to hear their insights on breaking into the events industry and how they landed their dream roles with the “e” team. Q&A’s Q: What is your goal in the events industry? Natalie: My goal in the events industry is to make a big impact. I have many event professionals I aspire to be like one day and one of them is our very own Jocelyn Flanagan . Her achievements in building a distinguished company and demonstrating exceptional creativity to create such memorable events is remarkable; I aspire to achieve the same level of success in the future. Events often become some of our most cherished memories, and look forward to being part of a team that makes that happen through a thoughtfully designed event. Chantal: My goal in the events industry is to continue to learn and grow at “e”. There is so much to learn within the industry and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. A personal goal of mine is to work and travel for events, I would love to be a part of projects all around the world. I would have to say the same as Natalie to close off this question: in the end, the type of events I want to be a part of create an impact, as events hold such unique emotional, physical, and mental impacts on everyone involved. Q: What steps did you take to get into the event planning industry? Natalie: The first step I took to get into the event industry was pursuing a diploma in Event Planning through post-secondary education at Fanshawe College. I actively sought volunteer opportunities within the events field to gain practical experience and attended industry conferences to network and learn about current trends. Additionally, I engaged with event experts for valuable advice and leveraged online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to broaden my professional connections and put myself out there. Chantal: I started with schooling for Hospitality and Tourism and decided to specialize in Event Management. During my time in school I volunteered within school events and outside connections. I started a summer internship at an event venue as a Catering and Sales Assistant which resulted in a part time job while I was finishing my last year of schooling. I attended several events that I was able to connect with event professionals and build relationships. After graduating university, I was promoted at my previous job to a full time Event Planner position. Working towards my goal of joining the “e” team, I took every opportunity possible to expand my knowledge and skills and now have achieved my goal and I am here at “e” as an Experience Administrator. Q: How do you stay motivated in a competitive industry? Natalie: I always strive to keep the bigger picture in mind and find valuable lessons in challenging moments. Every experience I have now is shaping me for my ultimate goal. Instead of dwelling on what I might not have or where I want to be, I focus on what I can do right now to enhance my skills and grow. The bigger picture and end goal fuels my motivation in this competitive industry. Trusting in yourself, your journey, and having a growth mindset is the key to staying motivated. Chantal: Staying motivated in the industry is fuelled by a deep passion and enthusiasm for what you do. While starting out you can feel overwhelmed and a bit intimidated, but discovering your niche and setting realistic goals can make the journey smoother and more rewarding. With determination and drive, you’ll find that the challenges become opportunities for growth. Ultimately, the unique and fulfilling nature of this industry makes all the hard work and dedication truly worthwhile. Q: What advice would you give someone just starting their studies in event planning? Natalie: For someone just beginning their studies in event planning, my biggest advice would be to soak up as much knowledge as you can. Dive into the specific area of events that fascinates you and immerse yourself in learning about it. Seek out companies and event planners who inspire you, absorb their insights, and take notes! Schedule meetings with your professors, arrange informational interviews with event professionals, and get hands-on experience by volunteering. Take it one step at a time and take every opportunity to learn and grow. Chantal: I would say the most important advice that I can give that changed my life was to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. This was my motto for my last semester of school and I wish I started it earlier. I got out of my comfort zone and did things I never thought I would, like be on a panel on stage in front of hundreds of event professionals, be on the news, and take on higher roles at work and in school projects. These all seemed like the scariest things I could do but afterwards I felt so rewarded and was very proud of myself. This helped me gain more self confidence and helped me in my schooling and career immensely. Q: What are some challenges you have faced as a newcomer in the industry, and how are you overcoming them? Natalie: As a newcomer in the industry, I've encountered opportunities to grow, such as navigating social and general anxieties. It truly takes a lot of bravery to step in front of seasoned experts and share your ideas. Volunteering with new people, though initially daunting, offers chances to network, learn, and create meaningful connections with others passionate about the field. While I occasionally still feel nervous, I try my best to embrace these moments because they drive me toward my goals. I remind myself that even though I’m new, I have valuable perspectives to offer, and my contributions to this industry are just as significant. By taking that leap of faith and believing in myself, I’m on the path to achieving my dreams. Chantal: One of the most exciting challenges I encountered was navigating the socializing aspect of the industry. Attending events where established professionals gather can initially feel a bit daunting, especially as someone new looking to make connections. To turn this challenge into an opportunity, I started preparing by developing key questions to spark conversations, which helped me engage more confidently. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn was incredibly useful for starting connections and building a network. This proactive approach not only eased the process but also opened doors to valuable relationships and opportunities. Q: What has been the most valuable experience that’s helped you grow within the industry? Natalie: My most valuable experience that’s helped me grow within the industry was volunteering at Canada’s Walk of Fame. I got to meet some of the “e” team and learn more about what events they produce. This opportunity has had the biggest impact on my growing career in this industry. I left Canada’s Walk of Fame wanting to do whatever it took to be a part of “e”. This experience demonstrated to me that I was capable of going out of my comfort zone, and it led me to do more volunteer roles in the industry, such as flying myself all the way to Halifax to have another opportunity to volunteer with the “e” team for the 2024 JUNO Opening Night Awards . It was an experience that I will never forget. Chantal: The most valuable experience that has helped me grow within the industry was taking on the role of Event Manager for OneTalks. Being offered this opportunity through my capstone event for school gave me the chance to put the knowledge I have learned to the test and give me confidence within the industry. It also helped me network with event professionals and make some valuable connections that lead to this opportunity of joining the “e” team. Networking is a major part of the industry and any chance you can get putting yourself in front of event professionals will help you stand out and get your name out there. To Wrap Things Up Natalie and Chantal both embody the drive, dedication, and passion necessary for thriving in the dynamic world of event planning and production. Their unique paths and experiences offer invaluable insights into navigating and excelling in this competitive industry. With their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, they are poised to make a significant impact at “e” and beyond. As they embark on their journey with us, we eagerly anticipate their contributions and innovative approaches they will bring to the events we create. Welcome aboard, Natalie and Chantal- here’s to a future filled with exciting opportunities and memorable experiences!
Keri Miller's Pink Poodle Theory
How does a volunteer in Edmonton, Alberta impact 26,000 lives in Tanzania, Africa?
I’ve embarked on my fair share of adventures and when I landed in Calgary and met the “e” team, I dove right into the deep end. This journey is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are boundless. As I reflect on my first three months at e=mc² events, I am filled with a mix of excitement, gratitude, and a newfound sense of accomplishment. The journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and I am here to share the exhilarating experience of joining a team that truly embodies the values of honourable, innovative, insightful, and invested. Those values are not just buzzwords at “e”; they are the backbone of everything we do. From cultivating ethical practices to seeking groundbreaking solutions, these values resonate in every corner of the organization. This collective commitment sets the stage for exceptional events that leave a lasting impact. The Work In those first two weeks on the job, it was all about getting the hang of things through orientation and training. Little did I know, I would be catapulted into the heart of the action immediately following. The fast-paced environment demanded a quick adaptation to the ever-changing landscape of event planning. I found myself absorbing information and acquiring new skills at a remarkable pace. The challenge was not only invigorating but also a testament to the team's commitment to continuous growth and excellence. I was pleasantly surprised by the trust placed in me to take ownership of project pieces and decisions. This culture of ownership is a catalyst for growth, as it encourages creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of responsibility. Each challenge has been an opportunity for personal and professional development. I learn something new every day. The Dream Team Coming from a strong and supportive team in my previous job, the transition initially left me a tad apprehensive. However, those concerns quickly dissolved as I realized that the team at “e” was not just welcoming, but also dedicated to nurturing a supportive environment. The ethos of 'honourable' extends beyond interactions with clients to the heart of how colleagues treat one another. The camaraderie and support I found within the team were beyond my expectations. Amidst the whirlwind of activity, their unwavering unity turned colleagues into friends and mentors. It's often said that teamwork makes the dream work, and I couldn't agree more. The “e” team exemplifies this, proving that when a group of passionate individuals come together, exceptional things happen. One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of my role has been the opportunity to learn from the industry's best. Interacting with seasoned professionals who are not just experts but also innovators, has been an unparalleled privilege. Their insights have guided me through complex challenges and opened my eyes to innovative approaches that redefine the boundaries of event management. The first three months have been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and forging bonds with an extraordinary team. As I move forward, I am excited to continue pushing my boundaries, honing my skills, and contributing to the creation of remarkable experiences. I am eager to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
Emotional intelligence in relation to event and conference planning & production has become a trending topic, but it’s something we’ve been aware of for years. Our founder, Jocelyn, has presented on Emotional Intelligence & Human Centered Design on a number of stages over the last couple of years, but in case you haven’t had the chance to see her in person, we thought we’d break it down for you here! First things first! What is emotional intelligence and why is it important? In short, it is the ability to manage your own emotions as well as understand the emotions of people around you. There are five key elements: social skills, self awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and motivation. Let’s break them down.
My First Impressions
The Official Story of the Rubber Duck
My First Three Months with "e"
Here's to 21 Years, a Cause for Great Celebration!