What the Duck
Keri Miller • May 10, 2023
The Official Story of the Rubber Duck
It all started with Gordon Lightfoot. His recent passing had me remembering, not just about his iconic career and music [I remember all his songs from my youth], but of the story I’m about to tell.
In 2012 we produced our first high profile event in Toronto, it was the inaugural fundraiser for TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival], celebrating the 50th anniversary of James Bond. It was and is one of our most ambitious and rewarding projects in our 22 year history.
We created a full James Bond inspired environment and experience on the waterfront of Toronto complete with 53’ trailers as décor, a retrofitted 320’ barge customized as a pier and a 450 person dining tent with three performance stages. The storyline was adventurous and included a branded helicopter, stunts into the water and yachts as props surrounding the reception pier. Load in was seven days long and tickets to the event were $25K per table.
Coined The Night That Never Ends, it was a spectacle that raised a lot of money and a lot of eyebrows around this new agency [us] producing events in the city. We loved the work and we were incredibly proud of the entire team. I remember the event, the partners and the team; the event was outstanding, but mostly I remember the rain. For the majority of the load-in the weather reflected a perfectly seasonal autumn, for the 20 hours leading up to the event, it rained, it poured, it was grey and unrelenting. We called in more tenting, bought sump pumps for the torrential water collection and covered everything within the tents and on the barge with tarps… and we waited. At one point our client gathered us all inside the venue and emotionally gave us permission to change the plan and bring everything inside – no one wants to execute the contingency on events like this and we opted to prepare and wait for mother nature to change her mind.
40 minutes to “doors” the sky opened up and the sun beamed in, we scrambled [as event profs do] and the show went on. It was wicked if not wet, and we were exhausted.
Fast forward one week and I was excitedly looking through the hundreds of photos of the evening. The pictures inside the tent consisted of a beautiful foreground of performances and happy guest faces, and a wet and drippy background, and while the guests may not have noticed, it was all I could see. I began photoshopping out the ugly and scarred for posting on our website. On the centre stage at the event a variety of famous artists performed during the evening, one was the incomparable Gordon Lightfoot. As I looked at the photo of him and began scrubbing perfecting the photo, a small yellow speck caught my eye…
It was resting on the stage, very closely to a monitor and as I zoomed in a little rubber duck came into focus.
I remember thinking that this was an incredibly weird thing and my mind ran with things like: Did a guest put that there? Does Gordon Lightfoot like rubber duckies? Who had seen it? Why had nobody moved it? Through the evening multiple crew members, staff and stage management would have walked near that area… why was it there? I was curious, furious and wonderfully happy at the same time. I immediately sent out an email to all the crew, attached the zoomed in photo and inquired about the owner of the duck. I remember stating something like the following: I know that sometimes operators and crew have little icons, or totems that they carry at every show, like a stuffed animal, tinkerbell in a bird cage… but I’ve never seen this duck before. I think one of you placed it there as a joke, something to take the piss out of since the rain came down so hard. I said, I’m not mad, I’m curious. I want to know who did this funny thing and I want to give them credit for this oddity.
Other than responses of “not me”, “no idea”, “that’s crazy”, “lol”, “I wish I had”, no one fessed up. The little duck was somehow orphaned at our high-profile event.
What transpired since has been nothing but memorable and for those in the know, the first few years afterward there were an amazing amount of rubber duck sightings, all of which were shared with me and then I shared with others.
- The giant rubber duck in the bay in Hong Kong
- Photos of rubber ducks in shipping boxes from suppliers
- A huge blow up rubber duck that was borrowed from Paul Brandts tour and inflated in my office
- An envelope and ransom letter with rubber duck enclosed, a creative reach out from a current employee
- Random rubber duck gifts of all sizes and shapes…
In the ten years since that event the rubber duck has since immersed itself into our brand, as a bit of a fun icon, we’ve used it in our client events, it has been represented on Christmas trees, they have been conversation starters. It has also seeped into my personal life, floating in my drinks at my birthday, I’ve received duck dishes, and one infamous day when I came home and my son and his friends had placed over 30 tiny rubber ducks all over my house. We found one hidden, undiscovered 6 years later when we sold our home [we hid that one in a vent for the new owners to discover].
This isn’t really about an item that becomes a viral collectable in the life of a single human, it’s more than that. To me the rubber duck signifies the power of events. In the gathering of humans, in the front and back of stages, we create relationships, opportunities and memories that can last a lifetime, impacting our futures and building communities. This one tiny yellow spec at the foot of Gordon Lightfoot proves that it’s not all about the big and shiny, the celebrity and the things we want audiences to pay attention to - those are important but it’s about the one little nugget discovered by an attendee at an event that can be the inspiration that changes a life. It represents details and the need to create moments for individuals. We will never actually know what one thing a person takes from our events, conferences, productions, but that they will take something and it will be a game changer in some small way.
When we throw the duck to each other in our team videos, we are in fact passing on the power of awesome.
The originator of the duck on the stage deck has never come forward, none of our “rainy day people” have fessed up and the mystery is alive and well, I have my inklings… wink, wink, but please never tell.
WTD.
[What the Duck]
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
My First Three Months with "e"
Here's to 21 Years, a Cause for Great Celebration!
Through the Years . . . How a Single Word Can Make a Huge Difference At the end of 2017 a small group of my friends pushed me to join them in naming a word of the year. Surprisingly, this was one of the most difficult things I have ever done – and many would say, I’ve done many things over the years. I was never one to have New Year’s resolutions, nor was I really ever good at writing down goals, so I truly found this quite intimidating. How could I choose one word that I truly wanted to define me for an entire year? What word did I want to personify? That is a lot of pressure for one word. And then a lot of pressure for me to “be.” I felt this overwhelming vulnerability when it came time to share this word. I then pulled out my inner Brené Brown, looked vulnerability in the face and took a stab at it. BOLD was the word of that year and in 2018, I needed that. I must admit, as soon as I stated that word I felt it. I lived it. I breathed it and if I ever wavered or got nervous before a client call, all I had to do was look at the handwritten note on my desk and remember to be bold. And surprisingly, it worked! At the end of 2018 it was fun to look back and reflect on the success that BOLDNESS brought to me, and to the company – we had the best year financially since 2007 (during the oil boom), I had a personal best as an event producer and we had incredible events across North America. In 2019, my word was JOY and I lived that every day. I made it a priority to have fun at everything I did. Clients brought me joy, our team was on fire and brought me a lot of joy and I took advantage of no travel restrictions and found joy on and off of planes, meeting new people and visiting friends and family. In 2020, luckily I had the foresight (or blind luck) to choose LOVE as my word. I didn’t know it at the time, but love quickly became a word that was needed desperately in 2020 when COVID hit. Love for my family and friends, love for my team as we together navigated our way through a very challenging year and self-love as I struggled as a leader in this difficult time. Love (together with compassion) went hand in hand and got me through. And on a really personal note, perhaps I should have written this word down years ago. Maybe I wouldn’t have been single for so long. But somehow I also found true love amidst the chaos of COVID. In 2021, ENERGY was my word. By the end of 2020, I felt I was losing energy. I had lots of love, but was drained of energy so I thought if I deemed it as my word in 2021, I could get it back. With this word, I could give more energy to our team, who needed it more than ever after 2020. I must say, I did try. I can’t say I succeeded all that well. Heading into 2021 I was optimistic in thinking that energy would come naturally and we would use that energy to spring back to the “good ol’ days.” I used as much energy as I could to get us through. We had some incredible wins, we broke ground with merging technologies, we played in the broadcast domain and met some great milestone achievements. But it was really hard. My energy definitely waned as the year came to an end. But what if energy hadn’t been my word? If I had even less energy, I’m not sure I would have made it. So once again, I am grateful for that one word that did get me through the year. This year, in 2022, my word came very quickly to me. There was no deliberating. I woke up one morning and had it. DETERMINED . Determined to take back control of our outcome for the year. There are so many things we learned over the past two years that we truly can’t control. But what that doesn’t mean is that we should sit back, hold our hands up in the air and continue to blame COVID for our results. Not anymore. At least I don’t want to. I believe that we can take some control back and I am determined to do so. I am determined to: Lead better Love harder Be bold er Laugh more and live with joy Put my energy to good use Control the outcomes And have a great year! What’s your word this year?