In conversation with Trevor Delisle, operations lead
Trevor Delisle, operations lead at Best Event Canada, sits in a meeting room surrounded by notes and diagrams, preparing for an upcoming conference side programme. With 14 years of experience in delivering events, he has seen his fair share of challenges and successes. Best Event Canada has delivered over 321 events, each with its unique set of requirements and constraints.
What does a good handover look like in your experience with events like the Team-building day or Family celebration?
A good handover is when all the relevant information is clearly communicated to the team, including the client's expectations, venue specifics, and any special requests. For example, if we're hosting a Family celebration with 120 guests, we need to ensure that the staffed bar is well-stocked and that the evening format is well-planned. Our team of 12 crew members works together to ensure a smooth execution of the event.
What do clients often underestimate about capacity when planning events like the Private birthday or Press evening?
Clients often underestimate the space required for their guests to move around comfortably. For instance, if we're hosting a Private birthday with 30 guests, we need to ensure that the venue can accommodate them comfortably, taking into account the late format and on-site coordination. We work with clients to determine the optimal capacity for their event, considering factors like seating, catering, and flow.
What was the hardest venue you have worked with, and how did you overcome its challenges?
One of the hardest venues we worked with was a historic building with limited power outlets and a restrictive layout. We had to get creative with our AV and lighting setup for a Press evening with 25 guests. Our team worked closely with the venue staff to find solutions, such as using battery-powered equipment and adjusting the layout to maximize the space. It was a challenging event, but we were able to deliver a successful evening programme.
What timing constraints decide everything when it comes to events like the Conference side programme or multi-day Team-building day?
The timing constraints that decide everything are the load-in and load-out times, as well as the schedule of the event itself. For example, if we're hosting a Conference side programme with 60 guests, we need to ensure that the full production is set up and ready to go within a tight timeframe. We work closely with the venue and our crew to ensure that everything is in place and ready to go on time.
How is a lesson structured when you're working with clients to plan events like the Family celebration or Private birthday?
A lesson is structured around the client's objectives and requirements. We start by understanding what they want to achieve with their event, and then we work with them to develop a plan that meets their needs. For instance, if we're planning a Family celebration with 100 guests, we'll work with the client to determine the best evening format, staffing requirements, and on-site coordination. Our goal is to provide the client with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to achieve their goals.
Why does money never enter the course when you're working with clients to plan events?
Money never enters the course because we focus on the logistics and planning aspects of the event, rather than the financials. Our goal is to deliver a successful event that meets the client's objectives, regardless of the budget. By separating the planning process from the financial considerations, we can focus on creating an event that is well-structured and effective, without being influenced by cost constraints. This approach allows us to work with clients to create events like the Team-building day or Conference side programme that are tailored to their specific needs.