Event Design Group Inc. Director of Corporate Events Angela Spicer says she has a unique technique for tracking customer satisfaction at the hundreds of events her company stages each year.
“I like standing inside the door, invisible to guests, before an event is about to begin. When the doors open and people enter, I watch their reaction,” she explains. “Hearing them comment about how incredible the space looks is so rewarding and demonstrates that we really do deliver above and beyond the client’s expectation.”
These words summarize the essence of Event Design, an Ottawa-based full-service turnkey event production company known for transforming ideas and concepts into memorable and impactful experiences.
Spicer, along with her husband and partner Neil O’Doherty who founded Event Design, started by executing one-off events. Now, three decades later, the company has evolved into a successful enterprise that produces upwards of 200 high-powered events each year for organizations like Ciena, Shopify, and TD Bank.
‘We become an extension of the client’s team’
What sets Event Design apart, Spicer says, is its shared commitment to success with the event holder throughout an event’s many stages, from conceptualization to execution.
“Once we take on an event we become an extension of the client’s team. We work on their vision from start to finish, custom branding the event and sometimes even suggesting additional elements,” she says.
Spicer says this approach can help de-stress organizations planning complex and high-pressure events.
“Given our wealth of experience, extensive inventory, innovative ideas and solutions, attention to detail and personalized customer service, we’re able to take a lot of stuff off the client’s plate,” Spicer says, adding that some clients have partnered with Event Design for more than 20 years.
One of those clients is Giant Tiger Stores Ltd., which has worked with Event Design for more than 25 years. “Our collaboration has been nothing short of remarkable,” explains Alison Scarlett, the company’s head of PR, communications and corporate social responsibility. “Their talented and creative team consistently turns our visions into fantastic experiences. Whether we’re working together on a large conference or a local event, they are extremely adaptable and can quickly pivot as projects evolve.”
Case in point: For the past six years, Event Design has produced Ciena’s popular Vectors event, a month-long behind-the-scenes tour for customers and partners of the company’s R&D labs and innovations, by custom wrapping the venue with Vector-related graphics, erecting digital wayfinding signage, and converting the cafeteria into an upscale dining lounge complete with themed décor.
Event Design customizes every engagement to deliver the best package within the client’s budget.
A full range of event design and coordination services
It’s also a great place to work and do business with, as evidenced by Event Design’s multi-faceted team of event coordinators, producers, CAD artists, graphic specialists, carpenters, craftspeople, and installation/dismantle experts.
“Most of our team of 12 full-time employees have been with us for over 10 years,” Spicer notes, “sharing our commitment to delivering creative, memorable and flawless events for our clients.”
Event Design’s range of services include digital and signage display, design and production, along with furniture, experiential, and exhibit solutions. It recently released an AI-powered, automated mobile live translation service for event attendees.
The company owns Ottawa’s largest inventory of display systems. It also has its own sound, lighting, audiovisual, and related production equipment to tackle an events portfolio including galas and receptions, press conferences, annual general meetings, employee appreciation events, festivals, fundraisers, trade shows, sporting events, and experiential marketing events.
Executing top-shelf events for tier 1 clientele
Event Design’s clientele includes The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), The Royal, Nordion, Ciena, Shopify, the Kanata North Business Association, Giant Tiger, TD Bank, Scotiabank,
Bank of Montreal, Carleton University, Algonquin College, Bell, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Ottawa Bluesfest, and the Public Sector Network.
“We’ve worked with Event Design Group across multiple events, and every time, they have delivered nothing short of excellence,” says Director of Sponsorship Operations, North America Dani Tomassini of the Public Sector Network. “Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail set them apart in the industry. No matter the scale or complexity of the project, they always go the extra mile to ensure everything is executed flawlessly.”
Now entering its fourth decade, Event Design aims to continue developing and producing successful occasions, attracting new clients, and—in keeping with Spicer’s approach to tracking customer satisfaction—observing their customers having a great time at world-class events.
