Chickadee Events & Design is here to take the weight of your event off your shoulders. As an event company, we understand the stress potential that our clients can feel when it comes to planning. We also understand the behind the scenes for all types of events. Occasionally life stress, and drama can build which takes away the excitement of your big day. However, we are here to take the stress off our clients and design an event that retains your excitement while also shaping dreams into reality.
Our team can plan your event from the very beginning, take over mid-way through, or provide you with tips and tricks to create a seamless day.
Shaping our company came with a lot of challenges and big ideas. We started by being involved with venue coordination and minor planning to assist with standard operating procedures.
Our experience with weddings, and corporate events has provided us with a thorough understanding of the full planning process. By beginning in venues, we understand the importance of venue and vendor relationships. As well as, the small details to include for timing and day of coordination to run smoothly. As a venue coordinator, it was crucial for us to learn placement of tables for service flow, optimal furniture sizing, proper directional signage, what to pack on the day of emergency kit, where items should be placed on a floor plan, and so much more.
With this knowledge we can apply it to your event day, to create a whimsical experience for yourself and all guests.
Whatever you are looking for, our team of experts is here to help!
My name is Vanessa van der Pol and I am the sole founder of Chickadee Events & Design.
Ever since I was little, events and hosting was my passion. From a young age, I knew that the events and hospitality industry was my dream job. After high school I enrolled in George Brown College to obtain my Special Events Management Diploma. The course was a total of 2 years, including an internship at an accredited event planning office or venue. During my time in the program, I received the opportunity to be an Events Manager for a resort in Roseneath, Ontario. This was my first industry job, where I caught a glimpse of the wedding world.
After attending George Brown College for Special Events Management, I focused my career on luxury events. During my time in college I completed a project that focused on planning a wedding at Casa Loma in Toronto. While planning the wedding, I contacted Casa Loma for more information which led to an offer for my internship as the Event Administrator. My internship was an amazing experience that grounded me in the foundations of coordination. I gained an understanding of the minute details that go into the planning of a wedding or corporate event. It emphasized what I learned in college, and put all of the tools into action.
Looking for more experience with planning, and large events I decided to move away from the city to become the Marketing and Events Manager for a company in Peterborough, Ontario. The corporation consisted of 3 smaller businesses (Fireworks, Retail Stores, and Party Supply), and I was the lead planner for them all. The main business (Fireworks), hosted 2 major festival events per year that were for 5,000 and 10,000 people. Apart from the festivals, the business hosted over 180 firework shows around Ontario per year. It was my duty to ensure each show had the proper documentation in place for the team members, as well as what was required from the city.
Although I enjoyed the design, and leadership aspect of planning large events yearly. I once again happened upon the opportunity to be a Sales & Events Coordinator for Casa Loma in Toronto. Therefore, I returned to the city and contacted Casa Loma, as I was curious for another chance to work within the events team. Upon receiving an offer for the position as the Sales and Events Coordinator, I immediately accepted. After a year, I was then promoted as the Sales & Events Manager where I continued my previous responsibilities, whilst taking on additional tasks such as scheduling, leading the events team, assigning events, and generating sales reports
Recently, I received the chance to work for Compass Group Canada, at a Top 5 Bank in Toronto as a Events & Catering Specialist. Within the role I am coordinating details for corporate events, receptions and large meetings. Working with different clients each day, I guide clients with their food & beverage selections, room layout, and day of event details.
Overall, planning, design and assisting with events is my true passion. I devote my undivided attention to all of my clients, to ensure that their event day is what has been envisioned since the beginning. Events are a special time that brings people together. Whether it is a wedding, baby shower, or corporate reception my goal is to ensure the day is one of a kind.
