The Estonian Centre project team is examining revenue streams to ensure a viable operation, and developing an event business will form a core part of this plan.
In developing the plan, Project Managers David Kalm and Rob Deutschmann and Business Committee lead, Urve Tamberg, spoke to event planners to gauge the types of services and amenities that would ideally need to be in place to attract this type of business.
Event revenue would come from sources such as corporate meetings and conferences as well as social events including weddings, family gatherings and other celebrations.
For both types of events, offering adequate and flexible space that functions optimally are a priority.
The Business Committee sought advice from numerous event planners on potential amenities and how to configure the space in the proposed new centre. Taimi Hooper and Tormi Kimsto, who are both members of the Estonian community, were two of the planners who the committee consulted.
Taimi, who has owned her event planning business Porch Light Media Inc. for five years and before that organized corporate functions for a technology company, said the new centre has the potential to be a very unique space to attract event business.
Taimi has been responsible for a number of local, provincial and national conferences and events including a project for Canada 150 called Landmarks2017 for which she was in charge of logistics for many installations across Canada.
Taimi emphasized the importance that the space in the new centre be modern, convenient and technologically advanced to accommodate the use of a range of equipment. It is not unusual for clients to bring in their own specialized equipment as needed, so it is important for the “back end” of the facility to be able to fulfill this possibility. Things like a good and accessible loading dock, adequate power sources and plug-and-play simplicity are important.
“The new centre is also in a great location, with two subway lines within walking distance. There are also a number of hotels close by that can accommodate overnight guests who are attending events or conferences,” she added.
“There are a lot of options in how the space can be configured,” Taimi said. “The space can be mixed and matched on how it needs to function.”
“Event planners are looking for exactly this kind of convenience and proximity of services and transportation,” she said.
Tormi, who is event manager for Canopy Growth Corporation, also has extensive experience organizing large-scale events and galas, including True Patriot Love and Vimy Ridge. She previously worked for K.I.M. Inc., a fund-raising company that mounts major events. Many of the events she organized would raise $1 – 2 million in one evening.
Tormi said the proposed new Estonian Centre has the potential to attract discerning clients who are looking for an attractive and modern venue. She said that the fact up to 400 people can be accommodated in the great hall is excellent, as this size of space is very much in demand.
“The outdoor space and rooftop are also unique, especially for celebrations like weddings. The lobby and hall spaces are also really good for events and the large windows will be very appealing,” she said.
Tormi also recommends that an on-site event coordinator who knows how to market to all the blogs and media that event planners subscribe to will be essential. The coordinator will need to give tours to prospective clients and coordinate logistics from the venue side. This is detailed work that must be service-oriented to a very high degree.
“This role is really important – it will be that person’s job to promote the centre on an ongoing basis and get on all the right platforms,” she said.