e=mc2 events logo

Virtually Located. Globally Operated.

At 19, Numbers Matter

Jocelyn Flanagan • Jul 21, 2020

Celebrating 19 Years of "e" through numbers, starting with #1 [as in my first blog post EVER!]

event management team
We are 19 years old today. The company I founded is entering its 20th year and COVID-19 is here. Is our potential still as limitless as I once thought? 

COVID. 

There. I said it.  

It is hard to think about much else these days.  

How is it affecting our day to day lives? Should I leave my house? And if so . . . what colour mask should I wear today? The one with the flower? My patriotic maple leaf mask? The safety certified KN95?  

Should I look at or even say hello to the woman in the grocery store going the wrong direction in aisle 9? What if she has COVID? Do I dare smile? What about that person sitting in the middle seat on the next airplane I am on? I’m sure if I keep my head down, don’t say a thing, look out the window and ignore everyone, then I will be fine! Right?

How is it affecting our families? Can I hug my dad when I go home for a visit or do I wave at him from across the living room as he watches the golf channel? How on earth will my mom, who is suffering badly with dementia, keep her mask on when we take her for a walk without it being crazy-glued to her face? Can I pick up my brother’s tennis ball when he and I revert to our childhood competitive rivalry – or do I have to kick it underneath the net and assume he has “the C-word”.

And then the obvious questions. 

How is it affecting our business, our staff, our partners and colleagues, our industry as a whole? Which leads to which “industry expert” do I listen to in order to determine when we can resume some semblance of “normalcy”? . . . whatever that means.  

I built the business with some very smart people, crunching some very important numbers, always guided by my intuition and COVID has me stumped. Some consider me an “industry expert” yet I certainly do not feel like I have the authority to answer this looming question.

However, I do have the authority to talk about all things “e”, why it has all mattered, and why COVID-19 does not and will not define us.   

Here are some NUMBERS THAT MATTER.

1.75
The percentage of time that COVID takes up in our company timeline  

Yes, it might be the most defining, terrifying, testing, making-or-breaking, number crunching, head scratching, mind-numbing 1.75% time in our history, but nonetheless, it is still less than 2% of our existence.  

98.25 
The percentage of the other 18 years and 8 months of e=mc2 events’ journey

This is a journey full of moments of brilliance, human connections and inspiration, all worth documenting, celebrating and sharing far more than the 1.75% of late. 

1,891   

Live Experiences Produced [ah yes, that word LIVE is such a precious word!]


From exclusive dinner parties, to hologram-filled corporate leadership conferences, holiday celebrations, cottage soirees, premier charitable events, traditional cultural celebrations, celebrity filled floor hockey tournaments, AGMs, corporate anniversaries, international incentive trips, boat-in concerts, stampede parties, NY Stock Exchange openings, everything in between and yes, a bunch of virtual experiences [even before they were a “thing”.]



1,534,598 

Guests Impacted



We have been honoured to share life’s milestones and moments with humans all around the world and know that the lives we have touched have memories like no other.



From event experiences ranging for audiences between 10 executives, 1,200 musicians, 600 philanthropists, 1,350 children, 4,500 employees and 5 goats and everything in between, our diverse audiences make our lives far more engaging and entertaining and they all keep us on our toes. 



Our secret sauce of emotional intelligence, insight and infused energy known internally as “The e-way” has been felt by over a million and a half people. Take that COVID!



2,561

Awards Given 



We have had the honour of producing awards shows for the best of the best in Canada - artists, business leaders, thought leaders, innovators, scientists, architects, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, athletes, songwriters, performers. To name a few - Sarah McLachlan, Frank Gehry and Mr. Dressup.   



We have awarded an honorary degree on the international space station and awarded hundreds of achievement awards for clients from places like Japan, Dubai, Indonesia, Europe, and in locations like Mexico, the Bahamas, Spain and the US. 

54 

Awards Received



We have proudly received a number of industry and business accolades over the course of our 19 years, nationally and internationally. Friendly competition within our industry colleagues around the world truly helps to push us harder, test our boundaries, encourage us to take some risks and raise the bar of our own events and our own leadership. The awards celebrate our work but more importantly the people that invested in it; our clients, our team and our partners. 



99,339,000  

Dollars Raised (net) for Charities



This is one of the numbers that I am most proud of. Our team has been able to support charitable events across the country and, by virtue of these events, we have changed the lives of so many special people. The number of tears we have cried witnessing key moments in each of these events is immeasurable. We owe so much of who we are today to organizations like Special Olympics Canada, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, Right to Play, SickKids Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver General Hospital, Children’s Wish Foundation, Calgary Urban Project Society, Look Good Feel Better, True Patriot Love Foundation and many, many more. 



Thank you for trusting us to bring awareness and impact to your organizations, we are honoured. 

89

Extraordinary Team Members



Over the past 19 years we have had the fortune of having 89 team members through our doors.  Many of them have stayed for a long time, and others for a shorter, yet impactful time. Some have come, left and come back, some have come and left to start their own career and entrepreneurial adventures, while others have come and never left. 



Each person who has entered our doors has left a lasting impression. e = mc2 is a story of people and I feel so fortunate to have been able to surround myself with so many extraordinary team members.



Our team over the years have had their shares of life's ups and downs. We have celebrated six weddings, many housewarmings and five babies [one due tomorrow! UPDATE: Isadora Ada DeGirolamo was born on July 22, 2020 - Congrats Marissa & Murray]. Team members' children have grown up and been a part of our work family, and we have sadly lost three incredible members of our team.



5

Industry Disruptions 



In 19 years we have had the fortune and misfortune of bearing witness to some serious global and local events that have fundamentally disrupted our industry, let alone our business. 9-11 was mere weeks after our incorporation date, so we rode the wave of change off the get-go.  This was followed by SARS, then the global recession, then the oil and gas crisis, and then . . . well, you know.



COUNTLESS

Lessons



The disruptive moments in time have been lessons in sociology, psychology, politics, economics, diplomacy, sheer will and resiliency. We are still learning.



And then, of course, there is all the learning about setting up a business, partnerships, contract law, accounting 101, people management, culture building, what NOT to do, etc. 



We have become strategic experts in our client’s industries, encouraging our team to really understand them and know them. Oil and gas, mining, disruptive energy, HVAC, charitable foundations, commercial real estate, tech, robotics, marketing and music, so much music. 



We have learned that the human element is the most fulfilling and the most challenging thing in our work, navigating emotion, personalities and life.



We have learned that we are an essential service to all of those whose lives we touch and we will continue to be.

REFLECTIONS MATTER



As  e = mc2 events enters into our 20th year, the team and I will be sharing more reflections, learns and numbers of the past 19 years; telling some never-been-heard stories, recognizing all the team members who have helped to build our company and made us who we are, providing some insight into the ups and downs of this crazy journey, and enjoying my walk down memory lane.



As far as I see it, if you can’t dive deep, reflect and tell the truth in COVID times, when can you? Watch our social channels for our webinar series [Conversation Matters]. 



The last 1.75% of our time has not all been negative. We have challenged ourselves to innovate further and faster than we thought possible, come together stronger as a team and  we are still changing lives - one virtual/hybrid and drive thru event at a time. We feel weak at the knees at times, but find strength in our team, our clients, our partners and our families.



I believe that COVID-19 does not define the company we have built and the work we have done.  We are looking ahead to the future with a lens of optimism, knowing that there is a lot still in store for us. 



“The Experience Matters” and will always matter. Thank you for being a part of our journey.



Jocelyn



#eturnstwenty 

#theexperiencematters

Brain Science: Unlocking Creativity

By Keri Miller • 25 Apr, 2024
Keri Miller's Pink Poodle Theory
Children in Tanzania, Africa filling a bucket of water in front of a water tank

Honouring National Volunteer Week

By Shaylene Flanagan • 18 Apr, 2024
How does a volunteer in Edmonton, Alberta impact 26,000 lives in Tanzania, Africa?

Teamwork, Growth, & Unforgettable Experiences: My Beginnings with “e”

By Halee Grimsdale • 10 Oct, 2023
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

15 Sep, 2023
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.
The

A year with “e”!

By Andrea Beauchamp • 29 Aug, 2023
My First Impressions

What the Duck

By Keri Miller • 10 May, 2023
The Official Story of the Rubber Duck

I Can’t Wait To Call My Parents

04 Aug, 2022
My First Three Months with "e"

21 Years is 2022

21 Jul, 2022
Here's to 21 Years, a Cause for Great Celebration!

Can a Single Word Define a Year?

By Jocelyn Flanagan • 20 Jan, 2022
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?

Reimagining the Human Experience - Virtually

By Janel Snider • 18 Nov, 2021
The Power and Humanity of a Digital Event  Hi, I'm Janel, Experience Producer at "e". I'm sharing with you my most memorable moments at the reimagined Junos Opening Night Awards from 2021, let's keep our walls down and continue to connect authentically. From Sceptic to Convert Standing in a warehouse in Oakville, Ontario, with 66+ laptops glowing in front of me, I never expected to be a convert to the power and humanity of a digital event. For the 2021 JUNO Opening Night Awards, our team endeavoured to create a live awards show that was not only engaging for audiences across Canada, but a meaningful experience for all the nominated artists. We took on the daunting task of coordinating the live announcement of 37 awards with over 180 artist nominees, virtually. Infrastructure and Experience In the lead up to the event, I was awed by the infrastructure needed to accomplish this goal. With 40 concurrent Zoom calls, 66 laptops, 12 virtual stage managers, 12 dedicated technicians and pages and pages of spreadsheets, not to mention the entire broadcast team and equipment I can’t even begin to itemize, we mapped out each nominee's journey down to the second and rehearsed the flow ad nauseam to ensure we did it right. The technology was impressive - but it was the people that surprised and humbled me the most; Watching our partner teams from across Canada join virtual sessions to support and train each other. Seeing people from different backgrounds stepping in to lead and deferring to experts in other fields, admitting when they didn’t know the answer. Collaboration across live event production, IT integration and television broadcasting. Creating a new vocabulary to describe how we were working together. It was dynamic, challenging and ultimately rewarding.
More Posts
Share by: