hala inc. IS AN INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING EVENT PLANNING FIRM KNOWN FOR CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS IN CANADA AND ABROAD.

MEET GURPREET

With more than 10 years of event planning experience in the non-profit and arts & culture sectors, Gurpreet has managed high profile fundraising galas, conferences, tradeshows, and outdoor festivals. She has embraced the changing events industry and worked on in person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Gurpreet has spent much of her career at feminist organizations that are working to advance gender equality. She began her career at YWCA Toronto before moving on to the Canadian Women’s Foundation where she managed fundraising events, donor stewardship and cultivation events, and third-party community fundraisers across Canada.

She has produced events for festivals including Fall for Dance North, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and the Sunday in the Park Festival in Regent Park.

In her free time Gurpreet loves to spend time outdoors and take long walks, bike rides, and check out new restaurants/cafes and events in Toronto. She also has a weakness for ice cream.

Favourite Story: Gurpreet loves a good rom-com and her favorite show, The Mindy Project, includes many rom-coms in one!

MEET JENNIFER

A passionate and motivated communicator for more than 20 years, Jen has embraced the ever-evolving public relations industry with enthusiasm and ambition. She is driven by collaborating with positive, energetic team members who believe anything is possible and are committed to delivering exceptional results.

She began her communications career in the Canadian music industry and at CityTV before joining a Toronto-based PR firm, where Jen conceived and implemented numerous national and international award-winning Communication and Public Relations programs for some of the leading Canadian and international brands.

One of her proudest achievements was overseeing the success of The Annual White Cashmere Collection — an award-winning annual campaign that unites Cashmere Bathroom Tissue couture with Canadian fashion designers to help support a future without breast cancer.

An active community volunteer, Jen is a proud hockey/volleyball mom and serves on the Board of Directors for the Burlington Girls Hockey Club.

Favourite Story: There is a quote from the classic movie, When Harry Met Sally, that I have adapted into my personal mantra — "...when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Whether it's an exciting new campaign, a personal adventure or a family vacation, I want life's adventures to start as soon as possible!

MEET NIKKI

Hailing from the Land Down Under, Nikki has lived and worked in several different countries around the world. Having worked on projects with Rugby Canada, Niagara Film Festival, Luminato, i4C, Oktoberfest and the Toronto Olympic Bid, she brings years of diverse event experience to hala inc.

Nikki holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from University of Toronto, and a Business Communications Certificate from Ryerson University.

She is an excellent communicator, refreshingly creative and a highly resourceful problem solver. Her strength in building relationships serves her well in cultivating new business for hala inc.

Nikki loves to do yoga, paddle boarding and kayaking in her spare time.

Favourite Story: I’m more of a book person and an insatiable reader, particularly historical works. If I had to watch one movie twice it would have to be Elizabeth Town. It has the perfect mix of humour, love, loss and learning that make life worth living. Plus it has a killer soundtrack.

MEET MARTA

Marta possesses endless creativity and a flair for the unexpected. She is known for elaborate, distinctive designs. She has an innate ability to connect with clients and loves to push them out of their comfort zone.

Marta graduated from OCAD University with a focus in Creative Advertising. She has brought her unique touch to countless events for hala inc. including the ROM’s Centennial Ball, McMichael’s Moonlight Gala and Tim Horton Children’s Foundation’s Black Tie Gala.

In 2015 Marta received the first-ever Emerging Industry Leader Award at the Canadian Special Events Industry Awards. She also teaches event design at Seneca College and loves it. When she isn’t working she loves to play volleyball and believes that a rockin' Saturday night consists of sitting on her cloud sofa (if you don't know what that is, you haven't lived!!) with a white wine spritzer in her hand and her sister's dog Bubbles in her lap!

Favourite Story: Legally Blonde - Elle Woods teaches us so many valuable lessons! Don't always believe in first impressions, never let anyone tell you you're not smart enough, don't spend your time with anyone who makes you feel less than you are, never be afraid of a challenge, and always have faith in yourself!

MEET KELLY

Kelly has over 20 years of operational experience and is highly analytical which makes her great at her job.

Kelly attended York University where she earned a degree in Kinesiology & Health Science, as well as a Certificate in Sport & Event Administration. She is also fully certified as an Advanced Medical First Responder (AMFR).

She has managed many highly complex logistical events for hala inc. including Oxfam’s Trailwalker and the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation’s National Father’s Day Run that took place in 4 cities across Canada simultaneously. Kelly is multi-talented having also written a book entitled Eaton Hall: Pride of King Township. She loves to play sports and is highly competitive. Trust us, you don’t want to mess with her.

Favourite Story: Wild—I admire strong women and I appreciate not only the physical strength but the mental strength of character required to complete 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (alone) but also to come out on the other side a more complete individual. Cheryl Strayed's willingness to hurt and face her demons is so admirable and inspiring. Only when we are uncomfortable can we grow.

MEET CAROL

Carol is the creative director; choreographer and costume designer for our award-winning productions. She takes an innovative and colourful approach to all aspects of live entertainment.

She has carefully curated original productions for the Canadian Liver Foundation’s LIVERight Gala, the ROM’s Centennial Ball; the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Book Lovers Ball, Canadian Stem Cell Foundation’s Renew the World and the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Spark and Teddy Bear Affair.

Carol is a graduate of the Ryerson University Theatre School and began her professional dance career as a member and soloist with the National Tap Dance Company of Canada.

Carol loves personal training and teaching fitness – Zumba, Bootcamp, Rock Body and Step. Yes she is fit.

Favourite Story: On The Town - Gene Kelly rocks and Nightmare on Elm Street – I love old school SFX makeup.

MEET ERIKA

Erika doesn’t believe in “Take 2”. With her work, there’s only one chance to get it right, and she takes that responsibility seriously.

Featured in KA Magazine as the “Best of Canada” in her trade, Erika has been behind the scenes creating fabulous top brand fashion shows for the past 25 years; in addition to styling numerous celebrities and designer collections.

Erika’s creative vision, impeccable sense of style, passion, and sophistication are the driving force behind many hala inc. events including the Canadian Liver Foundation’s LIVERight Gala, ROM’s Centennial Ball; and the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Book Lovers Ball.

Erika loves to cook (and feed all of us) and takes long walks to stay in shape.

Favourite Story: There is always a song each year or season that touches me and reminds me of the magic and power of love. The movie La La Land was magical for me and its song City of Lights makes me happy and reminds me how beautiful love is and feels.

MEET SUSHI & CHARLIE

Sushi and Charlie are sure that they are the actual Co-CEO of hala inc. They take great pride in keeping the team hard at work, barking with authority when any team member wanders from the office without purpose. When not patrolling the hallways, they can be found in the lounge area keeping the couch warm.

They are a cautious judge of character but once they get to you, they are a loyal friend and colleague. Hala relies on them for moral support and creative direction, and our clients have come to value and respect their position as well. Finally they both provide the office comic relief.

Favourite Story: Marley and Me. Marley reminds us of us. He is high-strung, boisterous and endlessly hungry. He routinely fails to “get” what is expected of him. We feel the same way sometimes. Marley has a Heart of Gold and so do we. Marley is seen sometimes as not so smart. We can relate. At the end of the day, like Marley, we’re always forgiven for our mischievous behaviour.