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

We are explorers and storytellers. Always searching for what is new and interesting and applying what we learn to tell compelling stories.

We understand that events need to go beyond great design & flawless execution. Every detail needs to be strategically and masterfully crafted from beginning to end. Which is why, we always start the event planning process by getting to know you first.

Then we get to work with a personalized plan that delivers a memorable event that resonates and emotionally connects you with your audience. Don’t take our word for it—we have a portfolio of work to prove it.

0

TALENTED STORYTELLERS

0+

EVENTS
EXECUTED

0+

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

0

DOGGIE KISSES DELIVERED DAILY

AT hala inc., WE FOSTER BOTH AN INNOVATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE CULTURE.

Say hello to the brains behind hala Inc.! We are all about cultivating an environment that is both innovative and collaborative, putting our hearts into shaping a unique company culture. While each member of our team is exceptional in their own right, the real magic happens when we work together. Collectively, we bring together a wealth of talent, vision and creativity to each and every event we design and plan. We work closely with you to tailor every occasion to match your brand personality, taste, style and budget.

Hala Bissada

PRESIDENT & CEO, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

HALA’S ACHIEVEMENTS

2020
Named one of Biz Bash Canada’s Top 250 Event Professionals
2020/2013
Best Industry Contribution, International Live Events Association (CharityVillage E-Course & Ryerson University Event Certificate Program)
2017
Named one of Canada’s Most Fascinating Woman in Events, Canadian Special Events Magazine.
2015/2020
Outstanding Alumni Volunteer, Alumni Award of Distinction
Ryerson University
2013
International Best Industry Contribution, International Live Events Association (Ryerson University Special Event Certificate Program)
2012
Canadian Event Professional of the Year, Canadian Event Industry Awards
2010
Alumni Award of Distinction, Ryerson University

Hala is an event industry thought leader and an international award-winning event producer with over 20 years of experience.

In 2020, she was named one of Biz Bash Canada’s Top 250 Event Professionals. In 2017, she was named one of Canada’s Most Fascinating Women in Canadian Events by Canadian Special Events Magazine. She has received several prestigious awards, including Canadian Event Professional of the Year and Alumni Award of Distinction from Metropolitan Toronto University.

Hala began her career at SickKids Foundation, where she developed her passion for events. Later, as Chief Development Officer for Children’s Aid Foundation, she honed her fundraising skills and became a Certified Fundraising Executive. Though she loved her 13 years in the not-for-profit sector, she was always drawn back to event planning and started hala inc. in 2004.

Quickly earning a reputation for delivering events that are equally strategic, fabulously creative and flawlessly executed, she always raises the bar. She is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and has established educational programs at Metropolitan Toronto University and Humber College, where she taught the curriculum.

Her secret to success? Surrounding herself with talented, energetic event producers and collaborating with some of the most creative people in the business in Canada and worldwide.

In her spare time, she likes to swim, bike and run, completing an Ironman in 2004 and loves to ride her motorcycle. She also volunteers as a contributing editor to Canadian Special Events Magazine.

HALA’S FAVOURITE STORY:

I have two favourites: first, The Princess Bride—I have always believed in fairy tales with happy endings. Secondly, Love Actually—it is the greatest modern Christmas movie—it’s the perfect mix of sweet & salty, making me both laugh & cry. I watch it every year during the holidays without fail.

DISCOVER THE TEAM BEHIND EVERY STORY

Gurpreet Chahal

EVENT PRODUCER

X

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!

Jennifer Buchalter

VICE PRESIDENT

X

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!

Nikki Overholt

EVENT SPECIALIST

X

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.

Kelly Mathews

DIRECTOR, SPORT OPERATIONS

X

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.

Carol Forrest

ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCER

X

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.

Gizmo, Apple & Charlie

OUR MASCOTS

X

MEET GIZMO, APPLE & CHARLIE

Gizmo, Apple & Charlie are convinced they are the Co-CEOs 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. Our mascots are a cautious judge of character but once they get to know you, they are loyal friends and colleagues.

Hala relies on them for moral support and creative direction, and our clients have come to value and respect their position!

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.

IT IS BOTH HUMBLING AND AN IMMENSE HONOUR TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY OUR PEERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN EVENT PLANNING.

hala inc. IS ONE OF THE MOST AWARDED EVENT FIRMS IN NORTH AMERICA WITH 75 NOMINATIONS, 16 INTERNATIONAL AWARDS AND 16 NATIONAL AWARDS.

INTERNATIONAL LIVE EVENTS ASSOCIATION ESPRIT AWARDS
2023 Winner of Entertainer/Entertainment – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Makes an Impact/Gives Back – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Makes an Impact/Gives Back – The Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators Ball
2023 Nominated for Logistics – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2022 Winner for Best Event for a Non-Profit Organization Under $100,000 – Virtually Ottawa & The Delegate Journey
2022 Nominated for Most Outstanding Virtual Event – Virtually Ottawa & The Delegate Journey
2022 Nominated for Most Outstanding Virtual Event – Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators’ Ball
2020 Winner of the Best Event for a Non-Profit Organization – Right to Play Heroes Gala 2019
2020 Winner of Best Industry Contribution – CharityVillage E-Course
2016 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production Budget Over $75,000 USD – The Book Lover’s Ball 10th Anniversary 2015
2013 Winner of Best Industry Contribution, Ryerson University’s Applied Event Planning and Management Course - Hala Bissada, CFRE
2013 Winner of Best Event for a Non-Profit Organization Budget Over $200,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production Budget Over $75,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Social Event Budget Over $75,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2009 Winner of Best Videography – Oxfam Trailwalker 2009
2009 Winner of Best Entertainment Production – LIVERight Gala 2009
2006 Winner of Best Social Planning Event Budget Over $100,000 – An Enchanted Evening 2005
2006 Nomination for Best Corporate Event Budget Over $100,000 – An Enchanted Evening 2005
2004 Winner of Best Corporate Event Budget Over $100,000 – Teddy Bear Affair 2003
2004 Winner of Best Social Event Budget Over $100,000 – Teddy Bear Affair 2003

SPECIAL EVENTS MAGAZINE GALA AWARDS
2023 Winner for Best Entertainment – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Winner for Best Fundraising or Nonprofit Event – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2022 Nominated for Best Fundraising and Nonprofit Event – Virtually Ottawa & The Delegate Journey
2016 Nomination for Best Event Entertainment Concept & Execution Budget $25,000-$100,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 10th Anniversary 2015
2013 Winner of Best Fundraising Event – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2008 Nomination for Best Achievement in Logistics – Teddy Bear Affair 2006
2006 Winner of Best Fundraising Event – An Enchanted Evening 2005

CANADIAN EVENT AWARDS
2024 Winner of Best Event for a Community-Based Non-Profit – Reconnect 2023: Community Foundations Conference Kick-Off Event
2024 Nominated for Best Event for a Community-Based Non-Profit – Thrive Youth Leadership Awards Anti-Gala
2024 Nominated for Best Event for a High-Profile Charity – Right to Play Heroes Gala
2024 Nominated for Best Large-Scale Fundraising Event – Right to Play Heroes Gala
2024 Nominated for Best Market, Fair or Festival – Reconnect 2023: Community Foundations Conference Kick-Off Event
2024 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event – Right to Play Heroes Gala
2024 Nominated for Best Entertainment Production – Reconnect 2023: Community Foundations Conference Kick-Off Event
2023 Winner of Best Event for a High-Profile Charity – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Best Event for a High-Profile Charity – Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators Ball
2023 Nominated for Best Event for a High-Profile Charity – Right to Play Heroes Gala
2023 Winner of Best Entertainment Production – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Best Logistical Achievement – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event – The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala
2023 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event – Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators Ball
2023 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event – Right to Play Heroes Gala
2023 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event – The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s One Life Gala
2022 Nominated for Most Outstanding Virtual Event of the Year Under $125,000 – Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators’ Ball
2022 Winner for Best Virtual Event for a Non-Profit – High Profile – Virtually Ottawa & The Delegate Journey
2022 Nominated for Best Virtual Event for a Non-Profit – High Profile – Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators’ Ball
2021 Winner Best Virtual Event for a Non-Profit – Ryerson University Faculty of Law Virtual Opening Celebration
2021 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event of the Year – Canadian Women’s Foundation – The Exchange: Conversations to Inspire Change
2021 Nominated for Best Event for a High-Profile Charity – Canadian Women’s Foundation – The Exchange: Conversations to Inspire Change
2021 Nominated for Best Virtual Event for a Non-Profit – UNICEF Canada UNGA Live! 2020
2020 Winner of Best Fundraising Event - Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators’ Ball
2020 Nomination for Most Outstanding Event $250,000 to $500,000 - Ontario Science Centre’s RBC Innovators’ Ball
2020 Nomination for Best Fundraising Event – Right to Play Heroes Gala 2019
2020 Nomination for Best Event for a High Profile Charity – Right to Play Heroes Gala 2019
2020 Most Outstanding Event $250,000 to $500,000 – Right to Play Heroes Gala 2019
2020 Nomination for Best Event for a High Profile Charity – Tim Horton Children's Foundation: Ignite the Night Gala 2019
2019 Winner for Best Event Produced for a High Profile Charity – CRC: Behind the Red Vest Cultivation Event 2018
2019 Nominated for Most Outstanding Event Under 200K – CRC: Behind the Red Vest Cultivation Event 2018
2019 Nominated for Best Event for a High Profile Charity – THCF Ignite the Night Gala 2019
2019 Nominated for Best Event for a High Profile Charity – CWF: The Exchange 2019
2018 Winner for Best Event Produced for a Community Based Charitable Organization – Moonlight Gala 2017
2018 Nomination for Best Fundraising Event – Moonlight Gala 2017
2018 Nomination for Best Event for a High Profile Charity - Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Black Tie Gala: Bright Lights for Brighter Future 2017
2018 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation Black Tie Gala 2017
2018 Nomination for Best Event Produced for a Community Based Charitable Organization – Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation Black Tie Gala 2017
2017 Nomination for Event Professional of the Year – Hala Bissada, CFRE
2017 Nomination for Most Outstanding Event up to $200,000 – Laugh Out Loud 2016
2016 Winner of Best Event Produced for a Community Based Charitable Organization - The Kaleidoscope Ball 2015
2016 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – The Kaleidoscope Ball 2015
2016 Nomination for Most Outstanding Event Budget Over $200,000 – The Kaleidoscope Ball 2015
2015 Winner of Best Event for a High Profile Charity – The ROM Centennial Ball 2014
2014 Winner of Best Fundraising Event – The Book Lover’s Ball 2013
2014 Nomination for Best Event for a High Profile Charity – The Book Lover’s Ball 2013
2014 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – The Book Lover’s Ball 2013
2014 Nomination for Most Outstanding Event Budget Under $100,000 – Ultimate Food Challenge 2013
2014Nomination for Most Outstanding Event Budget Over $300,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 2013
2014 Nomination for Event Professional of the Year – Hala Bissada, CFRE
2013 Winner of Most Outstanding Event Budget $100,000-$300,000 – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – Renew the World 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Event Produced for a High Profile Charitable Organization – Renew the World 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Fundraising Event – The Book Lover’s Ball 2012
2013 Nomination for Best Fundraising Event – Renew the World 2012
2013 Nomination for Most Outstanding Event Budget Over $300,000 – Renew the World 2012
2012 Winner of Event Professional of the Year – Hala Bissada, CFRE
2011 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – Teddy Bear Affair 2010
2011 Nomination for Event Produced for a High Profile Charitable Organization – Teddy Bear Affair 2010
2011 Nomination for Most Outstanding Logistical Achievement – Teddy Bear Affair 2010
2010 Nomination for Best Entertainment Production – LIVERight Gala 2009
2010 Nomination for Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization – Oxfam Trailwalker 2009
2009 Winner of Best Sporting Event – Oxfam Trailwalker 2009
2006 Nomination for Best Fundraising Event – An Enchanted Evening 2005
2004 Winner of Best Fundraising Event – Teddy Bear Affair 2003

ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTHCARE PHILANTHROPY (AHP) DEVELOPMENTAL SHOWCASE AWARD
1995 Winner of Special Events – Miracles in Motion 1993

RYERSON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2010 Winner of Ryerson University Alumni Award of Distinction – Hala Bissada, CFRE
2015 Winner of Ryerson University Alumni Achievement Outstanding Volunteer Award – Hala Bissada, CFRE

REGIONAL AWARDS
2009 Winner of Festivals and Events Ontario’s Best New Festival or Event – Oxfam Trailwalker 2009
2007 Winner of Festivals & Events Ontario’s Best Fundraising Idea – Teddy Bear Affair 2006
2006 Winner of Festivals & Events Ontario’s Most Innovative Sponsorship – An Enchanted Evening 2005
2006 Winner of Festivals & Events Ontario’s Best Fundraising Idea – An Enchanted Evening 2005
2006 Winner of Festivals & Events Ontario’s Best New Festival or Event – An Enchanted Evening 2005