The 2025 Canadian Event Awards Gala: Shining A Light on Success

The 2025 Canadian Event Awards Gala was a showstopper. Hosted at the stunning Universal Eventspace, thanks to our friends at Peter and Paul’s Hospitality Group, and flawlessly brought to life by the creative powerhouses at e=mc² events Stardust Events and SAVI AV this year’s gala was a masterclass in celebration, connection, and sheer production brilliance. The room pulsed with energy, talent, and wow-factor from start to finish.

Our incredible host, Andrew Phung (Speakers Spotlight), brought warmth, humour, and joy to the stage, setting the tone for a night that was unforgettable from the very first moment. And so funny, he took control of the room, everyone dialled in, and stayed engaged through the night.

The entertainment lineup brought the house down:

Rêve (Paquin Entertainment Group) delivered a fierce, unforgettable set of her chart-topping hits
Cirque Revolution stunned with breathtaking artistry
Jambo Brothers captivated audiences with gravity-defying stunts
The Idea Hunter & Fuze Entertainment brought unstoppable energy and next-gen talent
Nemesis Cuatro, a musical fusion of beatbox, sax, djembe, and electric violin, had the room buzzing
Scott Jackson, DJ Daniels, Bob DeAngelis, Baba Brinkman (Event Rap), and StarMuse Entertainment kept the night electric and dynamic
Toronto’s first-ever ready-to-serve cotton candy machine—a whimsical treat turned interactive art

But what really took the 2025 Canadian Event Awards to the next level was the incredible behind-the-scenes team who made it all happen.

eventmate was a game-changer! The app kept attendees connected, engaged, and informed with a seamless digital experience from start to finish—a massive thank you to the eventmate team for elevating the guest journey.

Julie Brunjes (Stardust Events), with Sarah Downing,Keri Miller (e=mc² events), and Stefani Dunn (Decor & More Inc.) delivered an outstanding creative vision. Every detail was executed with purpose and flair—from the jaw-dropping stage to the immersive ambiance. Detailz Couture Furniture Rentals added refined beauty and imagination, helping craft a space that was both elevated and inviting. Chair Décor and Marquee Marc brought the wow with stunning furniture and visual elements that completed the vision, while Black Cab Productions helped tie the entire experience together in unforgettable ways. A special nod goes to Jennifer Stein from Skylark Events, whose expert show calling and impeccable time management ensured the entire event flowed smoothly from start to finish.

And let’s talk about the AV and stage design. SAVI (Spotlight AV) absolutely crushed it. Their work went way beyond what anyone could have imagined—every beat, every cue, every transition was flawless. If you haven’t worked with SAVI, reach out now. Their genius in staging, lighting, and show flow is unmatched.

The collaboration across the board—under Jocelyn Flanagan’s leadership at e=mc² events—was nothing short of magical. Every single partner brought their best. Every single moment felt elevated by the collective passion and precision of a team that truly loves what they do.

And the Winners…
This year’s award recipients truly represent the best of the best. Bold ideas, beautiful execution, and boundary-pushing creativity defined every winning project. See the full list of winners here. These incredible individuals and teams are creating the future of Canadian events. Their work doesn’t just stand out—it sets the standard. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and nominees. Your vision and dedication are what this community is all about.

At this year’s Canadian Event Awards, two remarkable leaders were honoured for their enduring contributions to the industry. Pat McGannon received the prestigious Leslee Bell Spirit of the Industry Award, recognizing his unwavering passion, mentorship, and commitment to uplifting others in the event community. In a historic moment, Joel Hock was named the first-ever recipient of the ICON Award, celebrating his visionary leadership, industry-defining achievements, and lasting impact on the evolution of live events in Canada.

The 2025 Canadian Event Awards were more than a celebration—they were a full-on experience powered by collaboration, creativity, and community. Every single company involved brought the magic. Together, we created something unforgettable. We’re honoured to celebrate this industry and the people shaping its future. Here’s to what’s next—and we can’t wait to see what you’ll create.

TO VIEW THE GALLERY FROM THIS YEAR’S EVENT, CLICK HERE