Tastemaker: Damon Conrad

With clients like BMW and notable NHL athletes, Third Party Entertainment founder Damon Conrad has already had some impressive high-profile projects and career highlights on his resume since starting his event planning, promotions, and fundraising company five years ago. Specializing in connecting sports brands to fundraising opportunities across Canada and the US, Conrad is living his dream of combining his love of athletics and big business with implementing philanthropic initiatives. We caught up with Conrad to find out more…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I run an events and marketing company that focuses on sports, corporations, and charities. Above and beyond that, people should know that I try to live life to its fullest by bringing joy and laughter to people every day.

What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
The biggest challenges are probably client and time management. Clients can be everything from unrealistic and difficult, to micro-managers, to the occasional diva. Knowing how to stick-handle situations and manage their expectations is much of what I do. As for time management, there’s just never enough time.

The best reward would be making clients happy. Bringing innovative and exciting ideas to fruition is very rewarding. Oh, it also helps to work with some pretty glamourous celebrities, athletes, and VIPs.

Is there a particular event that you have worked on that stands out from the rest?
As a hockey fanatic, partnering up with a client to throw a charity golf tournament hosted by Tyler Seguin this year was amazing. Opportunities to work with someone in the top 5 in scoring in the NHL are few and far between. We’re very proud of the job we did, and the event was executed flawlessly. We even were lucky enough to have a moment from the event go viral on social media.

Where would you like to see your company in the next five years?
We’ve recently branched out into the marketing and endorsement field for athletes and celebrities. The focus over the next five years is to continuing excelling at the events and entertainment side of the business while growing our new division. It’s a very exciting time for us.

What are three things you can’t live without?
My family, hockey, and my iPhone.

Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
It’s an exciting, vibrant city to live in full of a variety of cultures and lifestyles. I think that’s what really enhances venues, cuisine, sports, and entertainment. It truly is the pulse of the country.

What’s your favourite restaurant?
I get out to a ton of restaurants in the city, but my favourite place is still my mother’s house. Come on, it’s your mother’s cooking!

What’s one of your favourite go-to designers?
I’m a big fan of a great Toronto based designer, Christopher Bates.

Do you have a regimen to help you stay focused and balanced?
Nothing specific. I think entrepreneurs are inherently very focused, sometimes overly. My days tend to be long. For me, it’s about remembering to schedule time for myself in addition to everything else to get the “balance” part.

What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
I prefer the classics as opposed to trends. Trends come and go, but the classics are eternal.

What’s your favourite spa service?
Definitely massages.

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Follow me on Facebook – I’ll make you laugh and invite you to some amazing events.