Award-winning event planner Jennifer Bassett makes staging a perfect party look easy, which is precisely why she’s one of the best in the business. In fact, Departures recently included Bassett’s Toronto-based company, Bassett Events, on its list of World’s Best Event Planners. All you have to do is take a look at the long list of notable figures who praise Jennifer Bassett’s talents on the Praise & Feedback section of her company’s website to see why she’s such an in-demand expert. Her most recent accolades are nothing short of impressive. Bassett Events, along with Mandell Entertainment Group Inc., together took home the trophy for Best Entertainment Production at the 2014 Star Awards for their work on the David Foster Foundation’s 26th Annual Miracle Gala and Concert. We caught up with Bassett to find out about some of her best event planning tips and what her life is like behind the scenes.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m a closet singer, swear like a trucker, and have a shoe fetish. I was born and raised in Toronto. I have two amazing older sisters, wonderful parents, and two fabulous kids, Mackenzie and Will (aka Hurricane and Tornado). I started my company, Bassett Events, 12 years ago and have loved watching it grow and enjoyed every minute of it since. I recently was named one of the top event planners in the world by Departures, which was very cool. We, along with my partner Corey Mandell, just won the National Star Award for the Best Entertainment Product for the Miracle Gala and Concert with David Foster.
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What have been some of the most thrilling events you’ve planned?
I’m very blessed to be able to work alongside some of the best charities and non-profits in this country. Every fundraiser we produce is thrilling, but if I had to choose only one it would be the two galas we did for the David Foster Foundation.
What are three critical pieces of advice to keep in mind when planning an event of any size?
Know your demographic, stay calm, and keep smiling.
Are there any locations in you’re dying to throw a party at?
I’d love to do more destination events!
You’ve made a living putting on unforgettable events for other people. What has been one of the most memorable events that’s been thrown in your honour?
I’m still waiting for it!
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What are three things you can’t live without?
My kids, my family, and my iPhone.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s small enough that wherever you go you run into someone you know.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
The beauty of Toronto is that it caters to all, and its restaurants are no exception. The Harbord Room, North 44, Bent and Big Crow are a few of my favourites.
What’s always in your beauty bag?
Laura Mercier lip gloss, concealer from Gee Beauty, perfume, Cool Mint Listerine Breath Strips, and Advil.
Do you have a favourite spa in Toronto and, if so, what treatment do you love most there?
I can’t pick one, but the Gold Plumping Facial at the Four Seasons, the Hammam & Gommage at the Shangri-La, and the Diamond Bright Micro Management at Gee Beauty are all to die for!
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Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
BassettEvents.ca.