Good to Know Get to KNOW Tell us about your role as founder and owner at Eleven Events. As a mighty team of one, I oversee every aspect of my business, wearing all the hats that keep the company running and thriving. Tell us about your background. What led you to where you are today? Over 10 years ago, I left a cushy federal job and blindly jumped into hospitality with a huge cut in pay and benefits. I loved it! I started as an event manager, then moved into area sales, then corporate sales at an Autograph Collection property. After a Marriott sales re-org in 2017, I decided to not reapply for the job I had and branch out on my own. What interests you about the business events industry? Creating work that matters. I love the energy of bringing people together and seeing their knowledge grow or their views change. The work is demanding and unpredictable, but you can feel the impact in the room when it all comes together, and there’s no better feeling than that. What’s your favourite part of your work? After months of decisions and work, creating an experience that people remember is my favourite part. I love the energy of an event, but even more, I love that high when it’s over and everyone involved is so proud, relieved and buzzing from a job well done. What has been your proudest work-related moment? Last year, one of my very special clients invited me to join them for a meeting with the Governor General of Canada, the Honourable Mary Simon. We were planning the inaugural National Indigenous Defence Conference in Ottawa, and she invited my client for tea. For them to include me as part of their team was an incredible honour that I will never forget. We had a private tour of Rideau Hall and had a very special and personal conversation on the subject of Reconciliation with Her Honour. Where do you see yourself in five years? When I first started my company, it was challenging to find clients that first year. I decided to launch my own event series for women to gather, shop a little, eat and drink, and hear an inspirational speaker. I called it “Step Into What’s Next” and it was much more successful than I had anticipated! I then coordinated a virtual event at the height of the pandemic with the amazing Dionne Warner as my guest speaker (look her up!), and delicious gourmet meals delivered to attendees’ homes. In 2023, I became a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist, with the goal to bring women together again, whether that’s through in-person events, an online community, or both. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about. The challenge is that the last five years have been so busy with Eleven, that finding time to shift my focus has been tricky. Long story short, I see myself figuring this out before five years pass! Jodi Rodriguez CMP This Regina-based event pro shares her journey from government gig to hotel sales to event entrepreneur—with a stop on the fashion runway along the way! What are the biggest challenges facing the event industry and how do you think they should be addressed? Rising costs are one of the biggest challenges right now. That means planners have to be smarter, more creative and more strategic than ever. This is all happening in a very unpredictable world. Event professionals have the difficult task of planning for the unanticipated while still keeping experiences seamless, engaging and high quality. Flexibility and contingency planning are essential. What might your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I was an international model when I was 19. I spent time in Vancouver, Montreal, Tokyo and New York, 30 years before social media made everyone a model! 12 | Ignitemag.ca | Spring 2026
