Tell us about your role at HappyTuesday Marketing & Events. I lead the vision behind HappyTuesday, but a big part of my role is getting to know our clients and their organizations on a deeper level. That’s where the magic starts. I’m involved from start to finish, whether it’s shaping the overall direction or refining the small details that people remember. What’s the story behind the name? The truth is, it just kind of rolled off the tongue and stuck. That said, it’s grown into something that actually reflects how we work. Events can be a heavy lift for organizations, and we get to come in and take some of that pressure off, while bringing a bit of lightness and fresh energy to the process. Somewhere along the way, “HappyTuesday” became less about the day of the week and more about how people feel working with us. Tell us about your background. What led you to where you are today? I studied fashion marketing and interned for LA Fashion Week, but never really considered event planning as a career at the time. I went on to spend about 10 years in the restaurant industry, which taught me a lot about people, pace and how to stay calm under pressure. During that time, I started a lifestyle blog, which led to a project management role with a consulting firm. They also produced conferences, and I found myself stepping in and eventually taking those over. In 2020, I was coming off maternity leave during lockdown and had no job to return to. A client from my previous firm reached out asking if I would bid on their conference management RFP. From there, I had the opportunity to start HappyTuesday. What’s your favourite part of your work? What I love is the build, the setup and that moment when everything starts to come together. Then the Good to Know doors open, people walk in and you see it all come to life. It’s the moment where all the planning, all the moving parts, finally connect. That’s the magic, and that’s what makes it all worth it. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see HappyTuesday operating at a larger national scale, supported by a strong team that allows us to continue delivering high-impact events with intention and creativity. The industry is evolving quickly, and I’m focused on building a team that stays ahead of that curve, pushing ideas forward and helping shape the future of business events, rather than reacting to it. What are the biggest challenges facing the event industry? One of the biggest challenges right now is staffing and capacity, and that extends beyond our own teams. Many of the vendors and partners we work with are facing similar pressures, which creates a ripple effect across the entire event ecosystem. There’s also an ongoing need to better define and communicate the value of event planning as a strategic discipline. The work is highly detailed and multifaceted, but it can sometimes be misunderstood or perceived as more administrative, which makes it challenging when it comes to building and sustaining strong teams. What might your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I’m a single mom of two, so I’ve definitely taken client calls from a hockey arena or my kids’ school parking lot. My 11-year-old is quite meticulous so she’s often responsible for putting together guest gift bags, welcome packages and setting tables. I joke that they’re the OG HappyTuesday employees. Also, I grew up living across all three territories, which is pretty uncommon. It has really shaped my connection to the North and the perspective I bring to my work, but it surprises people because I don’t handle the cold very well! Candice Gottschall Meet Candice Gottschall, president of HappyTuesday Marketing & Events in Whitehorse, whose path from fashion and hospitality to entrepreneurship has shaped a thoughtful, hands-on approach to event production Get to KNOW 14 | Ignitemag.ca | Summer 2026
