Events that set your brand apart
We deliver events that go beyond the status quo and bring your narrative to life. In-person or virtual, your guests deserve a great experience.
Hi. We’re Leena and Kristen.
Two accomplished and connected professionals with a passion for creating high-quality events.
We founded Birtch Gillett Inc. in 2019 to deliver tailored events for corporate and not-for-profit partners in Waterloo Region and beyond. Our decades of industry experience and strong community connections allow us to deliver unique, seamlessly-executed events that each tell a story.
Our experience spans companies at all stages of growth with varying budgets, internal resources and dynamics.
Plan
We start every project by determining an appropriate plan of action. Whether we are best suited as a complement to your internal team, or to take on full event development and execution, we provide a tailored solution that suits your needs.
Build
Whatever the plan, we consider ourselves part of your team and become an extension of your brand. In addition to our core team, we have a team of trusted experts ready to engage in project development and execution, depending on the skills required to yield the best results.
Execute
We tackle each event with a fresh perspective, but some things never change. We operate ethically, with integrity and transparency; we focus on understanding and minimizing risk and have tremendous respect for your budget.
Photo: Communitech
Photo: Communitech
Leena Birtch
Co-owner
Leena is a Project Manager at heart and has been involved in many different operational roles over more than two decades.
From event logistics, digital project management, talent acquisition to finance and human resources, Leena has a deep understanding of Project Management methodologies and best practices.
Leena was most recently Sr. Project Manager at Communitech and was a part of the team that developed True North; a global tech conference of more than 2,500 attendees.
She began her career at Mosaic; a global experiential marketing agency in various corporate management roles. Leena moved into a digital project management role at Mosaic and has worked with Fortune 500 companies and brands including Loblaw Companies of Canada, Nutella, Glaxo Smith Klein, Labatt, NFL, Microsoft and Wells Fargo
With more than 20 years in the industry, Kristen takes a proactive approach to event production; she leads projects large and small with a focus on organization, critical thinking and relationship development.
As Director of Events at Communitech, Kristen played an integral role in the launch and implementation of True North, Waterloo Region’s global tech conference and festival. She led the project from ideation to the execution of its inaugural two years, bringing together 2,500 attendees each year.
Prior to Communitech, Kristen spent seven years with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. As the Manager of Live Events, she led the team responsible for the logistics & execution of more than 350 live events per year at Air Canada Centre (Scotiabank Centre) in Toronto.
Kristen Gillett
Co-owner
We provide integrated in-person and virtual event planning, leveraging our combined expertise, and a robust network of trusted partners.
Depending on your needs, available services include:
Event strategy
Event creative
Event operations and logistics
Communications planning
Digital marketing and amplification
Event planning and execution
Event production
Production design
Event content development
Risk assessment and gap analysis
Contract negotiation and management
Budget development and management
Speaker sourcing, speaker logistics
Agenda development / flow