Jessica Dexter: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is Jessica Dexter, whose role as Events Director at Toronto’s 2nd Floor Events is one she knew she’d one day hold since she was 12 years old. Read on to find out about Jessica’s involvement in some of the city’s must-attend events and charity projects…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Events Director at 2nd Floor Events. I run a turn-key event venue with a focus on design, function, and service. My role is client services, team leader and operations management. I have an amazing team and together we host everything from meetings to weddings, as well as a series of in-house produced events, most notably Midnight MRKT and Boozy Bingo.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I knew I wanted to be an event planner at 12 years old; I volunteered and chaired event committees throughout my teens.

About three years ago a client of mine introduced me to Ryan Fisher, who, at the time, was in the process of opening SPiN Toronto, the ping pong social club. I could not turn down the opportunity to be a part of the project and came on board to open the event branch of that company – it is a fantastic place to work with a great corporate culture. When a space became available in the same building, it felt like working with 2nd Floor was a natural next step. Building this business from initial branding, through construction and now executing the events, has been a wild process.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
That is the same thing! I love that this role allows me to get involved in all the different aspects of this business. Revenue generation, team management, inventory control – it is all important. I enjoy being a part of all the different facets of the event business. It’s challenging balancing the responsibilities, but it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hard question. I see myself working within my current company in a different role. Building new venues and brands. I have a special place in my heart for events, but logistics and systems are what I see focusing on in the future.

What does success look like to you?
Success is when you know you have thought of every eventuality and made every effort to exceed expectations – both your own and those of the client.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I feel very grateful for my career so far. Opening 2nd Floor has been a very gratifying process. As a new(er) business, building our community relationships and growing our team has been very exciting.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Approach each situation with the intention of coming up with the best possible solution. If you are always looking to improve, streamline, and grow the business you are in, your career will follow suit.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
SickKids Foundation. What they do at that hospital is amazing and as a former SickKid myself, I am here today because them.

2nd Floor and SPiN Toronto are both partnered with The Remix Project. This organization provides education to youth from disadvantaged or marginalized communities who aim to enter into creative industries or further their formal education.

What to you is notable?
Passion. It doesn’t matter what you are passionate about; the dedication and drive that comes from having a passion is what is notable.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.

2nd Floor Events is a 3,000 square foot private event space located at 461 King St. W. in Toronto that opened in January 2013. 2nd Floor Events hosts cool regular in-house events like Boozy Bingo and Midnight MRKT, and can be rented out for private events, weddings and more.

Twitter: @2ndfloorevents
Facebook: 2ndfloorevents

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