Sheldon Lachambre: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today we’re talking with Sheldon Lachambre, Managing Director of The Gathering. With guests speakers from Vice, UFC, the Dallas Cowboys and Cirque du Soleil (just to name a few), it’s easy to see why this is an absolute must-attend event for anyone who works in marketing, branding and engagement. 

After another successful conference in February 2015, we caught up with Sheldon to get his take on success, where to dine, and where to find inspiration. 

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell. 
As Managing Director, I run one of North America’s best conferences and events called The Gathering. I lead our team and direct everything from the vision to logistics, production, marketing, sponsorship, tickets sales, PR and arranging of brand speakers.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started The Gathering with a visionary, Ryan Gill, because I believed in the event and what it stood for in our marketing, branding and engagement industry. It began last year as an event experiment. We envisioned it as a private, one-off event for Cult and our clients only. But we opened it up to 250 others who liked it so much they demanded we do it again. This year was about proving that we could and taking it to the next level. Next year will be about expanding the vision through new partners who are eager to participate and add new dimensions to the experience. Just like engaging Cult brands do. 

The inspiration for my career path was a passion for creating and leading relevant and engaging events for marketers and consumers. I have worked on over 15 national, international or local events from the NHL Entry Draft to the CFL Grey Cup and I found that I had a passion and skill set to reach, engage and mobilize large groups of people and what it takes to deliver an emotive experience that builds both buzz and brand advocacy. 

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of the role hands down is being able to work and partner with some of the world’s largest brands. 

Most challenging part is dealing with naysayers and non-believers.

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When my family and friends clearly miss me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Continuing on this path of bringing world-class events and experiences to North American audiences and marketers. 

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Shifting an approach from what’s in it for me vs. what’s in it for others. This quote helped me overcome this, move beyond it, and focus on the experience and success for others: “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ 

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness? 
Watching people enjoy themselves at a great event that our team has produced. But ultimately success to me is being a great father to my family.  

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The 2009 Grey Cup, heralded by the media as one of the best ever, and more recently, The 2015 Gathering. 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Put yourself out there and embrace change, failure and new experiences to build your skill set. Keep your ear to the ground, as some of the best ideas come from when you listen to those around you in public.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Be Afraid not to try” – unknown

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
The Nash. 

The experience, the food, the people and the service. It’s close to my office and the city’s #1 restaurant right now. There’s something to be said when you walk into an establishment and they remember you by name. That’s creating brand loyalty! 

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and experiencing life to its fullest. I am an avid sports fan, music lover, and love hitting the links. I also volunteer my time on the board committee with the Calgary Folk Festival – the best festival in the city!  

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Las Vegas, because they take experiences to another level. They appeal to all your senses and I take inspiration from this city into other world-class events and experiences. 

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
“We Weren’t Born To Follow” by Bon Jovi.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Sports agent or working with a professional sports team. 

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We have our own charity here at The Gathering & Cult called Project Smile. Its objective is to provide help and happiness to parts of the world where both aren’t easy to come by.  This charity has changed my outlook on life and in business. 

What to you is notable?
Experiences and people you meet that you will never forget. 

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other? 
iPhone, hands down.

#NOTABLE

Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.

Photo by Steve Dutcheshen Photography