Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Christina Ferreira founded Impact Events in 2008 in the Okanagan, and has since grown the business from a solo side-hustle to today’s small agency with two additional full time team members, one part time team member and one office dog. Christina radiates a positive enthusiastic energy. With her talent, charm and knowledgeable experience she easily develops solid relationships with her clients, colleagues and vendors. This allows her to relate to her client needs, and have a greater understanding of their vision, goals and objectives for each event. With a background in marketing and a passion for creativity, Christina recognized a gap in the market for an agency that could combine strategic brand management with exceptional event execution. Driven by the desire to create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, Christina fully launched Impact Events with the mission to craft experiences that not only meet business objectives but also leave lasting impressions. We see events as more than just gatherings—they are opportunities to tell stories, build relationships, and foster community spirit. Our commitment to excellence and our belief in the power of well-executed events to elevate brands quickly sets Impact Events apart. With more than 20 years of experience in producing events, communications and marketing in hospitality we bring experience and awareness of growth in the industry.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

In starting Impact Events + Brand Management, Christina also wanted to give back to the community that had supported her journey. She envisioned the agency as a platform to not only drive business success but also to contribute positively to the local community, supporting causes and initiatives close to our heart. Impact Events + Brand Management is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting the communities we serve through various initiatives and partnerships. We believe that our success is intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve, and we actively seek ways to give back. Community Support Initiatives: Charity Partnerships/Clients: We help our charity and non profit clients maximize their fundraising, we bring knowledge and a skillset to help them grow their fundraising events, ensuring that these organizations can focus on their mission while we handle the logistics. For example, in 2023, we helped raise over $1.5M for local nonprofits through events like charity galas and silent auctions. Volunteer Engagement: Our team regularly volunteers in the community Metrics of Impact: Fundraising Success: Our events have collectively raised over $10M for local charities in the past ten years. Community Reach: We engage with thousands of community members annually through our events and initiatives. Volunteer Hours: Our team’s commitment is evident as we each volunteer for local organizations each year. Through these efforts, we demonstrate our dedication to the community, ensuring that our success contributes to the well-being and growth of the communities we serve. In return, we’re grateful for the support and trust the community places in us, enabling us to continue creating impactful events and experiences.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Impact Events + Brand Management deserves to win the Business Impact Award for our unwavering commitment to driving positive change within the community, all while delivering exceptional service in event management and brand strategy. Our approach goes beyond business success; we actively contribute to the social and economic well-being of Kelowna through purposeful community engagement, strategic partnerships with local charities, and initiatives that activate the community through the community festivals and events that we lead and produce on our own initiative to add to the vibrance of the city. Our dedication to community support is evident in our actions and results. Over the past few years, we’ve helped raise significant funds for local nonprofits, volunteered hundreds of hours, and provided created free community festivals for the public to enjoy. These efforts have not only made a tangible difference but have also strengthened the fabric of our community. We also foster a sustainable and inclusive workplace culture, prioritizing the well-being of our team. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and implementing eco-friendly practices, we ensure that our impact is felt both inside and outside the office. Winning the Business Impact Award would be a testament to our commitment to creating a positive ripple effect through our business practices, community involvement, and dedication to making Kelowna a better place for all.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Impact Events + Brand Management, our culture is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels valued and welcome. We believe that the success of our events and the satisfaction of our clients are directly tied to the well-being and happiness of our team. Fostering Inclusivity: Our workplace is a reflection of the diverse community we serve. We prioritize inclusivity by promoting a culture of respect, where every voice is heard, and different perspectives are celebrated. This commitment is reflected in our hiring practices, team-building activities, and the way we design our workspaces—ensuring they are accessible and welcoming to all. Promoting Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible work schedules, remote work options, and wellness programs to support the mental and physical health of our team. Regular wellness initiatives, check-ins with each team member, encouragement for each person to do activities like yoga sessions and take mental health days, are integrated into our work culture to help our team manage stress and stay energized. Sustainability in Practice: Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our events and into our workplace. We implement eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, sourcing sustainable office supplies and implementing a recycling program at our community festival events. We also offer professional development opportunities that focus on sustainability, ensuring our team is equipped to integrate these practices into their work. Building a Supportive Environment: Open communication, continuous feedback, and opportunities for growth are pillars of our culture. We invest in our team's development through ongoing training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. At Impact Events + Brand Management, creating a sustainable and healthy workplace culture isn’t just a goal—it’s our way of ensuring that every team member thrives, feels valued, and contributes to our collective success.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Impact Events + Brand Management should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because of our deep-rooted commitment to the community and our unwavering dedication to creating meaningful, positive change. As a Kelowna-based business, we are passionate about elevating not only our clients’ brands but also the community we proudly call home. Our approach to business is centered around building strong relationships, both with our clients and within the community. We actively engage in charitable initiatives, support local causes, and volunteer our time and resources to uplift those around us. These efforts have made a tangible difference, from raising significant funds for local nonprofits to providing crucial event management expertise to organizations in need. We believe that business success and community impact go hand in hand. Our team is not just about creating successful events; we are about creating a legacy of positive contributions that resonate beyond our work. By fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, we ensure that our values are reflected in everything we do. Winning the Premier’s People’s Choice Award would be a recognition of our ongoing efforts to make a difference in our community and would inspire us to continue our mission of driving positive impact through our business and beyond.