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CEO & Founder

Grail Noble

GRAIL@YELLOWHOUSEEVENTS.COM
416.686.2550 ext 222
Grail Noble
FUN FACT

South African born and raised by journalist parents. Unrelated, I also once found myself literally swimming with sharks ... but not on purpose!

Hi, I’m Grail!

I started this agency to create a place where clients would feel at home and employees would love to work: A place where we create exceptional experiences for the brands we are lucky enough to work with.

How I spend my days:

Strategy | Leadership | Design | Business Development | Company Growth | Mentorship | Purpose | Contracting | Public Speaking | Creating shareable moments that matter | making the team laugh when things are too serious.

Experience:

  • 25+ years in event marketing, sponsorship and communications.
  • Worked on the “client side” with YTV, the NBA, Molson and The Heart & Stroke 
 Foundation, gaining valuable experience in the international media, sports, 
 non-profit, retail and in consumer packaged goods.
  • Oversaw sponsorships, events and promotions for brands like Coke, Nike, 
 Nestle, and on the Molson Indy Car races. Also worked as a snowboarding 
 instructor in Switzerland and a bartender in Portugal!
  • Proud of being listed on the Profit 100 for 5 years and on the W100 top female 
 entrepreneurs in Canada. Winner of the regional RBC Female Entrepreneur of 
 the Year and won the BDO Business Value award. But it is not about the 
 awards. It’s about the daily reward I get working with creative, smart people internally and externally. I am very proud of this agency, our people and the 
 work we do!

What I love:

Being an entrepreneur | white wine or a good Moscow Mule | my family | my ‘side-hustle’ as a dedicated hockey mom to my two boys | mashed potatoes | travel | cottage life | my husband, Paul and our two bossy grey cats.

VP Finance

Val Kurbini

valmira@yellowhouseevents.com
416.686.2550 ext 224
Val Kurbini
FUN FACT

When Val decides to really let her hair down, it's 3ft long!

Hi, I’m Val!

How I spend my days:

I like numbers. Actually, I love numbers!

I help our project teams ensure each line item, of every budget, for each and every client project is accounted for and accurate. I also oversee cash flow, accounts payable, HR & payroll and find savings for our clients wherever I can.

Experience:

  • 14+ years’ experience in Finance managing accounts payable & receivable, cash flow, budget reconciliation, payroll, detailed project budgeting and overseeing bookkeeping functions for small to medium businesses.
  • Spent the last 9 years helping YHE grow by implementing strong financial and budgeting rigour and processes.
  • Earned a reputation as one of the country’s most reliable, detailed and disciplined event agency finance experts.

What I love:

Happy clients, balanced budgets, Albania, cooking, travel, my family and my little angel, Ani, who is the boss of all of us.

VP Operations, Contract

Meg Sweeney

Meg Sweeney
FUN FACT

18+ years in the House! But personally, I am in a new house every 2 years, as we are a military family. Did someone say “pivot!?”

Hi, I’m Meg!

How I spend my days:

Producing events across North America | designing cool experiences | mentoring the team | setting best process practices | on-site management, AV and Production and “calling the show. I am based in Quebec, so I spend a lot of time on video calls, cars and planes [all while trying to speak better French]!

Experience:

  • Co-built Yellow House as the first official employee.
  • Developed and refined our execution processes, templates, and set best practices
  • 18+ years of event production experience on some of our most complex projects across North America and the Caribbean, layered on a post-grad degree in Communications & PR.
  • Produced global programs and grew key accounts, including Samsung, BlackBerry, Google, Home Depot, Intuit, EY… to name just a few. I am now consulting on a variety of YHE programs, working closely with the team and clients on all areas of execution and strategy.

What I love:

What I do. I also love spreadsheets, my clients, AV and running things from the tech table, poutine and pizza (but not together), checking out new restaurants and trendy hot spots, attending live sporting events, travel, the beach, my family and my military man.

Director & Sr. Producer

Riva Lombardi

Riva Lombardi
FUN FACT

I’ve traveled to 26 countries, worked on cruise ships, picked apples at a farm in Kelowna, and cooked for monks in Buri Ram. But the biggest adventure of my life was becoming a mother.

How I spend my days:

Creatively conceptualizing narratives | creating moments of wonder, inspiration or curiosity | event coordination | vendor management | writing show-flows and production schedules| stage managing on-site | collaborating with A/V | overseeing production processes

Experience:

  • 17+ years in production, immersive narrative and experience design
  • 4 years producing offline to online workflow for TV and Film
  • Stage-managing large-scale festival events (such as TIFF)
  • Creating and producing immersive narrative theatre in Toronto, NYC and LA
  • On-site event management

What I love:

Being awed | unplugged 90s music | solo adventures to faraway places | being the social convener of my friend tribe | painting with my daughter | the thrill of watching people in an experience I’ve created!

Director of Client Services

Graham Campbell

Graham Campbell
FUN FACT

While living in Australia, I once broke my collarbone and both wrists mountain biking on a first date!

Hi, I’m Graham!

I am a finder of awesome, a curator of cool, and I have created all types of events and experiences for some of North America’s biggest brands.

How I spend my days:

I start each day with a coffee in-hand, on my “inspiration hour”. I look for new ideas, designs and textures, tech innovations, activations, destinations, and new venues. Of course, my day is also spent on the practical stuff: rolling up my sleeves to dig into our processes, budgets, curating great experiences from ideation to execution, and storytelling for our clients and their brands. I am passionate about mentorship and guiding the team on their journeys as they grow and learn. I also spend time building our client relationships and seeking new business opportunities and partnerships.

Experience:

  • 16+ years in experiential marketing, sponsorship, and creating integrated marketing campaigns across North America.
  • Led teams overseeing event design and production on large and small conferences and tradeshows, cross-country XM tours, high-profile product launches, galas, VIP incentive trips, and awards programs, delivering meaningful event metrics.
  • Created and managed experiences for brands like P&G (Canada and USA), Pepsi, Disney, Bombay Sapphire Gin, IKEA, and Skip.
  • Also worked on producing cartoons overseas, media planning, and buying and decorating dream homes!

What I love: 

A “creative” at my core, I love finding inspo in unexpected things around me | My husband Rob & our beautiful dog Zoey | Anything Christmas, (I own an ornament line!) | A connoisseur of coleslaw | Travel & adventures like white-water rafting or mountain biking | Long drives | Mentoring LGBTQ+ youth through the Project Violet initiative.

SR. EVENTS MANAGER

Sophie Andrew

Sophie Andrew
FUN FACT

I don’t drink Guinness, but I am in the 2018 Guinness Book of World Records as part of the largest exercise ball class in the world!

Hi, I’m Sophie (Sophia on the weekends!)

How I spend my days:

Coordinating projects | securing & managing vendors | hunting for cool stuff | updating project plans | budgets & blueprints | taking mad notes | venue sourcing | traveling to cool places | social media | on-site event coordination | dotting the “i”s | mixing the post work drinks!

Experience:

  • A degree from Queen’s University.
  • At YellowHouse I have gained experience working on 25+ events in Toronto, California, Banff, Whistler, Winnipeg and Costa Rica!
  • Side Hustle: I save lives in my spare time. Well, ok, I am a part- time lifeguard and haven’t had to save anyone yet, but I am ready!

What I love:

Travel | going to live sporting events with my dad | working out | jaeger & sprite | mushroom pies | spending time with friends | swimming & playing tennis.

Contract Producer

Alisha Parris

Alisha Parris
FUN FACT

I speak French and my last name is Parris. But in all my global travels, I haven’t been to Paris yet!

HELLO! It’s Alisha.

How I spend my days:

Producing successful events, incentive trips & conferences | collaborating with the YHE team | reviewing contracts | managing group hotel & air travel | designing bespoke experiences around the world | producing conferences & business events that exceed expectations | consulting | budget & project management | account & relationship management | traveling to interesting places | mentorship

Experience:

  • 15+ years of event and marketing agency experience with a focus on scalable incentive group travel
  • Event & Account Management leader in the financial, automotive, public and private sectors
    Producer of multiple successful conferences, product launches, trade shows, fundraisers, retreats and incentive travel programs
  • Side Hustles: Planning social & community events & curating personalized cocktails

What I love:

My Job! | Travel | Reposado Tequila | Amateur Chef | Carnival | Painting | Dashboard & Shower Karaoke 😉 | My 2 kiddos | Foodie | Coach© Purses | Nail Art | Music is LIFE!

Contract Producer

Shannon Minielly

Shannon Minielly
FUN FACT

I once sampled “cockroach satay” in Thailand. All I remember is that it was crispy and salty - the rest I have chosen to forget.

Hi, I’m Shannon!

How I spend my days:

Idea generation on inspirational ways for attendees to connect | preparing detailed budgets | thinking about how to get more for less | providing experience-based recommendations and actioning them | overseeing right-fit site selection, exceptional F&B providers, visionary builders, “go the extra mile” AV teams, apps that work for client needs, sponsor management | getting sh*t done!

Experience:

  • 15+ years tapping my entrepreneurial mindset as the owner of a statistical data capture software provider
  • 8+ years of event design, strategy, consultation and support leading teams, producing intimate VIP dinners, noteworthy product launches, “out there” XM stunts, chic galas, elegant fundraisers, multi-day conferences and tradeshows for 4000+ attendees, incentive programs for high-value employees across North and Central America
  • My own daughter’s bougie beach wedding recently. As a corporate planner, I have a whole new level of respect for wedding planners!

What I love:

New cultures and historic ruins | anything “adventure” | Lake Huron sunsets | sharing my new-and-improved versions of tried-and-true recipes with cottage peeps | photography | zipping around on my Vespa | my 3 kids | my husband and our dog (smartest ever – the dog, not the husband).

Project Coordinator

Degen Noble

Degen Noble
FUN FACT

I have been driving boats since I was 6 and love being on, in or near the water!

How I spend my days:

Supporting events on-site | always ensuring attendees have what they need | event set-up and tear-down | customer service | registration and attendee check in | valet services | building activations | database management | research | bartending and food service (Smartserve Certified).

Experience:

  • I have worked on-site at a wide variety of events in customer-facing roles
  • I was one of a team of Event hosts at 2x 350-person “Skip the Dishes” Ski Trips in Banff (March/April 2022). Hosted guests and oversaw one of the key venues and hotels.
  • Organized guest transportation to and from ski hills and dinners throughout Banff
  • Oversaw the concierge and check-in desk, ensuring each guest received their ski rentals and arrival information and custom activity calendars.
  • I have also worked as a valet and guest services host at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Let’s just say, I have driven some nice cars in that time!

What I love: 

All Sports | Playing Hockey for the Sackville Blazers in Halifax | Travel | My Oversized Cat | Spending time with Friends | Music | Watching Bingeworthy series’ | writing | cooking

Project Coordinator

Sasha Gregory

Sasha Gregory
FUN FACT

I’ve eaten a tarantula in Cambodia!

Hi, I’m Sasha!

How I spend my days:

Contributing to the project teams on XM programs | Content creation | On-site event management from set-up to tear-down | Vendor and venue research | Attendee management | Vendor procurement and contracting | Database management | Research | Design.

Experience:

  • Spearheaded key projects at Loblaws Companies Limited and Chartright Air Group, in the procurement department, increasing reporting accuracy and streamlining processes so teams could deliver smoother, more impactful projects.
  • Worked in fast-paced customer service roles for 5+ years – from private golf clubs to the corporate world to grocery chains – learning how to stay calm under pressure and create memorable guest experiences.
  • Graduate from Western University with an Honours in Business Management & Legal Studies. Also served as Director of Marketing for ACE Western, leading digital campaigns, managing content for a chapter of 200+ delegates, and exploring my interest in content creation.
  • Joined YHE to bring my love of organized chaos, attention to detail, and positive energy to unforgettable experiences.

What I love:

Cottage time | My lovable “dumpster cat” | Live music | Finding new & fun recipes to try | Spending quality time with my friends and family | Going on unexpected adventures | Travel | A well-organized spreadsheet.

Project Assistant

Bryn Hexemer

bryn@yellowhouseevents
1-705-791-1414
Bryn Hexemer
FUN FACT

I was (almost) a Mini Pop Kid… and yes, I took the video off YouTube!

Hi, I’m Bryn!

How I spend my days:

Social marketing and strategy | Supporting the execution of experiential and corporate events | Assisting on XM programs from ideation and planning to on-site activation | Venue and vendor sourcing and relationship management | Budget tracking | Researching and creative development | Supporting with client-facing communications | Shipping and logistics coordination | Staying tapped into trends, culture, and industry insights to inspire ideas.

Experience:

  • Managed social media and promotional strategy for Western’s USC, generating over 16M impressions in 1 year and managing digital campaigns for the retail store, concerts, and large-scale events. Led campaigns from creative concept to execution, acting as the sole creative, project manager, and strategist, while building and training a 10-person ambassador team and supporting on-the-ground execution for artists like Swae Lee, Alan Walker, and Loud Luxury.
  • Gained hands-on experience in vendor management, client communications, and budget tracking through project-based roles at Apparatus Inc and XL Lifestyle.
  • Supported brand strategy development, project coordination, and direct management of C-suite executives.
  • Graduated from Western University with a BA in Media, Information and Technoculture, while holding VP roles in OneLove Charity and serving as the Outreach Director for our Student Union presidential campaign for 2 years. Planned and executed campus-wide events, worked on marketing outreach campaigns, and stayed tapped into trends and youth culture to keep programming fresh and relevant.

What I love:

50s music | Collecting belt buckles | Vinyls | Being the hostess | Halloween | Movie theatre popcorn | Volleyball | Poetry |The Beli App | Cheffing it up for loved ones | Philosophy – normative ethics | Experiential marketing | Keeping up with social culture, new hot spots, and trends

Project Assistant

Finlay Gane

Finlay Gane
FUN FACT

Accidentally became a mini-celebrity at a Thai university after a dance battle challenge from the university's president. (Yes, I accepted!)

Hi, I’m Finn!

How I spend my days:

Creating experiences | Venue and supplier sourcing & management | Budgeting and scheduling | Sales and proposal generation | Shipping coordination | Registration management | Research and reporting | Design mockups and idea boards | On-site execution and travel | Always carrying a creative journal to capture new ideas.

Experience:

  • Helped build a 6-person healthcare startup right out of school, juggling brand, product, sales, and financial strategy. I now mentor young founders who are figuring it out for the first time.
  • Spent 5+ years in customer and professional service roles, from fine dining to private clubs, learning how to listen for, and anticipate, client needs.
  • Studied neuroscience and psychology because I’m endlessly curious about what makes us tick and how moments turn into memories.
  • Joined YHE to bring that mix of curiosity, creativity, and calm under pressure into experiences that surprise, delight, and stick with you.

What I love:

Gathering friends for shared moments and meals | Satiating my curiosity through reading | Running in the warm summer rain | Singing around a campfire | Long, inspired chats at cozy cafes | Adventure travel and backpacking | Coaching young startup founders through ‘aha’ moments.

Legal Assistant

Seton Noble

Seton Noble
FUN FACT

Got a hole-in-one this summer — peaked early, but it was worth it!

How I spend my days:

Supporting YHE’s legal and administrative operations | drafting and reviewing contracts | organizing and maintaining project documentation | assisting with client and vendor correspondence | tracking deliverables and approvals | ensuring compliance and clarity across agreements | collaborating with producers and leadership on workflow efficiency | providing on-site event support when needed | registration and attendee management | guest hosting and logistics coordination.

Experience:

  • Completed my specialization in Business Management and Legal Studies at Western University.
    Over four years of client-facing and operational experience across event production, hospitality, and administration.
  • My role before (and alongside) being the Legal Assistant, I was part of the YHE events team. I supported major corporate programs including two 350-person “SkipTheDishes” ski trips in Banff, an insurance conference in Vancouver and coordinating guest logistics, transportation, and on-site hosting.
  • I also bring diverse hands-on experience from leadership and service roles — from sailing instruction and deck building to lead bartender — all contributing to a strong sense of organization, adaptability, and detail-oriented execution.

What I love: 

Travel | Spending time with Friends | Playing and Watching Sports | Music | Cooking

CONTRACT - VP Special Projects

Paul Noble

Paul Noble
FUN FACT

I once worked as an Orderly bringing dead bodies to the morgue and also as the historian on an Alaskan icebreaking vessel. Fortunately, not at the same time.

Hi, I’m Paul!

How I spend my days:

Consulting with the team on sporting events & festivals | education | research & development | travel | hotel sourcing for incentive travel programs | HR & hiring | internal company events | business development, but most importantly, frequently changing the lightbulbs in the office. [Really, I am the Chief Illumination Officer].

Experience:

  • 30 years as an educator, PHD candidate in History with a deep knowledge of Toronto’s neighbourhoods through my studies of the “Ward” and Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris’ urban paintings. I have read over 100 books on this subject.
  • Organizer of city-wide sporting events, including the tournament design of the inaugural MLSE Team Up Challenge.
  • Chair and organizer of an international conference for principals and educators, walking tour guide, carpenter.

What I love:

Sports: watching them, playing them or watching my boys play them. Travel | cottaging | being on the water | fixing and building things | reading | scrabble | Jamaican food | Lugtread (it’s a beer not a tire type).

CONTRACT - Director of Strategic Partnerships (USA)

Jen Millard

Jen Millard

Hi, I’m Jen!

How I spend my days:

Helping the YHE team find new and exciting clients and business partners in the United States. My job includes uncovering great new vendors and unique experiences to help us better serve our existing clients, as well as developing new relationships. I’m based in the event and entertainment capital of the world …. Las Vegas!

Experience:

  • 13 years in Sports Marketing in Toronto
  • Local Business Development for Yellow House Events
  • Teaching graduate students in the Sport Camp; Event Marketing program at George Brown College

What I love: 

Travel, wine, and current events. Also my two daughters and four (badly behaved) pets.

My favourite destination? Too many to pick but Maui, Kenya and France’s wine country top the list. I’m also an adoption advocate and wannabe yogi. Namaste!

CONTRACT - Director, Strategy

Laura Gregory

Laura Gregory
FUN FACT

I couldn't decide between fun facts. 1) I was a provincial gymnast and 2) I am a twin [My sibling thinks the latter is far more interesting!]

Hi, I’m Laura!

With 12 years of marketing expertise in the B2B space, I’ve created campaigns worldwide and have also led programs from Iceland to New York City, spanning intimate gatherings to events for over 8000 attendees.

How I spend my days:

Creating annual event strategies for brand and agencies | Orchestrating seamless Events | Navigating B2B Marketing opportunities

Experience:

Partnering with tech giants, I’ve made my mark by elevating brands globally. From product launches to industry conferences, I thrive on turning visions into reality. I have worked on both the agency and the client side, allowing me to bring valuable insights to every project.

What I love:

Cherishing Moments with my Daughters | Embracing an Active Lifestyle | Teeing off on the Golf Course | Supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Apply now

This could be you

This could be you

We are always looking for great talent! Send your impressive CV to iwantin@yellowhouseevents.com. Want to build your event experience? Email us to get on our volunteer list or our short term staffing list. We also accept interns enrolled in an accredited PR, Marketing or Events program and promise great hands-on learning to those selected.

Smart, stylish, and unboring.

Our promise: Big agency ideas, boutique-level service, always.

We’re Yellow House Events — a Toronto-based experiential agency obsessed with great ideas and seamless execution.

For 20+ years, we’ve helped global brands cut through the clutter with unforgettable experiences. We’re known for our strategic thinking, creative firepower, and flawless follow-through.

Our People.

Grail Noble

Grail Noble .

CEO & Founder

Val Kurbini

Val Kurbini .

VP Finance

Meg Sweeney

Meg Sweeney .

VP Operations, Contract

Riva Lombardi

Riva Lombardi .

Director & Sr. Producer

Graham Campbell

Graham Campbell .

Director of Client Services

Sophie Andrew

Sophie Andrew .

SR. EVENTS MANAGER

Alisha Parris

Alisha Parris .

Contract Producer

Shannon Minielly

Shannon Minielly .

Contract Producer

Degen Noble

Degen Noble .

Project Coordinator

Sasha Gregory

Sasha Gregory .

Project Coordinator

Bryn Hexemer

Bryn Hexemer .

Project Assistant

Finlay Gane

Finlay Gane .

Project Assistant

Seton Noble

Seton Noble .

Legal Assistant

Paul Noble

Paul Noble .

CONTRACT - VP Special Projects

Jen Millard

Jen Millard .

CONTRACT - Director of Strategic Partnerships (USA)

Laura Gregory

Laura Gregory .

CONTRACT - Director, Strategy

This could be you

This could be you .

Apply now

Our core values:
Do the right thing.

  1. For our clients: making strong, thoughtful recommendations and wise budget decisions.
  2. For the world: operating ethically, with integrity and transparency.
  3. For our team members: working together with kindness and collaboration in support of our clients’ goals.
View our Services

Our house

Head office in Toronto, we work worldwide.

When we were built

22 years ago and going strong (with many accolades and awards along the way).

Who’s in the house

Creatives, experienced designers, trend watchers, logistics masters. Our team is tech-savvy, trend-savvy, and design-savvy.

Our Culture.

Our Press.

The Biz Bash 250
W100 Canada's Top Female Entrepreneurs
advantage
Canadian Business
Canadian Event Industry Awards Winner 2019
the Next M
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