By: Jennifer Frees
Photography: Alexis Finch
PARTY PRINCESS IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY’S SOCIAL WHIRLThe University of Western Ontario is known for its party people, so it’s only natural that UWO grad Katie Shipp would find herself interning at posh social club The Society in Toronto.
Naturally creative and possessed of a cheeky sense of humour (critical skills for any party gal), Katie brings her love of modern culture and meeting “the interesting and the interested” to The Society’s chic table. “I enjoy brainstorming with the heads of the company,” Katie says. “They travel quite a bit and are inspired in some way by nearly everything they experience. It is great seeing it all come together, from decor to sponsors, in a way that may be completely different from what we had initially visualized… and somehow it always ends up being even better than planned.”
Katie explains that working for the urban socialite’s mecca, is different every single day. The Society’s events include major galas, dance lessons with The National Ballet, book clubs and author events, and music experiences ranging from opera to rock.
“My day can range from meeting with the founders in a café to discuss future projects, sponsorship opportunities to investigate, sourcing decor for upcoming events and perusing media sources for inspiration,” she explains.
A typical day consists of constantly checking her email and cell phone to keep in contact with the BlackBerry-addicted founders Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakely. “They are always on top of everything!” she declares. “I also check our main information email account and respond to any inquiries from people who may have heard about The Society or read a recent article on us.” One of her favourite tasks is assisting with writing invitations to the in-demand events, and then facilitating their set-up and execution.
Katie Shipp may be a party girl, but she’s learned through her internship that the art of planning great events requires more than just the ability to swill a cocktail, set up some floral arrangements and chatter with guests. It also requires energy and the willingness to work long, hard hours… albeit in a fabulous dress and killer heels.
Check out more fabulous internships here!
