Hidden Gems: Meet Patrice Whiffen of Patrice Whiffen Marketing + Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Whiffen

Hi Patrice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up just outside of Toronto, Canada, and my journey into the world of marketing and events began while I was in University, working as a radio host and promotions coordinator. After leaving my university town, I moved closer to home to work for a marketing company, where I eventually became an event manager. However, when the company decided to close their events department, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of looking for another job, I took a leap and decided to pave my own way, leading to the birth of Patrice Whiffen Marketing + Events. Passionate about music and sports, I reached out to everyone I knew; volunteering, getting involved, and contributing in any way I could. Over the past 15 years of hard work and dedication, I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the biggest events of my career, many of which felt like only dreams when I first started. I’ve also been fortunate to build and lead an incredible team of women as the business grew. More recently, I met my fiancé and began transitioning my business to Nashville, TN, marking an exciting new chapter in both my personal and professional life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think one of the biggest challenges of running your own business is bandwidth. I have a team of people who can assist, but juggling client relationships while delegating certain aspects of work can be a challenge. I also have a problem turning down work that excites me. I think the biggest challenge I’m facing in my work today is just building in a new city. Relationship building takes genuine interest and dedicated time. Moving from Toronto and extending into a new city without a built-in network requires an extra effort and hustle, but I welcome the challenge and look forward to connecting.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
COMPANY:

Patrice Whiffen Marketing + Events is known for creating unforgettable experiences, from your living room to the big stage! With expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, event management, and communications, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to elevate your brand and events to new heights.

FOUNDER BIO:

Patrice Whiffen is the Founder of Patrice Whiffen Marketing + Events, a boutique firm specializing in marketing, events, and multimedia based in Nashville and Toronto. With over 15 years of experience, she has partnered with renowned brands across sports and entertainment, including the Country Music Association, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Big Machine Label Group, PrimeTime Sports & Entertainment, The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Warner Music Canada, Boots and Hearts Music Festival, and The CFL Alumni Association, among many others. Patrice has earned a reputation as a dynamic leader in digital marketing, event management, and multimedia, consistently delivering innovative solutions for top-tier clients. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, she serves as a Director for Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation and teaches as a Part-Time Professor at Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, and Georgian College.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I always laugh that I never wanted to be an entrepreneur, but yet I’ve been one since I was a kid. One summer when I was eleven, I organized and ran a summer camp for neighborhood kids in my parents’ backyard. ‘Camp Fun’ was a day camp, with themed days, a daily sport, craft and snack, and was just the beginning of my event planning – and entrepreneurial – experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patricewhiffen.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/eventsbypatrice and www.instagram.com/patricewhiffen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventsbypatrice
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricewhiffen/?ppe=1