MRG Events is one of Canada’s leading special event producers and a divisions of The MRG Group of live events and hospitality properties.
2018 ushered in MRG Events joining forces with John Donnelly and Associates, Western Canada’s leading event producers with over 30 years of experience delivering world class events throughout British Columbia.
Whether we are producing elegant galas or outdoor festival events, MRG Events delivers detail, passion and work-smart determination to each and every project. But more than that, the team brings a supportive, work environment and true community spirit to each event. MRG Events prides itself on not only having excellent working relationships with clients, suppliers, artists, and crews but by also making each event a positive sharable experience. The team works with hundreds of staff, performers and volunteers who regularly return to participate in events year-after-year because they know they will be taking part in something special.
MRG Events manages every event from top to bottom, concept to completion, ensuring the smallest details are documented and memorable moments are created. We work with dedication that stems from loving what we do!
MRG Events recent successes include many international and national award-winning events:

Surrey Fusion Festival – 2019 International Gala Award, Best Festival; National Star Award, Best Cultural Event
Richmond World Festival– National Star Award for Most Outstanding Event in Canada
Khatsahlano Street Party – Georgia Straight Best in Vancouver for Community Festival
Surrey 2010 Celebration Site – Best Public Entertainment Event
Surrey Canada Day –National Star Award for Most Outstanding Event in Canada
World Police & Fire Games Opening Ceremonies– International Gala Award – Most Outstanding Spectacle Event

John Donnelly was also honoured with the Province of BC’s prestigious Nesika Award which recognizes excellence in promoting multiculturalism.

John Donnelly, Vice President

John has produced thousands of shows over the past 30 years in various cities across Canada and he has written and produced over 30 national television specials. John has programmed, produced, marketed and executed major productions involving hundreds of performers, often drawing crowds of 50,000 people and more. John’s role as Producer includes overseeing the events, authoring the status reports and ensuring the clients or event partners are fully satisfied with the project deliverables and that all obligations are met.

Alex Grigg – Director of Festivals and Events.

Alex is a veteran music industry professional with over 25 years of experience in the for profit and non-profit sectors. Alex started his career as an agent with Feldman Agency before taking on the for of Manager, National Touring Program & Contemporary Music Programmer for Vancouver Organization Committee for the Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games. His other work includes event management for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, Vancouver 125 Celebration, 2017 Canada Games in Winnipeg, TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and more. Previous to joining The MRG Group, Alex was Executive Director for Music BC Industry Association.

James Cowan, Production Director / Public Safety Manager

James has been a key member on the Donnelly team for 20 years and has overseen major events such as Concord’s NYE Vancouver 2018, Surrey Canada Day, Khatsahlano, Fusion Festival, Richmond World Festival, Grey Cup Festivals, Western Canadian Music Awards, Surrey 2010 Olympic Celebration Site and all of the Surrey festivals (15+ years).

Lauren Coburn, Partnerships Manager

Lauren has taken a lead role in multiple high-profile events including Concord’s NYE Vancouver, Brian Jessel BMW Cabriolet Gala, North Vancouver SHIPPED Waterfront Festival, Celtic Fest, Richmond Ships to Shore and Victoria’s Rifflandia Festival. Her role as Partnerships Manager includes detailed communications with all event sponsors, partners and vendors and her track record is exemplary.

Terence Donnelly, Production and Logistics Manager

Terence has worked on all of the Donnelly Events productions for the past 10 years in various roles. He leads the staffing for festival events and oversees the site installations and all supplier management. Terence also leads the crews on-site with a positive attitude and great energy.

Sarah Shandl, Programming Manager

Sarah has played an integral role in multiple high-profile, large-scale events including Surrey Fusion Festival, Canada Day, 2010 Olympic Celebration Site, TED After Hours, Richmond World Festival, PanAm Games Torch Relay and the JUNO Awards. In addition to booking all aspects of festival programming, Sarah was the Production Manager for all of the Surrey Festivals, Western Canadian Music Awards and CFL Awards shows. Sarah’s responsibilities include programming curation, talent buying, and artist coordination.

Bethany Somerville, Production Coordinator

Bethany is an experienced stage manager, show caller/director, emcee and audio technician who has worked behind the scenes on many high-profile corporate and public events across the lower mainland and Western Canada, including all events produced by Donnelly & Associates over the past 3 years (Surrey Festivals, Richmond World Fest, Celtic Fest, Concord’s NYE Vancouver 2018, North Vancouver SHIPPED Festival, Khatsahlano). Her area of expertise has grown to include production management of many events in her portfolio. Bethany’s role at MRG includes artist contracting and advance, as well as backline and stage coordination across all of our festivals and events.

Participating as an official partner of MRG Events means you are part of the lower mainland’s biggest and most diverse events. Each event offers a unique platform for consumer engagement and brand exposure.

The collection of MRG Events attracts over 500,000 attendees, each season consisting of world class entertainment, food and beverage, vendors, family activities and multicultural experiences. Various opportunities exist from on-site activations, cross-promotional partnerships, social media engagement, sampling, VIP Experiences, stages, and curated programs all to suit your needs.

About our Audiences:
All of our events have a broad demographic and diversity ranging from kids to seniors given the nature of our events, which are all primarily FREE open to the public events.

For more information and pricing please contact:

Lauren Colburn
Partnerships Manager
MRG Events
P: 250.588.5655
E: lauren.coburn@themrggroup.com