When planning an unforgettable event, every detail matters—from the grandeur of the venue to the energy of the music. The Symes, an elegant events venue, and DJ Michael Coombs, a master of musical experiences, bring their expertise to the table, ensuring every occasion is not just memorable but extraordinary. Here they share a little about what sets them apart, explore the latest trends, and how they create unforgettable experiences for their clients.
Namita Tandon-Walsh, Viviana Kohon and Caitie Yue
Meet The Symes team! Viviana Kohon, with over two decades in TV Production, has orchestrated many red-carpet live TV events. She brings style and flair to every event. Namita Tandon-Walsh, with 10+ years in hotel management (including the Four Seasons Hotel), excels in hospitality and event management. Her attention to detail brings a flawless execution of events. Caitie Yue, an investor and entrepreneur, has built an impressive portfolio in under a decade, The Symes is her latest venture.
Can you describe the overall ambiance and style of your venue?
The Symes is an architectural treasure from the Art Deco era, restored as a unique event space in Toronto. The building retains its original heritage while being updated to modern standards. The venue features two rooms totaling roughly 9,700 sq. ft., with a capacity for nearly 1200 guests. Visitors can admire the preserved heritage brick walls, exposed industrial beams, high ceilings, concrete pillars, and lots of natural light. The Grand Symes offers 5,800 sq. ft. of space with vaulted ceilings and three skylights, accommodating up to 750 guests. The Scarlett Room, on the second floor, features round windows, rough brick, and an adjoining terrace, hosting up to 300 guests. Each ballroom offers elevator access, a bridal suite and a versatile kitchen preparation area. The Symes blends artistic vision with modern amenities, creating an ambiance for grand events like weddings, bar & bat mitzvahs, art exhibits, corporate events and fundraisers.
Michael Coombs
DJ/MC Michael Coombs designs exhilarating musical experiences that reflect the personality and style of his distinguished clientele. His body of work includes performing for Oscar and Grammy award winners, World Series and Stanley Cup champions, Olympic Gold Medallists, leading global brands and celebrated cultural organizations. He is a trusted professional who provides expertise that goes far beyond the creation of a playlist.
What trends are here to stay, and which should be retired?
The trend that is here to stay is DJ furniture that matches the decor and ambience of the venue and the event design. From pristine all-white DJ booths and speakers that blend-in seamlessly, to sleek all-black set-up’s for moody and sexy spaces, the DJ’s job is not just to provide the evenings sound-track and bring the energy, but to understand the effect the right production can have on the success of an event and how it helps move a crowd. Rather than taking away from an event’s style, the DJ set-up should enhance it. On the flip-side, the trend that needs to be retired are entertainers showing up in an all-white room and dropping black speakers on tripods everywhere that stick out like an eye-sore. Couples spend tens of thousands of dollars on decor and to not have the equipment match the design is irresponsible. With the amount of different styles of equipment and specialty furniture available, there really is no excuse to not come correct.
