John Tobey lives a charmed life; and the career path he has followed since college has turned out to be the perfect one. The owner of John Tobey Event Design knows a thing or two about events – especially charitable fundraising events. He’s one of the top “go to” premier event designers with a knack for displaying many creative ways to give back to the community even if money is tight.
Numerous celebrities, famous athletes and notable personalities including Oprah, Colin Cowie and Jeremy Bloom have something in common – they’ve been privy to the extraordinary event creations of John Tobey.
Tobey has had a varied event history previously serving as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Country Club at Castle Pines; Event Designer at Colorado’s top catering company, Epicurean; and Head of Concierge and Sales at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix, AZ.
John Tobey designed events have been featured in local, regional and national media outlets, including O, The Oprah Magazine; InStyle; the WE television network; Colorado Meetings & Events; International Special Events; 5280; Colorado Expression; Colorado Biz; and Executive Denver.
Whether it’s a corporate meeting, convention, awards banquet, wedding or nonprofit fundraiser, Tobey, the “dream weaver” of events, is all about taking care of the entire production for his clients and making it perfect!
The always “GQ looking” John Tobey is smart, multi-talented, energetic and focused. Tobey has cultivated an unparalleled expertise in memorable and extraordinary event productions. John Tobey’s work is meticulous, and his clients are pleased as “champagne punch” with how he helps make their event a guaranteed, resounding success.
(John Tobey is a member of the International Society of Event Specialists and NACE, the National Association of Catering Executives.)
When did you know you wanted to be in the event world? When me and several college friends would go to the Ritz Carlton in Kansas City on weekends. I’d see so many beautiful events taking place there, and I just got hooked!
What’s the largest event you have ever planned? When I worked for Epicurean Catering I helped plan the Summit of the Eight, the World Cup Ski Events at Beaver Creek, and the U.S. Seniors Golf Tournament - as well as some Democratic National Committee (DNC) events.
Which one was the most high profile? Probably the Summit of the Eight and many of the DNC events.
John, you’ve helped plan events for several luxury brands and large companies, can you list a few of those? Sure - Nordstrom, Exclusive Resorts, Cartier, Neiman Marcus and Janus Capital Corp.
Tell us about some of your upcoming events? To name a few, the Jeremy’ Bloom “Wish of a Lifetime” event on July 20th, the Carson J. Spencer Suicide Prevention event on August 25th, several high-profile weddings, and the Eating Disorders Foundation event in February 2014.
What are some traits of a good event planner? We wear many hats! Know how to multi-task, be organized, start planning way ahead – and stay calm.
Out of all the celebrities you have met, who impressed you the most? Several: Pope John Paul was a “God Moment.” Bill Clinton was very approachable. Mother Teresa whom I met at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies was “saintly.” Jay Leno was very gracious.
What are the hottest trends in events right now? “Farm-Fresh to Table,” a mixology of events, retro trends, craft cocktails, lots of Lucite, “off the wall” inner-active events.
How does Denver compare as an event city to other major hubs such as New York, L.A., and Chicago? Denver sees the new trends sooner now then in the past as there is such an influx of people from those major cities that have moved here. Denver now has more restaurants per capita than NYC, so Denver is very up to speed – at least in the culinary arena.
What do you believe is your greatest strength? I have nerves of steel, plenty of patience – and lots of Zen!
A treasured possession in your house? The Swarovski snowflakes I get each year from my better half; and my zebra rug that has appeared in several weddings.
Have you achieved all of your dreams? What still lies ahead? I’d love to plan some Oscar parties in Hollywood!
Do you follow a specific exercise program to stay so fit? Eating light and lots of “schlepping” at events.
Favorite event venues? Mountain tops, Natural locations, lakes and rivers.
How do you spend your Sundays? Brunch with friends and dinner with family.
What kind of music do you prefer to listen to? We have satellite stations, and we start the morning with “zenned” out spa music. It keeps the blood pressure down.
Can you share with us one of the toughest choices you’ve had to make? Deciding to change the name of my company two years ago, after ten years of being Eventeur, to John Tobey Event Design.
How would you describe your own personal style? Low-key, very behind the scenes, a strong desire to create an amazing, perfect event.
What are your favorite Denver restaurants? Old Major, L’Atelier in Boulder, Il Posto; and my guilty pleasure – boneless buffalo wings at Chili’s!
How do you want to be remembered? As kind, patient, cool, calm and collected. Maybe as the Robin Hood of the event world…
