By: Daniel Lange

About Me

Goeie Dag! (That’s Good Day in Afrikaans – I’m South African.)

I’m Daniel, an Events Intern at LOMA Agency and a University of Guelph student pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Sports and Event Management with a Minor in Marketing.

My passion for sports and marketing started early. I played competitive hockey for most of my life and always found marketing fascinating, especially after taking a few courses in high school. By March 2020, everything seemed to be going my way—my hockey team was one game away from winning our division, and I had just aced a marketing test. Life was good.

Then COVID-19 hit.

At first, like most students, I was excited about the unexpected two-week break from school. However, as the months dragged on, restrictions tightened, and what seemed like a short vacation turned into a never-ending lockdown. Fast forward to June 2021, I was graduating high school—but instead of walking across a stage, I was staring at a virtual ceremony from my couch.

To make up for the lack of a real graduation, my parents and a few of my friends’ parents organized a small backyard celebration for us. It was simple but meaningful, and it made me realize just how powerful events are—they bring people together, create unforgettable moments, and turn ordinary days into something special. That experience made me certain that I wanted to work in all three industries—sports, events, and marketing. Now, I just had to figure out how.

That’s what led me to the University of Guelph! It felt like the perfect fit—combining my love for sports, my interest in marketing, and my growing passion for events.

What I’ve Learned During My Internship So Far

Since starting as an intern in January, I’ve taken on a wide range of responsibilities across different projects, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the corporate events world. I have been involved in everything from organizing project decks to creating a run of show—a detailed, minute-by-minute breakdown of the event that outlines who is involved, both behind the scenes and on stage, and what is happening at every moment. Discovering this invaluable tool has been a game-changer, as it ensures every aspect of an event is planned and executed seamlessly.

Bringing an event to life isn’t just about logistics—it’s about tapping into creativity. I’ve loved working on the creative side of events, watching ideas transform from concepts into real, memorable experiences. Seeing those elements come together is always a rewarding moment.

Now, here’s something that might surprise you: planning an event can take months, sometimes over a year. But there are times when you’re given half that time or less, and you still have to make it work. No matter the deadline, the show must go on!

Anyone who knows me will tell you I live by my calendar, from scheduling lunch to keeping track of task due dates. Although in the events industry, even the best plans can go sideways. Unexpected challenges pop up all the time, and you have to figure them out… fast. Adaptability isn’t just a skill in this field; it’s a necessity.

Something else I’ve learned is that when working with clients located all over North America, virtual meetings become the norm. With so much being discussed, taking notes is crucial to keep track of everything and map out the next steps. Here’s where I struggled. For the past five years, almost everything I’ve done has been recorded, making it easy to refer back to when needed. Shifting to real-time note-taking and absorbing information on the spot has been an adjustment, but one that’s helped me stay on top of my game.

Event planning is a fast-paced, ever-changing industry, and no two days are ever the same, but that’s what makes it exciting!

Why I Know I Made the Right Choice Interning at LOMA

We’ve all heard it before, and it couldn’t be truer, events wouldn’t be possible without a strong team.

From the moment I walked into the LOMA office on my first day, I felt welcome and at home. Biggie, our Chief Cuddle Officer, greeted me enthusiastically, and Loren and the team made me feel like I’d been part of the crew for years. My desk was set up with a welcome card, a team lunch was arranged, and my week was thoughtfully planned with one-on-one coffee dates to help me integrate quickly.

What has truly made this experience special is the people. Loren and the LOMA team have been nothing short of incredible—always welcoming my ideas, making sure I understand my tasks, and fostering an environment where I feel like a valued member of the team. Let’s not forget the little things that make coming into the office even better, Biggie’s enthusiastic greetings, team lunches, and, of course, Loren’s ever-stocked snack station (which definitely deserves a shoutout!).

Looking back, I can confidently say that choosing to intern at LOMA was the right decision. The skills I’ve developed, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had will stay with me as I continue my journey in the events world. I’m excited for what’s next as I build on everything I’ve learned and dive deeper into this dynamic industry!