WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU

Behind every great event is a great partnership.

At Backstage Communications & Events, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all events or service. We take the time to understand your goals, your audience and what success looks like for you, then build an experience around it.

We call it red-carpet treatment.

And that's where the Backstage experience begins.

For more than 30 years, we've had the privilege of working with leading organizations across a wide range of industries, from accounting and insurance to legal, pharmaceutical, food and professional associations. We've produced everything from high-level executive gatherings to nationwide conferences welcoming as many as 10,000 attendees, in venues across Canada and around the world.

That experience gives us something you can't get from a checklist: perspective. We know how to anticipate challenges, navigate the unexpected and bring together all the moving pieces that turn an event from good to exceptional.

Most importantly, we know that no two clients — or events — are the same. We listen, we collaborate and we tailor our approach to what you need.

That's the Backstage difference.

Work With Us

Our Founders

Leandra Ruttan

Leandra (Lea) has spent more than 40 years in the events and hospitality industry, building a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence in hotels across Toronto before founding Backstage Events. Today, she brings that same passion for creativity and exceptional service to producing memorable experiences for corporate clients.

Lea has built her career on finding creative solutions, embracing new challenges and never settling for second best. Her enthusiasm, sharp thinking and eye for detail have helped shape countless successful events and with a focus on creating something truly special for her clients. She is always up for a challenge — and when the work is done, she’s ready for some fun on the dance floor!

CEO + Meetings & Events Specialist

Brant has been passionate about corporate events from the very beginning of his career. He started out building his expertise at Stagevision before co-founding Backstage Events, where he has since helped produce thousands of meetings and events. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep knowledge of AV production and event logistics, Brant brings a practical, creative approach to every event he produces.

Whether he's travelling the world with clients or working closer to home, Brant loves the variety that comes with the industry. From large-scale corporate galas to intimate team-building meetings, he enjoys every opportunity to combine technical know-how, creative problem-solving and a little fun to make an event something special.

After all, if you're going to spend your career behind the scenes, you might as well enjoy the show!

President + Event Producer

BRANT COOK

Five people sitting at a long table with computers and headsets, in a room with patterned wallpaper, television screens, and an exit sign above the door.
Six people standing together indoors, smiling, with a framed picture on the wall behind them and yellow patterned carpet underfoot.
A professional video camera is filming a panel of five men sitting at a long table, all wearing headsets, in a conference room with high ceilings, bright lighting, and large wall lights.
Four women are sitting at a table with large decorative glass vases filled with fabric flowers behind them. They appear to be preparing or decorating for an event.
Two smiling women with blonde hair are posing for a photo at a social event. One woman is leaning over a table decorated with greenery and white flowers, while the other woman is sitting beside her. The background shows other people and a wooden wall
Two men standing together, smiling. One man wearing glasses and a large black hat, holding a box of cupcakes, and the other man wearing glasses with short blond hair, both dressed in business casual attire.
Silhouettes of two women, one wearing Mickey Mouse ears and the other wearing a fluffy hat, standing side by side against a white background.
Six people standing together in a room, smiling for a photo during a social event.
Four women smiling at a formal dinner event with decorated tables and chandeliers in a large banquet hall illuminated with blue lighting.
Four people standing together inside a modern restaurant or bar, smiling, with a bar counter and bottles behind them.