OUR STORY
SINCE 2002
Experience & Inspiration
For all these years, Happening has been imagining and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Born from a passion for design, events, and people, our journey is made up of encounters, bold ideas brought to life, and a constant desire to push creative boundaries. Today, we bring together artisans, technicians, strategists, and dreamers to create unique moments, always with heart, know-how, and flair.
OUR TEAM
Creativity & Know-How
At Happening, every team member is an artisan of the moment.
Our strength lies in a unique blend of creative vision, on-site expertise, and contagious
passion.
From the first sketch to final installation, we bring your ideas to life with rigour, heart,
and flair.
Pascal desharnais
President | Co-Founder
As Happening’s co-founder, he has spent 24 years gathering a constantly expanding universe of creators, artists, and technicians around him, all driven by the same fire. His many passions and love of art and culture in all their forms make him a visionary leader — and a deeply human, authentic collaborator who champions talent, innovation, and creativity in events.
LAure gazalé
General Manager & Human Resources
Laure is the team’s anchor. She ensures everyone’s well-being with a unique combination of expertise, empathy and leadership. With over 35 years of experience, she brings an expert perspective that is perfectly aligned with the demands of the events industry, while cultivating a harmonious and inspiring working atmosphere.
Félicien Salomon
Partner / Director of Operations
A beam of positivity, Félicien embodies solutions and action. Having risen through the ranks at Happening — from the warehouse to project management — he now leads the operations with a deft touch. Warm and energizing, his rigour matches his contagious good mood, lighting up every challenge he meets.
Sara bilodeau
Partner / Director of Sales
Sara is a real bundle of energy and an outstanding salesperson/manager. With Sara, nothing is impossible, and problems are solutions. Thoughtful and passionate, she brings positive energy that propels us forward.
Ludivine couderc
Senior Account Manager
Events are in Ludivine’s blood. A born organizer, she watches over every detail with an exemplary work ethic. Passionate about human relationships, she turns clients into genuine collaborators and allies. Cheerful, with a contagious laugh, she’s the battery that powers Happening’s good vibes.
Marijo Gamelin
Manager / Client Services & Freelancers
Marijo is efficient, direct, and relentlessly results-oriented. Always ready to roll up her sleeves and solve problems, she never leaves a to-do list unchecked. With deep empathy and a sharp sense of humour, she turns tension into solutions with flair.
Marie Douville
Decor & Props Designer
Marie has led art direction at Happening for 18 years. An artist at heart and a gifted multi-disciplinary designer, she has a rich background across design forms. Her near-magical creativity lets her master every dimension of events, creating unique worlds that inspire and transport. An inspiring colleague, she pushes everyone to go further.
Justine petit
Account Manager
Justine has a discreet presence that hides a true quiet strength. Behind her reserved nature, she quickly becomes the linchpin of a project. Her rigour is her superpower. Nothing escapes her: she structures, anticipates and secures each stage with remarkable mastery. Passionate about her work, she is fully committed, constantly evolving and delivering projects that reflect her dedication and professional finesse.
Joëlle Pinard
Manager – Creative Operations
Happening’s fairy for 12 years. She can transform any material — from wood and fabric to paint — turning ideas into reality. Gentle and reserved at first glance, she can also be a strong team lead when needed. Generous with her knowledge, rigorous and caring — Joëlle is an ideal colleague we can’t do without.
Alexandre magne
Carpentry Shop Lead / Co-producer
David boyer
Technical Director – technical lead on events
Easily imagined as the Wizard of Oz working behind the curtain to create illusions. His knowledge is as vast and varied as his rigour and commitment to Happening. A living encyclopaedia, he’s a passionate colleague with a unique vision — inspiring to work with.
Julien boyer
Technical Director – AV sales support & Coordination
Julien not only masters everything electrical — he’s a powerful generator of good energy himself. A rigorous, creative technician and a witty, endearing colleague, he’s always ready to lend a hand, uplift, and support. His only flaw, or almost: there’s only one of him.
Émilie pellier
Project Manager – Strategy & coordination, key accounts
Émilie blends efficiency, sensitivity, and exceptional attention to detail. With a clear vision, she drives toward a single goal: making every event she manages a success. At the helm, she orchestrates the unexpected and every challenge with finesse — a must-have talent in events.
Leigh efraim
Senior Account Manager
Leigh Efraim has over fifteen years of experience in event management, catering, and operations. Leigh excels in planning, logistics and customer relations. With a background in team management at Windsor Ballrooms, Mauer Bar Services and Java U Catering, she stands out for her thoroughness, attention to detail and ability to deliver under pressure. Bilingual in English and French, Leigh combines leadership, efficiency and exemplary service.
Mélanie moireau
Visual Designer
An artist at heart, Mélanie excels at turning the most abstract ideas into concrete visions through 3D modelling. Passionate about architecture and scenography, she elevates spaces by creating unique worlds. Authentic, creative, and passionate — she inspires imagination and innovation.
Sandra desrochers
Admin & Accounting Technician
You can always count on Sandra — and not just for payroll. Her radiant joy, contagious authenticity, and sense of humour make her as inspiring as she is endearing. Far from the “brown-suit accountant” stereotype — she’s the opposite: colourful, sparkling, and funny. She’s Happening’s sunshine.
Jonathan Santerre
Head of Marketing, Communications and AI Innovation
Creative, creator, thinker, supportive, kind, empathetic, communicative, and efficient — Jonathan is our communications guru and a pillar of the creative team. He can always count on his friend GPT to spark ideas that are outside the box.
Samir aoudia
Warehouse Manager
Samir is a Frenchman who has been living in Montreal for three years now. He works as our warehouse manager, a position that allows him to combine rigour, organisation and team spirit on a daily basis. With several years of experience in logistics management and operations coordination, he particularly enjoys optimising processes and ensuring that activities run smoothly in the field.