MEET THE TEAM
Sean Van Kesteren | Founder & CEO
Our fearless leader Sean is the man with the plan and is certainly someone that inspires his crew. If he isn’t ‘snapping necks and cashing cheques (or throwing out sweet one-liners from movies) you can find him utilizing his huge network of industry professionals to find great collaborations for Launchpoint Sport and Event Strategies. While he is a motivated civic leader with one heck of a golf swing, he continues to make Calgary a more dynamic city, one event at a time.
Jeff Daniels | President, Sport Tourism & Major Events
Jeff is very experienced in the sport tourism and major event space and after sixteen years working with agencies and destination marketing organizations on over 600 events and community projects, he has brought his talents to Launchpoint Sport and Event Strategies. Bringing events to life that build sport and community is high on his priority list, and probably only surpassed by his love of family and spending time with them in the mountains. While his golf game could use some work, his passion and dedication towards delivering championship results for his clients is unrivalled. He is also an unapologetic lifelong Flames fan who is incredibly proud to be a born and raised Calgarian.
Mitch Lagadin | Assistant Executive Director
Mitch Lagadin, or as we like to call him, captain, is Launchpoint’s day to day leader and overall great guy. Mitch may be another sports fanatic, but he is better known by us as the manager of all things Launchpoint. He holds a special place in his heart for youth based charities in Alberta, including Birdies for Kids. While his side hustle is modeling, we know deep down his place is right here, managing projects and his fellow teammate’s big personalities. Pretty face aside, you won’t ever meet a more dedicated and qualified human than our boy Mitch…... even if he roots for the Oilers.
Geoff Edwards | Operations Director
Launchpoint’s handyman. This outdoorsy fellow is not only good with tools of any sort, but also specializes in design rendering for top-of-the-line hospitality suites. While he considers himself a jack of all trades but a master of none, we consider him our go-to guy for any operational needs or outrageous jokes!
Erin Strate | Director, Partnerships & Business Development
Better known as office mom, Erin is Launchpoint’s lead driver of new business. This hip lady knows the ins and outs of all things communication, which is how she scores so many clients. Not only does she love finding ways for Launchpoint to exceed partners’ expectations, she’s also in her element public speaking thanks to her previous broadcasting gig. While her 2 lovely children fill her heart daily, she’s also a huge supporter of mental health awareness and women’s health. We may all see her as another beautiful, classy face of Launchpoint, but once you get to know her, you’ll see her sense of humour is just as spirited as the rest of us.
Anthony Pickering | Manager, Sales & Partnerships
Originally from Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Anthony took the work ethic and determination that he learned as a collegiate hockey player in Wisconsin into his role on the Launchpoint team. Anthony thrives at developing new business and keeping current clients happy, all while playing a key role in event management and support. He is passionate about creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for clients and guests to enjoy as well as for causes including the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.
Chris Dornan | Media Director
Chris Dornan has come a long way from his days of play-by-play commentary of the games and exploits of his siblings and friends on a quiet cul-de-sac in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to becoming one of Canada’s most prolific sports PR consultants. The common thread? Storytelling. And creativity.
Emily Lund | Senior Marketing & Events Coordinator
After completing her MBA in Tampa, FL, Emily has been exposed to many facets of the sport and entertainment industry which provide a key foundation for her role at Launchpoint. Always willing to lend a hand in any element of an event, Emily thrives in the creative space of bringing unique event brands to life. She is passionate about connecting the community to sport opportunities, bringing awareness to causes such as Ovarian Cancer Research, and cheering on the New Jersey Devils.
Graham Childs | Senior Event Coordinator
Fuelled by espresso, Graham is a true team player with a love for the finer things in life (coffee, wine, craft beer). As a Senior Event Coordinator, he thrives at balancing multiple tasks at once, all while ensuring client satisfaction. And despite being a Leafs fan, he somehow always seems to have a smile on his face.
We are not currently hiring. Please check back for future opportunities!