News - The MRG Group

24 Aug 2023

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, hospitality, News Permalink

The MRG Group Announces the Opening of It’s Fourth Location for PAR-TEE PUTT In London, Ontario

Julia Rambeau Smith August 24, 2023

Leading entertainment and experience company The MRG Group presents another soon-to-be iconic downtown London, ON venue: PAR-TEE PUTT located at 545.5 Richmond St (Richmond St. & Kent St.). PAR-TEE PUTT London includes an 18-hole course, arcade games and dancefloor.

Founded in 2008, The MRG Group is responsible for ten hospitality properties, and six live performance venues, including PAR-TEE PUTT in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver along with Toronto favourites, The Porch, Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon and Queen Elizabeth Theatre. MRG has owned and operated this London location since 2006, formerly the London Tap House & Revolution.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring PAR-TEE PUTT to London. Some of my best memories are from my time in London for school, hockey and nights out on Richmond Street,” recalls The MRG Group President, Matt Gibbons. “PAR-TEE PUTT provides a great experience for fun nights out with a group of friends, date nights, team building and group celebrations. We are thrilled to be bringing this unique concept to an already lively nightlife scene in London.”

London’s PAR-TEE PUTT boasts 18-themed holes featuring the city’s landmarks such as Western University, Richmond Row and Budweiser Gardens, as well as holes paying homage to classic films and pop-culture references like Caddyshack and Happy Gilmore. This 2-floor venue offers more than just mini golf, PAR-TEE PUTT will feature local DJs and open up its dance floor along with an upstairs bar and arcade room & multiple TVs for catching live sports after a round.

Bookings are now open at parteeputt.com. The venue will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 3 p.m. until late and walk-ins subject to capacity. To celebrate the opening of PAR-TEE PUTT, The MRG Group will be offering future golfers the opportunity to win a VIP experience for four at PAR-TEE PUTT, in addition to a $1,000 travel voucher from MRG Travel, in a contest open to residents of Canada (excluding QC).

To learn more about The MRG Group and PAR-TEE PUTT

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, event, hospitality, Music, News, ticketing, Uncategorized Permalink

JACOB SMID PROMOTED TO COO OF THE MRG GROUP

Julia Rambeau Smith April 27, 2023

Toronto, ON (April 27, 2023) – The MRG Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Smid to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.

Jacob has been an integral part of The MRG team, embodying the company’s core values of leading with kindness, showing up, growing more while wasting less, and getting better every day. As COO, Jacob will oversee all of The MRG Group’s operating businesses across the organization, reporting directly to President, Matt Gibbons.

Founded 15 years ago by Matt Gibbons, The MRG Group has grown into Canada’s leading independent integrated experience network, recently expanding into new territories and new lines of business. Its mission is to create a seamless network that brings together the right people with the right experiences at the right time, guaranteeing every experience is a Positive Shareable Experience (PSE).

Matt speaks on Jacob’s promotion, “Jacob’s dedication to our values and culture has helped the organization move forward in exciting ways. His work ethic, positive energy along with the ability to reinforce team structure and alignment have made a significant impact at MRG. I am confident that in his new role, Jacob will continue to inspire and motivate our team with his contributions and mentor our leaders. His effort over the last 3 years has advanced MRG into a world-class logistics, marketing, and financial partner for creators and entrepreneurs.”

Since Jacob joined The MRG Group at the start of 2020, the group has witnessed MRG Live exponentially grow its footprint in Canada and touring, as well as enter new markets in the US and Europe, the launch of MRG Travel, the expansion and new leadership at MRG Events, along with supporting the development of AdmitONE Ticketing to reach over $30 million in ticket sales in its first full year, all while embracing MRG’s hospitality properties and improving their day-to-day operations.

“In the last 15 years, our President, Matt has established an impressive business that cultivates a culture of excellence, kindness, and where exceptional ideas come to life. I’ve had the pleasure of helping shape this remarkable enterprise over the last three years. As COO, I’m dedicated to supporting its continued growth, ensuring we deliver world-class experiences for our team, partners, and guests,” Jacob notes.

As Jacob steps into the COO role, Matt will focus on enhancing The MRG Groups’ experiences and expanding its network through organic growth, acquisitions and partnerships.

Jacob and Matt’s new roles within the organization support The MRG Group’s mission, which is to establish a seamless network that unites the right people with the right experiences at the right time, ensuring every experience is a positive, shareable one!

About The MRG Group

In operation since 2008, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading entertainment and hospitality companies in Canada. The company expanded operations into the US in early 2021.

As the largest independent venue operator and promoter in Canada, the company owns and operates a total of 13 properties across the country, which includes Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Theatre & Adelaide Hall in Toronto, and Capital Ballroom in Victoria, as well as a portfolio of hospitality establishments, large-scale event production, a music label, media publication BeatRoute Media, a wholesale and retail travel agency, as well as AdmitONE ticketing platform.

Our teams have been focusing on developing new opportunities for our artist and agency partners, starting with venues in California, Florida, and New York. We are committed to growing our footprint through artist touring, new venues, and underserved market opportunities, as well as consultancy work in the experience economy.

The MRG Group’s mission is to be a global leader in creating positive shareable experiences—what we call PSEs, the foundation of our values and belief system.

29 Nov 2022

Julia Rambeau Smith Business Permalink

The MRG Group Opens The Top Floor of 670 Smithe St. with slate. Event Space

Julia Rambeau Smith November 29, 2022

Leading hospitality company, The MRG Group has opened slate. Event Space on the top floor of 670 Smithe St. in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC. Thoughtfully designed and inspired by Vancouver’s love for al fresco experiences, the classic year-round event venue allows for the event producer or party host to truly make the space their own.

With a full service team (event support, service staff, and catering), slate. Event Space is available for private and semi-private rentals within the City View, Main Salon, Lounge, & Hideaway spaces. The venue boasts floor to ceiling windows, neutral decor and a layout for receptions, dining or lounge experiences for up to 240 guests and is accessible via elevator. Along with a versatile space, our seasonal menu of curated culinary creations are available for in-house catering options.

“The slate. team is extremely excited to be introducing a new venue to the Vancouver community,” Simon Benevides, Regional Sales Manager speaks on the opening. “This space is beautiful and lends itself so easily to our guests who wish to truly create a unique event of their own. We are looking forward to working with our clients to bring their vision to life and to see the space activated!”

For inquiries please contact info@slatevancouver.com

@slate_vancouver

slatevancouver.com

06 Oct 2022

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, News, ticketing Permalink

ADMITONE.COM REPORTS A STELLAR SEASON OF TICKETING

Julia Rambeau Smith October 6, 2022

Launched just over 600 days ago, full-service ticketing provider AdmitONE continues to celebrate major wins. With 400,000+ tickets sold and over 900 events, the Toronto-based ticketing platform reports over 20 million in revenue and is poised for more growth as consumers eagerly continue to support and attend live events of all sizes.

Created in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with client support and sales in Calgary, Alberta; AdmitONE was built by and for event professionals with a common goal of changing the ticketing system model, keeping both clients and consumers in mind. Owned by The MRG Group, a leading experience provider in North America, AdmitONE understands the client’s (event producer/promoter) and consumer’s (ticket purchaser) needs, and the issues faced when selling and buying tickets to events.

“At this moment our goal is to grow the team by 40% with special focus in Data Engineering and Software Development that allows us to release new features every two days with high quality and security standards,” Oswaldo Alvarez, CTO, notes on the team’s trajectory.

AdmitONE clients to date include; TO Jazz Festival, Mission Hill Family Estate, CedarCreek Estate Winery Summer Series, Drom, The MRG Group’s thirteen properties and extended network of venues.

“Everyday we are presented with new and exciting opportunities to use and improve our product. From self-serve ticketing free events to boutique services, and everything in between, our clients have provided amazing feedback for us to use in our constant journey towards achieving our goals,” Shawn Landry, General Manager, AdmitONE.

Along with providing full-service to internal and external clients, AdmitONE’s development team is committed to improving the DIY (self-serve) experience for amateur and professional clients, called “AdmitONE Original”. This product is for those who want a self-service option for free and paid tickets, easy smartphone check-in scanning, comprehensive analytics, and quick pay-outs.

About AdmitONE

Launched in 2020, AdmitONE is the ticketing platform for experience creators by experience creators. We are passionate about live events and developed a platform to best serve everyone involved; creators, promoters, venue managers and most importantly, the fans.

With headquarters in Toronto, ON, our team of experts provide customized boutique offerings through to the self-serve product, AdmitONE Original. Continually growing and improving each day, we care deeply about the ticketing experience from end to end, aligning with industry needs and guest experience.

25 Jul 2022

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, Music, News Permalink

Knallhart Management Group and MRG Live Team Up To Expand Entertainment Offerings Across The Group’s Portfolio Including a Live Event Refreshed Approach to Holly Blue & The Angeles

Julia Rambeau Smith July 25, 2022

There’s a new energy coming to Fort Lauderdale. Florida’s premiere hospitality collective, Knallhart Management Group is excited to announce a collaboration with MRG Live, a leading experience producer in North America, on a revamped, more diverse entertainment offering which integrates the properties for more memorable nights out.

Knallhart Management Group is thrilled to team up with MRG Live to give Fort Lauderdale an unparalleled, updated take on nights out. The collective goal is to extend the offerings of live entertainment and event programming at Knallhart Management Group’s venues.

MRG Live has produced and promoted live shows and events for over a decade and expanded into the US in 2021. Led by Managing Director, Jacob Smid, an entertainment executive with over 20 years of world-wide experience, global and local talent of all genres will be brought to Knallhart Management Group’s venues.

Jacob speaks to this enrichment of programming at the unquestionably unique venues, “The Angeles and Holly Blue bring an opportunity to Fort Lauderdale like nothing else. To join forces with the Knallhart Group to provide memorable nights out for people is the driving force behind both our companies. I also look forward to offering stages for artists to perform in a key market like Florida which is in the middle of an incredible evolution and partnering with Knallhart on other opportunities across the state.”

Come fall 2022, The Angeles will become Knallhart Management Group’s first live entertainment venue of the company’s portfolio.

In addition to the focus on the offering at Holly Blue and The Angeles, MRG Live will also work with Knallhart Management Group to expand and innovate the live experience across the whole portfolio including Rhythm + Vine and Roxanne’s.

About Knallhart Management Group

Knallhart Management Group is a Florida-based hospitality and lifestyle company with a diversified portfolio of unique nightlife & restaurant venues. The company’s namesake is taken from the German term meaning ‘badass’, which has set the high-level standard for the group’s repertoire of diverse brands.

Our mission is to be the most interesting & guest-centric hospitality group where consumers can expect a special experience & staff feels fulfilled providing it. By doing what we love and loving what we do, we have resulted in crafting remarkable experiences.

28 Apr 2021

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, Music, News Permalink

MRG LIVE TO MANAGE BOOKING THE HISTORIC FREMONT THEATER IN SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA

Julia Rambeau Smith April 28, 2021

Effective today, MRG Live will grow its presence in the US by taking over the booking and calendar management for The Historic Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California. Taylor Stevens, Head of West Coast at MRG Live, will be the point of contact for all show holds and bookings. The team is excited to bring new life to this 70 year old, 900 capacity venue and use its international relationships to bring a wide-range of cultural programming to SLO.

“The Central Coast of California has always had a robust live music scene and the team at MRG Live is positioned to build and nurture this all while supporting and engaging the community and fans,” Taylor Stevens comments. “Being the preeminent venue in San Luis Obispo County and a registered historical landmark, we are very excited to work with international and local artists to tell the story of the Theater and bring culture to the community. MRG Live and The Fremont Group will collaborate and expand in the market together as our passion for the music and experiences are aligned.”

Jacob Smid, Managing Director for The MRG Group, adds, “MRG believes that there is a huge opportunity for collaboration with local venues to support them in delivering Positive Shareable Experiences. Under Taylor Stevens’ leadership, it is great to partner with the Fremont Theater as our first booking arrangement, with many more to follow.”

Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, CA, The Historic Fremont Theater was built in 1941 and opened on Memorial day in 1942. Throughout its early years it served both as a moving picture theater and a live entertainment venue. Designed to mimic the concert halls and opera houses of Europe, it is full of rich art deco charm in which Heinsbergen Decorating Company of LA is responsible for the 100 feet of decorative murals of flowers, charging steeds, and women in gowns. The theater has hosted a variety of events from war bond shows in the early days to Yes’ reunion in 1996. Most recently hosting over 100 ticketed shows per year, MRG Live’s goal is to increase the bookings with diverse cultural content for the community.

For more information on The Historic Fremont Theater please visit fremontslo.com and follow @fremontslo.

17 Feb 2021

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, News Permalink

KEVIN SMITH EXPANDS HIS SUCCESSFUL MOOBY’S POP UP FRANCHISE TO VANCOUVER, PRESENTED BY MRG EVENTS

Julia Rambeau Smith February 17, 2021

On 8 March 2021, Kevin Smith will continue to expand his successful fast food pop-up empire by bringing Mooby’s to Vancouver, presented by MRG Events. Following sold out runs in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Chicago and Toronto, Mooby’s Vancouver will start taking pre-orders on 18 February 2021 here, and will be available for delivery through SkipTheDishes starting on 15 March 2021.

Located at 670 Smithe St, just steps away from theatre row on Granville, golden calf fans will immerse themselves in the View Askewniverse when Mooby’s Vancouver launches as a socially distanced, pick-up only experience replicating the restaurant fans have seen in Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II. SkipTheDishes will bring the entire Mooby’s experience to life at home, delivering Moo Mains and more right to the door of loyal fans in Vancouver.

Kevin Smith looks to Vancouver as a “second home”; he was a student at Vancouver Film School, where in 2020 he was named Creative Ambassador and honoured with the Kevin Smith Acting for Television and Film scholarship.

Kevin speaks on the new Mooby’s location, “It’s wonderfully trippy to bring Mooby’s to Vancouver – the city that acted as the gateway to my future in film, way back in 1992! Five days a week, I walked across the Cambie Street Bridge to my Vancouver Film School Classes in Yaletown. On the weekends, I bought my comics and saw movies on Granville. I learned my craft on the mean, clean streets of this British Columbian paradise, returning time and again to either pretend I’m a director on episodes of FLASH and SUPERGIRL, or to help save The Rio. And after eating tons of Canadian cuisine over all those years, I’m delighted to moooove Mooby’s authentic fake fast food across the border to the True North! Pickup at the Dublin Calling location (on Granville!) or Skip The Dishers delivery options will allow you to devour a CockSmoker on Dundas, pop some Hater Totz in Stanley Park, or eat a CowTipper with the Canucks on TV!”

Via Tock, loyal fans and burger lovers alike can pre-order their Moo Mains, Salt Lick Sides, Mooby’s Secret Stash Merch for pickup including exclusive items available only in Vancouver such as Hater Tot Poutine, Rib’um Method Sandwich and limited edition Mooby’s Vancouver posters. The Mooby’s menu will include fan favourites from the franchise, including the Cow Tipper and Hater Totz. Our vegan friends can also take part with the option of the Vegan (jackfruit) Rib’um Method Sandwich and Beyond Cow Tipper.

“Breakfast? Breakfast, shmreakfast. Look at the score, for Christ’s sake. It’s only the second period and I’m up 12 to 2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, “the Whale,” they only beat Vancouver once, maybe twice in a lifetime.” – Brodie, Mallrats

About Mooby’s Vancouver

Mooby’s will operate on a staggered pick-up only reservation system via Tock and exclusive delivery from SkipTheDishes. Fans can pre-order their meal pack and merch by choosing a date and time here (add direct link) and join us at Mooby’s Vancouver or order at home via the SkipTheDishes app or website.

Each ticket includes a Mooby’s Meal with your selections of a Moo Main + Salt Lick Side (vegan & non vegan options available), Mooby’s Soda, limited edition Mooby’s Vancity Lager.Those with pick-up tickets will be allowed in at their slated pick up time only. Merch and add on items will be available for onsite purchase with selected items available here.

https://www.moobyspopup.com

https://www.instagram.com/moobyspopup/

#moobysvancouver

02 Mar 2020

Julia Rambeau Smith Music, News Permalink

THE MRG GROUP HAS NAMED JACOB SMID AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MRG GROUP AND ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF MRG LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

Julia Rambeau Smith March 2, 2020

The MRG Group has named Jacob Smid, Managing Director of The MRG Group. In this role, Jacob will oversee MRG Live and lead the company’s expansion into global markets including the United States.

“Jacob and I connected more than a decade ago over a belief that when you turn activities into experiences they are more valuable than things. As an industry leader, Jacob has a proven track record of developing global markets from clubs to stadiums,” The MRG Group President Matthew Gibbons remarks. “We are excited to welcome Jacob to the MRG family and expand MRG Live into new markets and create positive shareable experiences around the globe.”

Jacob Smid is an entertainment executive with over 20 years of global experience in event production and promotion. The hiring of Jacob and the establishment of a US office is part of MRG’s commitment to continue to deliver positive shareable experiences as concert promoters, event producers and venue operators. The company will work to identify acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth opportunities across these verticals.

Jacob notes on the opportunity “One of the pleasures of my career is to work with like-minded entrepreneurs and passionate people in the experience industry who are interested in growing businesses. It is an exciting opportunity to join the team at MRG which is led by Matt Gibbons who has built an amazing business, team and culture at The MRG Group. In addition to our growth plans in the USA and beyond, I look forward to the expansion of MRG Live in Canada and working with Justin Kwan.”

At the age of 19, Jacob founded Emerge Entertainment. Emerge quickly became the leading Canadian independent promoter working with artists including Adele, The Killers, Daft Punk, and producing the first three Virgin Festivals in Toronto. In 2008, Live Nation acquired Emerge and Jacob was named Vice President of Talent & Marketing in Canada. In 2013, Jacob relocated to New York as Managing Director of SFX, leading US festival expansion of Tomorrowland, Mysteryland and Electric Zoo. Most recently Jacob led IMG Events Global Music & Festivals division. Jacob is also a founding partner in Fource, a leading independent promoter in the Czech Republic and Poland. The company, run by Anthony Jouet, will now have a strategic relationship with MRG Live.

Effective immediately Jacob will join The MRG Group, based out of New York and can be reached at jacob@themrggroup.com.

08 Jul 2019

Julia Rambeau Smith Music, News Permalink

THE MRG GROUP LAUNCHES ELEVATE MUSIC PROJECT

Julia Rambeau Smith July 8, 2019

The MRG Group is excited to announce the launch of ELEVATE Music Project, a new initiative to help developing local musicians forward their careers, at the same time creating more buzz around Vancouver’s music scene.

ELEVATE Music Project will kick off on November 22, 2019 at the Biltmore Cabaret with round one of the competition. ELEVATE will be hosted by a prominent Vancouver personality (TBA), and the competition will be held at three of Vancouver’s premier music venues the Biltmore Cabaret, The Imperial and Vogue Theatre. A four person panel of local music industry pros will act as judges, six bands will be selected from the preliminary round and play in the semi-final in early 2020, from there the top three acts to perform for a grand prize at the Vogue Theatre in February.

All three bands selected to play at the finals will win a custom prize package designed to not only contribute some much needed funding but also help further develop their careers through strategic partnerships and experienced industry professionals. Prizes total over $50,000 with the winning act of ELEVATE Music Project receiving a spot in the Westward Music Festival 2020 lineup, an article in BeatRoute Magazine with online media support, a cash prize of $2500, a $2500 gift certificate for Long & McQuade, press photos taken by a professional photographer, with more prizes to be announced!

Current partners include Budweiser, MRG Concerts, BeatRoute Media, The Biltmore Cabaret, do604, The Imperial, CJSF, Smirnoff, Red Bull and Vogue Theatre. ELEVATE is excited to announce that MusiCounts has signed on as our official charity partner. MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards, is keeping music alive across Canada by putting musical instruments into the hands of children that need them most.

Website: www.elevatemusicproject.com
Twitter: @elevatemusicvan
Instagram: @elevate_music_project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatemusicproject/

08 Jul 2019

Julia Rambeau Smith Uncategorized Permalink

THE MRG GROUP TO OWN AND OPERATE THE CAPITAL BALLROOM IN VICTORIA, BC

Julia Rambeau Smith July 8, 2019

Victoria, BC’s longest running independent concert promotion and production company, Atomique Productions Ltd., has joined national entertainment company, The MRG Group. This marks The MRG Group and MRG Concerts’ entry into Vancouver Island’s concert and event business, which will include the return of Rifflandia Festival in 2020.

“My colleagues and I have a lot of respect for Nick, Dimitri and their team. We are excited to use our national presence to bring more experiences to Vancouver Island and build on the history and commitment to concerts and events that Atomique has cultivated on Vancouver Island,” shares Matt Gibbons, President of The MRG Group.

Founded in 1999, Atomique Productions, who’s portfolio includes Rifflandia Festival, Phillips Backyard Weekender, Rock The Shores and more, just celebrated 20 years in business, producing over 150 concerts per year on Vancouver Island.

“We are excited to work with The MRG Group to continue to bring world class concerts and events to Victoria and Vancouver Island,” said Atomique’s co-founder, Nick Blasko.

Also announced today, The MRG Group, has purchased The Capital Ballroom in Victoria, BC. The 575 capacity concert hall will be their first owned venue on Vancouver Island, joining a suite of premiere live venues across the country which includes Vogue Theatre (Vancouver, BC), The Garrick (Winnipeg, MB) Adelaide Hall (Toronto, ON).

“We are proud of the work we’ve done over the past three years to create Victoria’s best live music venue, and we look forward to seeing The MRG Group continue this legacy as our city grows” said Dylan Willows, President and Director of The Capital Ballroom.

For upcoming events at Capital Ballroom click here.