Looking for a great venue to host a wedding, special event, retreat or business meeting? Tyndale University’s 56-acre campus is an oasis in the city, with large areas of green space and ample parking. Explore the beauty of Tyndale’s chapel, tour the dining hall and meeting rooms, take photos surrounded by a lush landscape and plan alongside a creative, responsive and professional event team.
What kind of events have taken place at Tyndale?
We’ve hosted a wide variety of conferences, weddings, retreats, staff training events, Board meetings, concerts, multi-day events and summer camps. Our three-person planning team works collaboratively with food services, custodial services and reception in order to get things running smoothly.
What are the most popular spaces people are booking at Tyndale?
Definitely our chapel for weddings. Being surrounded by the stunning artwork and architecture in a sacred space will take your breath away! Other popular bookings include our two medium-sized spaces, Kimmerle Hall and Alumni Hall, as well as the Tyndale Commons, which offers a patio along with room rentals. All our meeting and event spaces are adaptable and can host events that need multiple breakout areas with state-of-the-art A/V services.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your services?
It was a challenge at the start because we had to close all event spaces. We gradually opened for weddings and then moved to small events. We continue to take above-average precautions to protect staff and guests and follow Toronto Public Health guidelines as we expand and branch out to host additional events. We thank God that we’ve had no incidents of COVID-19 outbreak on campus or at any of our events. The safety and health of all involved is so important to us.
I noticed that for weddings and other events, you offer a Livestream option. Is that something that was brought about because of the pandemic?
Absolutely! We recognized early on that weddings were going to be greatly affected because some were limited to 10 people at one point in time. Livestreaming allowed guests to participate in the service even if they couldn’t be there physically. Moving forward, it will continue to be offered as a part of our wedding package because it has been such a phenomenal success.
For example, at one wedding, the groom’s parents were in Hong Kong. The couple had been planning the wedding for two years and didn't want to put it off again. So, it was such a blessing to see a huge picture of the parents on the screen behind the couple and have many of their overseas guests participate virtually in the service. The couple absolutely loved it.
What’s the best part about working in the Campus and Conference Services Department?
I love how dynamic it is and that every event is different. I love being able to work with different people to make sure everything is right. A few years ago, we hosted an event for NAIITS (North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies). We researched various types of food and accommodated all the different elements of an indigenous event in a Christian setting. It was a fantastic event that stretched us but was such a blessing. I’m also grateful for a team that gives 100 percent of themselves at every event and is so personable with every client.
What would you say is an important characteristic for a great event planner?
The hallmark of a good conference planner is someone who can maintain a sense of calm, no matter what. Regardless of what’s happening inside yourself, you have to stay calm and organized, or you won’t be able to achieve what you need to do. The ultimate goal is to have the client exceedingly happy at the end of the event, and we’re pleased to have so many happy and returning clients!
What else should people know about Tyndale’s Campus and Conference Services?
We’re here, we’re ready to resume serving our valued clients and to start serving new ones. We walk alongside clients from the initial planning stages to implementation and go above and beyond to ensure that every event is a success.
Our prices are highly competitive, and we offer discounts on accommodation bookings for Tyndale students, alumni, faculty, staff and Board members. We have a small number of guest rooms and suites that are available for rent all year round, and in the summer, we have over 156 beds that we can offer in addition to our conference room rentals. Our food and beverage services are above par, and we can provide in-house catering to all types of events.
Interested in booking an event at Tyndale?
Visit Campus and Conference Services to explore event spaces, or to get in touch with a team member today.