Some partnerships just make sense, and Jodie McKitchen and Riley Denneny’s, is one of them. Both passionate about bringing people together, they met through community events and instantly connected over their shared love of creating memorable experiences.
With strong backgrounds in event planning, community engagement, and relationship-building, they’ve teamed up to design events that highlight local talent, engage cultural partners, support Yukon businesses, and celebrate the art of gathering. Their approach? Show up with curiosity, listen respect and grow within the community they serve to create seamless events that bring people together—whether they’re longtime Yukoners or first-time visitors.
We’re excited to share their journey, collaborative spirit, and what’s next!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
Jodie: Riley has played a big role in organizing community events and galas across the Yukon. We met through her work, connected instantly, and built a friendship around our shared values, our love for the Yukon, and the creativity, fun (and chaos!) that comes with planning events.
What’s the story behind your business idea or project, and what impact do you hope it will have?
Jodie and Riley: Our business really comes from our love for people and shared experiences. Whether it’s locals or visitors exploring this amazing territory, we want to bring the community together by creating thoughtful, seamless events in the place we’re lucky to call home.
Working with local partners is a huge part of our values. The Yukon is rich in culture,and history. We want to highlight what the Yukon has to offer and give local businesses, service providers and artists more opportunities to shine for Yukoners and guests alike.
How did the Entrepreneurship Fundamentals program help you take your idea further or gain confidence?
Riley: It was such a great experience to take the program with Jodie as we figure out this new partnership together. No matter if you’re new to business or already established, it’s an awesome chance to refresh your skills and rethink how you approach things.
Jodie: I loved learning from professionals in different areas. It really helped me narrow down our services and think more clearly about our goals and how we want to communicate what we do. Doing it together also confirmed that we’re aligned and heading in the same direction.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced so far, and how are you tackling it?
Jodie and Riley: We’re both bringing different backgrounds and skill sets, so figuring out how to build a partnership—how we make decisions, handle finances, and plan our next steps—has been a learning curve.
But we know we’re a strong team with shared values and a shared vision. So we’re leaning into the programs and support that Yukonstruct offers to help us build a solid foundation for our business.
In line with this year’s theme, “Invest in Her,” how do you think supporting women-led businesses fuels economic growth?
Jodie and Riley: All businesses matter and have impact in a smaller community. But it is especially exciting and incredible, the recent growth of woman owned businesses and entrepreneurs emerging and thriving within the territory. The Invest-her theme captures just that, women taking a chance on themselves and their goals, alongside the hustle and pressures that we call life. But more than that I also see collaborations, partnerships, entrepreneurs mentoring each other, offering products and services that will only continue to shape and grow the diversity of our local economy. It’s inspiring.
What’s next for your idea or project?
Well, you will have to Stay Tuned for just that…but it will be an adventure!
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it in three words?
Jodie: Fun, Organised and Community Connection (yes….I cheated a little)
Riley: Wholesome, Collaborative and Fun
Outside of your business, what’s your go-to activity to recharge or have fun?
Jodie: It is being outside, especially in the Winter! Being outdoors and exploring the Yukon with my friends and family.
Riley: Outside of the hustle and bustle of event planning and community initiatives, if I am not outside on the trails with my pup, my batteries are recharged by working on creative home reno projects, and creating in the kitchen!
Which fictional character, movie, or celebrity best represents your entrepreneurial vibe?
When you work with us we would love to know which fictional character you think we are! Our friends say Luna Lovegood, from Harry Potter and Ted Lasso!
If you had to pitch your business in one sentence for a TikTok or Reel, what would the hook be?
Destination Event Planning – made Simple!
If you want to learn more about Jodie and Riley, feel free to send them an email at: info@yukon-events.ca