Aaron Kaufman, CSEP works hard – and with extreme passion! As the President of Fifth Element Group, it is safe to say that Aaron is a rising international resource in a very competitive industry. With his finger on the pulse of creativity in both event design and business, whether it’s new trends or developing strategic partnerships, Aaron always stays ahead of the game as a leader and trendsetter.
With multiple award wins and nominations nationally & internationally, including a Special Event Gala Award, Aaron has been recognized for his creativity, originality and ability to push the envelope each and every time. In 2015, Aaron was named to the prestigious “Top 25 Young Event Professionals” list from Special Event Magazine and sits on boards for Visit Scotland, SEARCH Foundation, Events Uncovered and SEPA.
Building 5th Element Events & Fifth Element Group from the ground up was no easy task, but Aaron’s driving nature and competitive edge always inspires his team to think differently.
As an active member of ISES and Past President of ISES Toronto, Aaron Kaufman, CSEP, believes in learning from the past and leading the future. Always reaching out for guidance from top professionals who lead the way, it’s important to Aaron not only pay homage, but to also leave a mark that will inspire future event professionals as well.
“hi, my name is…”
The world knows me as: Aaron Kaufman
I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Daddy, Boss, Kaufman, Koffey
I am wicked good at: EVENTS (Duh!), sleeping, eating, long division
Least favorite house chore: Whats a house chore?
My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Chips!!!!
Favorite App: Spotify
Favorite quote: In order to be the man, you gotta beat the man…..WOOOOOO!!!! – Rick Flair
“The Hustle”
Job Title: President
Professional Superpower: Strategy… my last name might as well be Hotchner.
My primary role in the events industry is: To help advance the industry by fostering collaboration & transparency all while doing insane events! #UnitedEventsIndustry
Years in the events industry: 15
To me, being an event hustler means: Never become complacent or rest on your laurels. There are opportunities to grow everywhere, you just need to be open to them. Businesses today are 24/7 and only the strong survive. People are smarter, more talented and have more resources but NOBODY can outwork me and I take pride in that!
The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are:
- How many people think the industry owes them something.
- How much the industry forgets about you when you aren’t on top of your game.
How did you get your start in the events industry?
I was a 17 year old kid hungry to learn and picked up a mic to emcee events which began my education in to lighting, staging, management and ultimately in to Fifth Element Group to fill what I perceived to be a gaping hole in the event industry.
My biggest event industry pet peeve is:
Too many people over promise and under deliver. Second to that….people who don’t know how to stay in their lane.
“No such thing as TMI”
One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: The day I met my wife, I knew I’d marry her and I overachieved BIG TIME! Without her, I’d be a shell of the person I am today.
You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Dr Dre – Chronic 2001 and Pearl Jam – Ten
10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: A Lawyer
Text or phone call? Depends on who you are.
Android or iPhone? Android
Toilet paper roll – Over or under? Over…under is just weird.
Connect with Aaron:
Phone: 416-241-4440