Toast of the Town Acquires Alaska Event Services
Toast of the Town President Crystal Biringer and COO Martha Keele have coordinated more than 1,000 local events in the past decade.
Photo Credit: Toast of the Town
Already a dominant player in the event planning sector, Toast of the Town is expanding into a one-stop event-management agency. The Anchorage-based company is acquiring the complementary capabilities of longtime event décor and rental provider Alaska Event Services (AES). The combined entity becomes Alaska’s largest event planning, décor, and rental entity.
Teaming Up for Growth
“We are combining strengths to give clients more creative possibilities and greater value. Anchorage clients no longer have to juggle multiple vendors. With planning, décor, and rentals under one umbrella, we deliver smoother logistics, fresh ideas, and cost savings,” says Toast of the Town COO Martha Keele.
Toast of the Town is a women-owned Anchorage event planning firm founded in 2015. Its clients include ConocoPhillips Alaska, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Visit Anchorage, Alaska Airlines, GCI, Alaska Business Publishing Company, The Odom Corporation, and many of Alaska’s leading nonprofits. With more than 1,000 events produced, the company serves corporate, government, nonprofit, and Native corporation clients across live, virtual, and hybrid platforms.
Alaska’s event industry was one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. By persevering with smart planning, innovative ideas, and efficient use of resources, Toast of the Town positioned itself for growth. The acquisition of AES builds on that foundation, expanding its reach and offering more efficient, creative, and accessible event solutions to Alaskans.
AES was established in 2004. The two companies produce more than 150 events annually and anticipate job growth in the year ahead.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Toast of the Town for years and I am excited to see AES continue to grow with a broader vision. This team understands the dynamic changes in the convention industry and is well positioned to lead it forward in Alaska,” says Joe McLallen, previous majority owner of AES.
Photo Credit: Toast of the Town
Both Toast of the Town and Alaska Event Services will continue operating under their existing names. This ensures continuity for clients while offering the advantages of combined scale, expanded services, and the state’s largest event rental inventory.