People & Profiles

  • Three researchers rewarded for their work on international scientific conferences

    The Palais des congrès de Montréal and Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), along with Québec’s Chief Scientist, Rémi Quirion, seized their annual exchange forum to announce the winners of the Palais des congrès de Montréal Ambassadors Club – Fonds de recherche du Québec Awards, which recognize the work of researchers actively involved in organizing international scientific conferences. The three $10,000 awards went to: Pierre Giovenazzo of Université Laval 46th Apimondia International Apicultural Congress 2019 8,000 delegates and $20.5 M in…

  • Walter Oster honoured with the Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award

    The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) congratulates Walter Oster, former Chairman of our Board of Directors, on being honoured with the Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in Ottawa, Ontario. This prestigious award recognizes industry pioneers who have made significant contributions to the growth of tourism in Canada, while demonstrating impeccable leadership, vision, values and business strategy. Oster, who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the MTCC from 1998 to 2017, remained dedicated to public…

  • Travel Alberta named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures

    Travel Alberta, the provincial marketing organization of Alberta, has been named as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2017 in the Broader Public Sector category. This prestigious national recognition, awarded by Waterstone Human Capitol, recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizational culture. “Culture is the foundation of our success at Travel Alberta, and recognition on this level reflects the exceptional efforts of our high-performance team,” said Royce Chwin, CEO, Travel Alberta. “Our team culture thrives despite a challenging economy and the ever-changing nature of the tourism…

  • How smart managers hire so they don’t have to fire

    By Sheila Wong Like the real estate market, the events industry takes its cue from the state of the economy. The events industry can be more of a lagging indicator because of the advanced planning required. In recent months, there’s been a hiring buzz in the meetings and events industry for event support staff. Hiring managers are starting to feel the squeeze when it comes to finding good people. This is due to the unemployment rate dropping to a nine-year…

  • Four ways to optimize your networking opportunities

    By Jennifer Beale In the meetings and events industry, one of the key predictors of your success is your ability to build relationships with influential people who connect powerfully and create high-trust relationships fast. And just like them, you can learn to effortlessly create profitable, winning relationships with anyone you want. While industry events are ideal places to find potential customers and partners, often the results are disappointing. You do everything the experts say: shake hands confidently, look people in…

  • Shaw Conference Centre announces new general manager

    The Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Wong in the role of General Manager, effective November 6, 2017. “We are excited to welcome Richard to the EEDC family as the new General Manager of the Shaw Conference Centre,” says Brad Ferguson, President & CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. “Richard brings an exceptional history of leadership experience, augmented by deep community involvement and passion for our city. I am confident the Shaw Conference Centre will…

  • Industry veteran Julie Coker Graham to co-chair Meetings Mean Business Coalition

    The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), as its next co-chair. Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and chief executive officer of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions. “We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors…

  • MPI appoints Christine Roberts as executive director of Foundation

    Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Christine Roberts to serve as Executive Director of the MPI Foundation. In this role, Roberts will be responsible for setting strategic and financial goals as well as directing fundraising and operational activities for the foundation. She officially begins the role on September 18, 2017, reporting to Darren Temple, COO of MPI and Executive Vice President of the MPI Foundation. Roberts has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and meeting and event industries. She…

  • Planner profile: Arlene Schilke, CMP

    Present: Timewise Event Management Inc. Expertise: Meeting and Convention Management Specialty:  Social Media, Leadership, Trends Tell us about yourself. #girlboss, #eventprof, #entrepreneur, #workingmom #snapchatter #foodie — Needless to say, I love social media almost as much as I love face-to-face meetings. I grew up in a small town in northern Manitoba so to live in an era of technology and live streaming where we are able to connect virtually to anyone anywhere, is fascinating to me. After studying English and…

  • PCMA announces proposed 2018 Board Officers and Directors

    The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Nominating Committee met on August 25, in Chicago, IL, to determine the final slate from the extraordinary nominee applications for the 2018 open board officer and director positions. After vigilant due diligence and deliberation, the committee offers the following slate of candidates for leadership positions on the 2018 PCMA Board of Directors. According to the PCMA Bylaws, this official announcement of the proposed slate is to be sent to the membership by Oct. 1.…

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