In the dynamic world of events, no two days ever look the same. Each gathering has its own story to tell and its own set of challenges to overcome. That is precisely what drew us to this career in the first place: the chance to blend strategy, creativity, and human connection into experiences that truly matter. As event leaders, we have dedicated our careers to delivering large-scale, high-impact events that bring people together, spark inspiration, and strengthen businesses and…
Strategic Site Selection (SSS) is celebrating 20 years of partnership, precision, and purpose in the global events industry. Since 2005, the firm has simplified event site selection for clients in North America and worldwide. “Before I started SSS, I read that 95 per cent of businesses fail within the first five years—and 95 per cent of the survivors fail in the next five,” said Mark Dosman, founder and CEO. “Like most entrepreneurs, I ignored that and went for it anyway.…
Centre Mont-Royal is marking its 25th anniversary this year, celebrating a quarter century of hosting Montreal’s most prestigious conferences, meetings, and special events. Since opening its doors in 2000, the Centre has established itself as a cornerstone of Montreal’s business and cultural landscape, providing a unique mid-sized venue that fills a crucial niche in the city’s event hosting capabilities. Located in the heart of the Golden Square Mile district of downtown Montreal surrounded by hotels, museums and fine dining,…
Ottawa Tourism has announced a series of strategic leadership appointments within its business and major events team, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to excellence and continuity in serving global meetings and conference professionals. Stephanie Seguin has been promoted to vice president, sales, business & major events, with Patrick Quirouette stepping into the role of director, sales, business & major events and Lizzy Low appointed assistant director, sales, business & major events. This dynamic leadership team brings extensive experience and deep…
Vancouver is known as a top world destination for travelers and a leading host of unique event and meeting venues. With its strategic location on the West Coast, combined with its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, the city is an attractive location for both leisure and business travelers. But with only 12 new hotels built in the last 20 years, Vancouver is facing a hotel shortage crisis, impacting overnight rates and the city’s ability to attract major events and…
Kathy Haley is a dynamic and respected leader with more than 35 years of experience in customer experience and large-scale operations. Throughout her career, she has had opportunities to champion and collaborate on legacy projects – projects that have shaped the fabric of cities and regions in Canada and the US. When presented with the opportunity to join the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), she was excited to return to Toronto (her home town) to lead the centre. Haley…
Tourism drove $8.8 billion into Toronto’s economy last year, the highest level of visitor spending ever recorded in the city, according to the year-end report Toronto’s Visitor Economy: 2024 Market Performance Highlights published by Destination Toronto. The 9 million overnight visitors to Toronto are the most since the pandemic, though still 600,000 fewer than the number of visitors welcomed in 2019. “Toronto’s visitor economy is proving once again to be an engine for the city, drawing almost 9 billion dollars of new money into our economy from across Canada,…
The meetings and events industry is projected to flourish in 2025, according to a report by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT). The TMC’s annual Global Meetings and Events forecast, which surveyed more than 500 people working in the M&E sector around the world, found that budgets are on the rise for two-thirds of respondents. There’s also a high level of optimism heading into 2025, with 74 per cent of meetings professionals feeling optimistic about the industry’s health,…
KingSett Capital has partnered with premiere restaurant and event group and caterer Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) Hospitality to manage and operate the 20,000-square-foot 68th floor at the top of Scotia Plaza in Toronto’s Financial District. The new space, which is expected to open by June 2025, will include a 10,000-square-foot meeting and event space available to both tenants and outside parties and a 10,000-square-foot exclusive tenant amenity area with incredible views of the city. The northern portion of the…
As the global meetings and events sector continues to recover, a focus on balance, belonging and sustainability will create many opportunities in the industry. The pandemic had a significant impact on meetings and events, but people have largely returned and attendance is expected to rise in the years to come. This is great news for the sector but it also brings fresh challenges and opportunities that will alter the way events are booked, planned and executed. “The pandemic was…
