When I founded my event business in 1988, there were only five event planning companies in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fast forward to today, and I recently heard there are more than 700. It seems everyone is an event planner these days — caterers, florists, DJs, audiovisual companies, and countless others. At least, that’s what they claim. But are they really? When I started Bright Ideas Event Agency, I was completely on my own. I had no formal training, no…
Six event professionals have been inducted into Canadian Meetings and Events Expo’s (CMEExpo) hall of fame. Creative Group’s Diane Alexander is the 2020 industry volunteer. The category recognizes an individual planner or supplier who gives freely of their time or expertise in the promotion of industry associations, groups, professional industry chapters or charity work. Montreal event planner Daniela Caputo has been named an industry mentor. This honour celebrates a planner or supplier who, through their expertise, professional influence or academic…
A new global network for black professionals working in the events industry is set to make its official debut at its first-ever virtual event. On Aug. 19, from 12:00-1:45 p.m. EST, Black in Events will host ‘Accelerating Change in the Business of Events.’ The group’s mission is to bring awareness and opportunities to a growing and underrepresented group in the billion-dollar sector. “Black people are consistently marginalized in events industry roles and it’s not because we’re not here; rather, we’re…
The Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM) has opened applications for its expanded mentorship program. The broadened program will not only foster mentor-mentee relationships but enable peer-to-peer ones, too. CAEM says it hopes the change will create a greater sense of community during these unprecedented times. Launched in 2019, the mentorship program matches leaders in Canada’s event and exposition community with emerging business professionals to inspire and enable them to become the leaders of tomorrow. To apply, mentors must have…
