SPEAKERS
We are pleased to present the following speakers and panelists.
EVAN BABINS
Event and Experiences Producer
Evan Babins has 13 years’ experience in corporate event production. Throughout his career, he has had the chance to manage event logistics and technical event production for many world class clients like: Nissan Canada, Equitable Bank, Kia Canada, Novartis, TD Bank and Intuit Canada, to name a few.
Evan has worked in both the live, virtual and hybrid event spaces, honing his craft as a top tier event industry trendsetter. Evan has been included in BizBash's Top 250 Event Professionals, Eventex's Top 50 Most Influential Event Technology Professionals & Top 100 Most Influential Event Pro’s, Bizzabo's Top 55 Event Experience Leaders & Special Event Magazine's Top 20 Young Event Pro's to Watch lists.
KRISTIN BANTA
Founder and Creative Director - Kristin Banta Events Inc.
Kristin Banta is the creative force behind Kristin Banta Events, one of the country’s leading experiential event design and production firms. Named 2025 Best Event Design by California Wedding Day, 2025 Best Overall Private Event by ILEA, and one of BizBash’s Most Influential Event Professionals of 2025, Kristin continues to set the standard for high-concept, high-impact celebrations worldwide.
Kristin and her team have spent more than two decades producing immersive weddings, influential industry soirées, luxury brand activations, and destination events for a discerning global clientele. Known for bold creativity and meticulous execution, KBE transforms visions into provocative, multi-sensory experiences that tell unforgettable stories.
BRENT BAROOTES
President and CEO - Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialists®
Brent Barootes is President and CEO of the Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists®, a national sponsorship marketing consulting firm. In the past 35 years Brent has worked directly or indirectly with many events, conferences, festivals, municipalities, sport organizations, Canadian brands, corporations, small and medium sized businesses as well as charities and non profits, to develop, audit, enhance and build effective sponsorship marketing programs for them. Brent excels in development of sponsorship asset identification, valuation and ideation for event sponsorships that will yield the event, the attendees and the sponsoring partner maximum ROI.
Brent is also the author of Amazon.ca’s #1 Best seller in the Nonprofit Marketing and Communications category; Reality Check – Straight Talk about Sponsorship Marketing. Brent is a regular speaker at conferences and conventions as well as a TEDx presenter on “Busting the Work-Life Balance Myth”.
Brent lives with his wife of 25 years in Nanaimo BC while their daughter studies at McGill in Montreal.
MARGO BUCKLEY
Founder and Fundraising Coach - Good 4 U Consulting Inc.
Margo Buckley has been a fundraiser for over 13 years & founded Good 4 U Consulting Inc. in 2020. With experience in every corner of Fund Development, Margo specializes in fundraising systems & processes, partnering with non-profits to create effective fundraising & stewardship strategies. Margo’s fundraising approach is grounded in mindset before money and how understanding the power of gratitude and stewardship should inform every step of a fundraising model.
HAILEY DAWOOD
Owner and Chief Huntress - The Idea Hunter
Hailey Dawood is a powerhouse event professional, entrepreneur, and content creator recognized as one of the leading voices in Canada’s corporate event industry. As the Owner and Chief Huntress of The Idea Hunter, Hailey leads a dynamic team that partners with top brands like Toronto Blue Jays, Sun Life, Air Canada Vacations, Shoppers Drug Mart, and many more to create elevated, unforgettable event experiences.
Known for her creative vision and strategic execution, Hailey blends artistry with business acumen to transform events into impactful brand moments. Her leadership style is fearless, collaborative, and deeply rooted in growth—qualities that have earned her accolades such as Event Professional of the Year (2023) and Emerging Industry Leader (2019) from Canadian Special Events, as well as recognition among the Top 10 Women in Leadership shaping Canada’s event industry.
Beyond the boardroom, Hailey is a passionate content creator who shares insights on leadership, creativity, and mindset. Her content empowers other entrepreneurs and event professionals to think boldly, lead authentically, and build businesses that align with purpose and passion.
ARTHUR KEREKES
Founder, Fusion Events & Fusion Interactive | Creator, uRequest Live | Creator, BananaCam.ai | Host, “That’s Entertaining” Podcast
Arthur Kerekes is an innovator at the intersection of live entertainment, technology, and AI. As founder of Fusion Events and Fusion Interactive Agency, he creates immersive experiences that connect audiences through interactivity, storytelling, and design.
He is the creator of uRequest Live, an audience-curated concert experience, and the developer behind AI-powered entertainment platforms like Bananacam.ai and Selfie Photosphere. Through Fusion Interactive, Arthur also builds custom apps and digital experiences that explore how artificial intelligence can elevate engagement in live and virtual environments.
As host of That’s Entertaining, Arthur spotlights the creators and technologies reshaping the future of events and inspires others to think bolder about what’s possible.
TRISH KNOX
Owner - TK Events
Trish has been producing events for over 30 years and leads an award-winning team in Canada and the UK. The agency is focused on bringing unforgettable brand experiences to life, producing live and virtual events for global corporations. Known for industry leading conferences, creative brand activations and hybrid innovation delivered with heart and precision, Trish brings an international perspective on strategy and scale. With a tech forward mindset, recently she has led the launch of Virtual Creator Studio, a first of its kind, DIY, no code virtual venue solution, where you can design and host your own virtual events in a simple point and click solution.
Whether it’s curating an inspiring technical production, immersive creative experience, or elevating an agenda, Trish brings unique insights on what resonates with today's audiences.
ANCA PLATON TRIFAN
CEO - Tree-Fan Events Production
Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, WMEP is an award-winning speaker, AI strategist, and bodybuilding champion with over 20 years of experience in event production and event technology. As CEO of Tree-Fan Events Production, she brings precision, power, and practicality to every stage—helping teams lead smarter, implement tech with confidence, and show up stronger under pressure. She’s the host of Events: Demystified, founder of the #FIT4EVENTS framework, and a top voice driving honest, no-hype conversations around AI, AV, and industry leadership.
CHRISTINE RENAUD
Founder - Braindate
An internationally recognized Montreal entrepreneur, Christine Renaud is the founder of Braindate, a pioneering technology that transforms events into peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing experiences. Built without venture capital, Braindate was named one of Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies in 2025 and a finalist for two Webby Awards in 2023. It is now used by global leaders such as Salesforce, TED, SXSW, and NVIDIA.
Trained at Harvard University in education and guided by deep values of authenticity and community, Christine designs spaces where collective intelligence can be fully expressed. Her unique voice inspires those who wish to do business differently—with boldness, kindness, and purpose.
A sought-after speaker (SXSW, IBTM, C2 Montreal), she candidly addresses the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of courageous conversations and the urgency of reinventing success in an era where solitude must give way to human connection.
LISA SCHULTEIS
Founder, Consultant and Event Strategist - Electralime Marketing
Lisa Schulteis is a speaker and founder of two industry-leading virtual and hybrid event companies. She is regarded as a go-to source on growing and scaling businesses through events. In addition to speaking, Lisa works directly with companies and entrepreneurs, providing event strategy and consulting. Her experience with live and virtual events comes from her years of working with Fortune 500 companies, organizations and associations, helping them grow and scale using events. As a virtual event producer and manager, she has designed, built and produced hybrid and virtual events from virtual summits to large corporate events and full-scale conferences.
ADRIEN TOMBARI
Founder and CEO - adn conféncier.e.s
Adrien Tombari is the founder and CEO of adn conféncier.e.s, a Canadian talent and content agency providing speakers, hosts, trainers, workshop creators, team-building experts, and bilingual coaches for organizations around the world.
In just five years, Adrien and his team have led over 1,000 initiatives for more than 500 clients, guided by their mission to “change the world, one connection at a time.”
Committed to making the industry more inclusive, Adrien is actively involved in the DE&I chapter of MPI Toronto and is regularly featured in the media, podcasts, and industry events across Canada, including Ignite Magazine, MPI, Adrenaline, and Hypergrowth.
JOELLE TRIPP
Founder - Joy by Joelle
Joelle Tripp is a powerhouse event designer, creative visionary, and the founder of Joy by Joelle. She’s most known for her out-of-the-box ideas, bold builds, and fearless approach to experience design. Joelle has produced hundreds of weddings and events across Western Canada — each one uniquely crafted and intentionally told. She blends design, logistics, and storytelling and is the rare creative who can dream big and execute bigger. She believes trust, respect and collaboration gives way to, in her words, “one kick ass event!”
JODY PAULSON
CSEP, ILEA Canada Affiliate, Instructor & Cirriculum Reviewer - Mount Royal University
Jody Paulson, CSEP is a seasoned event professional with more than 30 years of experience bringing events of every scale to life—from intimate gatherings to productions for more than 2,000 guests. Her portfolio includes major milestones such as multiple University of Alberta faculty centennial celebrations, Athabasca University’s 50th anniversary, and award-winning convocation ceremonies in 2022 and 2023.
Now retired from active event planning, Jody continues to shape the industry through teaching, mentoring, and volunteer leadership. She is an instructor and curriculum reviewer for the Event Management Certificate Program at Mount Royal University Continuing Education. A long-time member and advocate for the International Live Events Association (ILEA), Jody has served in numerous leadership roles, including two terms as President of the ILEA Edmonton Chapter, Chair of the International CSEP Certification Committee, and currently as Immediate Past Chair of ILEA Canada.
Jody holds the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation, as well as certifications in course design, MBTI, and adult continuing education. In 2021, she developed and delivered ILEA’s global CSEP Prep Course pilot, which is set to relaunch in spring 2026.
Passionate about events, lifelong learning, and the power of storytelling, Jody is committed to lifting the industry through education, inspiration, and community.
MICHELLE LEAN
Communications Director - pipikwan pêhtâkwan
Michelle Lean (she/her) is of Plains Cree ancestry on her mother's side and Scottish settler ancestry on her father’s side. She was born and resides in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She is a member of Frog Lake First Nation located in Treaty 6 territory.
She brings over 15 years of communication experience working in industries like engineering, healthcare, post-secondary education, utilities and finance. Her expertise includes communications planning, issues management, and employee engagement. In her role at pipikwan, she leads a team of communications professionals supporting clients with projects like communications planning and implementation, website development, and social media strategies and content development. Her training for communications professionals about decolonizing communications and reconciliation has been recognized by IABC Edmonton and IABC Canada.
Michelle holds a Masters of Arts in Intercultural and International Communications from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Alberta and a Diploma in Public Relations from MacEwan University. She is passionate about using her skills to amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples and engage allies in contributing to reconciliation.
When she’s not working, Michelle can be found hanging out with her children, walking her dog Askiy, or spending time with her partner Jeremy.
SHANI GWIN
Founder & CEO - pipikwan pêhtâkwan
Shani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of pipikwan pêhtâkwan and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin. She is a sixth generation Métis and a member of the Cunningham Clan on her mother’s side and a descendant of the Michel Band and Ferguson Clan on her father’s side. Shani is a proud Métis woman with a passion for elevating Indigenous voices, projects and successes.
In her role as Founder and CEO, she upholds the vision for the company, ensures our projects are accountable to the community, and ensures agency initiatives align with our values. Today, she has built one of Turtle Island’s leading Indigenous-owned, -led and majority-staffed communications and engagement agencies. She helps guide clients and organizations with strategic guidance on decolonization, reconciliation, issues management and public relations. She is committed to uplifting underrepresented peoples including Indigenous women, youth and the LGBTQ2S+ community so that they hold equal spots in society.
In 2021, Shani was recognized as one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 and IABC Edmonton’s Communicator of the Year. In 2023, she was also awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, on behalf of our team, for our work on the Papal Visit. Shani has over 15 years of professional communications experience working for government, private and not-for-profit organizations. During her career, she has led communications on high-profile initiatives, issues and media events including: the Papal Visit in 2022, Protect Our Elders campaign during COVID-19, Secret Path Live for the Downie Wenjack Fund, and several infrastructure projects and initiatives for First Nations and non-Indigenous organizations and governments.
ETIENNE ST. JACQUES
Avante AV Co-founder & Technical Director
Etienne brings over 15 years of experience in corporate AV as a project manager and sound technician. He has managed some of Canada’s largest corporate events, including the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly, and the World Diabetes Congress. His expertise sets a high standard in AV management. Before transitioning to corporate AV, Etienne toured globally with renowned acts like Celine Dion, The Tragically Hip, and Cirque du Soleil, and he contributed to high-profile television productions such as the Juno Awards and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
DORI ADAMS
Founder & CEO - shutterb
Dori Adams is the founder and CEO of shutterb, a platform that connects event hosts with trained smartphone content creators who capture social-ready photos and video so guests and teams can stay present.
With 16 years of experience leading major brands in the advertising industry, Dori brings a deep understanding of storytelling, audience engagement, and event-driven content strategy. Since launching shutterb two years ago, she has scaled it across Toronto, capturing more than 1,200 events from conferences to corporate galas to festivals, and is now expanding into new markets across Canada.
Dori is on a mission to bring event planners and organizers a way to extend their experiences well beyond the physical space, ensuring every event has the affordable and accessible content needed to amplify impact, drive post-event engagement, and keep the story alive long after the lights come up.
CARLY SILBERSTEIN
Founder & CEO - Cielle & Co
Carly Silberstein, is a serial entrepreneur and the Big Idea Award winner at the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo in 2025. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Redstone Agency, where she built one of Canada’s leading event and association management agencies. Today, Carly leads new ventures through Cielle Group—a modern holding company focused on investing in and scaling businesses across the event ecosystem—and delivers consulting, event management, and strategic services through Cielle & Co, its operating arm. She is also the first outside investor and fractional CRO of shutterb, a Canadian event technology startup that connects event hosts with talented smartphone content creators. Carly is passionate about building companies at the intersection of events, experiences, and technology, and is recognized for pushing boundaries, driving growth, and shaping the future of the event industry.
JESSICA HAIRE
Inquisitive Disruptor. Efficiency Optimizer. Flow & Fun Instigator
Founder, Axis 360 Solutions Founder | Co-Founder, Connection Awaits
Meet Jessica, the business development maverick who proves the best transformations happen when you throw out the playbook and start asking, “what if?” She’s navigated travel and tourism to government corridors, leaving a trail of optimized processes and “aha!” moments in her wake.
At Explore Edmonton, Jessica reimagined what lead generation could be, creating a breakthrough pilot project that became the team’s new blueprint. In 2019, she launched Axis 360 Solutions, turning complex challenges into competitive gold mines by mastering the art of translating research into actionable transformation.
Jessica’s superpower? Asking incisive questions that get to the axis of any problem, turning bold visions into measurable outcomes through methodical discovery.
A CRM whiz armed with leadership development and performance measurement credentials, Jessica brings a rare combination of systems thinking, analytical rigor and relationship-building authenticity.
Her CliftonStrengths®: Futuristic, Focus, Achiever, Ideation, Activator, read like a recipe for transformational magic, perfectly capturing her ability to envision possibilities, execute with precision, and drive lasting competitive advantage.
Most recently, she co-founded Connection Awaits with Anna Look, a tech startup using its Regenerative Ecosystem Model to map destination’s insights into data-driven narratives that boost business event ROI. Shift mindsets → Activate the model. Proof Jessica doesn’t just adapt to the future; she invents it.
ANNA LOOK
Connect the Dots. Inspire Minds. Regenerate.
Founder, Look Ahead Consulting | Co-Founder, Connection Awaits
Meet Anna, whose dyslexic thinking superpower transforms scattered pieces into strategic masterpieces. Think of her as the "dot-connecting" GPS for your destination. Her panoramic perspective connects intel, people, and backgrounds, positioning business events as catalysts for long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Originally from the UK, Anna studied at the University of Brighton and worked with international tour operators before emigrating to Canada in 2005 spurred by a passion for sustainable tourism.
For eight years, she led Explore Edmonton's Business Events team, transforming their sales and attraction approach into a strategic, economic sector-focused operation. Her success stemmed from collaborating with economic development agencies, post-secondary institutions, and thriving tech ecosystems to create compelling destination narratives.
Her secret? Strategic alliances that stretch far beyond the visitor economy, creating intellectual capital networks aligned with government priorities and community needs. Anna holds certifications in Regenerative Destination Management and Events from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement—credentials she puts into practice daily.
In 2022, Anna launched Look Ahead Consulting to help trailblazing destinations attract regenerative business events across Canada and the UK. Then, co-founded Connection Awaits with Jessica Haire, a tech startup that maps destination ecosystems like a treasure hunter with algorithms, empowering teams to target prospects strategically and boost ROI.
SÉBASTIEN DAVID
CEO - Senik Group
Sébastien's passion for the event industry was sparked in the late 1980s when he stumbled into a part-time job as an event coordinator. While pursuing a degree in Political Science and eyeing a diplomatic career, he quickly realized that planning events was far more exciting than international politics.
In 1996, he launched his first event production company. A few years later, SÉNIK Events was born, growing steadily through key acquisitions: Champagne Events in 2020, and both e=mc² events and productions and Fuze Entertainment in 2024.
Today, Sébastien leads a team of over 50 event professionals who design and produce corporate events on a global scale. With offices across Canada, he brings together strategy, creativity, and flawless execution to deliver bold, high-impact experiences for a wide range of clients.
A recognized speaker at industry conferences such as The Special Event and Canadian Special Events, Sébastien is known for sharing valuable insights (and the occasional dad joke). His contributions to the industry have earned him several accolades, including Event Professional of the Year at the 2020 Canadian Event Industry Awards.
ANDREA “AJ” CARROLL
Director, Experience & Production, e=mc² events
Andrea “AJ” Carroll has spent the last 20 years bringing live entertainment and events to life. A trained musician and educated in theatre production and event management, AJ’s background set her up for a career as a Stage Manager, Event Producer and Production Manager. With a brain wired for logistics and show management, she thrives at the intersection of event planning, production, and stage management—making the complex look effortless. She is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and championing industry best practices.
AJ’s career spans multiple facets of the live events world. She has managed production, AV rentals, touring logistics, festival and corporate event stage management, venue operations, and labour management. She has supported Live Nation Canada’s stadium concerts in Edmonton and produced major events for not-for-profits and government organizations, including the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. From 2016 to 2024, AJ served as Director of Event Operations and Production Manager for the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), overseeing three venues from their inauguration—including Rogers Place, ICE District Plaza, and Fan Park @ ICE District—and producing the now-legendary outdoor watch parties, Canada Day and NYE celebrations.
In 2024, AJ joined e=mc² events, a globally recognized event management and production agency, as Director of Experience & Production. She now leads the Experience & Production team, ensuring events are seamlessly resourced while fostering growth through education and mentorship.
ARIANA WHITLOW
Entertainment Producer, Singer, Entertainer & Voiceover Artist, A-List Entertainment
Ariana Whitlow is a dynamic singer, entertainment manager, and show producer based in Edmonton, Alberta, known both for her commanding stage presence and her creative leadership behind the scenes. With A-List Entertainment, Ariana specializes in live event production, talent booking, and comprehensive entertainment management for corporate, private, and public events, most recently working with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation on their inaugural Royal Ball.
As a seasoned performer, Ariana has entertained audiences around the world. She began her performance career touring internationally with Saturday Night Fever: The Musical and with the renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Back in Canada, she’s collaborated with symphony orchestras and shared stages with legends David Foster, Chaka Khan, The Tenors, while regularly performing with ensembles like The Gary Cable Project and Alberta’s party bands UPTOWN and COMPACT DISCO. Currently, she travels the world as Canada's Diva with Blackburn International.
Behind the scenes, Ariana’s knack for talent curation and show production has made her a sought-after partner for events of all sizes—bringing together performers, technical crews, venues, and clients to create memorable entertainment experiences. Her dual expertise as a performer and producer gives her unique insight into both artistic needs and operational demands, making her a respected leader in the industry.
MAHOGANEY LEIGH JONES
Award Winning Event Professional | Turnkey Corporate Event Management & Production | Public Speaker
Mahoganey (CMP, DES, HMCC) is a visionary entrepreneur and event industry leader with more than 20 years of experience building, scaling, and innovating in the events space. She is the Founder and CEO of Event Specialists Inc., one of Canada’s leading event production and management agencies, trusted by corporations and associations to deliver high-impact in-person, hybrid, and digital experiences.
Known for her forward-thinking approach, Mahoganey made industry history as the first Canadian event professional to earn the Certified Digital Event Strategist designation, positioning her company at the forefront of event technology and experience design. Her ability to anticipate change, pivot through disruption, and lead with strategy has been central to her success as an entrepreneur.
Her contributions have been widely recognized, including being named Canadian Event Professional of the Year, one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry, and a 40 Under 40 award recipient.
Above all, Mahoganey is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and building businesses that blend creativity with operational excellence. She still wakes up every day energized by her work — and remains a proud poutine aficionado.
TIM LANG
President at Proshow Audiovisual | President, CAVPA
Tim Lang is President of Proshow Audiovisual, one of Western Canada’s leading audiovisual suppliers. With more than 30 years in live-event production, he leads Proshow’s operations and corporate functions—including finance, HR, IT, legal, and risk management—supporting 90 full-time and 200+ part-time staff delivering over 1,500 events annually across Canada, with a focus on clear scopes, accountable pricing, and risk-managed delivery.
Tim is also President and a founding member of the Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association (CAVPA). Since co-founding CAVPA in 2020, he has helped grow the association to 35 member companies nationwide and leads advocacy and government-relations efforts on behalf of Canadian-owned AV providers. He is a strong advocate for greater transparency in venue and supplier contracting—helping event planners better understand key terms, pricing structures, and risk allocation so they can compare apples-to-apples and avoid surprises, while protecting their freedom to choose the supplier(s) that best fit their event.
KERRIE BLIZARD
Director, Public Safety & Environment at Calgary Stampede
Kerrie Blizard is the Director of Public Safety and Environment at the Calgary Stampede, and the current Vice Chair of Event Safety Alliance Canada.
With more than 25 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and live events, Kerrie has built a dynamic career spanning event management, guest experience, food and beverage, public safety, and sustainability. She is a certified Level 5 Crowd Manager and has also received her Showstop certification, further strengthening her expertise in event safety and risk management.
Her breadth of knowledge has allowed her to play a key role in delivering some of Canada’s most high-profile events, including Royal visits, government summits, international conventions, and large-scale festivals.
Driven by a passion for the power of live events to bring people together, Kerrie is committed to creating memorable experiences that are safe, sustainable, and impactful for both guests and the broader community.
ALEX BICKERS
President and Creative Director, Reveal Events Group Ltd.
Alex Bickers is the President and Creative Director of Reveal Events Group and one of Canada’s most respected event producers, with more than 30 years of experience creating high-impact corporate events, conferences, and experiential activations across North America. A two-time Canadian Event Professional of the Year (2025, 2019), Alex is widely recognized for both creative excellence and leadership within the events community. Beyond the accolades, he is deeply passionate about the people behind the productions, bringing firsthand experience of the pressures, burnout, and mental health challenges that come with working in a high-intensity industry. At GO WEST, Alex is launching the “Wanna Chat?” movement—inviting attendees to wear a simple pin that signals they’re open to conversations about mental health, connection, and support—helping turn awareness into action and reminding our industry that none of us has to navigate this alone.
LISA GAREAU
Connection Strategy Coach | Founder, Candy Event Consulting (2008), The Connection Architect Program (2020), The Connector Next Door Podcast (2021) | AUArts 5 Event Planning Micro Credentials Creator & Facilitator (2024)
Lisa Gareau is a life-long event planner and has been a Connection Strategy Coach for over a decade. Passionate to carve a path and create a place for in-house and do-it-yourself event planners like herself, Lisa founded Candy Event Consulting in 2008. It’s now her job – and joy! – to empower event planners to embrace their brilliance, activate their experience, and cultivate meaningful connections through the events they plan for their businesses, organizations, or groups. Lisa believes any event can become a meaningful "connecting point" where clients, customers, core teams, or communities can gather and grow. Candy’s game-changing strategy packages, deep-dive coaching sessions, expansive learning opportunities, and relevant planning resources help anyone planning their own events to energize their efforts and experience better outcomes. Lisa travels the world to inspire event planners and pros with her “Connection First” message but loves to return home to Calgary, Alberta near the beautiful Canadian Rockies – a favourite family playground.
KIMBERLY BEAUNE
Creative Thinker, Facilitator, and Founder of KIMBO-Consulting
Kimberly is an award winning event producer, designer and serial collaborator. She is Event Storyteller & Owner of Creative Twist Inc. an award winning event planning and design firm which produces events and experiences throughout Alberta and across Canada. She was named one of the ‘TOP 250 Event Professionals in Canada’ by BizBash Magazine in both 2020 and 2021, and has spoken internationally on events and design. She is a past chair of the International Live Events Association Canada and is the current President of the ILEA Alberta Chapter. She is also an active member of the World Experience Organization.
SANDRA CASSIOS
Founder and Creative Director of Sandra Bettina Weddings & Events (SBWE)
Sandra is the founder and creative director of Sandra Bettina Weddings & Events (SBWE), a luxury wedding planning and design studio established in 2015. She is a Certified Wedding Coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC), a Certified Wedding & Event Designer (CWED), and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta School of Business.
Sandra is known for her strategic approach, refined eye for detail, and ability to execute complex events with collaboration, fun and professionalism. Her work blends thoughtful design with strong operational systems, creating seamless, elevated experiences for her clients.
In addition to her work with couples, Sandra is a coach and industry educator, mentoring wedding professionals and creative entrepreneurs on building sustainable, profitable businesses that support both professional success and a full life outside of work. Her insights and work have been featured in CTV, CBC, the St. Albert Gazette, and T8N Magazine, among other outlets.
Outside of work, Sandra’s time is spent with her husband Tim and their two daughters, Ariana and Maya where music, dance moves, and laughter are never far away.
CARL HONORÉ
Global Speaker I The SLOW Guy | Longevity Strategist I Bestselling Author | Broadcaster
Carl Honoré is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, and two-time TED speaker, known as the voice of the global Slow Movement, with online keynotes racking up over 10 million views.
His first book, In Praise of Slow, chronicles the worldwide trend of applying the brakes to everything from work and food to parenting. The Financial Times called it "to the Slow Movement what Das Kapital is to communism.”
His second book, Under Pressure, explores raising and educating children in a fast world and was hailed by Time as a "gospel of the Slow Parenting movement." It was shortlisted for the Writers’ Trust Award, Canada’s top prize for non-fiction.
Carl’s third book, The Slow Fix, examines how to tackle complex, systemic problems in life, business, and politics without resorting to superficial, short-term solutions. His fourth book, Bolder, shows how to tackle ageism and leverage the benefits of new longevity. He also recently published a children’s book about Slow Travel.
Published in 36 languages, Carl Honoré’s books have been international bestsellers. He has also fronted several BBC Radio 4 series, including The Slow Coach and a five-part series on Status, and created the TED Course How To Slow Down.
Currently from Edmonton, Alberta, Carl currently lives in London. While researching his first book on slowness, he was slapped with a speeding ticket.