Festivals and Events Ontario
Keynote Speakers
FEO takes pride in carefully selecting top industry professionals to lead dynamic presentations and in depth workshops. FEO’s Keynote Speakers are known for their ability to inform, educate and entertain Conference delegates with the aim to motivate and energize professionals as they enter the upcoming festivals and event season.
MEET HONORABLE DAVID PETERSON
The Honourable David R. Peterson, P.C., Q.C., O. Ont., C. St. J., L. d'H., D.U., L.L.D.
Hon. David Peterson is Chairman of the Toronto law firm of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. In 1975, he was elected as a Member of the Ontario Legislature, and became the leader of the Ontario Liberal party in 1982. He served as Premier of the Province between 1985 and 1990.
In September 2013, Mr. Peterson accepted the nomination to become Chair of the Toronto 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015).
He has been awarded the Order of Ontario and the Ordre de la Pléiade. The Government of France appointed him a Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour of France and he was summoned by Her Majesty to the Privy Council in 1992. Mr. Peterson has received honorary doctorates from a number of universities..
Web: www.toronto2015.org
The TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games! United We Play! Friday February 28 from 8:30am to 9:15am!
MEET MICHAEL KERR
Michael Kerr travels the world researching, writing and speaking about truly inspiring businesses. His company, Humour at Work, has helped hundreds of clients around the world create more positive and productive workplaces.
Hall of Fame motivational speaker, business speaker, trainer, and bestselling author Michael Kerr is listed as one of Canada’s most in-demand motivational speakers. He’s a very funny, Canadian motivational business speaker who presents relevant, practical ideas and great content.
Michael uses safe, clean, sometimes outrageous humor to deliver insightful, relevant, practical and provocative ideas on how to create more inspiring workplaces – the way work OUGHT to be!
His books include "Putting Humour to Work" and "Inspiring Workplaces Creating the Kind of Workplace Where EVERYONE Wants to Work!"
Web: www.mikekerr.com
Putting Humour to Work for Less Stress and More Success!
Friday February 28 from 9:15am to 10:30am!
MEET BERNIE COLTERMAN
Bernie Colterman is Managing Partner of the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing. His clients include federal, provincial and municipal governments, associations, non-profits and global companies. Bernie helps his clients take a more strategic approach towards their business operations. His areas of specialization include strategic marketing planning, sponsorship and partnership development, strategic communications and revenue generation strategies.
Bernie has over 20 years experience in the festival business. As senior manager at Lansdowne Park, he oversaw 350 consumer events a year and produced some of the capital's most memorable events including Canada Day concerts, Winterlude festivities and the first-ever World Women's Hockey Championship.
Bernie launched the Festival and Events Management Program at Algonquin College and is co-director and professor of the Professional Certificate in Public Sector and Non-Profit Marketing at Carleton University.
Web: www.cepsm.ca
Sponsorship & Marketing Strategies!
Thursday February 27 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm!
MEET ANDREW SCHIESTEL
Chief of WOW! Andrew Schiestel is a 5-time international award winning digital marketer, a columnist with the London Free Press, and is the President at tbk Creative, a London based web design company that builds web that source a brand’s greatness.
In 2013, Business London Magazine ranked Andrew as one of London’s “20 Under 40”, which is a list that recognizes "industry leaders who are under the age of 40 and also give back to their community.
tbk Creative is also the creators of AODA Online (www.aodaonline.com), a web accessibility monitoring software that helps companies build websites that are more accessible for people with disabilities and to comply with the Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Web: www.tbkCreative.com
Web . Social . Mobile - A Festival or Event's Best Friend!
Friday February 28 from 2:45pm to 4:00pm!
MEET JIM LAURENDEAU
Jim joined the Calgary Stampede in 1999 and has had the opportunity to learn many facets of the organization and the event industry through positions in Community Relations, Marketing, Programming, Sales, and Tourism.
He was the Director of Programming during the 2011 Royal Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, and during the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial celebrations in 2012.
Jim began his role as Director of Park and Facility Services in January of 2013, and in that role helped lead the operational response that allowed 1.1 million visitors to attend The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth just 14 days after the worst flood in Canadian history..
Friday Second Panel:
The Show Must Go On! Overcoming and Preparing For The Unexpected!
Friday February 28 from 4:00 to 5:15pm!
MEET REBECCA LeHEUP
Rebecca’s experience and expertise in the field of culinary tourism is unparalleled – her knowledge of the industry and passion around the interrelation between food, agriculture, tourism, arts and culture has made her one of the most recognized advocates within the industry. Prior to establishing the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, Rebecca spent nine years with Taste the County in Prince Edward County, developing the award-winning Taste Trail, annual TASTE! Community Grown tasting event, the Arts Trail, Countylicious and the buy-local program Harvestin’ the County.
Rebecca teaches courses on the benefits of culinary tourism to business operators across the province and has also developed courses for George Brown College’s industry leading Culinary Tourism Management program. Rebecca contributes her expertise to a variety of industry boards including the CTC Brand Experience Advisory Committee, the Terroir Hospitality Symposium, and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership.
How To Leverage Culinary Tourism and the Local Food Movement to Grow your Festival or Event!
Thursday February 27 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm!
MEET DAVE MILLER
After a 20 year career in Logistics and Operation Management in the manufacturing industry - Dave made a 360degree turn to pursue his passion in music and events.
Dave was always active in his community including volunteering with the Sound of Music Festival since 1996 in Burlington. This ultimately led him to a new and challenging career as Executive Director for the Sound of Music Festival in 2006.
Dave is proud and passionate in the accomplishments of the Festival; it’s a free festival, boasting 11 stages, and over 90 acts! And, visited by over 210,000 people! Not only are there the 5 days of the festival itself, there are also a number of year round events in its name. This is all possible with the help and commitment of a huge team - over 800 volunteers strong!
Web: www.soundofmusic.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 1:
Booking Entertainment - Fundamentals Plus Taking it to the Next Level!
Saturday March 1st from 9:30 to 10:30am
MEET LEA PARRELL
Lea Parrell is the President of Harmony Marketing, a company she founded in 2006. Prior to Harmony, Lea spent 16 years with Special Olympics Canada, including 6 years as their Vice President of Marketing & Development.
Lea is the Co-producer of Toronto’s annual Redpath Waterfront Festival; was the Executive Producer of the TALL SHIPS® 1812 Tour; and Harmony was the marketing agency of record for the City of Toronto’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Events. Other clients include Vancouver Fashion Week, 20VIC Management, 10th Anniversary of the Santé International Wine Festival and the inaugural year of Luminato-Festival of Arts & Creativity.
Harmony Marketing’s chosen charity client is Canadian Association for Community Living where they created the “No-Excuses” campaign and will be launching the “Ready, Willing & Able” initiative in March 2014.
Saturday Education Session 3:
Saturday March 1st from 1:30 to 2:30pm
MEET JESSICA DARGO CAPLAN
Jessica Dargo Caplan is Director of Education & Community Outreach for the Luminato Festival, where she develops comprehensive, multi-disciplinary projects encouraging meaningful engagement with the Festival programming.
In addition, Jessica leads the Festival's extensive volunteer program and related community outreach initiatives. Jessica holds her Master’s of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto, and her B.A. in Art History from McGill University.
Saturday Education Sessions 1:
Saturday March 1st from 9:30 to 10:30am
MEET NIDUK WIJAYASINGHA
Niduk has spent the past 13 years consulting and working with government bodies, universities, International NGOs, and mid-to-small charities across North America, Europe and East Africa.
Returning home to Canada, she began advising with the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore, on their charitable endeavours and initiatives, the most iconic being Canada's Largest Ribfest. A free annual flagship event held every Labour Day Weekend at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington Ontario the event employing the most simple concept, of good food, good music and good community and is first and foremost a family event.
She has worked for the directorate in this unit, and in the Public Education and Partnerships Unit, since 2007.
Web: www.canadaslargestribfest.com
Saturday Education Sessions 3:
Saturday March 1st from 1:30 to 2:30pm
MEET PAUL KENYON
Paul Kenyon began working in film, television and commercial production in 1992. Prior to opening Absolute, Paul was a Location Manager in feature films, television series and television commercials. Paul is a founding member of the Commercial Production Association of Toronto; a locations caucus member of the Directors Guild of Canada and past President of the Canadian Rental Association. Most recently Paul serves on the Executive Committees of each of Festivals & Events Ontario, the Canadian Rental Association and is the sole Canadian representative on the Board of Directors of the American Rental Association.
Paul is a graduate of McMaster University and had worked in finance before entering the film and events industries.
Known to many for his long standing involvement with several large scale events and philanthropic undertakings through Absolute and It’s My Potty, Paul provides support to dozens of bona fide charities annually.
Web: www.absolute.to
Saturday Education Sessions 1:
Utilize Sponsorship Recognition to Create "Champagne" Festivals on a "Beer Budget"
Saturday March 1st from 9:30 to 10:30am
MEET ANNE COLLINSON
Anne Collinson is a Senior Program Advisor in the Strategic Initiatives Unit of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.
She has worked for the directorate in this unit, and in the Public Education and Partnerships Unit, since 2007.
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Two Key Regulatory Areas Who Wish to Partner With You
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET JANICE PRICE
Janice Price brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the performing arts arena to her position of CEO for Luminato. Prior to her appointment as Luminato CEO she was President and CEO of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia from 2002-2006, and prior to that position she was Vice President of Marketing and Communications and then Interim Executive Director at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Previous to her professional engagements in the United States, Price held senior positions at a number of Toronto arts organizations, including the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts and Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall. From 1992 – 1996, Price was the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for the Stratford Festival.Janice Price currently serves on the board of directors for the Toronto Arts Council Foundation, and is Chair of the board of directors for the Festivals And Major Events (FAME) coalition. She is also a member of the National Steering Committee of Culture Days..
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
The Importance of Advocacy: Getting Government to Work With You
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
MEET DELORES MacADAM
Delores MacAdam is the Program Manager of Event Central (Special Events, City Wide Allocations and Volunteer Services) with the City Of Ottawa. For the past 30 years, Delores has worked for three levels of government in the regulatory field. She has worked with the Departments of Justice in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario specializing in the area of regulatory issues.
Over the past 9 years Delores has played a lead role in the development of the one-stop shop in the Nation’s Capital in regard to Festivals, Fair and Special Events Delores’ goal is to develop a reasonable and sound regulatory framework in which events can grow, where service excellence is the guiding principle on which any initiative is based.
Web: www.ottawa.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 1:
People Make the Magic - Connecting Networks!
Friday March 1 from 9:30 to 10:30am!
MEET BRENT BAROOTES
Brent Barootes is the founding partner of the Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialist, a Calgary-based national sponsorship consulting firm. Brent and his team of coast to coast team of consultants and serve clients from Ontario through BC. The assist organizations to develop design and build effective and efficient sponsorship programs that deliver results and additional revenue through development and valuation of the assets the festival or event has to sell as well as providing mentoring services to build the internal capacity to be successful.
The Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialists has served such organizations as the Airdrie Festival of Lights, Rotary Stampede BBQ Event, Farm Progress Show, Canadian Finals Rodeo, Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival and Canada's Largest Ribfest in Burlington, Ontario. .
Sponsorship and Marketing Strategies!
Thursday February 27 from 8:30am to 12:30pm!
MEET JEFF QUIPP
Jeff Quipp is an online marketing strategist and the founder and CEO of Search Engine People Inc. (SEP), the largest search and social media marketing firm in Canada. Jeff manages a team of over 80 full-time team members at SEP in search and social media marketing strategies and campaigns for many of the top businesses in Canada and the United States.
Jeff Quipp is widely recognized as one of the pre-eminent authorities on search and social media marketing. Jeff’s expertise includes Internet Marketing - search engine optimization (SEO), paid search (PPC), social media marketing (SMM), content development, ad/campaign tracking, and usability/conversion improvement.
Web: www.searchenginepeople.com
Web.Social.Mobile - A Festival or Event's Best Friend!
Friday February 28 from 2:45pm to 4:00pm!
MEET JOANN FLAMINIO
Joann E. Flaminio has been a member of the Boston Athletic Association, organizer of the Boston Marathon, since 1993 and she has served on its B.A.A. Board of Governors since 1996. In January 2011, she became the 23rd president of the Boston Athletic Association, and more importantly, the first woman to ever lead the 126-year-old athletic organization.
She has been at the helm of the organization in the aftermath of the Marathon bombings and has helped shape its response to the tragedy. Prior to her selection as president, she played an active the role on numerous committees responsible for steering the B.A.A..
Web: www.baa.org
Friday Second Panel:
The Show Must Go On! Overcoming and Preparing For The Unexpected!
Friday February 28 from 4:00 to 5:15pm!
MEET DANIELLE BRODHAGEN
Danielle joined the OCTA team in 2013 after spending the last five years developing Stratford’s premier Culinary Tourism Program. She is the founder and the force behind the celebrated Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival, named Ontario’s “Best Culinary Tourism Experience”.
Prior to her role at the Stratford Tourism Alliance, Danielle spent 15 years working in the hospitality industry, as well several years spent working and traveling through
Southeast Asia and Australia. In Australia, she was introduced to the Slow Food movement – a defining organization that has shaped her work in the culinary tourism industry. During her time in Stratford, Danielle served as the co-chair of Slow Food Perth County and currently sits on the Terroir Symposium committee.
How To Leverage Culinary Tourism and the Local Food Movement to Grow your Festival or Event!
Thursday February 27 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm!
MEET JOEL BASKIN
Since founding The Pilot Agency in his Ottawa basement in 2006, Joel Baskin has developed a reputation as an honest and relentlessly proactive advocate for his artists. His primary concern – both then, and since joining SL Feldman and Associates in January 2011 – is providing clients with personal attention and the tools to help them reach their goals by continuously adapting his services to meet their evolving needs.
A key driver in Baskin’s success has always been putting the emphasis on seizing the moment – actively searching out opportunities for his artists, or in their absence, creating those opportunities himself.!
Saturday Education Sessions 1:
Booking Entertainment - Fundamentals Plus Taking it to the Next Level!
Saturday March 1st from 9:30 to 10:30am
MEET CINDY MacDONALD
Cindy is a media broadcast executive with 25 years of experience working in newsrooms from coast to coast. With her experience in management, along with her days as Senior News Producer, Reporter and on the Assignment Desk, she knows what media is looking for when it comes to assigning coverage – from general assignment to sponsorship and in-kind partnerships. In her current role as Station Manager of Rogers TV Simcoe and Grey Counties, Georgina and Kincardine, she oversees eight markets across Ontario.
Cindy believes in the importance of media support within a community – and the importance of community support for their media. Cindy started her broadcast media career in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She has also worked in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Toronto, Ontario, Calgary Alberta, Victoria, British Columbia She currently works and lives in Barrie, Ontario.
Web: www.rogerstv.com
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Media Coverage: How to Get It (aka: Media Doesn't Just Show UP at Your Event)!
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET ELISA BESELT
Elisa has been a co-author of the annual Canadian Sponsorship Landscape Study for several years, contributing to the overall knowledge of the Canadian sponsorship industry.
In her role at TrojanOne, Elisa’s strong research, analytical and strategy development skills have allowed her to lead some of the Consulting Group's largest and most high profile projects. Specializing in sponsorship analysis, strategy development, and research, her clients have included the National Capital Commission (NCC), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Ringette Canada, and Esso.
Elisa’s passion for sport and business is apparent in her education. She has two undergraduate degrees from Queen’s University and a Master of Human Kinetics, Sport Management degree from the University of Ottawa.
Web: www.trojanone.com
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
MEET SCOTT GREENWOOD
Scott Greenwood is a dynamic, innovative and highly versatile creative individual, opened design agencies in London, New York, Toronto demonstrating the ability to manage global campaigns, live events, budgets, marketing strategies and people in a fast moving and challenging environments.
Delivering a unique approach in developing corporate brands - brand personality and brand integrity for companys such as Kraft Foods, Remington Group, Adidas, Ottawa Government, Japan Tobacco, JCB India, Comedy Festivals, Yuk-Yuks, Ikea China and Redbull to name a few.
Scott received gold and silver awards in experiential campaigns and product launches in the automotive and entertainment sectors.
Web:
Experiential Experiences: Canadian Comedy Awards
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm!
MEET MATTHEW PHILLIPS
Matthew Phillips joined Re:Sound in 2008 and is currently a Senior Licensing Representative. Matthew has held a number of positions in the Licensing Department, including Field Representative, a role that allowed him to travel the country meeting with business owners and industry representatives.
Matthew has a great understanding of the relationship between music and business and the value that recorded music adds to countless enterprises in Canada. When not meeting with Canadian business, association and industry representatives, Matthew composes music for film and video games, is an avid woodworker, and enjoys spending time away from the city. He holds a BA from the University of Guelph. annually.
Web: www.resound.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 3:
Saturday March 1st from 1:30 to 2:30pm
MEET KEVIN FINNERTY
Kevin Finnerty, currently Assistant Deputy Minister of the Culture Division with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sports. Kevin joins the Culture Division from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) where he was Assistant Deputy Minister for Communications and Information.
Web: www.mtc.gov.on.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 3:
Saturday March 1st from 1:30 to 2:30pm
MEET SONJA HARRINGTON WOODS
Sonja Harrington Woods is a Consultant at The Capital Hill Group (CHG) – Canada’s largest privately-owned government relations firm. Sonja works with businesses, associations and non-profits covering a broad range of sectors including cultural events, defence and security, and procurement. She understands how and why motivations can differ so much on particular issues. With over 9 years experience in government and stakeholder relations, Sonja is able to translate her clients’ objectives into strategies and messages that resonate with decision-makers shaping the public policy agenda.
Sonja has represented Canada’s major festivals and events federally since 2006, first on behalf of REMI, and now for Festivals and Major Events Canada (FAME), formerly known as the Canadian Festivals Coalition. She was part of the team that successfully advocated for the establishment of the ongoing $30 million Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, as well as the Marquee Tourism Events Program which provided $100 million in stimulus funding over two years for the festival and tourism community.
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
The Importance of Advocacy: Getting Government to Work With You
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
MEET BETH POTTER
Beth Potter is the President & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). TIAO is recognized as the umbrella organization, representing the Ontario tourism industry to governments at all levels. TIAO’s mandate is to position the tourism industry for growth thereby driving the economy and creating jobs in Ontario.
Beth has spent over 20 years working to further the aims of SMEs and entrepreneurs through her work in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining TIAO, she spent seven years as the Executive Director for Camping In Ontario, an association made up of more than 600 small businesses, which actively represents the campground industry in Ontario.
Beth currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board for the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services health & safety organization. She also sits on the Sector Advisory Committee for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
Web: www.tiaontario.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
The Importance of Advocacy: Getting Government to Work With You
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
MEET CHRYSTAL DEAN
She joined the Pride Toronto team in February 2013. Chrystal brings with her over eight years experience in event production, marketing and coordination within the arts and cultural sector. Perhaps her proudest achievement to date, is her two years as Vice President of TasPride, a not-for-profit organization focused on celebrating, promoting and uniting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community in Tasmania, Australia. During her tenure, she saw the organization through a transition from small community organization to presenter of major events on the national LGBTIQ calendar, including a two-week arts and cultural festival.
She also spent five years with the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts in Australia running signature recognition events and conferences for the sport and recreation, and screen (film, television and digital media) industries. Chrystal has a BA in Communication Studies, with majors in Public Relations and Media Production. She also has a massive crush on Toronto, and can’t wait to see it as the backdrop for the world’s biggest international LGBTTIQQ2SA* event in 2014!
Web: www.worldpridetoronto.com
Pride on a World Stage - WorldPride 2014 Toronto
Satruday, March 1 from 4:00 to 5:00pm!
MEET SAÄD RAFI
In January 2014, Saäd Rafi joined the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) as Chief Executive Officer. He brings a wealth of experience in delivering large-scale transformation, change management and project management to Ontario’s public and private sectors.
Rafi served most recently as deputy minister of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Rafi also served as Ontario’s deputy minister of energy and infrastructure, transportation and community safety.
During his 25-year career, he also built a successful advisory practice in infrastructure and project finance and was a partner with Deloitte and Touche, LLP.Rafi was a director of both Canada Health Infoway, Inc. and the Greater Toronto Transit Authority.
Web: www.toronto2015.org
The TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games! United We Play! Friday February 28 from 8:30am to 9:15am!
MEET ALLAN ISFAN
Allan is co-founder and CEO FaveQuest, a leader in the events tools market. FaveQuest has developed a comprehensive social media platform for major events which includes websites, Facebook apps and mobile apps. The platform is being used by major festivals such as Ottawa Bluesfest, Just for Laughs, Canada's Walk of Fame and many others.
Allan began his career developing electronics systems and eventually migrated to marketing and co-founding startups. He was Senior Marketing Director at Ciena before leaving the company to join Skypoint Capital as Entrepreneur In Residence and eventually launched FaveQuest, assembled a team and entered the event market to satisfy his passion for community and simply getting people out.
Web: www.myeventapps.com
Web.Social.Mobile - A Festival or Event's Best Friend!
Friday February 28 from 2:45pm to 4:00pm!
MEET MARTIN KENNEALLY
Martin Kenneally is the Senior Director of Security and Accreditation for the TO2015 Organizing Committee for the Pan Am Para Pan Games to be held in and around Toronto in July and August 2015, the largest multi-sport event in Canadian history with nearly sixty venues spread across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. 11,000 participants; 20,000 volunteers and staff; and thousands of security personnel will participate in this event.
Martin served for 32 years in the Canadian Forces and finished his career as a Colonel in Israel deployed with a small international military and civilian staff delivering a $500m US State Department project to bolster Palestinian and Israeli security in 2012.
Web: www.toronto2015.org
Friday Second Panel:
The Show Must Go On! Overcoming and Preparing For The Unexpected!
Friday February 28 from 4:00 to 5:15pm!
MEET TIM PROGOSH
Tim Progosh brought together the first advisory board to create a national awards focused on comedy. They set the mandate, "To recognize and celebrate Canadian achievements in comedy at home and abroad."
Tim is a 4 time 4 Gemini awards nominee for writing and producing. He is a professional comedian and professional actor know for The Adventures of Sinbad (1996), The Corruptor (1999) and Who is Cletis Tout? (2001).
Prior to The Canadian Comedy Foundation for Excellece, Tim was the co owner and director of a multi media production company Higher Ground and a Marketing and Public Relations Account Executive with Pirelli Tires, BMW, Moldon and the Esplanade.
Experiential Experiences: Canadian Comedy Awards
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm!
MEET CHARLOTTE DeWITT
Charlotte DeWitt is a member of the IFEA Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. As president of International Events, Ltd., she has served as a cultural ambassador and events architect and strategist in some 30 countries since 1979, designing and producing over 150 waterfront festivals and international events. Charlotte is Past Chairman of IFEA/World (IFEA) and founder/ past President/CEO of IFEA Europe. A Certified Festival and Events Executive, she lived in Sweden from 1994-2004. .
Web: internationaleventsltd.com
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Creating and Developing Spectacular Events to Promote a Destination!
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET DEIRDRA WATSON
Deirdra Watson is a conference producer, event manager and public relations consultant with over 20 years of combined experience in communications, sales and marketing, strategic planning and event management. Deirdra started Concept Solutions in 2005 and is the Managing Director/ Conference and Event Manager.
Deirdra and her team at Concept Solutions produce conferences, special events, brand launches, and public relations programs for hi-tech businesses, municipal government NGO's and not-for-profit organizations.
Deirdra was recently nominated for a 2013 Star Award in the category of Best Conference for the 6th Annual Oracle Maintenance Summit in Nashville, Tennessee (March 2012)
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Media Coverage: How to Get It (aka: Media Doesn't Just Show UP at Your Event)!
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET ROY ELWOOD
Roy Elwood has been working in the electrical industry for over 30 years as an electrician, estimator, contractor and in 1996 joined the electrical inspection department of Ontario Hydro which later became the Electrical Safety Authority.
Roy is currently a Senior Inspector working within ESA’s Continuous Safety Services group and sits on several Provincial committees including the Roadway Lighting Maintenance Committee and the Entertainment Electrical Safety Committee of Ontario (EESCO)..
Web: www.electricalsafety.on.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Two Key Regulatory Areas Who Wish to Partner With You
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET CHAD SHENNETT
Chad Shennett is the director of operations for Event Water Solutions where he oversees event management, product distribution and a staff of 12 event managers.
As the lead director, Chad has managed and operated over 100 festivals in North America & Australia including Canada Day on Parliament Hill (Ottawa), Lollapalooza (Chicago), Austin City Limits (Austin), Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas), and TED Conferences (Long Beach and La Quinta, CA).
Prior to joining the EWS team, Chad received his Bachelors and Masters from Plattsburgh State University.
Web: www.eventwatersolutions.com
Saturday Education Sessions 3:
Saturday March 1st from 1:30 to 2:30pm
MEET JODY LAROSE
Since 2010 ‘Jody Larose Sponsorship & Marketing Alliances Inc.’ has been serving Canada’s sponsorship industry across a variety of sectors including amateur sports, festivals & events, museums, community and causes, government agencies and conferences.
Jody has been in the sponsorship and marketing business for over 20 years and has sold over 100 million dollars of sponsorship opportunities working for high profile organizations such as CBC Television, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Frank Gehry redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario. She has also worked on the client side managing national customer marketing and sponsorship programs for Pepsi-Cola Canada and TD Bank Financial Group.
Always in high demand as a conference speaker, Jody is known for her insightful commentary and inspiring advice. She has been a featured speaker at national and regional conferences including the Canadian Sponsorship Forum (Vancouver), Sponsorship Toronto, The Aga Khan Foundation (Ottawa) and Ontario’s ParaSport Summit .
Web: www.jodylarose.com
Saturday Education Sessions 2:
Bundling Regional Event Assets to Increase Your Value Proposition
Saturday March 1st from 10:45 to 11:45am
MEET BRANT MATTHEWS
Brant "FireGuy" Matthews is a Toronto based fire performer and Director of Dispatch Talent.
His focus is to develop and deliver entertainmentfor any occasion. He's been traveling the world busking and performing for over 15 years and now he wants to get his peers some gigs.
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
MEET MICHAEL LANGFORD
Michael Langford is the Director of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism's Investment and Development Office and the Sport, Culture, Tourism Partnership Secretariat. Michael is executive lead for Ontario's Destination Development Strategy. Michael also sits on the Steering Committee for Toronto's Bid for the 2015 World's Fair and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Congress Centre in the Nation's capital.
Prior to joining the Ministry of Tourism in 2001, Michael held several director positions throughout the government of Ontario and lectured at several universities and colleges.
Michael began his career working in publicity for a performing arts company in Toronto after graduating with honours in Fine Art and History from York University..
Web: www.mtc.gov.on.ca
Saturday Education Sessions 4:
The Importance of Advocacy: Getting Government to Work With You
Saturday March 1st from 2:45 to 3:45pm
February 27 - March 1, 2014
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Richmond Hill - 600 HWY. 7 East, Richmond Hill ON, L4B 1B Tel: (905) 881-2121
2014 FEO CONFERENCE
THANK YOU!
Thank you everyone who contributed to the success of Excite & Energize: sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, delegates, speakers, showcase, silent auction donors and everyone in between.
See you next year!