20 Event Directors Behind Canadian Leadership Events

Last updated: August 2026

Event directors and producers are the people who turn a leadership conference from a timetable into a shared experience. In Canada, that work happens across association teams, convention venues, event agencies, production companies and organisations that convene senior audiences. This list highlights 20 people whose current roles connect directly to the planning, production or strategic direction of Canadian leadership events.

As of August 2026, the strongest pattern is that conference leadership is rarely one job. It is a blend of programme design, stakeholder care, technical planning, venue knowledge, sponsorship, communications and calm decision-making when the room changes at short notice. The people below represent that wider picture. They are presented alphabetically by surname for easy navigation, not as a statement about who is more important.

I have kept the focus on people who are visibly connected to current event work in Canada. Some lead agencies. Some work inside venues or associations. Others bring production, sponsorship or hybrid-event expertise that sits just behind the stage. Together, they offer a practical starting point for anyone planning a leadership conference, executive retreat, association forum or large professional gathering.

Why Canadian leadership event directors matter

Leadership conferences are judged by more than the speaker on stage. Attendees notice whether the day flows, whether the conversations feel relevant, whether transitions are clean and whether the room makes it easy to participate. Those details are the work of event leaders who connect the brief to the experience.

The Canadian event professionals in this list show why the role is broader than logistics. A strong event director may shape the programme, coach speakers, manage sponsors, work with a venue, lead a production crew, design a hybrid experience or make choices that protect the energy of the room. The job is operational, but it is also deeply human.

For planners, the practical lesson is simple. Look for people who can hold the purpose of the event while also caring about the small things that determine whether people feel looked after. That combination is what turns a conference into something leaders remember and use.

1. Mahoganey Jones

Founder and CEO, Event Specialists

Mahoganey Jones is the Founder and CEO at Event Specialists, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her company produces executive leadership forums, corporate retreats and senior leadership gatherings across North America.

A distinctive part of Mahoganey Jones's work is that She founded Event Specialists in 2004 and produces the Engaging Associations Forum alongside leadership forums, retreats and summits. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

2. Carole Brault

Director of Events, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Carole Brault is the Director of Events at Canadian Renewable Energy Association, based in Ottawa, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she leads the planning and delivery of a national association conference and events programme.

A distinctive part of Carole Brault's work is that CanREA identifies her as a Certified Meeting Planner who previously worked as Manager of Events at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

3. Bill Stone

Owner, President and CEO, Economic Club of Canada and Big Picture Conferences

Bill Stone is the Owner, President and CEO at Economic Club of Canada and Big Picture Conferences, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and his work sits at the intersection of national dialogue, senior audiences and conference production.

A distinctive part of Bill Stone's work is that He co-founded Big Picture Conferences, which produces hospitality industry events and offers conference, event and association planning and execution. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

4. Stephanie Gadbois

Managing Director, Economic Club of Canada and Big Picture Conferences

Stephanie Gadbois is the Managing Director at Economic Club of Canada and Big Picture Conferences, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and that combination connects event strategy, programme design and the needs of senior Canadian audiences.

A distinctive part of Stephanie Gadbois's work is that The organisation says she sets strategic direction across the Economic Club of Canada, Big Picture Conferences and STAY Magazine, including content and speaker programming. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

5. Julia McDevitt

Owner and Principal Planner, Elm City Events

Julia McDevitt is the Owner and Principal Planner at Elm City Events, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her company plans and delivers conferences, meetings and events across all Canadian provinces.

A distinctive part of Julia McDevitt's work is that She founded Elm City Events in 2021 after more than a decade leading Conference Services at the University of New Brunswick and holds a Certified Meeting Professional designation. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

6. Carolina Correa

Director of Events, Elm City Events

Carolina Correa is the Director of Events at Elm City Events, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she brings production discipline and event-planning experience to conferences delivered across Canada.

A distinctive part of Carolina Correa's work is that Her background spans theatre, film production and operations management, including event and conference work in education, innovation and technology. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

7. Kristina Brown

Director of Events, Fredericton Convention Centre

Kristina Brown is the Director of Events at Fredericton Convention Centre, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her role is directly responsible for the practical delivery of conferences and major events at a Canadian convention venue.

A distinctive part of Kristina Brown's work is that She has been part of the events team since the centre opened in 2011 and combines a Certified Meeting Professional certification with a diploma in Events and Promotions Management. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

8. Alexandra Tanguay

Director of Events, Rogers Centre Ottawa

Alexandra Tanguay is the Director of Events at Rogers Centre Ottawa, based in Ottawa, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she brings venue-side experience to the planning and delivery of large Canadian meetings and conferences.

A distinctive part of Alexandra Tanguay's work is that Her earlier events work included the Grey Cup, the Ottawa Gatineau International Auto Show and events of many different scales. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

9. Lisa Marks

Executive Producer and Event Strategist, Brand Alive

Lisa Marks is the Executive Producer and Event Strategist at Brand Alive, based in Calgary, Alberta. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her background combines enterprise event strategy, production and leadership-conference delivery.

A distinctive part of Lisa Marks's work is that She was head of event strategy and production at Shaw Communications for almost a decade and led events including the Grey Cup, Shaw Charity Classic and leadership summits. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

10. Anita Carlyle

Managing Partner, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Anita Carlyle is the Managing Partner at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her role connects long-term event leadership with the destination and professional networks that shape Canadian conferences.

A distinctive part of Anita Carlyle's work is that She brings more than 28 years in hospitality and tourism and represents Moore Carlyle through Tourism Toronto, Niagara Falls Tourism, MPI, PCMA and FICP. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

11. Sheri Moore

Partner and Creative Director, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Sheri Moore is the Partner and Creative Director at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and that mix is especially relevant when a leadership conference needs a coherent experience rather than logistics alone.

A distinctive part of Sheri Moore's work is that She leads creative and programme operations on large, complex programmes and brings expertise in meeting design, event technology, production and creative design. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

12. Gail Reodica

Director of Client Service and Communications, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Gail Reodica is the Director of Client Service and Communications at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her work reflects the growing need for conference teams that can join content, digital experience and on-site delivery.

A distinctive part of Gail Reodica's work is that She is a professionally trained Digital Media Producer as well as an Event Director, combining planning, technology and creative problem-solving. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

13. Shaniece Nichols

Director of Events, Niagara and Key Accounts, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Shaniece Nichols is the Director of Events, Niagara and Key Accounts at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she works directly in the event-management lane that turns leadership-conference objectives into participant experience.

A distinctive part of Shaniece Nichols's work is that The company describes her focus as relationship building, technology adoption and continuous improvement in client event experiences. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

14. Natalie Hiltz

Event Manager, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Natalie Hiltz is the Event Manager at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her work shows how much conference quality depends on detailed movement, timing and guest experience.

A distinctive part of Natalie Hiltz's work is that She brings more than a decade of experience in corporate meeting planning and transport logistics, including high-end incentives, large-scale meetings and conventions. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

15. Mandy Faulkner

Event Manager, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Mandy Faulkner is the Event Manager at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she represents the experienced operational leadership behind large and demanding leadership gatherings.

A distinctive part of Mandy Faulkner's work is that She is a Certified Meeting Professional with more than 25 years of conference and event experience and specialises in complex programmes. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

16. Anne-Marie Enns

Event Specialist and Virtual Event Producer, Moore Carlyle Consulting

Anne-Marie Enns is the Event Specialist and Virtual Event Producer at Moore Carlyle Consulting, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and she brings the hybrid and digital-production skills that modern leadership conferences increasingly need.

A distinctive part of Anne-Marie Enns's work is that Her work includes virtual and online events, live productions, immersive technologies and content development. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

17. Chad Brincheski

Founder, ESP Inc.

Chad Brincheski is the Founder at ESP Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and his role covers event planning and production at the scale many national leadership conferences demand.

A distinctive part of Chad Brincheski's work is that He founded ESP in 2011 after a long hospitality and customer-service background, and the company says it has delivered everything from small cocktails to conferences for 10,000. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

18. Trish Knox

Owner, TK Events

Trish Knox is the Owner at TK Events, based in Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her work spans flagship conferences, experiential programmes and complex corporate event production.

A distinctive part of Trish Knox's work is that TK Events says she has produced events for more than 30 years and was named one of BizBash’s Top 250 Event Designers and Producers in Canada. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

19. Claire Duncan

President, TK Events

Claire Duncan is the President at TK Events, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her role connects strategy and creative production for leadership events delivered across borders.

A distinctive part of Claire Duncan's work is that She brings 25 years of award-winning global event experience across conferences, experiential brand activations, incentive programmes and technical production. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

20. Wunmi Idowu

CEO and Executive Producer, Letura Productions

Wunmi Idowu is the CEO and Executive Producer at Letura Productions, based in Calgary, Alberta. The role sits close to the practical work of turning a leadership event from an idea into a room that works, and her work shows how event production can be both operationally strong and deliberately community-minded.

A distinctive part of Wunmi Idowu's work is that She has managed events since 2007 and uses live productions and film to bring overlooked stories and diverse voices into public conversations. That detail is useful for conference planners because it points to the kind of experience behind the scenes: programme thinking, careful production, stakeholder trust and a clear sense of what participants need when they arrive.

What these event leaders show us about Canadian conferences

Across these profiles, the first pattern is the value of range. Several people move comfortably between strategy and delivery, which means they can ask what the event is for before they start listing suppliers. That order matters. A conference becomes clearer when the outcome drives the agenda, room layout, technology and run of show.

The second pattern is that strong event teams are assembled around complementary strengths. Programme design, sponsorship, technical production, hospitality, communications and on-site operations are different disciplines. The best results come when the team respects each discipline and gives the right person ownership.

The third pattern is that participant experience is built long before the doors open. The people here work on briefing, relationships, content, venue decisions and contingency planning before the audience sees anything. That is why event leadership deserves a seat at the strategy table, not only a place on the final logistics checklist.

How to use this list

Start with the outcome. Before contacting an event professional, write down what should be different for the people in the room on Monday morning. A clearer brief helps an event director make better choices about format, speakers, timing and participation.

Then match the kind of help to the kind of risk. A venue-side leader may be the right fit when the room and guest experience are the main challenge. A production agency may suit a complex stage, hybrid broadcast or multi-site programme. An association event specialist may bring the right balance of members, sponsors, speakers and board expectations.

Finally, ask how the person works before asking for a proposal. Strong event leaders should be able to explain how they learn the brief, how they handle changes and how they help the wider team make decisions. That conversation often tells you more than a portfolio alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an event director do for a leadership conference?

An event director turns the purpose of the conference into a workable programme and participant experience. That can include speaker preparation, venue and supplier coordination, budget control, technical production, registration, sponsorship, risk planning and on-site leadership. The exact mix depends on the event and the organisation.

When should an organisation bring in an event producer?

Bring in an event producer when the programme has enough moving parts that one internal organiser cannot safely hold the whole picture. Early involvement is useful when the event needs a clear format, complex production, outside suppliers, a senior audience, multiple stakeholders or a plan for what happens when something changes.

What is the difference between an event planner and an event producer?

An event planner often focuses on the organisation and delivery of the event. An event producer may also shape the experience, programme, stage, content flow and technical expression of the idea. In practice, the titles overlap, so ask what the person will own, what the team will own and how decisions will be made.

How can a leadership conference feel more useful?

Start with a clear job for the day, then design interaction around it. Give speakers a strong brief, protect time for discussion and make the next step visible before people leave. A good event director can help connect the room, the agenda and the follow-through so the conference is more than a polished day away from work.

What should planners ask an event director before engaging them?

Ask how they learn the brief, what they need from the client, what they will personally own, how they manage suppliers and how they respond to last-minute changes. Also ask for a simple explanation of how they will know the event worked. Clear answers usually signal clear working relationships.

Conclusion

Canadian leadership conferences are held together by people who can see the whole room and still notice the detail in front of them. The event directors, producers, planners and venue leaders in this list show how many different skills sit behind a strong gathering.

The useful question is not simply whether someone has produced an event before. It is whether they understand the audience, the purpose and the decisions that will make the day valuable. That is where event leadership becomes a strategic capability rather than a last-minute service.

If you are planning a leadership conference, start by writing the outcome you want participants to carry back to work. Then choose the event partner who can help you build the room around that outcome.

Related Reading

[35 Best Speaker Bureaus for Leadership Speakers](https://www.consultclarity.org/post/speaker-bureaus-leadership-speakers) - [50 Keys to Choosing a High-Stakes Keynote Speaker](https://www.consultclarity.org/post/choosing-high-stakes-keynote-speaker) - [25 Keynote Speakers for Association Conferences in Brisbane](https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-association-conferences-brisbane)

A practical next step

If you are shaping a leadership conference, keynote, workshop or facilitated session, Jonno White can help you turn the event brief into a practical experience people can use on Monday morning. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss the format and the outcome you want.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.