20 Conference Producers for Canadian Associations

Last updated: August 2026

If you are planning an association conference in Canada, a conference producer can help turn a brief into a working programme, a managed supplier plan and a calmer event day. This list highlights 20 people connected to professional conference organising, association management and event production across Canada. As of August 2026, the people are presented alphabetically by surname so the list is easy to use.

The scope is deliberately practical. It includes people who lead or support conference and association work through professional organisers, association management firms and event planning practices. Some work across national and international programmes. Others specialise in scientific societies, trade associations, educational events, registration, sponsorship or the operational work that keeps an event moving.

The list is not a ranking and it is not a claim that these are the only capable producers in Canada. It is a current set of names worth knowing when you are comparing approaches, building a production team or looking for help with a complicated conference brief.

Why conference producers matter

Association conferences are unusually demanding because the event has to serve more than an audience. It also has to serve members, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, a board and the organisation’s longer-term purpose. The producer is often the person who turns those competing needs into a sequence of decisions that people can actually deliver.

That work can include venue and hotel negotiations, registration, speaker care, programme design, sponsorship, exhibition planning, communications, budgets, technology and on-site coordination. The most useful producers do not treat those tasks as separate boxes. They notice where one decision creates pressure somewhere else, then help the association make the trade-off early enough to protect the experience.

The right fit depends on your event. A scientific society may need abstract management and a careful relationship with researchers. A trade association may need sponsor value, exhibitor flow and a strong commercial plan. A volunteer-led organisation may need a producer who can create structure without taking the purpose away from the people who own it.

The names below give you a place to begin that conversation.

1. Richard Carlisle

President, Global Planning Solutions

Richard Carlisle is the President at Global Planning Solutions, working from Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to strategic leadership for conference and association delivery, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official profile says he represents Global Planning Solutions at the IAPCO General Assembly and contributes to IAPCO training initiatives. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

2. Anne Keller

Director of Operations, Global Planning Solutions

Anne Keller is the Director of Operations at Global Planning Solutions, working from Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to operational leadership for complex conference portfolios, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official profile records more than 20 years directing international conferences and large events, including programmes with more than 1,000 exhibitors and attendance above 120,000 visitors. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

3. Chantel Beaupre

Chief Executive Officer, Say Something Communications

Chantel Beaupre is the Chief Executive Officer at Say Something Communications, working from Ottawa, Ontario. The role sits close to national and international conference planning from Canada, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page identifies her as a founding member of Destination Direct Canada, supporting Canada as a destination for international conferences. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

4. Melissa Cole

Chief Finance and Administration Officer, Say Something Communications

Melissa Cole is the Chief Finance and Administration Officer at Say Something Communications, working from Ottawa, Ontario. The role sits close to the commercial and operational side of association conferences, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page records project management, Six Sigma and mediator credentials alongside responsibility for contracts, logistics and process improvement. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

5. Liz Buttigieg

Managing Director, Absolute Events

Liz Buttigieg is the Managing Director at Absolute Events, working from Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to programme and event leadership for associations, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

Absolute reports more than 250 conferences and events delivered, plus more than 22 years supporting the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

6. Laura Chajkowski

Principal, Legend Conference Planning

Laura Chajkowski is the Principal at Legend Conference Planning, working from Canada. The role sits close to association, congress and event planning across Canada, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

Legend says it has organised more than 500 events since 1998 and that Laura plays a role in every conference while supporting a team of more than 15 staff. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

7. Jonathan Strauss

President, Strauss event & association management

Jonathan Strauss is the President at Strauss event & association management, working from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The role sits close to association management connected to conference and event delivery, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official biography says he founded Strauss in 1995 and currently manages seven national and four regional associations, along with major events and conferences. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

8. Geoff Powell

Senior Association Manager, Strauss event & association management

Geoff Powell is the Senior Association Manager at Strauss event & association management, working from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The role sits close to the relationship and governance layer behind association events, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official biography records more than 20 years of association work and long-standing relationships with local and national clients. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

9. Greg McPherson

President, McPherson Management

Greg McPherson is the President at McPherson Management, working from Calgary, Alberta. The role sits close to association management and conference planning in Canada, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page says he has planned and managed conferences, trade shows and special events and helped develop McPherson into a Canadian association management and conference planning firm. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

10. Stephen Thomas

Association Coordinator, McPherson Management

Stephen Thomas is the Association Coordinator at McPherson Management, working from Calgary, Alberta. The role sits close to hands-on association coordination and event support, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page records that he co-founded an 18,000 square foot independent grocery store and brings entrepreneurial communication experience to association clients. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

11. Marischal De Armond

Founder and CEO, Podium Conference and Association Specialists

Marischal De Armond is the Founder and CEO at Podium Conference and Association Specialists, working from Victoria, British Columbia. The role sits close to scientific and research association conferences, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

Podium says it was created to help scientific societies move from survival mode to strong, sustainable organisations and to make clients the conference hero. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

12. Cendrine De Vis

Senior Conference and Association Manager, Podium Conference and Association Specialists

Cendrine De Vis is the Senior Conference and Association Manager at Podium Conference and Association Specialists, working from Victoria, British Columbia. The role sits close to detailed conference planning for scientific associations, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

Her official profile describes a detail-led approach to putting conference pieces together and creating a custom experience for each client. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

13. Jenn Abbott

Chief Executive Officer, International Conference Services

Jenn Abbott is the Chief Executive Officer at International Conference Services, working from Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to leadership in a professional congress organiser with global reach, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

ICS records her progression from business development director to vice-president, ownership partner and chief executive officer. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

14. Mathias Posch

President, International Conference Services

Mathias Posch is the President at International Conference Services, working from Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to strategic leadership for association and congress operations, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The current ICS team page lists him as president, while the company has a dedicated association management and conference management practice. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

15. Christine Mulkins

Founder, BoostEvents

Christine Mulkins is the Founder at BoostEvents, working from Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to conference and trade show planning for associations and industry groups, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official profile records more than 30 years of expertise in communications, writing, speaker liaison and event execution. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

16. Jenny Mulkins

Founder, BoostEvents

Jenny Mulkins is the Founder at BoostEvents, working from Toronto, Ontario. The role sits close to exhibitor, sponsor and event leadership for professional communities, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official profile records more than 20 years in marketing, media relations and event leadership, including exhibitor and trade show organisation. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

17. Bernice Chu

Principal and Founder, Simply Eventful Management

Bernice Chu is the Principal and Founder at Simply Eventful Management, working from Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to association conference management with flexible scale, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

Simply Eventful says its principals manage conferences from 100 to 12,000 attendees and have supported national and international associations for more than 25 years. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

18. Annette McCunn

Principal, Simply Eventful Management

Annette McCunn is the Principal at Simply Eventful Management, working from Vancouver, British Columbia. The role sits close to conference management across formats and locations, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page lists her as a principal in a Vancouver firm that works with associations across Canada and North America and supports in-person, virtual and hybrid programmes. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

19. Amanda Curtis

Principal, BB&C Management Services

Amanda Curtis is the Principal at BB&C Management Services, working from Mississauga, Ontario. The role sits close to association management, trade shows and educational events, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official biography identifies her as BB&C’s founding principal, a former president of the AMC Institute and a producer of trade shows and educational programmes. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

20. Laurie Andrews

Chief Operating Officer, BB&C Management Services

Laurie Andrews is the Chief Operating Officer at BB&C Management Services, working from Mississauga, Ontario. The role sits close to operational, financial and registration work for association conferences, which is why this profile belongs in a practical directory for Canadian association teams. The focus here is not a league table. It is a useful starting point for finding the kind of producer whose work matches the shape of your event.

The official team page says she joined BB&C in 1991, became a partner in 2005 and supports international conference registration, financial planning and on-site event work. That detail matters because association conferences are built through connected decisions about people, programme, partners, money and delivery. A producer who can hold those connections clearly can give a volunteer board or small internal team more room to focus on members and purpose.

What these producers show us about association conferences

The first pattern is that conference production is a team sport. The visible event may have one public face, but the work is spread across strategy, logistics, registration, programme design, sponsorship, finance, technology and relationships. The people in this list sit in different parts of that system, which is a reminder to choose for the work you need done rather than for a job title alone.

The second pattern is the value of continuity. Association conferences are rarely one-off projects in the deeper sense. They sit inside a membership cycle, a board calendar, a sponsor relationship and a professional community. Producers who understand those connections can help an event become part of the association’s year rather than a stressful interruption to it.

The third pattern is calm translation. A committee may speak in purpose, a venue in constraints, a sponsor in value and a delegate in experience. Good production work translates between those perspectives without flattening them. That translation is often where risk is spotted, decisions get clearer and the conference becomes easier for everyone to own.

How to use this list

Start with the shape of your event. Write down the audience, dates, location, expected delegate experience, programme needs, sponsor commitments and the decisions your internal team can realistically carry. You will get better conversations when you can describe the work, not just ask for a generic conference package.

Then compare how each producer talks about the work. Look for evidence of the kind of conference you are planning, clear ownership of the hard parts and a willingness to explain trade-offs. Ask what they would want to know before a venue contract is signed, how they protect the attendee experience and how they keep boards and committees informed without creating more meetings than the project needs.

Finally, test the working relationship. A strong producer should make the next decision easier, show where your brief is still unclear and give you a written path from today to event day. The best choice is usually the person or team whose way of working makes your association more capable, not more dependent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a conference producer do for an association?

A conference producer coordinates the practical work that turns an association event from an idea into a delivered programme. Depending on the brief, that can include venue, suppliers, registration, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, technology, budgets, communications and on-site operations, with the producer keeping the moving parts connected.

When should an association bring in a conference producer?

Bring one in as early as possible, especially before signing a venue contract or committing to a complicated programme. Early input can expose budget pressure, room or timing problems, supplier limits and sponsor obligations while there is still time to change the plan without paying for an avoidable mistake.

What should an association compare when choosing a producer?

Compare relevant experience, the actual people who will do the work, the clarity of the planning process and the way the producer handles risk. Ask for a written scope, decision calendar, communication rhythm and explanation of how registration, speakers, sponsors and event-day delivery will work together.

Can a conference producer support a hybrid or virtual event?

Yes. Many producers now support in-person, virtual and hybrid formats. The important question is whether the team understands the attendee journey, programme design, technology, speaker support and contingency planning for the format you need. Ask how they will keep the remote and in-room experiences connected rather than simply running two separate events.

Conclusion

A good association conference feels purposeful to the people attending it and manageable to the people producing it. That balance rarely happens by accident. It comes from clear scope, thoughtful sequencing, strong supplier choices, useful communication and someone who can see the whole system when the details start competing for attention.

The 20 names here give you a practical shortlist for further research. Use them to learn how different producers approach scientific meetings, trade associations, educational programmes, exhibitions, sponsorship and the less visible work that keeps an event steady. Then choose the conversation that best matches your audience, your internal capacity and the experience you want members to remember.

Your next step is simple: write a one-page brief and ask a short list of producers to respond in writing with the first three decisions they would make.

Related Reading

For more practical context, read association conference speakers, leadership team development, Working Genius team composition and the Working Genius implementation guide.

Topic-matched support

If your association needs a clearer leadership conversation around a conference, workshop or team day, Jonno White can help you turn the event into something practical that people can use afterwards.

To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

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.