Canada West Chapter - PCMA

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Canada West Chapter - PCMA

We serve the association & societal communities by enhancing the effectiveness of meetings, conventi

The Canada West Chapter of PCMA serves the association, union and societal communities by enhancing the effectiveness of meetings, conventions, and exhibitions through member and industry education. We are committed to providing our members with networking opportunities and promoting the value of the industry. PCMA’s Canada West Chapter serves 233 members from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.

06/14/2024

⏰Countdown to in Detroit! We’re just 9 days away from diving into an event filled with innovation, inspiration, and industry insights. Here’s what you can look forward to:

✍️Your Experience Design: Transform attendees into participants with design thinking.
📇Your Personal Brand: Navigate career pathways and advocate for your growth.
📈Your Business Strategy: Sharpen negotiation strategies and leverage partnerships.

Stay tuned for more updates!

02/17/2023

PCMA Canada West, and are collaborating to bring you "Meet the Venue" series. In the first edition, The Commons at ATCO Park welcomes you to explore Calgary’s best kept secret. Attendees will enjoy delicious culinary creations and stunning architecture and have an opportunity to take part in a mini cooking class with a Chef in the Learning Centre.

Tickets include one drink ticket and snacks!

Partial proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to , a Calgary homegrown thrift charity, providing basic needs resources and support to women and their families. 🔗Tickets available in bio link 🔗

01/16/2023

Pictured last week at Convening Leaders, we had the pleasure of bidding farewell to our outgoing chapter president, Jeromy Gilchrist. For anyone that knows Jeromy, he's a natural connector and advocator for the people around him. We thank him for his service and resiliency in sparking interest and community following the re-emergence of in-person events. As past president, Jeromy will remain an active member of the PCMA Canada West Chapter. We certainly look forward to seeing what he does next!

01/03/2023

With less than 5 years in the meetings & event industry, Maui Calleja has definitely made her mark within the community. She originally joined PCMA Canada West to connect and learn from individuals across all facets of the industry. A key organizer of Calgary-based events, she has recently been appointed as Director of Events and Education, Alberta.

As an Event Manager at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Maui is responsible for everything from set ups, F&B, vendor coordination, power, IT, AV and day-of coordination. Detailed, concise and kind, your event is sure to be a success when working with Maui!

Her favorite thing about our industry is the fantastic energy, especially during the event itself. Everyone comes together to execute a project that often takes months to plan. Then on the event days, the entire team gets into an electric rhythm. It’s enjoyable to be a part of.

The best career advice that Maui has received was to not be afraid to use the phrase, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” This is your friend! It’s beneficial to be honest and follow up with the appropriate research.

If someone was considering joining PCMA Canada West, Maui would say do it and be as involved as you can. What sets us apart is being able to build relationships with event professionals outside of your city, as we’re comprised of 4 different provinces (BC, AB, SK & MB).

Maui is a food and drink enthusiast. She is slowly making her way through all the gin joints in Calgary, while also keeping a running Excel spreadsheet of the best pickle chips and fried chicken burgers – scored and ranked with formulas!

The most memorable event that Maui has attended was a corporate gathering, in which the client hired a bus to bring all the attendees to secluded acreage for a reception. The event featured a beer garden, band, inflatable obstacle course, carriage rides, you name it! It felt like Narnia for adults.

Thank you to Maui for your continued support of PCMA! We can’t wait to see what you do next.

12/22/2022

PCMA Canada West and East are joining forces to host a reception at Convening Leaders in Columbus this January. See you there! Registration link in bio 🔗

11/30/2022

Limited to 250 tickets, Nog & Cane: The Vancouver Event Industry Holiday Social for PCMA Canada West, ILEA Vancouver and MPI BC Chapter, returns in 2022 as an intimate cocktail party in the Fairview Ballroom at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

A chance to reconnect with colleagues after two years of uncertainty, while celebrating the incredibly busy return to live events.

Each ticket includes two drink tickets and delicious food provided by the JW Marriot Parq Vancouver. In addition to some wonderful surprises from our sponsors.

The event raises funds for each of respective associate scholarship programs, which encourage the development of emerging young event professionals and help support educational opportunities for seasoned members.

Please join us to collaborate, celebrate and forge new relationships and partnerships across association boundaries.

See link in stories.

11/24/2022

Tis the season, and this year we are teaming up with and for one spectacular holiday celebration.

Join us at the on December 20th beginning at 5PM, for a different kind of white Christmas with merry mistletoe, margaritas, and a fantastic silent auction. Partial proceeds of the silent auction will be donated to

You wont want to miss this. Register today using the link in our bio✨

Interested in donating to the silent auction, please reach out to [email protected]|

11/18/2022

Thank you to for capturing the return of SPARK last week!

10/20/2022

We’re excited to announce the return of our signature event, Spark! Join us on Tuesday, November 8th at the . This breakfast session includes guest speaker, Meg Fasy, Founder of & .gig , from Philadelphia, PA. Her career spans several markets including hotel, CVB, industry associations, event technology and strategic partnerships, where she has been both a buyer and seller. Well known for motivating sales and marketing teams, driving strategy and connecting people, Meg has worked with some of the largest brands in creating engaging and immersive experiences for attendees. We look forward to seeing you there! 🔗 Link in bio.

10/03/2022

Blair Keating is the Director of Business Development, Western Canada & Western US at Tourism Calgary. With over 10 years of experience in the meetings and event industry, Blair promotes the City of Calgary as a leading meetings and convention destination.

Originally, Blair joined PCMA Canada West for the connections and continuous learning. He now volunteers his time on the board as the Director of Alberta Relations. If you are considering joining the chapter, Blair would encourage you to do so as it creates and provides opportunities to make critical connections needed for success, while ensuring that you stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

We’re seeing commonalities between most of our members of the month when they say that their favourite thing about the meetings & event industry is that every day is different. Variety is the spice of life and it definitely keeps us on our toes. The best career advice that Blair has received was to do something that you love and do it with 100%.

When not accompanied by his small entourage (an 8 year old daughter and 3 year old twin sons), Blair enjoys playing golf and listening to live music. In true Calgary fashion, the coolest event that he has attended was a private “mini” rodeo.

Thank you to Blair for your continued support of PCMA 🤝

09/26/2022

It's back - the Stepping Up Chapter Challenge! This is a great motivator to get moving before the holiday season. Tracking your steps is easy with the Heka Health app, whether you use your phone or a fitness watch. With the chance of winning exciting prizes, join PCMA Canada West in our journey of being #1 - again!

09/20/2022

It's pride month in Calgary! Join us on Thursday, September 29th, when we turn the Tool Shed Tasting Room into a runway. With performances by the talented Misty Meadows, the Owner of Tool Shed Brewing, Graham Sherman, will share the story of his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of adaptability, resiliency and collaboration. Celebrating pride, local drag and local brews, this is an event you wont want to miss. 🔗Link in bio!

09/06/2022

There has never been a better time to join or grow in meetings, events, and hospitality. Whether you are just beginning or are an experienced industry professional, there is abundant opportunity to find your distinct and clear path to incredible career growth and satisfaction. Join in Bellingham on Thursday, September 22, 2022 to learn more. 🔗 Link in their bio (see tag)

08/31/2022

Registration is now open for MPI BC's September Schmooze on September 15th. 80's costumes are encouraged and rewarded at this fun and interactive event hosted at The Rec Room Burnaby. 🔗 Link in their bio (see tag).

PCMA Members qualify for the Members Rate at $69! 👾👾

08/22/2022

It’s Pride Month in Calgary! Join us on Thursday, September 29th, when we are turn the Tool Shed Tasting Room into a runway. With performances by the talented Misty Meadows, the Owner of Tool Shed Brewing, Graham Sherman, will share the story of his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of adaptability, resiliency, and collaboration. Celebrating pride, local drag and local brews, this is an event you won’t want to miss! 🔗Link in Bio!

06/15/2022

Join us in the forest with Nature’s Boardroom on July 5, 2022 to breathe, connect, and contemplate. For this workshop, the forest is our venue and nature is our keynote speaker. Heather Pelletier and her team from Nature’s Boardroom bring their unique approach and app technology to allow us to conduct a meeting in the forest, while also help us learn from nature. They share stories about how trees communicate and cooperate that are analogous to the human experience. They also facilitate guided discussions rooted in the inspiring processes found in the natural world to help participants find their own path towards meaningful change and ultimately a resilient, purpose-driven, and productive life.

Our day will start with a reception at the Westin Bayshore’s H2 Kitchen + Bar, followed by a Nature’s Boardroom experience within Stanley Park. For more information, visit our website. We hope to see you there! 🌲 🌳

06/11/2022

Calling all ! 🏔🌲 Registration for the June Mountain Top Gala is open. Visit the link in ‘s bio to purchase your ticket.

Hosted at Grouse Mountain, this year’s event features many new and exciting activities, such as, getting up close and personal with the grizzlies, enjoying a glass of wine on one of BC’s best patios, bidding on exciting silent auction prizes and enjoying dinner prepared by Grouse Mountain’s talented culinary team.

Proceeds from the Gala will go towards supporting MPI BC Chapter initiatives including scholarships and member education.

Be sure to purchase your ticket before they sell out!

06/06/2022

Link in bio 🔗Join us in Calgary on June 23rd! Do you want your company or venue to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive, but just aren’t sure where to start? PCMA Canada West, in partnership with the PCMA Pacific Northwest Chapter and MPI Greater Calgary Club, is pleased to host an in-person event with thoughtful conversation around creating meaningful change for your events and organization.

Diversity Center Seattle Founder, Jean Iannelli Craciun, has decades of experience helping groups and individuals in team building and group dynamics, emotional intelligence, social justice, and community engagement. Streaming in live from Washington state, don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and grow with industry peers and discover specific, measurable ways to create positive change at your organization.

05/10/2022

Violeta Maniotakis is the Sales Manager, Association & Government, at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Resort, an Autograph Collection Resort and western Canada's only Nordic Spa nestled in the beautiful Rockies.

During Violeta’s career, she has found that being a part of industry groups, such as PCMA Canada West, has not only allowed her to meet industry colleagues, but has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, enabled collaboration on projects, while also assisting in meeting with prospective clients that she may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.

There are many aspects of the industry that Violeta loves and this is the reason why she has stayed in it for so long. What comes to mind is that not everyday is the same! In the course of a day or week, she has engaging conversations with people from many different industries. The valuable knowledge gained from these interactions is what makes her role so interesting and unique.

Early on in her career, Violeta was able to recognize that our business events industry in Canada is quite small. She says that you can set yourself apart from the competitor by being transparent, respectful and approachable. It is also important to have the correct and consistent information when advising clients and colleagues.

If someone were to consider joining PCMA Canada West, Violeta would say “What are you waiting for?!” Become involved in our industry, especially as it recovers from the effects of the global pandemic. It is such a wonderful place to meet like minded individuals, share ideas, and make lifelong friends.

Living through a global pandemic has put certain things into perspective for Violeta. A first time mom, she values time spent with those that she cares about. Having said that, not being able to enjoy the small luxuries, such as, travel and dining out is something that she is excited to get back to this year.

[Continued in the comments…]

04/29/2022

Join PCMA Canada West by participating in the Stepping Up Chapter Challenge presented by , PCMA] Foundation and

During the month of May, all PCMA Chapters are coming together for some friendly competition leading up to EduCon. Get your steps in for the chance to win some amazing experiences in Las Vegas!

Your first step starts here - go to go.pcma.org/steps or check the link in the PCMA] bio.

04/28/2022

Cold Drinks, Hot Topics is back and in-person! Join us on May 26 to discuss the current job market within the tourism and hospitality industry. Registration is linked in bio 🔗 We look forward to seeing you there!

04/26/2022

This month, we celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day! A special thank you to Kati Quigley, Senior Director of Global Industry Marketing at Microsoft, for delivering an insightful talk on the power of Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We would also like to thank our talented photographers for capturing the day - and

04/11/2022

Registration linked in Bio! 🔗 The PCMA Student Insight Series aims to expose students to different aspects of the Business Events Industry and perspectives of working professionals at all career levels.

This month’s topic: “Negotiating the best contract and how to maintain lasting relationships.”

11/12/2021

PCMA Canada West is excited to bring back our signature event – Spark! This event will be in a fully virtual format.

November 16th
9:30am PST

Agenda:
9:30am: Opening Remarks by Jeromy Gilchrist, President , PCMA Canada West Chapter
9:45am: Justin Boone, Reimagining the Audience Journey
10:30am: Break & Green Hat Games
10:45am: Stephanie Lynch, CMP, DES, Owen Chiu, PCMA Canada West Board Fireside Chat,

Moderated by Roger Haskett, Engagement Limited

Speaker:
Justin Boone, Founder Untitled Future
Justin is a researcher, strategist and designer that has built a career working with some of the most notable and disruptive brands in modern history. His work includes narrative and experience architecture development, campaign strategy, creative direction and content development for a wide range of applications.

Justin will be providing us with insight on "Reimagining the Audience Journey"

This primarily centers around a journey building framework that he developed and uses with a lot of his clients to explore different ways we can approach mapping out audience journeys for events.

Register Today!
https://lnkd.in/gEx4tKmR

10/28/2021

Jasmine Sangria is the CEO of Tourism Lethbridge. As CEO, she manages Southwest Alberta’s DMO for Lethbridge and the region which includes four UNESCO sites; Growing the sector and the city’s economy through Sport Tourism Lethbridge and Meetings and Conferences Lethbridge.
She joined PCMA Canada West to connect with members of our industry, share best practices, and grow her network.
Her favourite thing about the meetings & event industry is all the opportunities for growth - growth for your network, your brand and the tourism sector
She credits basically anyone who has ever told her “no” as offering the best career advice. That advice has just made her work harder and stronger and prove them wrong.
She would tell someone who is considering joining the PCMA Canada West Chapter that it's a great way to stay in the loop and on top of industry news/trends
For fun she likes to run, hike and climb mountains in the Yukon with her dog
One thing most people don't know about her is that she was once Halle Berry's double.
The coolest event she has ever attended was The Frozen Globe Awards in Nunavut - on a charter flight that flew through all three territories. The flight was a networking reception and included a fundraiser (for the 2015 Nepal earthquake) with the Sourtoe Cocktail - and yes, that's a cocktail with a mummified human toe!
Thank you, Jasmine, for your continued support of PCMA. We’re happy to have you be part of our association.

09/29/2021

Savannah Nadeau is the Events Manager & Conference Director for AME.
AME is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia
She is responsible for thee planning and ex*****on of AME's annual Roundup Conference & additional Member Events including the Golf Tournament, Member Events & Mixers, Webinars and Workshops.
She joined the PCMA Canada West chapter for an opportunity to continue to expand her knowledge in the meetings & events industry while connecting with like minded people.
Her favorite part of the industry is event day. She loves watching all the pieces finally coming together to create a memory for attendees.
The best advice she has ever received is that no experience is small. Every experience will teach you something you will bring to the next experience.
Savannah would tell someone who is considering joining the PCMA Canada West Chapter that this a great community to be a part of, and if they are unsure to attend one of the Cold Drinks, Hot Topics as you get a real feel for who your community will be.
Thank you, Savannah, for your continued support of PCMA. We’re happy to have you be part of our association.

09/17/2021

Come to 2022 on January 9–12 to explore a way forward and collaborate to build business event solutions! Network with me and as we ALL take the next step in our careers. Register today: conveningleaders.org

08/16/2021

Are you a student that excited about a career in events and hospitality, but worried about the pandemic’s impact on the industry? PCMA Canada West is pleased to host a virtual student information panel that will feature some of the local industry’s top experts who will share their insights and experience and answer your questions!

Topics to be covered:

-How they started out their careers in the event industry
-What they wish they knew when they started out
-Industry dos and don’ts they’ve learned throughout the years
-How Covid changed their business and how they’ve adapted to that
-How the industry has evolved over their career

Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm PST/ 12:30pm – 1:30pm MST
Location: Via Zoom (link will be emailed to you after registering)

Register Today!
https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=632703&

08/13/2021

Annie, Tourism Winnipeg- August
Annie Henry is a Business Development Manager for Tourism Winnipeg. She is responsible for attracting sports, special events, and meetings and conventions to Winnipeg. Her favourite thing about the meetings & event industry is that it’s
continuously reinventing itself. The industry’s people are innovative, they work hard, they’re resilient, and they know how to have a good time! She joined PCMA to expand her network and connect with like-minded professionals. The best career advice she’s ever received is to believe in yourself. Annie loves creative industries and volunteers her time helping local cultural
events. She also enjoys dancing salsa and bachata. One of the coolest events she’s ever attended was a silent disco where everyone wore individual headsets and listened to their own music. Most people don’t know that she spent a year of law
school studying in Italy. If she could have a super power, it would be to read people’s minds.

Thank you, Annie, for your continued support of PCMA! We’re happy to have you be
a part of our association!

07/23/2021

Meet our July member of the month - Eryne Sarabin! Eryne has been in the meetings & event industry for over 15 years and is the owner and lead event strategist at Tycoon Events in Edmonton. Her international experience includes a year spent in London, England working alongside Gordon Ramsay in the events and culinary industry. She enjoys the diversity of her work where her days tend to be a blend of project management, event planning, business development, marketing,
team management, administrative work, and overall business management.
One of Eryne’s favorite things about the meetings & event industry is the opportunity to
make the impossible, possible! Eryne spends a lot of time volunteering, outdoors in
the mountains, and enjoys watching movies as a source of inspiration. Most people don’t know that she was once actively involved in combat sports! One of the coolest events she’s attended was Valentine’s Day on top of Harrods in London where the rooftop was turned into a venetian canal with gondolas rides. She’s been patiently
waiting for the perfect event to recreate it!
She joined PCMA Canada West to gain access to the resources and network that
PCMA has to offer including amazing scholarship and educational opportunities.
The career advice and quote that she reflects on often are: “The only thing to ever stand
in your way, is you” and "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." Both of those sentiments gave her the ultimate push to start Tycoon.

Thank you, Eryne, for your continued support of PCMA! We’re happy to have you be
a part of our association!

Address

Vancouver, BC

Website

https://canadawest.pcma.org/

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