Tom Yawney is a managing partner and VP of business development at The Influence Agency, an award-winning marketing agency that is one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies.
Tom has produced more than 250 custom digital marketing plans for
companies like Staples, Rakuten, and Napoleon. He is also the host of The Influence Podcast, which covers the ever-evolving state of marketing, media, business, and Web 3.0.
Since its inception in 2008, Alex has been an integral part of the bb Blanc team. Alex has 12 years of audiovisual and client-facing experience.
While working in various departments throughout the organization he has developed a wide range of skills and the ability to manage a diverse range of events.
Heather Reid is Founder and CEO of Planner Protect Inc., a bespoke consulting agency dedicated to reviewing and negotiating balanced event contracts. To date, Heather and Planner Protect have saved planning clients in the event industry almost $8.7 million in real costs and reduced risk. With nearly 28 years’ experience as an independent event planner, Heather helps event hosts and industry professionals negotiate balanced contracts. Heather has received many awards for her thought leadership and
tcommitment to the field.
Event Contracts Are Always Trending
Event contract specialist Heather Reid is back for CMEExpo 2022. As always, her session will focus on the foundational tool we use to craft events – contracts. Leave this exciting presentation knowing the traditional, new, and should-be-there clauses that you need to know in order to negotiate balanced contracts in this ever-changing reality.
Adam has been a pillar within bb Blanc from day one.
His passion for the events industry started young, drawn in by the
uniqueness and creativity of the event world.
As Technical Director, Adam designs and manages global events. His
practicality, attention to detail, and ability to lead the technical team have
allowed bb Blanc to better serve their clientele, no matter what their needs.
Trish Magwood is a chef, food and lifestyle authority, entrepreneur, and mom.
She is also an award-winning author: Her first cookbook, Dish Entertains, won the prestigious James Beard award, and her second, In My Mother’s Kitchen was a The Globe & Mail bestseller and an Indigo Heather’s Pick. And her third cookbook, My New Table was released fall 2021.
Trish was the creator and host of Party Dish, a judge for Food Network Canada’s Family Cook Off, a frequent guest expert on network television, and the founder of the popular dish cooking studio in Toronto.
Most recently, she has just launched her new line Magwood – everyday essentials for the modern home. All natural, made in Ctanada, soaps, creams, cleaners, linens, and ceramics to elevate the modern home.
Available through pop ups, trishmagwood.ca, select retailers and soon- restaurant hotels and experience brands.
Trish is a thought and trend leader and experienced entrepreneur in the food and lifestyle space. She is sought after as a creator, connector, enabler, collaborator, ambassador, content expert, media personality, and corporate consultant in the retail, media, lifestyle, and food and beverage spaces. Trish is a mom to three kids and splits her time between Toronto and the small town of Creemore, Ontario.
Sandra is collaborative, strategic, and innovative. With more than 18 years of experience in sales and events, Sandra’s strength lies in understanding a client’s (both internal and external) needs and providing creative solutions.
From product launches, citywide conferences, galas, and everything in
between, Sandra’s positive attitude, attention to detail, and organizational skills have helped her clients succeed.
Author, entrepreneur, and international speaker Daniel Lewis is the founder of the award-winning tea company Daniel’s Chai Bar
(formerly known as T By Daniel).
His people-focused outlook on entrepreneurship and his
experiential business tactics have garnered him and his company nationwide recognition and many awards and honours such as a 2016 Business Excellence Award, 2017 Top 40 Under 40
Entrepreneurs, and just recently 2022 Global Visual Victories Silver Medal for most creative Pop-Up Store Design.
With 25+ years in the event industry, roles in sales, marketing, and
management have given her a unique perspective and understanding of events and technology.
Teamwork is crucial. Content is key. Creativity, flexibility, and problem
solving are an advantage.
Melissa is currently a member of the Senior Management Team at bb Blanc, Inc. as Director of Sales & Marketing. She is also a Professor at Conestoga College for Production & Staging and Event Marketing.
Candice Chan and Alison Slight are the duo behind the award-winning
CANDICE&ALISON Events Group. CANDICE&ALISON offers complete multi-disciplinary design, production, and management services to create truly unforgettable
experiences. From dreaming up large scale productions and events in both the live and virtual space, to the design and build of fully-immersive experiences and
environments, its team of professionals manage precise details to meet every aspect of events with utter style and professionalism.
The pair have more than 30 years of combined design and production
experience, have appeared on national television as experts in entertaining, and have spoken at various event industry and entrepreneurial
conferences.
Leanne Calderwood, CMP believes developing a personal brand is the key to setting yourself apart in the hospitality industry.
Serving as a ConferenceDirect site selection associate for the past 14 years, Leanne used the industry’s hiatus in 2020 to help other sales professionals to find their voice and create a brand that attracts business and opportunities.
Through this work, her true passion was ignited and now Leanne serves hospitality professionals and small teams through her blog, videos, online courses and consulting services around LinkedIn and personal branding.
Candice Chan and Alison Slight are the duo behind the award-winning
CANDICE&ALISON Events Group. CANDICE&ALISON offers complete multi-disciplinary design, production, and management services to create truly unforgettable
experiences. From dreaming up large scale productions and events in both the live and virtual space, to the design and build of fully-immersive experiences and
environments, its team of professionals manage precise details to meet every aspect of events with utter style and professionalism.
The pair have more than 30 years of combined design and production
experience, have appeared on national television as experts in entertaining, and have spoken at various event industry and entrepreneurial
conferences.
