MEET THE TEAM: ALISON CANAVANCHRISTINE SMITH KATHERINE PRESZ SHELAGH O'CONNOR
Under the direction of Founder and President, Alison Canavan, carries over 15 years of hands on experience in event planning, marketing communications, concept development and project coordination. From concept to delivery, Alison oversees all operations at ACE, inspiring creative ideas, organizing tactical details and managing the production of small and large events and specials marketing programs. Before starting ACE, Alison worked for several hi-tech corporations (Corel Corporation, Hemera Technologies and Zip.ca) in the Capital region where she was responsible for the strategic development and implementation of 150 key industry events per year, corporate meetings, conferences, road shows, special events and large scale Gala events. Alison also has significant expertise in brand development, marketing communications and online advertising and has volunteered at events such as the LPGA Women’s Canadian Open where she served as the Chair of the Pro Am and the 2004 Grey Cup.
Alison is also a proud member of the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (formerly the Independent Meeting Planners Association of Canada) where she currently serves on the Executive Committee as the Director of Membership and Communication.
In addition Alison holds her Level II Secret Clearance.
Christine Smith
Senior Event Specialist
Christine is a seasoned event and project manager responsible for numerous innovative, objectives-based event marketing programs. With an 18-year background as both a corporate and independent event manager Christine has effective project management skills developing and executing very successful strategic marketing events.
During her career as a corporate event manager, Christine managed a team of event specialists responsible for the logistics, content and execution of 80+ events per year, including user group conferences, AGM's and award galas. During her term as Event Manager at Corel Corporation she also managed a custom traveling exhibit, enabling a unique consumer hands-on experience with digital graphical software to all age groups. This tour vehicle was featured on NBC's Today Show in New York, and garnered exposure during Telluride Film Festival as well as many art galleries around the US, and the National Gallery in Ottawa, Canada
As an independent event planner Christine has managed and executed many successful events for her clients, including exhibit hall sales during a customer conference attended by 4,000 - exceeding sponsorship/exhibit sales revenue by 55% over the previous year. Christine has project managed the annual walk-run for The Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, as well as team member for the opening ceremony and reception for a new embassy building in Ottawa.
Katherine Presz
Event Specialist
Katherine Presz recently joined the Ace team and brings with her 3 years of event management experience. Her expertise includes several fundraising events, galas and conferences, as well as trade show planning and execution. Katherine’s background as a financial analyst with a Business Finance Degree, as well as over 9 years in the food, beverage and service industries are an added bonus to her event skill set.
Katherine specializes in event marketing and media, event logistics, program planning and design. Her recent events include; the 2010 YMCA-YWCA Charity Golf Classic, 2010 LTPD Coaching Conference and Bluesfest.
Shelagh O’Connor
Public Relations Specialist
With more than 15 years of experience in communications and public relations, Shelagh O’Connor works closely with you to assess your communications needs then develops and implements a plan that will increase awareness for your event, gain media exposure and ensure that your event gets the attention it deserves with your identified stakeholders.
Over the years Shelagh has provided communications and media relations advice to both public and private sector clients. With a career that includes government, agency and client-side exposure, Shelagh brings a wealth of experience and understanding to your project. Additionally, as a former Event Manager, North America for a division of Nokia, Shelagh understands events and the importance of a cohesive, thoughtful approach to event marketing and communications.
If you are looking to raise the profile of your event with the media, stakeholders or the community, ACE provides strategic media and relations campaigns that work cohesively with your event to raise your profile and achieve your communications goals.
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