Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
As President & CEO of the Regina Hotel Association (RHA), I have the privilege of leading an organization focused on growing Regina’s visitor economy and strengthening our city’s reputation as a premier destination for sports, business, meetings, and major events. Working alongside an exceptional team, our hotel members, and community partners, we pursue event opportunities that drive overnight visitation, generate economic impact, and showcase Regina on a national stage. The RHA is a not-for-profit organization representing 24 Member Hotels, more than 3,200 guest rooms, and a workforce of over 1,400 hospitality professionals. Prior to joining the RHA, I served as Vice President of Corporate Development at Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL District), where I was part of the leadership team responsible for the continued growth and transformation of one of Canada’s largest event, sport, entertainment, and tradeshow destinations. Today, REAL District welcomes more than three million guests annually across 1 M square feet of indoor event space and over 40 acres of outdoor grounds, serving as a major hub for national and international events, concerts and sports. My career has spanned leadership roles in the non-profit, public, and private sectors, including serving as Director of Communications and Media Relations within government and working in market research and strategic analysis. I have also been a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Regina, teaching in the areas of leadership, sport sociology, and motor learning. I hold a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Regina, where my research focused on consumer behaviour and sport marketing. I am honoured to have received the Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Award and to have been recognized as the University of Regina Kinesiology and Health Distinguished Alumni in 2019. Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant --I believe great things happen when ambitious people come together around a shared vision. Regina has tremendous momentum, and I’m proud to play a role in helping our city grow, compete, and succeed.
The Regina Hotel Association plays a leading role in growing hotel revenue, attracting overnight visitation, and generating economic impact for our city. By positioning Regina as a competitive destination for sports, meetings, conventions, and major events, we help bring visitors, investment, and opportunity to our member hotels and the broader community. The RHA advances and protects the interests of our Members through strategic sales and marketing initiatives, advocacy efforts, industry leadership, and member services. We are a not-for-profit organization representing 24 member hotels, more than 3,200 guest rooms, and a hospitality workforce of over 1,400 people who help create exceptional visitor experiences every day.
Situated in the heart of Regina, REAL District is the largest interconnected event complex in Canada and the centre of sport, business and entertainment for the community. The Regina Exhibition Association Limited is the not-for-profit corporation that operates the 100-acre property. The property hosts the majority of Regina's major events, including Canada's Farm Show, Queen City Ex and Canadian Western Agribition. REAL District is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Regina Pats, Regina Soccer Association, many minor and recreational sports, and numerous concerts, trade shows and conventions. As Vice President, Corporate Development, at REAL, I lead the areas of Sport, Entertainment, Events, Sales, Sponsorship, Marketing and Communications. I love being in the business of making memories!
As Director of Programming, Entertainment Development & Tenant Relations, I am responsible for the management and operations of REAL’s major special events, concerts, sport programming and tenant relations at REAL District. REAL District is recognized as the largest interconnected sport and entertainment complex in Canada hosting more than 750 events annually including signature events Queen City Exhibition and Canada's Farm Show. Other notable events hosted include Garth Brooks, NHL Heritage Classic outdoor game, and the upcoming 2020 Grey Cup! My work in the sport and entertainment sector has had a major impact in driving hundreds of millions of dollars for our City in economic prosperity and major tourism business. REAL District is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Regina Pats, Regina Soccer Association, University of Regina hockey teams, many minor and recreational sports, and numerous concerts, trade shows and conventions.
Responsible for the coordination and identification of potential citywide arts, culture, recreation and national and international sport events. Leading the planning process and execution of sales initiatives including tradeshows, direct sales, and cooperative bidding on major events and following them through to confirmation for the City of Regina and the Provincial Government. This position also involved project management, economic impact analysis, venue audits, contract negotiation, procurement activities, event and convention management and sales, marketing, public relations, communications, and risk management. Led all project management related duties for 12 staff and management using PRINCE2 methodology to assess inter-dependencies, capacities, and underlying organizational patterns and complexity.
Sessional Lecturer: Leadership and Motivation (KHS 156), Sociology of Sport (KHS 154) and Motor Learning (KIN 280). Prepare and present lectures to students; research and compile materials for assignments and examinations; stimulate class discussions.