Events are exciting whether you’re celebrating, educating, inspiring, recruiting, fundraising or just having a ball! Pulling off a successful event takes a lot of work. Every detail must be considered; every guest and stakeholder a part of the experience. There is something uniquely satisfying about making a thorough plan, and seeing it through to the very end. This can only be accomplished through meticulous preparation, and enthusiastic execution.

As Agenda Managers’ newest member, I hope to bring energy and enthusiasm to this already‑proven team. In this role, I’ll be looking to pull from my experience in both guest services and operations. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland. I’ve been involved in event execution since my Students’ Council days in high school. I’m told that I am unequivocally Nova Scotian in my hospitable nature, and I look forward to helping you execute on your big day, however that looks.

Outside of work you can find me on the golf course, probably in a sand bunker, in the woods (still at the golf course), or out with friends enjoying everything Nova Scotia has to offer.

Staging a winning event is about meeting clearly defined objectives. Running a successful event business is about gathering a team of enthusiastic, open minded, skilled and creative people who are willing to push every limit to not only meet the objectives, but work with clients to exceed them.

As Founder and President of Agenda Managers Inc., with more than 30 years in this business, I have talked more people into doing new and different things than I could have ever dreamed of. Every day, I get to sell an idea, move a mountain to make it happen and convince clients, suppliers and my own team that it is doable. Of course, I count on my specialists here to ensure that every "t" is crossed . . . but that is why we make such a great team.

I wake up every day, excited about what is in store—on the edge of my seat to get to go play at the office. And I was thrilled to have my hard work and enthusiasm earn me a Women of Excellence Award in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Halifax Progress Club.

My greatest joy comes from family, but coming to work every day is a pretty close second! Giving back to the community is also a passion and I have served as the Past President of the Board of Directors of Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, done two three‑year terms as a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Halifax YMCA, and completed a term on the Board of Directors of Destination Halifax. I have also been an active volunteer with the Halifax Hospice Society, Feed Nova Scotia, Laing House, and many other organizations. I am also a volunteer doula.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and have completed a variety of industry‑specific courses, including those offered by Dalhousie Continuing Education, NSCC, Meeting Professionals International, the American and Canadian Societies of Association Executives, Priority Management, and the Canadian Management Institute.

I’m proud to be a member of the senior management team for Agenda Managers. With more than 25 years of experience, in the meeting and event management business, my organization, communication, negotiation and leadership skills allow me to satisfy diverse client requirements.

I have a great understanding of the big picture and an extensive knowledge of putting things together with flawless precision. I have brought my talents to trade shows, not‑for‑profit events, conferences, golf tournaments, corporate and high‑end social events, with attendance ranging from 30 – 1,000 people. My experience provides me with a wealth of information to share with the client, which ultimately translates into a smooth, calm and efficient planning process.

Details. Details. Details.
Large ones, small ones, ever changing ones. There is nothing more exhilarating than a robust to‑do list, prioritized by dates and categories. This may not make for scintillating conversation at dinner parties but it does make me really good at my job. And after 25 years, I have a very elaborate colour‑coding system. No matter what the size of the event, or the scope of work, anything is possible with a keen eye for the details and limitless imagination. Throw in the creation of a defining moment—when we make your vision a reality—and voila, an event that will exceed your expectations. And come to think of it, I am pretty fun at dinner parties too.

I hold a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology from Dalhousie University. I have served on volunteer committees for Mermaid Theatre, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Ward Five Community Centre and the IWK. I’m a member of Meeting Professionals International and have completed various training programs and courses specific to the meetings and event management sector. For fun, when we are not hosting our huge family and friends at our Lake House in the valley, you will find me in the garden or lost in the pages of a good book!

As the database manager for Agenda Managers, I provide registration, administrative, and data management support for all of our clients. Our team has worked closely with a software developer to create a customized, secure online registration and abstract submission system along with several upgrades over the years to enhance the event registration experience. I am extensively trained on the Agenda Managers online registration system and bringing almost 20 years of organizational and administrative experience to the team.

In my role at Agenda, I connect with every attendee at every event. Whether I am processing their registration, arranging their special meal or reminding them to bring a jacket, by the time I am done with them, I know they are prepared to have the best possible event experience. And really, if I happen to mention the joy of a post event trip to Cape Breton, aren’t I just providing a value‑added service?

I am a clean up queen. I really get a charge out of making order out of chaos. I spent my entire childhood rearranging my room and reorganizing my things. I was the first person in my small world to bring in pieces of wood to make shelves in my locker so that I could be better organized. And I was delighted the day I discovered a ten pack of different coloured highlighters at Staples. I make lists – things to do, groceries to buy, books to read, household chores. I make sub‑lists. I even list my errands and then number them geographically so that I can do them all with the least amount of travel. And then cross things off those lists. Strange? Maybe. Satisfying? Absolutely! It’s just how I’m wired.

It’s no surprise I became an accountant. A Dalhousie graduate in Commerce, I earned a CPA designation in 1992 working with Ernst & Young in Halifax. I left E&Y in 1995 to work in industry. During that time, I also started providing accounting services on the side. In 2002, I took the plunge and started working for myself full‑time. Over the last 25 years, I have developed a wonderful group of clients that support me as much as I support them. They allowed me to work flexibly and from home so that I could accommodate all my daughter’s activities throughout her school years.

When asked if I was interested in working with Agenda Managers, I initially said no as it meant working on site. Why would I rock my lovely floating boat! Changing my mind and saying yes has provided hours of fun with a group of amazing women. Best decision ever!

I strongly believe in giving back to my community. Over the years I have been involved with Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Discovery Centre, Girl Guides of Canada, Sacred Heart School of Halifax, Saint Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Parish, Halifax Transition House Association and Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers.

I also believe in the pursuit of challenge and learning. Reading provides endless opportunities to go down the rabbit hole everyday in search of something new. Riding a horse has brought new meaning to challenge when you are over fifty. Trying to learn Spanish has brought a new appreciation for my aging brain.