eventConnect is an event production created by Define Events and a team of ambitious, emerging event planners, bringing together more than 100 professionals from the events industry to provide them with a platform to network and build relationships.

We are very excited to announce our guest speaker for the evening will be Crystal Adair-Benning, Owner at Distinct Occasions Weddings! Crystal will speak to "Building and maintaining effective connections in the events industry". 

She is a very well known and successful wedding planner in the city. She has planned some celebrity weddings and has done weddings around the world including Scotland and Australia. 

"After 12 years of special event planning Crystal Adair-Benning has had her fingers on the pulse of what’s hot & trendy and what’s tried & true. Her own wedding broke the mold of tradition when she fused her Scottish heritage with modern elegance and charm in two very distinctive and different ceremonies on two different continents!  Not afraid to be different, Crystal strives to help her clients create weddings and events that represent their taste, their vision, and their passion!"

Update: January 26, 2012

Introducing the eventConnect planning team!

Moriah Bacus, Event Planner and Owner of Define Events, founded eventConnect to create positive impact in her various communities. Her passion is in corporate and special events with a focus on fundraisers. Moriah's portfolio encompasses work for CAFTCAD, Oxfam Canada, Toronto's Furniture Bank and the Oakville Community Foundation.  She is thrilled to be working alongside an amazing team to bring eventConnect to life in the Events Industry.

Stacey Leung’s passion for event planning and coordinating was realized since high school. She played a huge role in student council where she planned all types of school events, from school dances to fundraisers. She later became the lead coordinator for prom, in which she fully coordinated the whole event and acted as the master of ceremony. Shortly after, her passion turned towards wedding planning and she became certified by The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. She has assisted with a variety of events, including CSEME 2011, charity fashion shows, and many more. Not only is Stacey an event coordinator, but her proficiency in many design software also make her an excellent designer.

Shannan Scott recently joined the team at Managing Matters Inc. as an Event Coordinator. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Ryerson University, Shannan always strives to exceed client expectations. Her drive, intelligence and passion for the event management industry allow her to plan and execute events at the highest level and with effective organization. Shannan represents an excellent blend of professionalism, dedication, and creativity. Always taking extra effort and care in the quality of outcomes delivered, Shannan has a meticulous eye for detail. With an overall enthusiasm and positive attitude, Shannan is an asset to any team.

Mariella Irivarren is an event planning professional who has led several internal company events including holiday parties, executive meetings, employee appreciation, fundraisers, team building activities and more. She is close to completing her Event and Meeting Management Certificate at George Brown, and is an active MPI member. She has a passion for the industry and participates whenever possible! Mariella is always looking for new opportunities to learn from and grow as an industry professional.

Emily Boehm is a graduate of Algonquin College and holds a diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services. Growing up in a small community Emily learned the impact of events early in life; serving as the youngest member on her local Parks & Rec Board she executed at a number of community events and fundraisers. Emily is currently living in Toronto, working as an Executive Assistant where she coordinates their major annual fundraiser, governance meetings and multiple annual donor stewardship events. She will complete her Event and Meeting Management Certificate through George Brown College this spring - planning and volunteering for many unique events along the way. 

ANNOUNCEMENT - February 8, 2012

We are so excited to introduce our eventConnect sponsors! Check out their websites, follow them on twitter and come out and meet them on February 23, 2012 at eventConnect!

Anne Thornley-Brown, MBA is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based management consulting firm specializing in team building retreats, team building simulations, executive retreats, sales rallies, and corporate events. Services available in Canada, the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Lucia), Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Japan), and the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman). Follow her on twitter @executiveoasis or check out the facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Executive-Oasis-International/118324021588305 

Speaker Sponsor – Crystal Adair-Benning
Crystal Adair-Benning, Owner at Distinct Occasions Weddings! Crystal will speak to "Building and maintaining effective connections in the events industry". After 12 years of special event planning Crystal Adair-Benning has had her fingers on the pulse of what’s hot & trendy and what’s tried & true. Her own wedding broke the mold of tradition when she fused her Scottish heritage with modern elegance and charm in two very distinctive and different ceremonies on two different continents!  Not afraid to be different, Crystal strives to help her clients create weddings and events that represent their taste, their vision, and their passion!