Rawle Borel Jr., CSEP, SCMP CORPORATE EVENT STRATEGIST YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 29 Having previously worked for Transport Canada and Rogers Communications Inc. in the corporate event strategy space—as well as running his own event busi- ness—Borel Jr. has a strong sense of the transformative effect of an impactful event/experiences and impor- tance of a vibrant events industry. That’s why he chose to step in as president of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Toronto Chapter, which has strug- gled to maintain membership in the past few years. In their own words: “The Live Events industry in Canada, like many others worldwide, has faced challenges in recent years. Despite these challenges, the industry has adapted and maintains its resilience. Nationally, the industry provides significant contributions to the economy while supporting tourism and local employ- ment. Taking the opportunity to help rejuvenate the ILEA Toronto chapter is both a challenge and privilege. As a board, we intend to connect with members and the events community, inspire action and amplify the bene- fits of membership.” Melissa Radu EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP, EXPLORE EDMONTON YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 20 Radu was one of the first voices to speak out about the climate crisis and how events need to address it, offering science-backed, practical ideas in a collaborative manner. Most recently, she was instrumental in creating Edmonton’s Regenerative Tourism Strategy. In their own words: “When I started working as a sustainability professional in the events in- dustry, I was one of very few people working in the space. What drives me is seeing the many young, emerging sustainability professionals working in tourism and hospitality and com- panies hiring ESG positions—not just in the public relations/marketing area of the business but in positions where they can impact operations. The launch of our Regenerative Tourism Strategy in Edmonton is a big accomplishment: Its vision is to create a resilient and regenera- tive tourism industry in the Edmonton region where we can go beyond sustainability and truly look at how our industry can give back socially, culturally and environmentally.” Whittling this list down to 16 was an incredible challenge and we know there are many more people who deserve to be on it. That’s why we are establishing a new page called The Changemaker, launching in our next issue. If you know someone who should be spotlighted, email us and tell us how they are making a difference at [email protected] Sharon Bonner, DES, VEMM FOUNDER AND CEO, SHARON BONNER CONSULTING AND BRIGHT IDEAS EVENT AGENCY YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 36 Bonner—who just signed on as an ILEA Canada board member—has planned many notable events in her career, including several during the Royal Visit of Prince William and Kate Middleton to Canada in 2016. She has long been an advocate for elevating the professionalism and visibility of the event industry: Most recently, she co-found- ed a new 19-module event planning certification course, launching this fall. In their own words: “I am driven by increasing the ROI for each and every event and thinking outside the box and creating concepts that don’t exist but are possible. I love the deep feeling of support amongst event partners whom I consider my event family. The new certification course is my way of leaving a legacy in the event industry.” Fall 2024 | Ignitemag.ca | 29
