First and foremost: This is my dream–job. I have worked in this industry for several years and have had the chance to work in various fields: Convention Bureaus, Government Agencies and PCOs – both in Europe and North America. I enjoy working with many different cultures, organizing conferences around the globe and dealing with international companies and associations. I take my work personally and therefore cherish the relationships I develop with our clients. I feel honored to work with so many outstanding personalities. Our clients' goals are our goals: a close business relationship, full commitment to the project and pleasant experiences throughout the planning phase and the conference itself. I am particularly proud of my outstanding staff at ICS. They are great team players, experienced, smart, energetic and great fun to work with. Asked for my best attributes I would say I am analytical, honest, open-minded and jovial (with a unique German accent).

"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it."
~H.E. Luccock

In order to support our President, I script scads of email, proposals, contracts, oversee Human Resources and extol the wonders of Blackberry iPhone. I particularly enjoy marketing the ICS brand and re-structuring polices and procedures as our company continues to grow. If I am not in the office scrambling to change a flight schedule or dismantling our furniture, you'll find me travelling far-flung lands to play the drums or training to be a ninja.

"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind."
~Morihei Ueshiba

Richard Carlisle [Operations Manager]

I bring over 14 years of experience within Sales, Events, Destinations and Incentives to ICS. My experience meshes well with the ICS Team as I am able to provide my skills in many facets of the industry. Formally a National Sales and Account Manager, I bring a diverse background of understanding and abilities to make sure our sponsors and exhibitors are the right fit for their target market. Within Events, Destinations and Incentives, for me, there is no greater feeling than the amazement, the laughter and joy on delegates faces when they walk through the door of an event or grinning from ear to ear as they say their final farewells on a great destination/incentive trip. Besides working with one of the greatest teams in the industry that is my ultimate reward and my driving force for each day.

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
~Harold R. McAlindon

Jenn Abbott [Director of Business Development]

Originally an East Coast girl from Nova Scotia, I moved across the country in 2000. I worked in finance for over 7 years before actualizing my dream of starting my own business. For 8 years I was the owner/operator of a successful Events Management company that took me all over the world and allowed me to pair my business background with my love of music and planning events. My decision to work for ICS was a thoughtful one, and I could not be more excited about the team and the endless opportunities ahead. ICS shares my core values of providing boutique and client focused service combined with an award winning team! Outside of work I can be found at music concerts, watching football, any sport in the water... and of course always entertaining or planning friends events... weddings, baby showers, birthdays, going away parties... the list goes on and on!

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
~Albert Schweitzer

Denise Monjo, CGA [Chief Accountant]

An instructor told me once that I am a natural in accounting; I believe time has proven him right. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with presidents and CFOs in various industries, government and privately-owned companies across Canada. I think of myself as a maestro conducting numbers into harmonic checks and balances, and in tune with the music - the healthy heartbeat of the company. You might be interested to know that I love the outdoors. I am an experienced swimmer and enjoy hiking. More recently I have taken up kayaking.

"If you count all your assets, you always show a profit."

~Robert Quillen

Monica Sayers [Manager - Sponsorship & Exhibit Sales]

I have over 15 years experience in the meeting and event planning industry, having organized everything from donor stewardship dinners for six to street festivals for over 20,000 people, from charitable galas to corporate conferences, and even friends’ weddings. Originally from Vancouver, I have recently returned from living in San Diego for the past eight years and am excited to be part of the ICS Team. When I am not utilizing my strong skills of persuasion I can be found enjoying many outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and playing tennis.

“I dwell in possibilities”

~Emily Dickinson

Michelle Wallace [Sales & Conference Coordinator]

Starting my event planning career by accident after volunteering for a political campaign in university, I quickly fell in love with this fast paced and dynamic industry. Through working for federal elected officials and later for the head office of a national political party, I have had the opportunity to manage everything from small board meetings of 30 to conventions with over 3000 participants, all in one of the most high profile and scrutinized industries. My experience managing events with such public prominence has given me the tools to work on the large international conferences the ICS takes on. I am excited be a part of this great team and use my skills to make our conferences a success.

A west coast transplant from the east coast of Canada, I bring that friendly Maritimer attitude with me to everything I do. I have been involved in many different areas of this industry over a number of years and truly like doing what I do. Meeting people is a great part of this job, as well as seeing different parts of the world. Each client and each job is different and brings its own challenges, thus I never get bored with this career. I have also been appointed as Social Director of the office and therefore plan social events for people that plan social events – talk about challenging. I enjoy being creative, thinking outside of the box and keeping them guessing!

“I am certainly not one of those who need to be prodded. In fact, if anything, I am the prod.”
~Sir Winston Churchill

Grit Schoenherr [Senior Conference Manager]

Organizing small symposia or managing one of our biggest conferences with more than 7,000 delegates has become my dream come true. Taking care of all the little or not so little details, keeping everyone on track, providing a great and yet individualized service to both, delegates and clients, is exciting, sometimes challenging, but most of all very rewarding when everything comes together at the end of each project and you see smiling faces onsite.

Since living in Vancouver I have become a hockey fan, but have yet to see the Canucks playing live at Rogers Arena. I enjoy hiking with friends and taking advantage of the many other outdoor activities Vancouver has to offer.

My first contact with the meetings and events industry was in high school where I volunteered at numerous international conferences in Vancouver. A few years later in university I became involved with the planning of a variety of philanthropic and social events. Through these experiences I began to realize that I was passionate about planning events that would have positive and lasting impact on people’s lives and their communities. At ICS, I use my organizational skills and work with an exceptionally motivated team to facilitate the global transfer of knowledge and create truly memorable events. When I’m not balancing budgets, negotiating contracts, researching new technology or green initiatives, I can be found somewhere in the great outdoors with a good book.

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

~Margaret Mead

Bianca Dennison [Conference Coordinator]

Working amongst such a strong team, whom are all experts in their line of work is a fantastic learning advantage for me. Coming into a new role of Speaker Manager is an excellent opportunity for me to show off my exceptional customer service and time management skills. I am also assisting the Sponsorship & Exhibit Department with various conferences as well as various administration tasks. A classic Australian, I enjoy all things outdoors, camping with my beloved and having a BBQ with friends.

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

~Anonymous

Jessica Ng, BCom [Conference Coordinator]

After managing 15 successful trade shows across BC, I am excited to dive into the world of conferences and association membership management. I can’t think of a better team to experience this with than my fellow colleagues at ICS. Having only lived in Vancouver since 2008, I enjoy discovering what the city has to offer in my down time – from great food to fun tourism activities, live entertainment and spectacular views that are second to none!

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

~George Bernard Shaw

Kelsey Mackay-Smith [Conference Coordinator]

I am thrilled to be part of the ICS team. I have an Events and Conventions Management Diploma and an Associate of Arts Degree. In addition, I have also completed a certificate in wedding coordination and have 9 years experience in customer service.  I love this industry because it combines both my enthusiasm for organization and my love of special events.  For me there is nothing more satisfying than watching hard work and planning come together in a well-executed event.  I look forward to gaining even more experience in this exciting industry and more knowledge from my talented colleagues. 

"One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks."

~Jack Penn

 

Tradeshow Department

Cheryl Grenick [Tradeshow Manager]

Educated as an elementary teacher in Winnipeg, I made a move to Vancouver in 1990 and started teaching in the ESL industry. Over the years, I have taken on many roles from administration to program development. I have always been open to new projects that allowed me to have a hand in marketing, designing promotional materials and presenting information. I have been fortunate to travel to many destinations around the world where I have met outstanding individuals and immersed myself into each new culture. What is so exciting about this position is the combination of developing relationships and creating events that surpass the expectations of our clients. I feel honored to be working alongside such a creative, dynamic and experienced team of individuals at ICS.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~Mark Twain

Joanne Walsh [Tradeshow Manager]

My passion for planning and selling events began over 15 years ago. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing all your hard work come together as the trade show floor comes to life right in front of you. When I’m not thinking about new feature ideas, potential sponsors or exhibitors, I enjoy golfing, curling and travelling with friends. I’m excited to be a part of the team at ICS!

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

~Confucius

My primary role at ICS is to develop customized programs and special events for both corporate and association clients. I enjoy working with such a dynamic team and am always ready to use my French-English bilingualism, strong organizational skills and sharp attention to details whenever needed in association or conference management.  In my private life, I am doing my best at raising two beautiful children to be citizens of the world!

“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I am really excited to be working with such an professional and engaging team.  I bring with me 8 years of experience in Registration and 7 years in conference service management.  I started in Montreal, worked my way to Ottawa, and am happy to say that I am finally back home in Vancouver.  My primary role is to provide conference delegates with a seamless registration experience, starting from the moment they complete their registration form to the moment I can welcome them on-site and hand them their registration materials. On a personal note, I enjoy the simple things in life: spending time with friends and family, getting in a good workout, reading a good book and most importantly, eating cookies.

"Cherish your yesterdays; Dream your tomorrows; But live your todays."
~Anonymous

After working for high-end hotels in Vancouver, ICS was a perfect transition for me. Being on the other side of the fence, I know what to offer our clients and how to deliver it. Having built great relationships with teams of the leading hotels ensures that my clients will have a flawless stay and that all their registration details will be handled with great care. In Vancouver, we are lucky to live in a city that offers world class events, concerts, theatre and sports combined with the charm of the West Coast. I take advantage of the great outdoors as often as possible by rollerblading & hiking. My favorite local adventure is the Grouse Grind which I love to climb - I feel empowered every time I make it to the top

"Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity."
~ L. Frank Baum

Zoie Woodgate [Housing & Registration Manager]

I stumbled across the conference and event industry in my first year of university and was delighted to discover that I could turn my love for being organized into a full time career. Since then I have had the opportunity to manage numerous events across Canada and at a variety of global venues. I take pride in my work, whether it’s a board meeting for twenty people or a conference for 5000 attendees, and I always make sure to take a moment to stand back and really watch the event in action as there is nothing more rewarding than seeing smiles on the faces of satisfied delegates.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

~Peter Drucker

Since 1990, I have been involved in crunching numbers and balancing budgets. In regards to my current work with ICS, I place a high value on ethics, dedication, loyalty, respect and hard work. There are always multiple conference accounts to juggle and I work hard to stay focused on what takes priority during my day. I always find ways to develop myself and overcome challenges. In my spare time, I am an avid bowler who knows how to knock the pins over!

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
~Anonymous

Melissa Chavez [Accounting Assistant]

Prior to joining my new ICS family, I spent most of my career in one of the largest telecom company in the Philippines. I bring over 13 years of extensive experience in different aspects of accounting to ICS. I am very excited and looking forward to all the challenges and new experiences I will gain with ICS regarding the events industry - especially the accounting side of it.  I consider myself lucky to become part of this wonderful and exceptionally talented team of experts. When not at work, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I also love travelling and going on adventures with close friends.

“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”
~Theodore Roosevelt

Raymond Lee [Technical Support]

Keeping the machines working is the goal. I work behind the scenes to fix, patch, un-break, reverse time, defy gravity, and anything else required to keep the computer systems at ICS up and running. Every event poses unique challenges, which creates an ever-changing environment to keep me challenged. I particularly enjoy participating in the on-site events.

“The issue isn't whether you're paranoid, but whether you're paranoid enough.”
~Name Withheld