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 explain the wonders of Blackberry. I particularly enjoy marketing the ICS Corporate Identity 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 training to be a ninja.

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

It amazes me to say that I have over 20 years of hospitality and tourism experience.  It began with holding a sign at the airport, program managing corporate events in BC and Alberta, and recently six years with a Vancouver convention hotel working with the association market.  Sprinkle in a few years working for UNBC as a recruiter and my experience includes 10 years of sales where I became a top producer and customer resource. I truly enjoy working in an industry that gathers people to discuss the cutting edge of their own industry while meeting in fantastic locations.  Whether it's a student delegate meeting a keynote speaker, the initial release of research, or an exhibitor confirming an order on the tradeshow floor... I enjoy watching those connections happen.  I get to work in this great industry with the support of my wife, daughter, two sons and extended family.  In joining the ICS team, my role is to establish partnerships that will allow us to be a leader in providing services for your events for years to come!   

"A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."

~Wayne Gretzky

Ali White [Sales Director]

I began working in the conference industry in 2001, and am constantly inspired by the professionals, scientists, teachers, social workers, and dedicated association members that I come in contact with on a daily basis. I enjoy becoming a part of their respective teams, and supporting their efforts to host successful conferences. From creating a conference from scratch to supporting local organizers on a bid submission, I am dedicated to matching the right ICS services to the required conference needs. In my personal time, I love to dance, swim, and hike, as well as spend time with my husband, daughters, loyal dachshund, and feisty cat. I love traveling, and have been lucky enough to tour throughout Europe, train with the capoeiristas along the coast of Brazil, experience the amazing landscapes of South Africa, and to watch the tango dancers in the south of Uruguay.

"We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
~Albert Einstein

I started out over 14 years ago doing small jobs for a special events company. At the time, I was surprised that someone could have a successful career organizing events but I quickly fell in love with the work and realized I wanted to pursue my career in this exciting industry. Since then, I have received a diploma in Event and Convention Management, was a Project Manager for a PCO and worked for a busy convention hotel as a Catering and Convention Services Manager. I have had the opportunity to work in many areas of conference planning at ICS including; Speaker Management, Satellite & Sponsor Management, Housing & Registration Management and Sponsor & Exhibit Sales Management. I truly enjoy my job, the teams I work with and the places I travel to. Outside of the office my time is spent with my growing family.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
~Mahatma Gandhi

Khara Robertson [Senior Conference Manager]

With more than a decade of event management experience, I have truly found my niche with international conferences. This fast-paced and dynamic industry keeps me on my toes with new challenges and new faces with each project. I currently manage the large international meetings for ICS, providing me the opportunity to lead our team to great achievements and deliver the best possible services to our clients. I mentor and lead our junior managers on their road to success through experience in a results-driven atmosphere. When I'm not focusing on the task at hand, I am cooking up a storm in my kitchen, traveling, and spending time with my family.

“Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? The extra mile.”
~Gary Ryan Blair

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

Diana Klingner [Senior Conference Manager]

When people ask me how I chose a career in the event industry I smile, as I didn’t chose the industry, it chose me.  My aim was to be a Travel Agent when I grew up, however, a fork in the road changed all that and in 1990 I began as an Administrative Assistant in various venues in Vancouver, BC.  Almost 20 years later, as a Senior Conference Manager with ICS, I still find myself caught up in the spirit and excitement of the event industry.

Coming up through the ranks, I worked in all aspects of the industry from sales & marketing, registration & housing, planning, logistics, and event execution.  I have learned through ‘doing’ and I have accumulated direct experience in trade and consumer shows, special events, and conferences.  It is this experience and my love of learning that I draw from to ensure client’s goals, visions, ideas and objectives are present in their events.  Ultimately, it’s the people I have met that keep me coming back for more; the spirit and enthusiasm before, during, and after an event is both infectious and lingering.

"An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea."

~ Buddha

I manage the logistics and finances of all my assigned conferences and projects. I really enjoy the fast-paced and dynamic work environment, the great people I get to work with, and all the new challenges and opportunities I am presented with. On a personal note, I enjoy traveling, reading, exploring the great outdoors, and keeping healthy. If you would like to get to know me or my business role better, feel free to drop me a line and we can go for coffee (although I’ll drink tea).

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
~Albert Einstein

Zoie Woodgate [Conference 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

Helene Valckenaere [Conference Coordinator]

Originally from France, I came to ICS for a 6 month internship in order to complete my Master of Tourism, Business Tourism, Conferences and Events. Upon graduation, I decided to remain in Vancouver and have been appointed as an ICS Conference Coordinator. Currently, I am assisting our Housing and Registration Managers as well as Conference Managers on several projects. My former experiences in hotels, restaurants, and a business travel agency have well prepared me for this career. I am really excited to be working and learning with such a multicultural and experienced team. I love to travel both abroad and explore the mix of metropolitan culture and nature offered in Vancouver with my international friends. I take every occasion to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and snowboarding.

“Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along.”

~Hugh Allen

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

Tradeshow Department

Jessica Ng, BCom [Tradeshow Manager]

My primary role at ICS is to continue the successful management and implementation of the Education & Career Fairs and to assist in the coordination of the BC Association of Broadcasters Annual Conference and the Bird Strike North America Conference.  I am excited to be starting a new chapter with ICS and I look forward to working on and travelling for new and different events with ICS. Outside of work, I enjoy working out and spending time with friends, family, and Kobe, my Pug puppy!

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

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

Richard Carlisle [Incentives, Events & Sponsorship 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

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

I am a Housing and Registration Manager at International Conference Services. After working for high-end hotels in Vancouver this 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

As Accountant for ICS, I assist the Conference Managers and Executive with timely financial reporting on our conferences. My background in public practice has given me considerable private sector experience that translates well to my work at ICS. I am in the midst of completing the Certified General Accountants program and have a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC. As a new member of ICS, I’m really excited to join such a motivated and enthusiastic team. Personally, I really enjoy great cuisine, music, and friends to share them with.

"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted."

~Albert Einstein

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!

My Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
~Anonymous

Kelsey Mackay-Smith [Administrative Assistant]

I am thrilled to be the newest addition to the ICS team. I have an Events and Conventions Management Diploma and an Associate of Arts Degree. In addition to completing my diplomas in the past four years, I spent time studying abroad in Greece and participating in as many event management projects as possible. 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

 

Keith Bullington [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. My personal downtime involves as much hockey and snowboarding as possible.

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

Internships

Aurelie Garcelon [Tradeshow Assistant]

I am currently working on completing my master’s degree in Marketing and International Management in Strabourg, France. With my previous experience in communications & hotels, I believe I will be a valuable asset during my internship at ICS. I enjoy international travels; last year I was in Mexico for 6 months where I learned a lot about the people, culture, and a different way of life. I am open-minded to do the same in Canada, and to head home having experience as Vancouver has to offer.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page".

~St.Augustine