The Canadian Meetings + Events Expo 2026 Exhibitor List

Laura Bickle is the Director of Content Innovation at Ignite magazine, the go-to resource for event professionals. She has reported on the business event industry since 2013. In 2023, Laura and the Ignite team created the Worth It initiative, focusing on advancing the conversation around value and fair business practices in the event industry through articles, newsletters, social media, podcasts and industry events. Learn more at ignitemag.ca .

Hayley is a seasoned hospitality professional with 25 years of experience and a graduate certificate in Special Event Management. She built her career at Vintage Hotels and Stratus Vineyards before joining Wynford in 2015, where she now serves as Senior Client Experience Director, Manager of Experience Design, leading immersive event strategies and overseeing the team. A committed industry leader, Hayley served as SITE Canada President and served on the board through multiple SITE Chapter of the Year wins. She’s a passionate educator, having taught at Niagara College and spoken internationally. Honoured with multiple awards, including Top 30 Under 30, Educator of the Year, and induction into the Meetings + Incentive Travel Hall of Fame – now serving as a judge on the CMEE Hall of Fame Committee – Hayley continues to shape the industry from Niagara to Toronto and beyond.

Emilia Kim is an award-winning event strategist, entrepreneur and founder of Events WITH EM, an independent agency under EM Collective specializing in corporate events, sponsorships, strategic partnerships and experiential brand experiences. With over a decade of experience in corporate event planning and six years building a successful e-commerce business, Emilia transitioned from the corporate world to continue her entrepreneurial journey and create a more human, connection-driven approach to events. Today, she partners with brands, corporations and organizations to produce conferences, trade shows, executive experiences and community-focused activations that drive engagement, visibility and lasting impact. Known for combining strategic thinking with elevated execution, Emilia’s expertise spans event strategy, sponsorship development, experiential marketing and partnership cultivation. Her work is rooted in the belief that successful events should not only look exceptional, but also create meaningful business outcomes and authentic human connection. Her contributions to the industry have earned notable recognition, including the 2020 CMEE Rising Star Hall of Fame Award and the 2024 Planner of the Year Award from MPI Toronto Chapter, along with international recognition for innovation and leadership within the global events industry. Beyond her work as a founder, Emilia is passionate about mentorship, collaboration and building experiences that strengthen communities, elevate brands and create impact far beyond the event itself.

As Account Director for Marriot Global Sales for the Association Segment Susan is responsible for the Canadian Association Segment. She also works with several association management companies that manage several aspects of association management including conferences/events. With over 39 years of hospitality experience, Susan has spent 36 of those years working in national and now global capacity in sales. Susan’s strength lies in her passion for the association segment and the relationships she has built with the Canadian Association Segment. She is a member of CSAE, PCMA and AMCI and has been involved throughout the years on a number of different working committees either in a position of being the chair or a committee member or president.