Movers and Shakers

It is with mixed emotions that Freeman Audio Visual Canada announces the resignation of company President Johanne Bélanger, effective June 30, 2015. Bélanger has faced difficult health concerns while upholding her responsibilities not only at Freeman, but also as Chair of Tourism Toronto and President of InfoComm International. Her health has returned fully, but after much deliberation, she has decided to take some well-deserved time off with her family. Bélanger plans to continue serving the audio visual industry as a board member of InfoComm International, specifically in the area of mentoring and promoting women as business leaders with the Women of InfoComm Network. 

The Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ryerson University welcomes Dr. Frederic Dimanche as the new Director of the school, effective July 1, 2015. Dr. Dimanche obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon (USA). He then worked as a Professor in the School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University of New Orleans. After working over 15 years in the USA, he joined SKEMA Business School in France in 2001 to create and develop on the French Riviera the Center for Tourism Management and award-winning Master programs in tourism, event, and hospitality management. The school would like to thank Dr. David Martin for his 10 years of leadership as its Director and is looking forward to him returning to the classroom in Fall 2016 after his one year sabbatical, to continue to prepare the future leaders of the Hospitality and Tourism industry.

Christine Wong is the newest member of the sales team!  As Account Executive, Exhibitions. Christine will be working alongside Ellen deBoer, Senior Account Executive to renew some of our annual exhibition and festival clients for Direct Energy Centre, Better Living Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall and outdoor Festival spaces; and develop new business within the exhibition and festival markets. Christine can be reached at (416) 263-3024 or cwong@directenergycentre.com

Tourism London Collaborates with London Convention Centre to Open Ottawa Office
To expand convention business for London Tourism London and the London Convention Centre, Mr. Marc Forgette has been appointed to the position of Business Development Manager. Marc will be based in Ottawa, the primary national association convention feeder market. In partnership with the London Convention Centre, Marc has been contracted to support Tourism London’s Director of Conventions, Lynne Gale, CMM, in the development and implementation of both organization’s present and future convention marketing plans. Marc is a member of Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Ottawa-Gatineau chapter and the Ottawa chapter of Meeting Professionals International. For further information, contact Lynne Gale, CMM, at lgale@londontourism.ca.