Speakers
Christopher Baron, Sr. Director Digital Services Canada, Encore
Christopher Baron brings over 20 years of experience in live events, technical theatrical production, and IT systems. Having started his career working in theater, he later gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Technical Theatre Production from Toronto Metropolitan University. His passion for IT and technology, coupled with his experience in theatre and live events, cultivated his deep understanding of event technology. Joining Encore in 2007, he is currently serving as Senior Director of Digital Services – Canada where he leads an innovative team of digital production experts.
Dominique Lapointe, CFA, Global Macro Strategist, Multi-Asset Solutions Team, Manulife Investment Management
Dominique provides global macroeconomic and financial market research for the multi-asset solutions team. Additionally, he develops investment strategies across asset classes and regions. Prior to joining the firm, Dominique was at Laurentian Bank Securities, where he served as a senior economist, and before that, he was a senior analyst with the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa. He also worked at BCA Research as a research analyst. Dominique holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Natalie Lowe, Founder, The Sustainable Events Forum
Natalie Lowe created The Sustainable Events Forum and produces Earth Day for Event People. She teaches a university-level event sustainability course, hosts “Plan it for the Planet” and works with companies to align their events with their climate initiatives.
She has been recognized by the Events Industry Council, CanSPEP, MeetingsNet, WWF and the Globe & Mail.
Natalie’s goal is to empower event professionals to create events that support the sustainability commitments of their organizations.
Iris Ng-Reio, Senior Event Planner, Sun Life
Iris Ng-Reio is an experienced corporate planner with over 15 years in the industry with expertise in the financial, CPG and not-for profit sectors. Her passion and love for technology, efficiency and program solving is an asset to her team as she streamlines processes and creates systems that save time and increase accuracy.
Iris is currently a Senior Event Planner with Sun Life and is responsible for the planning and execution of conferences and incentives for financial advisors and employees. In her personal time, Iris enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband Michael, son Avery and their "fur baby" Rylie.
Suzanne Reid, Senior Manager, National Accounts, Canada, MC&A
Suzanne Reid comes from a demonstrated sales history of over 27 years in the hospitality industry. She is resourceful and proactive in connecting brands, destinations, and experiences.
Starting her career in Western Canada, Suzanne began her DMC journey in operations and learned the business from the ground up. As a member of the PGI Sales team, Suzanne opened the Whistler, Canada office in 2000, working with numerous Fortune 500 companies including Coca Cola in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. She then went on to round out her skills as a team member of the Western Mountain Region with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. In 2015 Suzanne returned to her DMC roots, and in 2019 she came back full circle joining the MC&A National Sales team.
Recognized by the Canadian Special Events Organization in 2017 and 2018 for outstanding multiday events, Suzanne prides herself in building strong relationships with exceptionally creative ideas and solutions. As an active member of SITE and FICP, she enjoys the collaboration and learning opportunities they provide. In 2020/21 Suzanne has embraced the nuances of a changed travel landscape, learning to adapt to virtual and hybrid events and bringing a consultative and solution-driven approach to her clients as they navigated the pandemic.
Travel is ingrained in Suzanne and when not discovering new places around the world she enjoys cooking and boating with her family. Hikes and wine tasting also top the list of her favorite things to do.
Lyndsey Wright, Director of Events, Park Hyatt Toronto 
Lyndsey started her Hyatt career 12 years ago at the Hyatt Regency Toronto as a Catering Sales and Convention Services Manager. A 20-year Hospitality veteran; she is now the Director of Event Sales at the Park Hyatt Toronto. She is passionate about creating events where her clients can be their absolute best. She leads a team of amazing event professionals who thrive on creating personalized luxury events for our clients.