MEMBER PROFILES

While "events" has never appeared in her job title, Lisa has always held a responsibility for creating exciting, engaging experiences for her stakeholders. Some of these have included training events, conferences, celebrations, weddings, and fundraisers (big and small). Lisa has spent the past 17 years in the non profit sector, building relationships and supporting change. She loves getting to know people and understanding what makes them excited and engaged. Currently, Lisa feels truly privileged to be a part of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, working directly with donors and supporters to end poverty in our great city.

Born in Chile, 52 years ago, have been in Canada since 1988. Proud mama of two wonderful young adults who will be forever my babies. I have been in the hospitality industry since 1998, started at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, spent 15 years first with Westin then Toronto Metro Market. Moved to Alberta in 2015 working for Fairmont Mountain region and after 8 wonderful years, came back to Marriott. The move to Alberta was pivotal, it introduced me to a completely different, healthier life style and a network of wonderful people, where clients became friends. I have been with MPI in Toronto and I am now a member in Edmonton. Being part of this organization has provided a fantastic network of very talented, kind people I have the pleasure to know. I have a zest for life which has introduced me to sky diving, rock climbing, Krav Maga, spin, knitting, drawing, there is so much to learn and enjoy. I am a firm believer in self-care in a fast paced industry and have built a kind tribe, community that supports me through all ups and downs, many MPI members are part of that community.

Calli has been a member of the MPI Greater Edmonton Chapter for 3 years, where she also volunteers her time within. An event planner with many years of diverse experience as a certified event manager with a bilingual French diploma. She specializes in weddings, and whether big or small her company Celebrations by Calli is all about making her clients dreams come true through her passion and vision. On her down time away from the planning world, she loves to do puzzles, painting, playing with her Australian Shepard Kylo and hanging with family, friends and her boyfriend. Anyone that knows Calli, also knows she is a huge foodie and her favorite thing to do is check out Edmonton's restaurant scene

Caitlin McElhone, Bsc., CMP Owner & Logistics Queen @ CM Events Passionate about lifestyle, urban living and executing memorable experiences through events, Caitlin is known for her leadership, creativity, hyper-organizational skills and passion for the events industry. Caitlin studied Marketing through the School of Business and Clothing & Textile Design at the University of Alberta where her passion for design grew and she was exposed to the events industry for the first time. From there she worked full time with one of Edmonton's leading event planning companies, ComLinks Events, where she was fortunate to be involved with and lead planner on many incredible projects locally, Nationally and Internationally. Since opening CM Events in 2011, Caitlin has coordinated & executed many incredible events for local not-for-profits and corporate clients in Edmonton, including: Global TV Woman of Vision Luncheon, Parkland School Division Milestone and Merits, Rotary Roast for Mayor Mandel, numerous conferences and workshops for NAIT, Brian Webb Dance Company Art Auction, RISE Awards for EMCN and the award-winning CASA Carnival Gala just to name a few. Awarded Planner of the Year by MPI (Meeting Planners International) Edmonton Chapter and winning Edmonton’s Best Fundraising Gala two years in a row (Edmonton Event Awards), Caitlin is known for creating outstanding event experiences that raise necessary funds needed and keep guests coming back! She was also instrumental in forming the ILEA (International Live Events Association) Chapter in Edmonton and sat on the ILEA Board for over seven years (including as President). Caitlin has also developed four courses for the NAIT Event Management program (EVMT) and enjoys teaching and sharing her experiences with students and industry professionals. Passionate about Edmonton and getting involved with the community, Caitlin is an active supporter of local arts, festivals and the farmers market. She lives, works and plays in downtown Edmonton with her husband Scott and their two sons.

Arlene is the founder of Timewise and a partner with Event Technology Solutions and Event Supply Canada. She is a true industry ambassador, a mentor to many rising stars and had two terms as President of our MPI Greater Edmonton Chapter.She was named one of the top event professionals to follow on Snapchat by Canadian Special Events Magazine (follow her to get a glance of her #eventprofs life) and is very active on social media. On 2018 Arlene was the only entrepreneur in Canada to be awarded the Top 40 Over 40 by SPIN as well as Entrepreneur Award by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. Her legacy includes the creation & production of the Edmonton & Calgary Event Awards and GO WEST LIVE, the largest gathering of event professionals in Western Canada.She is a mom of 4 energetic and creative kids, always on the run with her Apple Watch, managing her business, household and a husband! She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), loves technology and is a big foodie always searching for the new #yeg restaurants, cafés and bars.

As General Manager with River City Events, Marnie oversees operations for its astoundingly broad spectrum of services, including event logistics, creative event production, and rentals to fully support any special event. Her expertise also contributes to the emphasis River City Events places on developing relationships with clients, understanding that the most engaging, successful events are predicated on strong collaborative partnerships. Consequently, Marnie strongly believes in the value MPI provides—empowering professionals to develop meaningful relationships with each other. It is Marnie’s hope that she can take the skills and connections she has acquired from MPI to further her impact on the events industry and elevate the careers and prospects of all those around her.