Meet our Team
Owner
SUE DAUGULIS
CEO/Owner
Sue holds a BA from Western University. Her experience with high profile organizing began when she was contracted by Ontario Housing to integrate 12,000 low and high income residents into a Toronto community. This highly experimental program was one of the first of its kind in Canada. From there she brought her experience to the United Nations Habitat Conference, where she took on the position of Accommodation, Registration and Accreditation Manager for the Conference held in Vancouver. This United Nations Conference brought together 147 countries and in its day was the highest profile conference to come to Vancouver. Sue has never looked back and has more years of experience in conference organizing and management than she is prepared to admit to.
NILS DAUGULIS
LEADERSHIP TEAM
RICHARD CARLISLE
President
Richard has over 25 years experience in the global marketing, events, and conference industry. Previously he held positions as Managing Director, Operations Manager and Marketing Manager with clients and companies such as Fiscal Periodical Press (Global Media Association), National Film Board of Canada, an International Conference Management company, and Ontario Non-Profit Housing. During this time, Richard worked on a global scale producing conferences in Singapore, Cannes, London, Dubai, and cities throughout North America with a focus on sectors such as medical, finance and global media. Richard’s responsibilities have been in driving client excellence, ROI, operational efficiencies, organizational vision and growth.
JOHN DAUGULIS
Vice President
John is an Honors graduate of the University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business with a double major in Service Management and Entrepreneurship. Within those disciplines John excelled in marketing, management accounting, strategic planning, as well as service business operations and sustainability. As a well rounded individual John is also a superb tennis player and golfer, holds seven university intramural sports championships, and has played professional hockey including a season as the goalie for the Sydney Bears in Australia. Over his university years, John worked with Venue West during the summers, during his business degree co-op, throughout the final year of his degree and joined Venue West full time in 2012. In that time John was instrumental in implementing many new processes to ensure that Venue West’s conference management technology stays at the leading edge in all respects, as well as implementing processes to reduce the environmental impact of Venue West and its clients.
ANNE KELLER
Director of Operations
Anne joined the team in early 2018 with more than 15 years of experience in organizing international corporate events, high-profile government meetings, incentives, as well as large trade shows with more than 1,000 exhibitors and up to 120,000 visitors. She builds trusting partnerships with her clients who appreciate her dedication, proactive thinking, problem-solving skills and competence. She continuously innovates to achieve great results. Anne is known for going the extra mile and team members value her helpfulness and advice. She early developed a love for languages and is fluent in German, English, and French, and has a good knowledge of Spanish. She is passionate about dancing and interior design, loves spending time outdoors, and can relax over a cup of tea and a good book.
conference management team
ANIKA VALLI
Conference Manager
- Vancouver -
Anika graduated from The British Columbia Institute of Technology in Event Management and Marketing in 2017. Since then, she has worked as a Project Coordinator in events throughout different industries across North America. She has a passion for working with people, and ensuring your event is a great success. Anika will bring positivity, levity, and a can-do attitude to any project she works on. On the weekends you can find her on the soccer field or shredding the slopes at our local mountains!
BLAIR HILTZ
Senior Conference Manager
- Halifax -
Blair joined Venue West is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has over 20 years experience in the meetings industry, creating, planning and executing global conferences in the medical, arts, scientific and many other fields. His career has taken him all over Central and North America, Europe, South Pacific and other places managing and executing meetings, conferences and tradeshows, with budgets ranging from $200,000 to $3,000,000, with 300 to 5,000 attendees. As a past travel counsellor and with experience in the food industry, he has a vast knowledge of many areas of the service industry, which aid him in creating memorial events for all clients. Being creative and working closely on creating and managing budgets, help him keep things on track and lead to a successful end product; a product that clients are proud to be associated with and call their own. His main goal with any client on any project is to create the best project possible and to manage it in such a way that the client can enjoy the experience, and not waste their time worrying about anything.
CHAYMAA GAMRAOUI
Conference Manager
- Vancouver -
Chaymaa joined Venue West in 2023 with seven years of experience in event planning. She brings a passion for creating memorable and impactful experiences. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to coordinate events across Canada and various locations worldwide. Holding a Master’s degree in International Business from ESCA University in Casablanca, Morocco, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of the global marketplace and its dynamics. Her unique skillset includes a remarkable ability to connect with diverse, multilingual, and multicultural audiences, enabling her to forge meaningful and long-lasting connections around the world. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, both written and spoken, with a basic knowledge of Spanish, she thrives in fostering effective communication and collaboration in a global context. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, she is committed to crafting extraordinary events that leave a lasting impression.
FRANCESCA VELOTTI
Senior Conference Manager
- Vancouver -
Francesca holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication. For several years, she has worked in event planning as well as organizing sailing competitions hosted by prestigious Yacht Clubs throughout Italy. After moving to Canada, she specialized in Tourism Management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Vancouver, with a special focus on Meeting and Convention Planning. Francesca joined Venue West in 2012 and is a valuable part of the team, managing national and international conferences and exhibitions.
TANYA CROMWELL
Conference Manager
- Vancouver -
Tanya has over a decade of expertise in event management and production. Her professional journey began with her passion for community connections and engagements, evolving into her successful leadership in executing several high-profile corporate galas and non-profit multi-day conferences, special events, and tradeshows. As a thoughtful, creative collaborator, Tanya is driven to work with clients through project timelines, production expectations and show flows to ensure senses are awakened in the pursuit of creating a holistic event experience leaving attendees energized and inspired to go do something great! With a strategic and hands-on approach, Tanya curates experiences that go beyond mere events—they become immersive, memorable moments.
TERI DOYLE
Senior Conference Manager
- Toronto -
Teri joined the Venue West team as a Conference Manager with over 15 years of event management experience in PCO and Corporate environments. Teri is known for leading high-performing event teams, and finding creative and efficient ways to push a budget to it’s fullest while fostering a positive, encouraging and fun environment. She’s also passionate about greening her events however she can. An award-winning event manager, she has managed a variety of programs with budgets ranging from $60,000 – $7M and attendees from 50 – 7,000. When she’s not focusing on events, Teri enjoys spending her downtime with her husband and two boys. Teri is a dual-citizen of the US and Canada and currently calls Kitchener, ON home.
ELLA LAM
Conference Coordinator
- Vancouver -
At the early stage of her career, Ella soaked herself into the aviation and customer service industry for eight-plus years. Later, she moved to British Columbia and completed a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Global Hospitality and Tourism Management at Capilano University. Since then, she developed a great passion for Event and Conference Management. She truly believes that each conference is unique and loves to bring people together to connect and collaborate. As an excellent team player, Ella excels in working in a fast-paced environment with her strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
LISA HARFORD
Conference Coordinator
- Vancouver -
Originally from Ireland, Lisa moved to Vancouver in 2015 after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Interior & Furniture Design at the Dublin Institute of Technology. She joined Venue West following a seven-year career in the hospitality industry. During that time, Lisa’s interpersonal skills have helped her establish excellent client relations. She is dedicated to achieving high quality results in every project she works on. When not in the office, she enjoys experiencing the eclectic food and coffee scene in Vancouver.
MICHELLE KNAUS
Conference Coordinator
- Toronto -
Michelle started her career as a Marketing Coordinator, where she developed a strong foundation in project management, branding, and communication. Her experience in marketing allowed her to fine-tune her organizational skills, which she later applied to event coordinating, specializing in social events and corporate functions. Michelle thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and is known for her problem-solving abilities, consistently delivering practical solutions. Her attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively make her a valuable asset to the team.
registration & housing
GLENDA FREEMAN
Senior Registration & Housing Manager
- Vancouver -
Glenda has been with the conference industry for over 20 years and this is the second time she is working as a member of the Venue West team. She started at Venue West as the Data Entry Clerk and quickly moved up to Registration Coordinator position but after over eight years she left to explore other possibilities in the conference world. Returning back to Venue West as Registration Manager, Glenda brings her skills for building registration databases, abstract submission portals, the attendee app and websites in EventsAir. She has managed registration for conferences from 300 to 3,500 all over Canada and internationally, and her knowledge covers not only building the interactive sites, but involves all of the procedures that come with them as well as keeping the rest of the team fully trained and aware of EventsAir possibilities. Glenda also brings her accounting and membership management skills to assist when needed and a healthy dose of a sense of humour!
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & sPONSORSHIP/EXHIBIT SALES
FAITH KARA
Business Development
- Vancouver -
With a strong background in sponsorship and exhibition sales, business development, and client relations, Faiths brings a deep understanding of connecting clients with the right solutions to achieve their goals. Her experience includes leading charity events and collaborating with tourism bureaus, providing her with a comprehensive perspective on the full scope of event planning and execution. Faith excels in building meaningful connections and prides herself on fostering trust with clients through honesty, integrity, and a genuine desire to help them succeed. Her expertise in research, social media, and strategic planning ensures she can offer tailored insights and deliver exceptional service. She is passionate about creating lasting relationships and supporting clients every step of the way to ensure their experience is seamless, professional, and impactful.
TRACEY PRICE
Business Development
- Vancouver -
Tracey joined the team with over 25 years of sales experience, previously working for industry leaders like Apple, HP, and Absolute Software. Her ability to easily build strong, lasting relationships by focusing on her clients’ needs with honesty and integrity has made her a trusted partner to many. A passionate traveller, Tracey has explored Europe, Australia, and nearly every U.S. state. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family at their rustic lakefront cabin, and is a dedicated advocate for animal rescues, sharing her home with two beloved rescue dogs. Tracey’s ability to connect with others, solve problems, and build trust has been the foundation of her lasting success.
ADAM CHAN
Marketing Associate
- Toronto -
Adam is a marketing coordinator from Toronto, Ontario who is excited to jumpstart his career. With a drive for finding new and creative solutions to everyday problems, he has multiple years experience helping companies advertise products and events through the use of creative marketing plans and clean graphics and designs. Adam loves working alongside talented groups to help achieve common goals. In his off time you can find him at home enjoying a good movie, or nearby any TV playing a Raptors game, yelling at the opposing team for being too good at basketball.
KEESHA MARSON
Marketing Manager
- Toronto -
Keesha loves bringing ideas to life through creative marketing. With over 15 years of experience, she’s tackled everything from B2B to B2C campaigns, seamlessly blending cross-platform marketing. Known for her skill in balancing timelines, budgets, and strategies, Keesha thrives on creating marketing magic. When she’s not managing campaigns or building brand buzz, you’ll find her throwing punches in kickboxing class or crafting custom nail polish shades that are bold, fun, and uniquely her.
MIKE DAUGULIS
Sponsorship & Exhibit Sales
- Copenhagen -
Mike has an extensive history in account management, sales, and client relations. Based in Europe as our International Sponsorship and Exhibition Sales Mike continues to exceed client expectations and sales goals. In 2003, Mike received the Governor General’s Award for graduating from high school with the highest GPA of 98.4%, while at the same time receiving his school’s top Athletic Award and Scholarship. He went on to Utah State University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science specializing in Kinesiology. He has spent several years playing professional hockey in Europe and elsewhere.
FINANCE AND IT
AKASH SHARMA
Financial Administrator
Akash is a seasoned expert in accounting and finance, holding a bachelor’s degree in commerce along with an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Finance. With a wealth of experience gained from his tenure with several multinational corporations, he performs day-to-day accounting, payroll, and taxation operations. His years of experience lend invaluable insight and proficiency to his work. Not only is Akash reliable and supportive in his professional endeavors, he also cherishes quality time with his family and indulges in various recreational activities during his leisure hours.
LEANNE ROCKLIFF
Finance
Leanne is driven to promote change within people so that as a society we can grow. She is inspired by the Venue West team’s eagerness to provide exceptional services and proud to be a part of the team. Her role as the bookkeeper is to support the group with sound financial information so that they can focus on providing for our clientele. Leanne is a certified bookkeeper with 10+ years of experience that brings a creative mind to the team.
SAFIYA ELSHAZLY, CPA, PCP
Manager Finance
Safiya is a CPA and PCP with extensive experience in finance and accounting. She specializes in streamlining financial operations, enhancing process efficiency, and maintaining strict compliance with accounting standards. Committed to continuous improvement, Safiya leverages her analytical skills to develop effective financial solutions and support organizational growth. Her professional approach combines accuracy, efficiency, and strategic foresight. Outside her professional life, Safiya enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures and nature. Family holds a special place in Safiya’s heart, and she cherishes creating lasting memories through meaningful experiences.
QUICK JIANG
IT/Web Services
Quick is a Microsoft Certified Professional Systems Engineer, with over 30 years experience in computer data analysis, web program design and network administration. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Management, is proficient with .NET, Visual Basic, C Sharp, SQL development on Windows environment. Quick ensures that Venue West stays on the cutting edge of the latest in technology and supports the development of Conference Registration pages and customized Conference Websites.