Kristy (Klawitter) Corrente, 31, works in Barrie, Ontario, as a member services and conference planner for Canadian Association of Physician Assistants. As a 2017 40 Under 40 honoree, Corrente discusses her passion for the events industry.
*Connect with Corrente on Instagram.
What I do: In addition to managing and growing CAPA’s member benefit program, I am responsible for planning the association’s annual conference. This includes coordinating the development of the accredited education program, liaising with the venue and suppliers to coordinate all conference logistics, and securing all exhibitors and sponsors. My position also requires me to maintain the association’s website and investigate sources of nondues revenue as needed.
How I got here: After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I volunteered to chair the MS Walk, which was the inspiration for my event-planning career. I started planning events for the local chamber of commerce before completing the event management program at Algonquin College. Afterward, I secured a position as a conference coordinator thanks to a recommendation from an executive director I had interviewed with, and two years later, that same ED recruited me to work for her at CAPA, where I’ve been for the last six years.
My greatest career accomplishment: After working two years as a conference coordinator, I was honored to receive the Rising Star Award from the Ottawa Chapter of MPI. Afterward, my husband and I were relocated for his job, and I was fortunate to be able to continue working for CAPA remotely, which I’ve done for the last three years.
Impressive stats: Before I began working for CAPA, its conference was outsourced to a third party. I brought the planning in house to save on event management fees, except for site selection. I’ve more than doubled conference attendance, along with the amount of exhibitors and sponsors who support the event.
A specific improvement I’ve made: CAPA was a relatively new organization when I began working for them. For the last six years, I’ve been working to create and implement a process for planning and implementing the annual conference. This includes creating standards by which the educational content for the program is developed and making the transition to the digital world by offering an app to further engage delegates.
What I’m working on: I’m excited to create a promotional video we can use on our website and social media platforms to market the conference and continue growing the event. I’m also looking at ways to further engage delegates and make it an event Canadian physician assistants don’t want to miss.
What I do outside of work: I enjoy hiking with my husband and black lab, Tallulah; baking healthy treats; and fishing with my dad.
