Tahira Endean, CMP, CED, works in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as head of events at SITE Global. As a 2019 15 Over 50 honoree, Endean discusses her passion for the events industry.
*Connect with Endean on Twitter and Instagram.
What I do: I build bridges between destinations, partners and planners through the medium of events. I am fortunate to be working with our very talented board members, team members and committees to design incentive-level experiences our participants will grow from personally and professionally—I am challenged to think beyond any box, and have fun while doing it.
How I got here: After surgery ended my hairstyling career, I obtained a diploma in event and convention management, and a great practicum led to my first job with a PCO where I stayed for eight years. I like learning, so I added a diploma in adult education, a bachelors of hospitality management, and teach sustainable event operations (BCIT). I have had roles ranging from project manager to event producer and creative director, followed by being the events specialist for an #eventtech company and for three years growing a conference from scratch, before taking six months to travel and learn. It was during this “gap year” I found this role.
Greatest career accomplishment: Writing a book, “Intentional Event Design, Our Professional Opportunity.” My industry peers and event academics find value in with information they can apply immediately has been tremendously rewarding.
Impressive stats: Growing the #BCTECH Summit from its original goal of 800 participants to five times that over three years by creating a comfortable space that enveloped people in experience and dialogue and allowed for formal and serendipitous connections to multiply.
What I am working on now:.We are building more immersive and interactive experiences into the programming as we explore the stunning destinations we are fortunate to be in this year and looking into 2020 and beyond.
What I do outside of work: Ironically, travel, for a combination of speaking, spending time with friends, exploring with family, learning and being inspired by our global mosaic. I occasionally host a podcast (#EventIcons), teach, judge a variety of event awards and sometimes just relax. I try to build in exercise‑hiking, weights, yoga and spin.
