Alexis Kereluk, BBA, 32, works in Vancouver, British Columbia, as partner of ConnectSeven Group. As a 2017 40 Under 40 honoree, Kereluk discusses her passion for the events industry.
*Connect with Kereluk on Twitter.
What I do: I am a partner in ConnectSeven Group, a new age, unconventional firm focusing on regional and national development. We provide event management, research, strategies, and consulting for tourism and socio-economic organizations. I am in charge of strategy and research for all of our clients. Every event we do starts with a foundation built on strategic research; best practices; trends in tourism, meetings and our client’s specific industry; and thorough stakeholder collaboration through surveys and interviews.
How I got here: My career path took me from event promotions to hotels through the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, when I finally discovered meetings and conferences. It was through the next five years when I started to realize meetings and events were a lot less about a fancy pillow to sleep on and much more about economic and global development. This realization resparked my passion for the industry and drove me toward destination consulting where I could lead projects that worked to enhance MICE and leisure tourism globally. Being a partner in an organization finally came to fruition after attending PCMA 2016 where I ran into an old colleague who was focusing on events related to tourism and economic development.
My greatest career accomplishment: There is no doubt that my greatest business achievement is the formation of ConnectSeven Group. I am so excited to be focusing all of my time in industries I am passionate about: tourism, economic development and socio-economic issues. I wish I could say starting a business is simple, but it has been a challenging year with roadblocks, speed bumps and unexpected turns. However, I have a great business partner who I am proud to work with, and along with our challenges we have had great successes for year one. I look forward to growing this business and hopefully incorporating a nonprofit foundation in the future.
Impressive stats: I brought in more than $750,000 to my organization as an account manager in a previous position, and I was recognized as meeting planner of the year at another organization.
A specific improvement I’ve made: I implemented rigorous account-management processes that helped to better understand both the meeting objectives and business objectives of our clients. By delving beyond the meeting and asking business questions as simple as “Outside of meetings, what do you see will be the biggest challenge for your organization next year?” you can foresee future opportunities such as new potential sponsors and/ or avoid potential risks.
What I’m working on: My two most exciting projects include the final phases of one project that will enhance an already great tourism product in Atlantic Canada, and another that will bring diverse leaders in social change to our country to help celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
What I do outside of work: I currently sit on the board of PCMA Canada West Chapter and volunteer twice a month on Vancouver’s Eastside as outreach support to those suffering from addictions or mental illness. But I make time for fun too! I am lucky enough to boat almost every week on all types of boats including sailboats, speedboats and, my favorite, the tug. I also play floor hockey for cardio, coach a girls fast-pitch team and brew great beers!
Phrases that identify me: Boater; consultant; traveler; dog owner; sugar addict
