MCI Group Canada Inc., a branch of MCI Group – a global leader in engaging and activating audiences with impactful meetings, incentive travel, events and experiences – is pleased to announce the promotion of special event industry veteran, Natasha Hilliard, to the role of director, institutional division, in its Vancouver office.
In her new role, Ms. Hilliard will be responsible for leading the Institutional Division Business Unit team and its strategy, including the growth of the Professional Congress Organization (PCO) and development of the Association Management & Consulting (AM&C) business across the company’s major regions. She will remain responsible for management of the business development team with a focus on driving new opportunities within the national and international association areas.
“We are excited to promote Natasha to this new position,” said Juliano Lissoni, managing director of MCI Group Canada. “She strongly values the importance of a client-focused approach and trusted industry relations. “With an in-depth understanding of the association market and global meetings industry, combined with a deep knowledge of MCI skills, Natasha will be an important leader for our expansion in Canada.”
Ms. Hilliard brings more than 20 years of experience in the hotel and professional conference management industry to her new role. Following 10 years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts across Canada, she joined MCI Group Canada in 2007 as a sales manager before being promoted to director, association relations. During her career, she strengthened her industry experience and connections by actively participating in associations such as IAPCO, PCMA, CSAE and MPI, and has been a recipient of both the prestigious MPI BC Chapter “Planner of the Year” and “Rising Star” awards.
“I am thrilled to be part of a hard-working and talented team, as MCI Group Canada continues to evolve and make a positive impact on the meeting and events industry around the world,” added Ms. Hilliard. “I’m very excited to lead the team into to this next phase of growth and success as we become the number one provider of quality strategic services to our national and international association clients, for years to come.”This important announcement underscores MCI’s mission tocontribute to the strengthening of the sector as part of its growth plans for North America and follows a spate of recent senior appointments in Toronto and Montreal