Claire Smith

Vancouver Convention Centre

Claire Smith has built a strong reputation as an involved and informed leader in the Global Meetings Industry over the last 18 years. Most recently as Director of Sales & Client Services at the award-winning Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, she simultaneously managed both the Sales and Marketing and the Event Services departments for the past 7 years. Claire is now principal of her own company, Claire Smith Solutions and offers creative strategies and training for convention venues, bureaus and their related suppliers and users. Having earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1995, she spearheaded a local study group to encourage and assist others with preparing to write the CMP exam. Claire is a recognized expert in her field and was Meeting Professionals International (MPI) British Columbia Chapter President in 1996/97 and served as MPI Canadian Council Representative in 1997/98. She has actively participated on various International committees and was Co-chair of the very successful 1999 MPI - Professional Education Conference held in Vancouver. Claire currently sits on MPI¿s Global Paragon Award Committee that recognizes the best meetings and events worldwide and is also the Convention Liaison Council¿s APEX City Discussion Group Leader for Vancouver. Through various industry affiliations, Claire has been a featured speaker and session facilitator at several industry conferences in North America and in Europe. She is very involved the international congress market and sits on the Advisory Board for the European Business Travel Market (EIBTM) and the Education Committee for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Presenting on the following days:

Monday, October 9 | 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Purposeful Meetings - Theory to Application