Event team and blog
Let our experienced, professional team guide you through the event planning process. Contact us today to learn why Georgian College is the ideal place to host your event! We look forward to helping you plan and organize you next meeting, conference, trade show, reunion or party in Barrie.
Meet the team
Katie Sleep
Associate Director, Advancement
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Studies from Brock University, a Teaching and Training Adults certificate from Georgian College and completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Guelph in 2019.
She has more than 15 years of experience in conference and event services, having started as a banquet server during her university years and then worked her way up to the position of Senior Manager, Conference and Banquet Services at Blue Mountain Resort where she worked for over 10 years.
Katie joined the Georgian team in 2015 and is excited to have the opportunity to work in the same place where the hospitality industry’s future leaders are being trained.
Melissa Hood
Co-ordinator, Conference and Event Services
Melissa graduated from Durham College in 2016 with a diploma in Special Events Planning. After graduating, she took a Catering Coordinator role in Durham Region, following which she moved to Holland Marsh Wineries as the Lead Sales and Events Coordinator for over four years.
After starting her academic journey at Georgian College in Massage Therapy, Melissa was drawn to the concept of bringing people together through events, and so she changed paths. She is excited to be back at the college that influenced this change and led her on a path to executing events that have left impressions on countless attendees.
Melissa’s favourite events are those that create opportunities for attendees to learn, grow and develop both personal and professional skills.
Aynsley Leonard-Snelgrove
Co-ordinator, Conference and Event Services
Aynsley is a multifaceted events professional with over 14 years of experience in the hospitality, tourism, program management and arts and culture space. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and graduated with honours. Her deep commitment to building networks has opened doors to leadership roles and advancement in management, continuing education and travel opportunities, working in supportive partnership with local and international tourism boards. She is dedicated to connecting people through a shared common goal.
As a passionate problem-solver, Aynsley understands the value of engagement, collaboration and logistical preparation. She is energized by working with colleagues and community members to co-ordinate impactful events and build meaningful and lasting business relationships. She is thrilled to embark on an exciting and fulfilling career at Georgian to support and empower our students, tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.
Shelby Mollett
Convocation Officer
Shelby holds an advanced diploma in Business Administration with an Accounting focus. Prior to completing her postsecondary education, she worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years.
Shelby joined Georgian College in 2016 as the Convocation and Records Assistant, advancing into the role of Convocation Officer one year later. Over the past six years, Shelby has overseen more than 40 convocation ceremonies and helped thousands of students become graduates. Although her background in numbers makes the data and analytical aspects of convocation so enjoyable, her favourite part of the event is seeing the pride in each graduate as they cross the stage.
For more information on upcoming ceremonies or to watch past ceremonies, please visit the convocation webpage.
Event blog and Keynote newsletter
Event planning: back to basics
It’s been a long couple of years and maybe it’s been a while since you’ve planned an in-person event. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or you’re hosting an event for the first time, here’s what you need to consider before you get started!
March 2022 issue
Read our newsletter, The Keynote, to see what’s going on with the Conference and Event Services department!
2021
- Communicating COVID-19 requirements for your event
- A guide to safe events, so far
- Three catering styles to get familiar with
- Tips for travelling in 2021
- How to plan a safe outdoor event
- 5 reasons to have a micro wedding
- Connecting with stakeholders through virtual events
- 4 questions to ask while planning your hybrid event
- 7 mental health tips for event planners
- 5 event trends to look out for in 2021
2020
- ‘Tis the season for giving: How to incorporate giving into your virtual events
- Hybrid events and the future of the event industry
- Team building with themed virtual events
- 4 tips for stakeholder management in virtual events
- 6 tips for engaging attendees during virtual events
- Our top 5 virtual event tips for event coordinators
- Virtual events – a whole different way of engaging
2019
- 10 event swag bag items people actually like
- 7 things to consider when selecting the right keynote speaker
- 9 dietary restrictions every event planner should be aware of
- 9 things to consider when planning an accessible event
- How to make the most of your summer in Barrie
- The 11 best hors d’oeuvres to serve at your 2019 event
- How to plan the perfect giving event
2021
Contact us
Are you ready to book your Barrie meeting? Call us or visit us on-location to take a tour of our meeting venues. We can’t wait to show you the perfect space for your event!
Stay up to date with our latest news! Subscribe to our newsletter, The Keynote.
705.722.5120
info@meetatgeorgian.com
One Georgian Dr.
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Maps and directions