2023 Excellence Awards Recipients Announced

ST. JOHN’S, NL – During the third annual Event Atlantic Excellence Awards Luncheon, presented by Celebrate NL, eight (8) awards were presented to events held in Atlantic Canada in 2022 and individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact to the Event Tourism industry.

  • Event with a budget less than $100,000: Mummers Festival 
  • Event with a budget between $100,000 – $500,000: Prince Edward Island Marathon 
  • Event with a budget over $500,000: IIHF World Juniors Championship | Halifax – Moncton 
  • Volunteer of the Year: Alick Tsui (Newfoundland and Labrador)
  • Emerging Leader of the Year: Emma MacKenzie (Director of Operations – Versatile Management Group)
  • Champion of the Year – Cathy Duke (CEO – Destination St. John’s) 
  • Corporate Partner of the Year – Dyne Holdings Ltd.

The recipient of the Chair’s Award is selected by the Event Atlantic Board of Directors. The recipient is someone who has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Atlantic Canada as a destination for event hosting. Whether through business ventures, raising awareness of Atlantic Canada as an event destination, or developing partnership and learning opportunities, the recipient’s contributions must have benefitted the event industry and strengthened the spirt of collaboration in event hosting.  In 2023, Grant MacDonald was selected as the recipient of this award.

“Grant MacDonald is truly deserving of the Event Atlantic Excellence Award – Chair’s Award.” said Jeff MacTavish, Chair of Event Atlantic. “His dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions have made a significant impact on the Event Tourism sector. Grant’s commitment to excellence and his ability to go above and beyond in his roles have set him apart. He is a true asset to Atlantic Canada and is highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

The Excellence Awards were created as a priority of Event Atlantic’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, with a mission to inspire and support the growth, development, and sustainability of event tourism in Atlantic Canada. 

The  Excellence Awards Luncheon was hosted by Spirit of Newfoundland Production’s Keith Power, accompanied by Natalie Nosworthy, during Event Atlantic’s Annual Summit held at the St. John’s Convention Centre. As a priority of the Event Atlantic Society a local artist, Northeastern Folk Art, was commissioned to create the unique award pieces. 

Further details about the Excellence Awards, including the criteria for each award, can be found at eventatlantic.ca/excellence-awards

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