Celebrating Excellence: Meet the Winners of the 2025 Event Atlantic Excellence Awards
On a crisp fall evening at Coldstream Clear Distillery in Truro, the Atlantic Canadian events community gathered to celebrate collaboration, creativity, and impact at the 2025 Event Atlantic Excellence Awards.
Hosted by Arash Madani, the ceremony recognized event professionals, volunteers, partners, and organizations whose dedication helps make Atlantic Canada one of the most vibrant event destinations in the country. Award winners received a handcrafted Smudge Kit made by Chief Bob Gloade of Millbrook First Nation — a symbolic nod to community, tradition, and gratitude.
Below is a full recap of this year’s winners, along with reflections shared by several of the recipients.
Corporate Partner of the Year
Winner: Quidi Vidi Brewery | Newfoundland and Labrador
Quidi Vidi Brewery has long been known for its iconic role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural landscape, but this year the team went even further. From brewing custom beers for partner festivals to hosting volunteer socials, creating high-impact social content, and even helping with teardown, they set a new bar for what community partnership looks like.
Their support for events like the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, the Royal St. John’s Regatta, and the Rennie’s Mill River Duck Race shows how a local business can elevate the atmosphere, engagement, and overall success of community celebrations.
Emerging Leader Under 30
Winner: Emily Lockyer | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Creativity, problem-solving, and genuine passion define the work of Emily Lockyer, Event Coordinator at Memorial University. From designing elevated wedding experiences to coordinating major conferences and St. John’s Fashion Week, Emily brings a vibrant voice and forward-thinking approach to her role.
Her work highlights the next generation of talent shaping the future of Atlantic Canada’s event community.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Megan Burgess | Truro, Nova Scotia
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every successful event, and this year’s honouree, Megan Burgess, embodies that truth.
Megan has contributed countless hours to events like the World Junior A Challenge, the Women’s World Hockey Championship, the Nova Scotia Stampede, and community concerts. Her positive energy, dedication, and willingness to step into any role make her an invaluable force behind the scenes in Truro and beyond.
Chair’s Award
Winner: Honourable Aaron Kennedy | New Brunswick
A longstanding champion for events in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada, Hon. Aaron Kennedy was recognized for his leadership and impact across major national and international sporting events.
From Rogers Hometown Hockey to the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2023 Para Hockey Cup, Aaron’s commitment to collaboration and community legacy has strengthened the region’s event-hosting landscape for more than a decade.
Champion of the Year
Winner: Joanne Bérubé-Gagné | Edmundston, New Brunswick
A visionary leader and builder in her community, Joanne Bérubé-Gagné has shaped Edmundston’s event identity through initiatives like Festival Royal and the region’s voluntary accommodation tax.
Her mentorship, strategic leadership, and ability to transform community projects into provincial successes make her an essential voice in Atlantic Canada’s tourism and events sector.
Event of the Year Awards
These awards celebrate events that showcase best practices, creativity, community collaboration, and outstanding visitor experiences across three budget categories.
Event of the Year – Under $100,000
Winner: Fundy Sea Shanty Festival | New Brunswick
Anchored in the coastal village of St. Martins, the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival has become a beloved celebration of maritime music, culture, and tradition. In 2024, the festival generated more than $300,000 in economic activity and expanded to include a new spring event in Saint John.
From heritage programming to lively kitchen parties, this festival blends storytelling, history, and community spirit.
A word from the organizers:
“We are absolutely delighted for this recognition. It is testimony to the efforts of our volunteers and the unique nature of our festival. Sea shanties unite us all, and we need to ensure that they are recognized, celebrated and never forgotten. This award encourages us to continue on this voyage.”
— Gary Caines, Fundy Sea Shanty Festival
Event of the Year – $100,000 to $500,000
Winner: The Rivalry Series | Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island
From Halifax’s nearly 9,500-person crowd to a sold-out arena in Summerside, the Rivalry Series between Canada’s National Women’s Team and Team USA delivered unforgettable moments for fans across the region.
The event generated significant economic impact, created youth development opportunities, offered open skates and cultural programming, and honoured the history of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes — leaving a lasting legacy for women’s sport in Atlantic Canada.
From the organizers:
“We are honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the partners, volunteers, and fans who made the Rivalry Series such a success. From Halifax to Summerside, this event showcased the power of collaboration and left a lasting legacy for women’s sport in Atlantic Canada.”
— Tanner Doiron, Rivalry Series Co-Chair
Event of the Year – Over $500,000
Winner: 2024 Canada Sail GP | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Known globally as the “Formula 1 of sailing,” the 2024 Canada Sail GP brought world-class excitement to Halifax Harbour for the first time in Canadian history.
The event welcomed over 50,000 spectators, generated $31 million in economic impact, and reached 19.5 million broadcast viewers worldwide. Legacy programming included youth sailing experiences, Inspire internships, and foiling try-it events focused on women and marginalized communities.
A message from Sail Nova Scotia:
“Thank you Event Atlantic for awarding Sail Nova Scotia with the Event of the Year Award. The event brought together the sailing and boating community from across the Province for what was a world-class event. We could not have pulled it off without the incredible support of our partners.”
— Frank Denis, Executive Director, Sail Nova Scotia
“This recognition is shared by all those who contributed to the success of the event.”
Note: Tickets are already on sale for the 2026 edition!
👉 June 20–21, 2026 – Halifax Sail Grand Prix
More info: sailgp.com/races/2026/canada-sail-grand-prix-halifax/overview
Celebrating a Community That Makes Events Matter
Atlantic Canada’s event sector is powered by people who care deeply about community, culture, and connection. This year’s winners — and all of the finalists — demonstrate what’s possible when collaboration and creativity come together.
On behalf of Event Atlantic, congratulations to all of the 2025 recipients. Your work strengthens our communities, inspires future leaders, and helps showcase the very best of our region to the world.
Here’s to another year of bold ideas, world-class events, and Atlantic Canadian hospitality at its finest.
