The Connector Next Door with Lisa Gareau

Arlene Schilke, Learning Catalyst, Planner Gatherer, and Natural Connector

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/fan_mail/new] Arlene Schilke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arleneschilke/], grew up in northern rural Manitoba. That upbringing led her to recognize at an early age the importance of being in community and building a network of support. She continues to thrive off connecting with people and connecting people to each other. Arlene founded her event agency, Timewise Event Management [https://www.timewise.biz/], over 25 years ago and has won several awards including SPIN’s Top 40 over 40, BizBash Top Canadian Event Professionals and MPI’s Mentor of the Year.  It was in her involvement with MPI (Meeting Professionals International) [https://www.mpi.org/membership/join?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23047687167&gbraid=0AAAAADuLreQYJ6qQeMF2yTp9bVyGuC57n&gclid=CjwKCAiAvaLLBhBFEiwAYCNTf-tx3BGyDSb0JoRd4hDv2J5bcA3ZLGqlsOW_0UkvHS6LRG7lgs3-PhoCjL8QAvD_BwE] her mantra “Community, Connections and Collaboration” came alive and helped her grow her chapter to double its size.  Through MPI she saw how people in the events industry wanted to connect, to find support, and gain new perspectives and ideas which led her to creating and co-founding GO WEST LIVE [https://www.gowestlive.com/] in 2018. GO WEST has grown to be the largest gathering of meeting and event professionals in Canada, outside of Toronto! Known for her curiosity and insight into trends, Arlene has successfully developed GO WEST to be one of the few industry events that is truly geared towards event planners.  She has curated the education lineup so that it is focused on industry specific content. This along with the niche meet ups and social events where connections are made with likeminded industry people is why the event continues to grow year after year.  In our conversation today, Arlene encourages us all to stay open, curious, and willing to be pleasantly surprised. You never know where you’ll meet your great connection. Who knows maybe at GO WEST this year!   Are you a planner that would love to connect at GO WEST? Contact us for a special Candy Discount Code!  • • • • •  You can find and connect with Arlene on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arleneschilke/].  GO WEST LIVE – Where Canada’s Event Industry Gathers [https://www.gowestlive.com/] Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • February 1-3, 2026 In February, event planners and suppliers from across Canada and beyond are meeting for 3 days of learning and connecting! Created in 2018, by event planners, for event planners, GO WEST is the largest gathering of event pros outside of Toronto. Enjoy the main stage, grand opening, networking, receptions, entertainment, exhibit, learning lounge - it's all at GO WEST!  • • • • •  Meaningful connections matter now more than ever! Your community, clients, or customers are ready to connect. Are you ready to be their connector? Events can grow your business, create an impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. The Connection Architect Course and Community is for the everyday event planner that is ready to create connections that matter. Sound like you? Start building at www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca [http://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca/] The Connector Next Door is produced by www.CandyConsulting.ca [http://www.candyconsulting.ca]  Are you planning or promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Reach out and book a 30-Minute Hello [https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min] with podcast host, Candy Event Consulting Founder, and Connection Strategy Coach Lisa Gareau to share how you are creating connections through events!

Joseph “JD” Dubois Hospitality Veteran, "Throttle Therapist", and Natural Connector

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/fan_mail/new] Never one to fit into any sort of mold, Joseph “JD” Dubois [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephduboisdhg/] has always followed the urge to get out and see the world! JD’s been riding motorcycles since he was a young man and still loves to soak in the landscapes and experience other cultures from the seat of his bike. He’s always loved riding, referring to a good ride as “Throttle Therapy” but as he grew older, JD found a home in the biker brotherhood and culture. In researching and writing his Graduate Degree Thesis, JD became immersed one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. It’s what led him to start his passion project Freedom Biker Tours [https://www.freedombikertours.com/] based out of Alberta, Canada.  JD’s professional life has been spent working in travel, tourism, and hospitality since he was a teenager. He’s worked Food & Beverage in bars and restaurants. As a flight attendant and in operations for airlines. He’s worked for tour operators and travel agencies and has many years' of experience in the accommodation sector in hotels and resorts including owning and operating a campground and RV park in beautiful British Columbia. Skillfully driving through the curves and bumps of entrepreneurship, JD continues to operate a tourism consulting firm, Dubois Hospitality Group. When JD dons a suit it’s usually in the role as the long time, trusted, tenacious Sales Manager for The Kenrick Hotel in the heart of Banff, Alberta, Canada – “Where Luxury Meets Legacy”.  It was in his role at The Kenrick that we met and I’m so glad you will get to know him too through our conversation today!  • • • • • Connect with Joseph “JD” Dubois [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephduboisdhg/ ]on LinkedIn HERE. The Freedom Biker Tours [https://www.freedombikertours.com/]: Through the Therapeutic power of Motorcycling and Throttle Therapy, JD promotes Mental Well-Being, Connection, and Personal Growth. His mission is to inspire and support riders of all backgrounds, creating a culture of Inclusivity and Healing - one ride at a time. About The Kenrick Hotel: [https://thekenrickhotel.com/]Locally owned and family operated, we have been proudly welcoming guests from around the world for over half a century. Formerly the High Country Inn - The Kenrick is experiencing a full circle moment for our family, and an opportunity for guests to experience Banff in a whole new way. • • • • • Meaningful connections matter now more than ever! Your community, clients, or customers are ready to connect. Are you ready to be their connector? Events can grow your business, create an impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. The Connection Architect Course and Community [https://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca/] is for the everyday event planner that is ready to create connections that matter. Sound like you? Start building at www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca [https://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca/] The Connector Next Door is produced by www.CandyConsulting.ca [http://www.candyconsulting.ca]  Are you planning or promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Reach out and book a 30-Minute Hello [https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min] with podcast host, Candy Event Consulting Founder, and Connection Strategy Coach Lisa Gareau to share how you are creating connections through events!

Gabrielle “Gabby” Austen-Browne, Game-changing Diversity Guide and Natural Connector

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/fan_mail/new] Gabrielle Austen-Browne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielleabdei/] – or Gabby  – is a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion professional, and the founder of Diversity Alliance. Diversity Alliance [https://www.diversityalliance.co.uk/] is a female and Black owned leading consultancy that empowers organisations in the events, hospitality and creative industries to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility through education, training, workshops, and events. With a team of associates and experts who have lived and breathed inclusion and accessibility in the creative arts, the corporate setting and in event management, Gabby brings a unique perspective and industry-specific expertise to our work. The Diversity Alliance client list includes the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Square Enix Fan Fest IV, Jack Morton, Momentum, Informa Tech, Hilton and Stellar Global, as well as venues and various industry associations. Based out of Brighton, UK Gabby leverages her extensive events, marketing and hospitality experience to inform, support, and advise on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility strategies relevant to the sector. A frequent speaker, writer, and lecturer, on “Diversity & Inclusion” in events, she is also committed to nurturing new industry talent, serving as a mentor, guide, and coach to up-and-coming professionals. Events impact so many things in our communities – and can influence wider society. No matter what event you’re planning, your role as "Event Planner” is a big responsibility and an opportunity! Gabby says, “It’s important that we make sure every event is representative of society and inclusive of the wider community.” • • • • • You can find and connect with Gabby on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielleabdei/]. Diversity Alliance [https://www.diversityalliance.co.uk/] “Diversity Alliance is a female and Black owned leading consultancy that empowers organisations in the events, hospitality and creative industries to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility through education, training, workshops, and events. They meet clients wherever they are on their DE&I journey and providing tailored guidance to help them implement initiatives and strategies across all aspects of their business operations and live events.” Inclusive Event Design Course & Community [https://www.diversityalliance.co.uk/inclusive-events]   Network of Women in Events [https://www.nowie.org/] Black in Events – North America  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackinevents/] • • • • • Meaningful connections matter now more than ever! Your community, clients, or customers are ready to connect. Are you ready to be their connector? Events can grow your business, create an impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. The Connection Architect Course and Community [http://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca] is for the everyday event planner that is ready to create connections that matter. Sound like you? Start building at www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca [http://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca] The Connector Next Door is produced by http://www.candyconsulting.ca Are you planning or promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Reach out and book a 30-Minute Hello [https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min] with podcast host, Candy Event Consulting Founder, and Connection Strategy Coach Lisa Gareau to share how you are creating connections through events!

Tim Truax, Pop Culture Enthusiast, Podcasting Leader, and Natural Connector

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/fan_mail/new] Tim Truax [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-truax-212931a4/] is a multi-faceted professional who blends creativity with science, and storytelling with structure. Tim is a passionate pop culture enthusiast and the creative force behind The Nerd Room [https://www.thenerdroom.net/], a podcast that has been nerding out with listeners since 2015. With over 450 episodes under his belt, Tim has carved out a space as a trusted voice in the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, and beyond. His energetic commentary and sharp insights make him a standout pop culture commentator and a go-to for fans looking for deep dives and fun conversations. In addition to hosting, producing, and editing The Nerd Room, Tim is the CEO of PodSummit [https://www.podsummit.com/], Canada’s premier podcasting event.  It was by attending Tim’s first summit in September 2024 that I was able to get to know Tim – and be inspired by – his passion to create connections through this unique made-in-Canada, for Canadian podcasters, experience. Through PodSummit [https://www.podsummit.com/], he’s built more than just an event—he’s fostered a thriving, supportive community of podcasters from across the country.  Tim’s passion for community building shines through in everything he does, from creating welcoming spaces for creators to connect, to mentoring new podcasters as they find their voices. Tim Truax is all about connection—connecting people to stories, to ideas, and most importantly, to each other.  • • • • •  You can find and connect with Tim on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-truax-212931a4/].  Listen in to Tim's podcast The Nerd Room [https://www.thenerdroom.net/] HERE [https://www.thenerdroom.net/]: And, if you are ready to share space with storytellers and podcast creators, register to join in on the PodSummit [https://www.podsummit.com/]taking place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Sept 19-20, 2025! Follow PodSummit updates on Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/podsummit/ ] and on Facebook HERE [https://www.facebook.com/PodSummit/]!  “PodSummit is CANADA’S PODCAST EVENT [https://www.podsummit.com/], where together we are building and amplifying the Canadian podcast community by uniting creators, storytellers, and experts shaping podcasting. This is the intersection of the art of podcasting and the spirit of innovation - where voices unite to push boundaries and ignite ideas. Step into a space built for discovery and collaboration, where each conversation and connection becomes part of the story.”  • • • • •  Meaningful connections matter now more than ever!  Your community, clients, or customers are ready to connect. Are you ready to be their connector? Events can grow your business, create an impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. The Connection Architect Course and Community is for the everyday event planner that is ready to create connections that matter. Sound like you? Start building at www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca [http://www.theconnectionarchitect.ca/] The Connector Next Door is produced by www.CandyConsulting.ca [http://www.candyconsulting.ca]   Are you planning or promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Reach out and book a 30-Minute Hello [https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min] with podcast host, Candy Event Consulting Founder, and Connection Strategy Coach Lisa Gareau to share how you are creating connections through events!

Liz Lathan, CMP, Experiential Marketing Trailblazer, Fun Igniter, and Natural Connector

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1812614/fan_mail/new] Liz Lathan, CMP [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizlathan/], is a trailblazer in the experiential marketing arena and is the Co-Founder and head of community for Club Ichi [https://www.weareichi.com/], which is in Liz’s own words … a “friggin' awesome”, private membership community for Business to Business – or B2B – Event Marketers. Club Ichi [https://www.weareichi.com/]isn’t like any other community. Dive in and you’ll experience conference sessions on inflatable unicorns, 2:30 a.m. exploding pajama parties, secret business trips, lots of hugs, and a whole lot of people just looking to help each other.  But Liz and her team also recognize many event professionals need “community” to help advance their careers, expand their networks, and build relationships that transcend business. It’s all in Club Ichi! Liz believes – even with so much focus on the word “connection” - most events are not designed to build deep connections. It’s this reality that led Liz to create Spontaneous Think Tank™ [https://spontaneousthinktank.com/ ]. This unique opportunity not only sparks authentic connections but also provides a therapeutic space for business problem-solving. Liz brings over two decades of rich experience in corporate event marketing, having spearheaded global event teams for tech giants like Dell, where she pioneered Dell World in 2011, and IBM's Analytics & Hybrid Cloud division. Beyond her executive roles, Liz thrives as a writer, investor, speaker, and avid traveler, continuously shaping the future of event marketing and community engagement through her innovative and strategic approach - all built around having FUN! • • • • •  You can find and connect with Liz on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizlathan/]!  Club Ichi  [https://www.weareichi.com/]– With a flair for the quirky, fun, and unexpected, Club Ichi is known for bringing B2B event marketers together in intimate settings around the world for strategic conversations that drive pipeline and revenue for their events.  The Community Factory [https://www.thecommunityfactory.com/] – Most events aren’t designed to build deep connections. We apply our Power in Company Method to help to spark the relationships the drive revenue.  Spontaneous Think Tank™️ [https://spontaneousthinktank.com/ ] – Armed with sticky notes and Sharpie markers, attendees contribute challenges they're having, creating a "wall of woes." Through collaborative crowdsourcing, they co-create an agenda of sessions where the participants lead the conversations.   Event Minds Matter by Club Ichi  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/event-minds-matter/posts/?feedView=all]- “Building brave spaces to amplify the industry’s conversation on human sustainability in the workplace" • • • • •  Meaningful connections matter now more than ever!  Your community, clients, or customers are ready to connect. Are you ready to be their connector? Events can grow your business, create an impact in your community, or motivate a group around your ideas. The Connection Architect Course and Community is for the everyday event planner that is ready to create connections that matter. Sound like you? Start building at www.TheConnectionArchitect.ca The Connector Next Door is produced by www.C Are you planning or promoting events for your business, organization, or group? Reach out and book a 30-Minute Hello [https://calendly.com/candyeventconsulting/30min] with podcast host, Candy Event Consulting Founder, and Connection Strategy Coach Lisa Gareau to share how you are creating connections through events!