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
Melissa Hood
Manager, Conference and Event Services
Melissa holds a diploma in Special Event Planning from Durham College and is actively pursuing her Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on management and leadership from Georgian College.
She has more than 10 years of experience in conference and event services, having started as a banquet server during her college years then working up to Catering Coordinator. Later, Melissa moved to Holland Marsh Wineries as the Sales and Events Manager where she created many memorable experiences for guests.
After starting her academic journey at Georgian College in Massage Therapy, she rejoined the Georgian community in 2022 in the conference services department. Melissa is committed to providing unrivaled event experiences on campus, creating opportunities for attendees to learn, grow and develop their personal and professional skills.
Amy Vyse
Co-ordinator, Conference and Event Services
Amy has a passion for coordination, logistics and building relationships. Working with charitable organizations for over 15 years prior to joining Georgian’s Conference and Event Services team, she was involved in program management and event planning, including the coordination of live and interactive presentations to thousands of elementary schools across Canada.
This role is a great combination of her interests and experience, and she looks forward to guiding clients through the event planning process at Georgian College.
Aynsley Leonard-Snelgrove
Co-ordinator, Conference and Event Services
Aynsley is a seasoned events professional with over 16 years of experience in Hospitality, Tourism, Program Management, and Arts and Culture. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honours from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she received the prestigious Dean’s Award for academic excellence.
Throughout her career, Aynsley has built a strong network, establishing partnerships with local and international tourism boards, paving the way for leadership roles, advancement, continuing education, and global travel opportunities. Her diverse multi-faceted background driven by empathy, adaptability and collaboration enables her to foster meaningful connections and deliver exceptional and memorable events.
At Georgian, she leverages her expertise to support innovative, record-breaking events ranging from 10-1400+ guests. Driven by a passion to empower students, tomorrow’s innovators and leaders, Aynsley proudly serves a diverse, vast and growing client base.
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 past newsletters, The Keynote, to see what the Conference and Event Services department has achieved!
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
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