Coaching Corner - Annick Hector

Leading by Example: Annick’s Approach to Mentorship in Events

When you meet Annick Hector, there is something about her that instantly puts you at ease. She doesn’t lead with a loud voice or a long title but she leads by example. Through her calm energy, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for others.

Annick has been a proud MPI member for over six years and an Event Coordinator with Golden Planners Inc. for nearly four years. Her path into the events industry wasn’t a straight one. Like many who find their calling later in life, she pivoted into events as a second career. It started with a hospitality diploma, followed by a grad certificate in event management, and eventually, a Bachelor degree in communications, all while raising a family.

Today, Annick works on a tight-knit team that manages conferences for up to 2,000 attendees. Her role can include everything from managing speaker submissions to writing post-event reports. It’s fast-paced, high-pressure work but she thrives on it. “You get through a conference with 14 concurrent sessions, and somehow you’re still standing,” she laughs. “And you think, yeah, this is what I do.”

However; what really makes Annick shine isn’t just her event expertise; it’s how she handles pressure with calm, grounded confidence. “People tell me I’m calm,” she says with a smile. “Maybe it’s the mom in me. But when things get hectic, panicking doesn’t help. I step back, ask what the issue is, and figure out how to fix it. That’s always been my approach.”

That same mindset carries into how she works with her team. Even though much of their work is virtual, they make time every day for a quick 30-minute check-in, not just about work, but about life. “It’s such a small thing, but it builds trust,” Annick explains. “That connection translates to how we work with clients, too. Many of them return year after year, and we know how to support each other onsite without even saying a word.”

Annick may be modest about her leadership, but she’s had a real impact on those around her. She recalls helping a younger team member who was struggling to turn complex data into a report. “I just walked her through it step by step, showed her how I approach it” Annick continues, “It reminded me, we know more than we think we do. And it felt good to pass that along.”

To Annick, mentorship doesn’t have to be formal or structured. “You learn something from someone every single day,” she says. “Even just a conversation can make a difference.”

Annick is now doing for others what her mentors once did for her, whether it’s encouraging newer professionals, or giving thoughtful advice to her own adult kids. Her go-to guidance? “Volunteer, get your hands dirty, and give yourself grace. You’re going to make mistakes. It’s how you learn.”

She speaks from experience. One event, in particular, pushed her to her limits. A client wasn’t happy and the stress hit hard. “I took it personally,” she admits. “But my boss reminded me, we’re human. We made it right. And we moved on.”

That moment stuck with her. “You’re not your worst day,” she says. “You are not that one mistake. You are so much more than that.”

Looking back, she wishes she’d leaned into connection earlier in her career. “I was part of MPI but didn’t really get involved until later. Now, I realize how much that networking and mentorship matters.”  For anyone just starting out in events, especially new coordinators, her advice is simple: “Be bold. Reach out to people you admire. Ask questions. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Just get started.”

In an industry that moves fast and often feels unpredictable, Annick is a steady reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it looks like patience, consistency and showing up every day with a full heart and a clear mind.

If you’d like to connect with Annick Hector to learn more about even coordination or mentorship in the meetings industry, you can reach her at hector@goldenplanners.ca or find her on LinkedIn.

 Article edited by: Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services