Getting to Know…Our Supplier Member

Neill Bales
General Manager
EY Centre
Joined MPI in 2013
@neillbales
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillbales/
nbales@eycentre.ca

About Neill

I was born and raised in Ottawa, with a few great years spent in Calgary as a child. I grew up in the south end of Ottawa and continue to live there now. I couldn’t picture myself living anywhere else.

Career Path

I got involved in events when I was 12 or 13, volunteering at the Olympic Oval in Calgary during Speed Skating World Cups, then turned to working with the Rideau Canoe Club and Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival when I returned to Ottawa. After school, I transitioned to the consumer and trade show industry in the Ottawa and Toronto markets. In 2013, I shifted to the venue side of the industry with my current position at the EY Centre.

Favourite App

Pocket Planner by Social Tables is a fantastic app for our team at work. It is a quick reference for banquet and conference set ups.

Inspiration

For a great read, I recommend All In by Arlene Dickinson and Gary Vaynerchuk’s Crushing It!

Professional Tip

Surround yourself with a wonderful team, like I have at the EY Centre. The phenomenal people that we have make all the difference for our facility and my professional career.

Advice to Your Younger Self

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to learn and absorb as much information as possible. Get involved with everything you can, whether it’s as a volunteer or paid work. Experience is the most beneficial asset anyone can have.

Favourite networking event

The PCMA Convening Leaders conference has always been one of my favourites. It offers a great mix of Canadian and American delegates at some of the best venues on the continent.
Favourite Quote

“There’s no such thing as perfect. Chasing ”Perfect” is the shortest road to not achieving it.” ― Gary Vaynerchuk

   Article compiled by Kelly Brintnell, Tourism Kingston

Article edited by Melanie Hudson, National Association of Federal Retirees