Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Elaine Legault

Elaine Legault

Summary

Accomplished executive with a proven track record in planning, delivering and hosting international summits and events . Widely recognized for my ability to navigate complex organizational challenges with clarity, diplomacy, and political acumen. I bring analytical rigor and a collaborative spirit to every engagement, fostering high-performing teams and driving strategic dialogue. A champion of customer experience excellence, I place user-centricity at the heart of every decision. My expertise lies in orchestrating large-scale initiatives underpinned by intricate logistical frameworks—both human and material—delivering impact across sectors and geographies.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Deputy Director, Site Management & Coordination

Global Affairs Canada
04.2024 - Current
  • Responsible for the planning and operational delivery of high-level multifaceted event logistics and infrastructure, notably the G7 Summit in Calgary, Banff, and Kananaskis, Canada (June 2025) and upcoming ministerial meetings.
  • Translated the Summit's vision into a comprehensive site enhancement and design program, encompassing meeting room layouts, branding and signage, ceremonial and bilateral program, aligned with international standards for protocol and security.
  • Established robust technical infrastructure (interpretation, power, telecom, AV, lighting) to support mission-critical operations.
  • Provided technical and logistical oversight for official protocol events, including opening dinner and cultural evening program.
  • Crafted procurement strategy through the development of detailed technical scopes for goods and services
  • Conducted local business engagement while showcasing Canadian artists, artisans, architects and designers
  • Oversaw catering negotiations and delivery across 11 venues and 36 food service areas, delivering approximately 45,000 meals to delegates, media, staff, and partners

Vice President, Events & Customer Experience

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals and performance target.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities, guiding strategic planning efforts for business development.
  • Leveraged qualitative and quantitative insights to systematically enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency
  • Cultivated a culture of collaboration and inclusion across internal departments and stakeholder groups
  • Oversaw budgeting processes, ensuring financial accuracy and effective resource allocation across departments.
  • Spearheaded organizational change initiatives, enhancing employee engagement and optimizing workflow processes.

Director, Events & Customer Experience

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2008 - 01.2023
  • Executive lead for the end-to-end customer journey, providing service excellence and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Planning, execution and coordination of over 350 events and host to 1 million visitors, delegates, and business participants annually.
  • Expanded the product and service portfolio to meet evolving market needs and position the Palais as a solutions-driven venue.
  • Drove innovation through proactive business initiatives aligned with the organization's strategic plan.
  • Responsible for customer and exhibitor services (welcome desk, ticketing, tourism info, coat check, satisfaction surveys, complaint management).
  • Responsible for partner contracts: Catering, audiovisual, general contractor and exhibition material rental.

Head of Event Planning & Coordination

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Directed the programming, organization, and operational control of all event planning activities, ensuring client satisfaction through rigorous oversight and performance delivery.

Director, Educational Content

Reed MIDEM, Paris
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Led the development of conference programs, new event formats, and special events to support professional development at international B2B trade shows in the fields of urban planning, real estate, and entertainment industries.

Director, Global Education Market

Reed MIDEM, Paris
01.1999 - 01.2004
  • Designed and delivered a flagship annual professional trade show (conferences and exhibition) for global education and lifelong learning leaders across public and private sectors.
  • Hosted in Vancouver and Lisbon with 2,000+ participants, 475 exhibitors, 70 countries.
  • Responsible for sales, strategic partnerships (European Commission, World Bank), marketing and communications, conference programming and networking events, public relations and media.
  • Budget planning, logistics, and global coordination (15-member Paris team, regional offices in New York and London, and a global network of 17 sales representatives).


Co-Founder and Partner

LETO Consulting
01.1996 - 01.1999
  • Consulting services to public and private sector organizations, in Canada and internationally, in the fields of education, training, and new technologies: feasibility studies, market research, strategic planning, and business development.
  • Selected clients: World Bank, National Film Board of Canada, Reed Midem, Canadian Council of Ministers of Education.

Acting Director, Public Affairs and Communications

TVOntario
01.1995 - 01.1996
  • Responsible for managing and coordinating the operations of the communications, government relations, community relations, advisory board relations, and broadcast policy departments.

Director, Special Projects, Office of the CEO

TVOntario
01.1993 - 01.1996
  • Responsible for the development, implementation, and management of strategic projects, planning and government relations for the Office of the CEO.

Director, Planning and Development Research

TVOntario
01.1991 - 01.1993
  • Led a team of research officers responsible for publishing major studies and working documents for the planning and development of strategic educational programming initiatives (societal trends, current and future needs of different segments of the French- and English-speaking Ontario population, monitoring new technologies and distance learning models).

Education

Master's Degree - Department of Political Science

York University

Bachelor's Degree (Honors) - Department of Political Science

McGill University

Skills

  • Event management planning and logistics
  • Strategic operational oversight
  • Procurement and vendor management
  • Stakeholder Relations
  • Business Development
  • Effective communications
  • Change management

Accomplishments

  • Led the Site Preparation and Logistics' Planning for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada (June 2025).
  • In support of the Secretariat, planned and hosted the COP15 (United Nations' Biodiversity Conference of the Parties) in a record 5-month timeframe (December 2022).
  • Hosted high-profile international and association events at the Montreal Convention Centre: Rotary, AIDS Conference, World Energy Congress, UITP (International Union of Public Transport), One Young World, Millenium Summit, among others (various years).
  • Led the market study and successfully launched a B2B international event, the World Education Market (2000-2004).

Languages

French
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working

Timeline

Deputy Director, Site Management & Coordination

Global Affairs Canada
04.2024 - Current

Vice President, Events & Customer Experience

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2023 - 01.2024

Director, Events & Customer Experience

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2008 - 01.2023

Head of Event Planning & Coordination

Palais des congrès de Montréal
01.2007 - 01.2008

Director, Educational Content

Reed MIDEM, Paris
01.2004 - 01.2006

Director, Global Education Market

Reed MIDEM, Paris
01.1999 - 01.2004

Co-Founder and Partner

LETO Consulting
01.1996 - 01.1999

Acting Director, Public Affairs and Communications

TVOntario
01.1995 - 01.1996

Director, Special Projects, Office of the CEO

TVOntario
01.1993 - 01.1996

Director, Planning and Development Research

TVOntario
01.1991 - 01.1993

Master's Degree - Department of Political Science

York University

Bachelor's Degree (Honors) - Department of Political Science

McGill University
Elaine Legault