Gillian Roberts
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Event Manager at Royal Bank of Canada with a proven track record in strategic event execution and executive engagement. Successfully delivered high-impact events, enhancing stakeholder collaboration and achieving a 94% satisfaction rating. Expert in risk management and vendor oversight, driving operational efficiency and creating memorable experiences for diverse audiences.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager, TEO
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2025 - Current
- Lead strategic planning and execution of high-impact enterprise events that strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, and organizational alignment across Canada and internationally.
- Delivered a high-profile 2-day Leadership Summit for 44 senior leaders, managing venue sourcing, accommodations, AV, catering, and onsite flow within a $40K budget, strengthening cross-functional alignment to the 2026+ strategy.
- Co-led the TEO Summer Town Hall for 416 attendees—the highest attendance to date—with a 94% satisfaction rating and a program ranked in the top three segments of the year.
- Planned and executed 13 SVP Roundtables for 135 people leaders, achieving an 81% excellent rating and creating a consistent platform for leadership connection and development.
- Supported executive cross-country and Trinidad & Tobago site visits by developing tailored agendas, attendee lists, and briefing materials, strengthening engagement with 100+ frontline employees across five regions.
- Improved risk management through structured dry runs, detailed technical testing, and proactive contingency planning, significantly reducing the likelihood of event-day disruptions.
- Leveraged AI tools (RBC Assist) to automate workback plans, stakeholder communications, and content ideation—saving hours of manual work and increasing planning accuracy.
- Built strategic vendor partnerships (e.g., WPP Studio) to eliminate redundant internal processes, saving 20+ hours per project and improving production quality.
- Strengthened operational efficiency by securing conference venues two years in advance, protecting service levels and ensuring consistent access to key locations.
Implementation & Strategy Officer
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Supported enterprise recognition programs, national conferences, and complex event logistics for senior leaders and large-scale employee audiences.
- Managed logistics for a 7-day annual recognition conference for 1,000+ employees and guests, ensuring seamless end-to-end delivery.
- Pivoted three major conferences to virtual formats with 25% less planning time, engaging 1,500+ employees during pandemic constraints.
- Redesigned conference formats using attendee insights—improving executive engagement opportunities and increasing attendee satisfaction.
- Created a bilingual Connect site for employee onboarding that earned the RBC Conference Award.
- Developed a mixed-media performance program strategy, generating 2,954 views and 964 responses within three months.
Manager, Learning & Development
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Oversaw training strategies and delivery across multiple regions, ensuring alignment to enterprise learning needs.
Team Leader, SSG Advice Centre
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Led a high-performing team, driving service excellence and operational consistency.
Training Coordinator, Client & Banking Advisors
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Delivered virtual and in-person training across provinces using Webex, breakout rooms, and collaborative tools.
Client Advisor, Banking Advisor
Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Canada
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Progressive early-career roles supporting client service, advisory, and operational needs across retail banking. Built strong foundations in client experience, communication, and frontline operations that continue to inform stakeholder engagement and event execution.
Education
B.A. - TV Production & Communications
University of Salford
United KingdomSkills
- Event strategy and execution
- Executive engagement
- Stakeholder management
- Vendor and budget oversight
- Risk management
- Agenda design
- Webex proficiency
- Cvent expertise
- Slido utilization
- TemboSocial knowledge
- Performance metrics analysis
- Process optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Onsite event leadership
Awards Recognition
- RBC Leadership Award, 2021
- RBC Team Award, 2016
- RBC Conference Award, 2016
- Employee Engagement Survey Committee Member, 2023–Present
Timeline
Event Manager, TEO
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2025 - Current
Implementation & Strategy Officer
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2019 - 01.2025
Manager, Learning & Development
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2018 - 01.2019
Team Leader, SSG Advice Centre
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2017 - 01.2018
Training Coordinator, Client & Banking Advisors
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2013 - 01.2017
Client Advisor, Banking Advisor
Royal Bank of Canada
01.2009 - 01.2013
B.A. - TV Production & Communications
University of Salford