Exhibition Place Appoints New Directors

TORONTO — Toronto’s Exhibition Place announced two new members of its professional team on May 26. Gilles Bouchard has been appointed director, event management services and Tony Porter joins as director, parking and security services.

Bouchard, CEM, comes to Exhibition Place with extensive exprience in the exhibition, meetings and events business, previously working with GES Global Experience Specialists as vice-president, Canada and as director of events and trade shows for Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. An active member of the events industry, Bouchard has previously served on the board of CAEM and was part of the CAEM committee to develop the health and safety training program.

Porter brings a wealth of management expertise to his new role, with more than 20 years experience working in the security, loss prevention and customer service industry. Previously, Porter was senior division manager for Contemporary Security Canada, which managed security services for the TO2015 PanAm Games. Additionally, he held a vice-president title with one of Canada’s largest airport security firms, overseeing 2,000-plus employees.

“Gilles and Tony are both key additions to Exhibition Place. We feel confident that their experience and knowledge will be excellent additions to our already outstanding team of employees, while contiuing to promote our corporate mandates and values,” said Arlene Campbell, general manager, sales and event management, at Exhibition Place.

Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.5 million visitors per year. The 192-acre venue is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to conventions, sports, festivals. recreation, culture and tourism, Located at Exhibition Place is the award-winning Enercare Centre, Canada’s largest exhbition and convention centre (LEED Gold) and the Allstream Centre (LEED Silver) conference venue. Exhibition Place recently was a major sports and international broadcast venue during the 2015  Pan American and Parapan American games, the world’s third-largest multisport Games, and the 2016 NBA All Star Game Jam Session fan fest in February, 2016.