Special Events Planning for Destination Tourism (H111)
Graduated 2004
Saige Sills is passionate about music, enjoys travelling and loves to be around people so what job could be more perfect than working for the Juno Awards, Canada's top musical honour?
It's the kind of job that keeps you on your toes but Sills, also a musician, has the determination and drive to survive in this business. And having a diploma in Special Events Planning doesn't hurt either.
"Graduating from George Brown College has allowed me to believe I am capable of reaching any and all of my goals," says the 25-year-old. "My educational background has empowered me to accomplish many different jobs within my workplace."
As project co-ordinator, her responsibilities range from the nomination and voting process to ticketing and seating to wrap-up of the annual awards show. In addition to making sure that more than 4,000 industry guests are in their proper locations, Sills manages seating for hundreds of attendees from the general public.
"I do have a lot of responsibility and many challenges, which keeps my career fulfilling and entertaining," says Sills, who is heading into her fourth year with the Juno Awards.
It was during the two-year program at George Brown that she got her big break and landed a co-op placement with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (CARAS), the organization responsible for the Juno Awards. It proved to be an amazing and worthwhile learning experience for Sills who was often flown to other cities to assist with events on weekends.
Before going to George Brown, Sills studied political science and geography at Wilfrid Laurier University, then travel and tourism at Conestoga College. She also worked full-time in the travel industry as a club travel counsellor.
"I wanted to jump into something new that would involve travel and socializing with people. I heard about the (Special Events Planning) program through the George Brown website. It sounded fun and interesting which made me want to try my hand at it," Sills recalls. "My experience at George Brown College was fulfilling and enjoyable. The faculty was always willing to help and answer any questions."
What Sills enjoyed the most about her program was working with her peers to host a tourism industry event at the College as part of a class project. In just seven weeks, they organized a full symposium with Jim Bradley, who was then Ontario's Minister of Tourism, as the keynote speaker.
"I loved working on the event as a class. It really brought us all together. We learned many valuable lessons, which we can use in today's society," Sills says about their Open the Door to 2004 event.
Sills' advice to others who are considering a career in event planning is to work hard and be open to many different options in the field.
