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Take the Lead honours ten Champions

Ten community-minded volunteers will be honoured at the Take the Lead Award Reception tomorrow evening for their role in bringing nine events, representing more than $29 million in economic impact, to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Take the Lead is a free program that supports everyday residents who have used their networks to help Halifax win a major regional, national or international event. Discover Halifax supports these event Champions by helping them create a compelling pitch for the Halifax region, connecting event organizations with local resources, and getting everyone ready to welcome the event.

The ten honourees will be recognized and presented with a custom-made Take the Lead pin by Mayor Andy Fillmore, and Discover Halifax President and CEO, Ross Jefferson, at the reception.

“Take the Lead is a fantastic initiative that strengthens the vibrancy of Halifax by inspiring local community leaders to raise their hand, and help bring a new event to the region,” said Mayor Fillmore. “By supporting and encouraging collaboration, the program builds Halifax’s appeal as a top destination for events, and helps us showcase our region to new national and international audiences.”

“At Discover Halifax, we are proud to support Take the Lead and the Champions that are instrumental in bringing an event or conference they’re passionate about to the region,” said Jefferson. “I want to celebrate and thank not only the Champions, but their teams as well, because we know it takes a village of supporting partnerships to bring events and conferences to life.”

While there are many who have taken the lead to bring big events to our region, you can read more about this years’ Champions by visiting taketheleadhalifax.ca/champions. They are:

  • Allegra Swanson
    2024 JUNOS
  • Arla Day
    International Occupational Health Psychology - Summer Institute 2023
  • Christopher Whitt
    Oceans 2024 Conference
  • David Percival
    13th International Vaccinium Symposium
  • Derek Reilly
    Human Computer Interaction and Graphics Interface Conference
  • Donald Johnston and Marita Winaut
    2024 Pickleball Canada National Championship
  • Frank Denis
    2024 Rockwool Canada Sail Grand Prix
  • Raymond Klein
    Canadian Society for Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Science Annual Meeting
  • Sanjeev Pushkarna
    Electric Mobility Canada Conference 2024

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Take the Lead Champions 2025
BACK ROW, L-R: Ross Jefferson, Frank Denis, Donald Johnston, Christopher Whitt, Sanjeev Pushkarna, Arla Day, Mayor Andy Fillmore | FRONT ROW, L-R: David Percival, Marita Winaut, Raymond Klein, Derek Reilly, Allegra Swanson