Take the Lead recognizes efforts of seven Champions
Seven dedicated community leaders were recognized at the Take the Lead award reception for helping attract six events to the Halifax Regional Municipality, generating more than $20 million in economic impact, and showcasing the region on a national and international stage.
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 honourees will be recognized and presented with a custom-made Take the Lead pin by Deputy Mayor, Patty Cuttell, and Discover Halifax President and CEO, Ross Jefferson, at the reception.
Hilary Taylor is one of the Champions being acknowledged, having helped bring a conference on Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems to HRM in 2024.
“Before getting involved in hosting an event, I wasn't sure what it would require or what I would need to do, but it was important for me to host this event in Halifax,” said Taylor. “If you think that you can't do this, you absolutely can! The teams at Discover Halifax and the Halifax Convention Centre are there supporting your event, and rooting for you to make sure it’s a success.”
“These community leaders play an important role in showcasing our region to the world, and Discover Halifax is proud to support them to bring events and conferences they’re passionate about to HRM,” said Jefferson. “We’re thrilled to celebrate not the Champions themselves, but also the teams and partners who work alongside them to turn great ideas into events that benefit our entire community.”
While there are many who have taken the lead to bring important events to our region, you can read more about this year’s Champions by visiting taketheleadhalifax.com. They are:
- Robert Belliveau Montana's Canadian Curling Trials (2025)
- Sean Buckland Gray Line Partner Summit (2025)
- Graham Gagnon Environmental Design Research Association Conference (2025)
- Donna Goguen Box Lacrosse National Championships and Lacrosse Canada Alumni and First Nations Cup (2025)
- Susanne Marshall Environmental Design Research Association Conference (2025)
- Pearse McCarron International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials (2025)
- Hilary Taylor Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems (2024)
“If you’re thinking about hosting an event in Halifax, do it. Reach out to Discover Halifax and start the conversation,” said Rob Belliveau, who was instrumental in securing the 2025 Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials. “We have amazing facilities, restaurants, access to activities and arts and culture - and Halifax can provide all of this in a walkable area that event attendees love.”
