Naut'sa mawt Event Management Team

Kelly works closely with our Events team to ensure that all projects and events are aligned with our cultural values, generate equitable income, and positively impact Indigenous peoples. As a third-culture individual, she is passionate about the preservation and revitalization of culture, language, and art. Kelly has been with Naut'sa mawt since 2013 and when she isn't working, she spends her time camping, traveling, and painting. 

Samantha joins NEM from the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Traditional Nation. As Director, Samantha oversees the department’s strategic development and ensures that NEM standards are maintained and consistently delivered for all clientele. Drawing on her bachelor’s degree in Canadian History (Queens University) and a decade of experience in the event sales and planning industry, Samantha guides her team to exceed client expectations and respectfully incorporate Indigenous cultural protocol into NEM Events. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and live music.

Sarah joins NEM from the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. As a Senior Event Manager with NEM, Sarah uses her knowledge and expertise to lead a dynamic team of Event Managers, Event Coordinators, and Event Assistants. She guides her team with clarity and care, ensuring every project upholds Naut’sa mawt’s standards of excellence. With a strong background in project management, Sarah is highly organized and takes an energetic, personalized approach to her work. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, skiing, and reading.

Haley Giddens joins NEM from the shared, traditional, and ancestral territories of the Secwepemcúl’ecw (Secwépemc) and Syilx (Okanagan). As Senior Event Manager, Haley supports the event team from start to finish, ensuring the Indigenous community at large is included, respected, and celebrated through all experiences. Her previous conference and event management experience bring strong creative and analytical skills. In her spare time, Haley like to enjoy the culinary and wine region of the Okanagan valley, travel and is currently learning how to play pickleball.

Annette joins NEM from the unceded and traditional territory of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Nations.  As a Senior Event Manager, Annette brings strong attention to detail, passion, and dedication to support her team in delivering successful events.  With 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, including 11 years dedicated to sales and events, Annette understands the importance of exceeding client expectations through respect and collaboration.  In her spare time, Annette enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, and curling up with a good book.

Victoria Lepp joins NEM from the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó꞉lō Nation. As an Event Manager, Victoria has harnessed her skills in time management and organization. She is well-spoken, with effective communication skills and carries herself in a professional and approachable way. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys being outdoors, cooking and curling up on the couch with a good book.

Katherine joins NEM from the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Katherine event manages virtual, in-person and hybrid events, ensuring NEM standards are respected and fulfilled. With over twelve years of experience in the event industry managing different types of events, she brings a wealth of knowledge, strong attention to detail and passion for smooth running events. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys travelling, hiking, horse riding and spending time with her family.

Chanelle Conley joins NEM from the traditional and unceded territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. As Event Manager, Chanelle collaborates with clients to ensure events are well-planned and have upheld Naut’sa mawt's standards. Chanelle brings over nine years of experience in not-for-profit, corporate, and sporting event management, finding fulfillment in witnessing events unfold seamlessly from planning to execution phases. In her spare time, Chanelle enjoys outdoor activities such as snowboarding, swimming, and hiking.

Kayla joins NEM from the traditional and unceded territories of the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), and Se’mya’me’ (Semiahmoo) First Nations. As Event Coordinator, Kayla is committed to overseeing every aspect of event planning and execution, ensuring her clients' visions are effectively met. With a background in event sales management and operations, Kayla is highly organized and results-driven, ensuring every detail is well thought out and executed seamlessly. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing and backcountry camping.

Cristina joins NEM from the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation. As Event Coordinator, Cristina works independently and in collaboration with the Event Manager and Senior Event Manager, focusing on the clear outline, communication, execution, and documentation of the events. With experience working in events for Squamish Nation, Cristina understands the importance of cultural safety and respect with event planning and is passionate about contributing to the reclamation of Indigenous culture. In her spare time, Cristina enjoys hiking, mountain biking, yoga, and travelling.

Adam joins NEM from the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Musqueam people, and he is a member of the Métis Nation. As the Event Assistant, Adam supports the NEM Team by performing tasks related to logistics, communications, registration, and administration. Drawing on his Bachelor of Commerce from UBC and his experience in planning live music and cultural events, Adam ensures that organization and creativity remain at the forefront of his work. In his spare time, Adam is an avid musician and enjoys singing and playing the piano and saxophone in various musical groups.

Gerrit joins NEM from the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. As the Reporting Manager, Gerrit oversees the development of reporting materials to help accurately reflect the conversations that took place and the decisions that were made during our events. Drawing on a decade of experience engaging communities on a wide range of topics, Gerrit works to ensure a seamless relationship between an event and the reporting materials produced, and to produce materials that are reflective of the people and communities that were involved. In his spare time, Gerrit enjoys travelling, getting lost in new places, and taking his cat, Sterling, out on forest adventures. 

Adrian joins NEM from Coast Salish territories, as a xʷənitəm settler on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ lands and waters. As Report Writer, Adrian carefully records information shared at events and develops materials to accurately and respectfully reflect those discussions. He draws from experience learning and working in the areas of law, language, cultural heritage, education, and ethnoecology. In his spare time, Adrian enjoys walking, fiddling, foraging, and sharing food.