ABOUT US

Rob has been working in the professional development field since 1979, when he founded Insight Information Inc. Since then, he has been active in developing various conferences, seminars, as well as interactive television and publishing projects. In 2004, Rob founded Cambridge Forums Inc. to meet the professional growth needs of top-tier professionals and was instrumental in developing the exclusive forum format. Today, as Chairman of the firm, Rob focuses on strategy and spearheading new forums. In his spare time, he spends as much time as possible at his country home north of Toronto with his wife and four adult children.

Rob has an MBA from the University of Toronto and is both a CA and CPA. He has decades of experience in senior management positions for both private and public companies and was the co-owner and COO of one of Canada’s largest conference providers. Rob’s diverse background spans executive education, defense, technology, media, and entertainment. His area of expertise lies in guiding companies through periods of turnaround or rapid growth. Outside the office, Rob is a fitness enthusiast with a passion for the outdoors through all four seasons.

Karen has decades of experience in a variety of operational roles across industries such as training and talent management, recruiting, corporate events, hospitality, retail. A seasoned mentor who leads by example, she stays sharp with ongoing executive development through the Queen’s Smith School of Business. Karen oversees the day to day operations of Cambridge Forums Inc., including all aspects of forum development, administration, sponsorship, customer experience and onsite logistics. In her spare time, Karen enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Varugis is the President of Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums Inc. Since 2003, Varugis has held sales, production and management roles at three global conference and business information providers. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums in 2015, he was the Director of Conference Development at Insight Information, the Canadian subsidiary of ALM Media, LLC. In 2019, CEC was established as a specialised provider of sophisticated learning and networking experiences for private clients, family offices, institutional investors, and corporate leaders. Along with the flagship Forums, CEC builds Communities for members to engage and develop meaningful connections with their peers globally. As President, Varugis is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, and delivery of all services under the CEC banner.

Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree from McMaster University in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. A seasoned event and marketing manager, she has executed live engagements globally in the legal, technology, financial, not-for-profit and consumer products industries for many of the world’s leading organizations. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, Jessica worked in conference management, specializing in executive events for C-Suite executives, Board members and VIP clients. A fluid communicator, Jessica utilizes her leadership skills and passion for creating flawless participant experiences as a Forum Director, focusing on programs in private wealth and antitrust. A food & wine aficionado, Jessica is also accredited with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits. When she’s out of the office, Jessica enjoys hot yoga, skiing and travel.

Kristina is a graduate of the University of Toronto and is accredited as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a globally recognized badge of excellence in the meeting and event industry. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, Kristina worked for the Toronto International Film Festival where she successfully planned and hosted events for high-level donors, corporate clients and film stars. Outside the office, Kristina is passionate about learning new things, being outdoors, trying new cuisines and exploring the world one country at a time.

Shona graduated from the University College Dublin with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Spanish. She has a background in medical, insurance and financial administration. In her spare time, Shona loves to travel and enjoys planning trips all around the world.

Brenna joins Cambridge Forums with 20 years of experience in events, fundraising, and development. She has spent most of her career in the music industry, working for the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, overseeing the planning of high-profile events like the JUNO awards. Most recently, she launched a successful national advocacy campaign for the live music sector resulting in significant relief funding from the federal government. Her early career involved raising funds and executing events for non-profit organizations and foundations, including the University of Toronto and the Ireland Fund of Canada.  Brenna looks forward to her role as Forum Director to blend her experience and passion for bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections.  She is a mother of two, a fitness enthusiast, and is best known for her sense of humour.

Emma is Senior Forum Director and Financial Services Lead at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. Naturally curious and a lifelong learner, Emma has developed and managed a variety of meetings in both the profit and non-profit sectors. Before joining Cambridge, Emma was Assistant Vice President, Global Marketing at State Street in Canada, where she spent close to two decades of her career, offering her a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the financial and investment sectors. In Emma’s current role, she leads CEC’s Financial Services portfolio, including programs for institutional investors, banking, private funds, risk, and governance professionals.

Kate has a background in social services where she treated youth with complex mental health and addictions issues. Her role involved developing detailed, treatment-focused program plans and seeing them through to completion. Kate brings many years of experience in the service industry to her role at Cambridge Forums. In her spare time, Kate enjoys good food and wine, all things true-crime related, and dance parties with her kids.

Emily holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Queen’s University. Before joining Cambridge Forums, Emily spent ten years working as an event manager; from leading full-scope event production of gala fundraisers in Toronto, to travelling the world as a destination wedding planner, managing each event from concept to onsite execution. Armed with deep expertise in relationship management and event logistics, Emily looks to deliver standout participant experiences as a Forum Director. Outside of the office, Emily can be found scouring Spotify for new music, hosting dinner parties for her friends and family, and perfecting her golf swing.

Miruna is the Manager of Venues and Customer Experience at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. As a driven and results-oriented professional, Miruna has gained invaluable experience in all aspects of event management. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums in 2018, she was the Marketing and Sales Coordinator at Ainsworth Inc. where she supported the national sales team, managed customer relations and coordinated corporate events and trade shows. In Miruna’s current role, she manages relationships with venues and focuses on organizing Forums that deliver a personalized, valuable customer experience.

Mikayla is the Venues and Customer Experience Coordinator at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Mikayla brings to the position a diverse customer service orientation with her most recent role at City Cruises Toronto as the Assistant Restaurant Manager, where she facilitated the execution and management of private charter events while ensuring a memorable experience for all guests onboard.  When she’s not working, she loves travelling, walking her dog Tito and exploring new restaurants in the city.

Emma has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from York University and a Diploma in Event Management from George Brown College. Previously, Emma worked for several notable arts organizations such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Emma has had the opportunity to individually and cooperatively produce a broad spectrum of events; from intimate dinners with exclusive access to high-profile artists to keystone brand events and industry conferences. Outside the office, Emma enjoys traveling, crafting, baking, and discovering new brunch spots.

Manuela holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and a Diploma in Event Planning from Ryerson University. She has led a successful career in the continuing education field as an Event Planner/Coordinator, using her multifaceted skill set to pull together hundreds of events and manage her own firm. Outside of the office, Manuela is a proud mother of three daughters and enjoys travelling and exploring new sights.

Alejandro has many years of experience in the hospitality and corporate meetings industry and holds a university degree in Hotel Management. His career in corporate event planning started while attending university in Margarita Island, Venezuela. He is fully bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. In his spare time, Alejandro enjoys practicing yoga, biking around Toronto, and travelling around the world to learn what makes each culture unique.

Raluca is a former “Big Four” accountant turned corporate event planner with over 7 years’ experience in client services. She graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Business Administration as well as completed courses at Humber College as part of the Event Management graduate program. Raluca is a detail-oriented professional who enjoys planning and executing events and creating memorable experiences for her clients.

Outside the office, Raluca loves activities whether she is going to a yoga class, adventuring around Toronto, or planning her next snowboarding trip out West.

Selene attended York University for a Bachelor of Business Administration. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, she gained a wide range of experience in event management from political events to large-scale fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Selene is known for her tenacity, drive and detail-orientated personality. Outside the office, Selene loves to travel and immerse herself in art and culture, cook, scuba dive and occasionally hit the boxing gym.

Natalia holds Bachelor’s Degrees in History and Communication Studies, with a postgraduate in Project Management. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums in 2015, Natalia worked at TD Canada Trust and Accenture, specializing in client relations and project development. She excels in working with distinguished clientele and thrives in the social environment afforded by her role in Forum Coordination. Outside of the office, Natalia finds pleasure in traveling the world and immersing herself in different cultures, art and history.

Samantha has a Diploma in Event Management from George Brown College. She has a background in event coordination as well as marketing.  Through her past roles, she has gain experience executing events such as galas, conferences, and weddings.  In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing hockey, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Leanne has 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and corporate event management. Her passion lies in helping organizations connect with their audiences and build meaningful business relationships.

Throughout her career, Leanne has had the opportunity to work with executives from leading professional services, finance, technology, and hospitality firms.

As Sponsorship Director, Leanne is responsible for building relationships with potential sponsors and overseeing the sponsorship execution at our Forums.

In her free time, Leanne loves to travel the world and experience new restaurants and wineries.