About ILEA Toronto

ILEA Toronto is a Chartered Chapter of ILEA Canada, which is an Affiliate of ILEA International (formerly International Special Events Society).

The International Live Events Association was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct. ILEA works to join professionals to focus on the “event as a whole” rather than its individual parts.

Canada had its first Chapter – the fourth Chapter of ILEA, in Toronto the following year: ILEA Toronto was chartered by ILEA International in 1988.

ILEA is the association dedicated to the evolution of the Special Event industry and the people who work there.

ILEA’s worldwide membership has grown to involve over 5,000 members active in 35 countries throughout the world. Membership brings together professionals from a variety of special events disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers and many more professional disciplines.

ILEA Canada provides a forum for event professionals in all disciplines across the country to network, learn, and exchange best practices with other event industry leaders from around the world.

ILEA Canada is one of three autonomous affiliates of ILEA International. We have the freedom to make our own decisions and set policies within the guidelines of our International Affiliate agreement. We provide support to the four existing Canadian chapters: Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton, as well as all Canadian members at large. We encourage and provide support to other Canadian cities that wish to form new Canadian ILEA chapters.

Our National board seeks to:

  • Increase membership growth and satisfaction
  • Provide chapters and members the support and resources they need to reach their ILEA goals
  • Help chapters collaborate and share ideas and resources
  • Enable chapters and members to benefit from the connection with ILEA Canada and ILEA International
  • Ensure national cohesiveness in ILEA Canada branding and national initiatives
  • Operate in the most time efficient and effective manner, maximizing everyone’s volunteer contributions

Our national board, as well as all four chapter boards are inspired and empowered to really make a difference in what we can provide to our members. From excellence in programming to education, networking opportunities, communications and member benefits, ILEA leaders across the country are working hard for you.

I thank all of our volunteer leaders who are work hard to bring value, and invite all members and soon to be members to get involved. As with any association, the more you put in, the more you receive. I hope to see you at one of the many chapter meetings and events across the country during the 2018/2019 year.


Lynn Fletcher, CSEP
ILEA Canada Chair, 2018/2019