Meet the Team
Looking to organise a gala, convention, corporate meeting or other special celebration? Our Conferences and Event Services team has the technical expertise, industry connections and professional skills to help deliver your next event to the highest standard.
Meet the team below and contact us today to discuss what's possible.
Chris Jeon
Event Lead
Chris has worked with Conferences and Events for 7 years and is well-known as a polished, competent and client-focused event professional. Chris’ solid event experience is complemented by a degree in Hotel & Resort Management and a NAIT diploma in Hospitality Management which drives his success in leading internal and external events for the Clients and Culture portfolio.
Erin Greaves
Event Lead
After completing her Travel & Tourism Diploma, Erin found her passion for events and event planning after many years of owning her own travel agency that specialized in destination weddings and group travel. Erin has worked with many hospitality partners throughout the years, giving her a strong background in corporate and social events. She thrives on growing client relationships to ensure their full event visions are brought to life. Erin’s focus at NAIT is on external clients and she loves how events have a way of bringing people together and fostering relationships.
Hannah Whittaker
Event Lead
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Hannah has called Edmonton home since 2009. She has a BA in Design for Theatre and Television and over 15 years experience in arts administration and event management with stints at CiEvents, The Citadel Theatre and Fringe Theatre Adventures. Most recently, Hannah was the Events Specialist at the Edmonton Public Library where she was responsible for the award-winning grand opening of the revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library. Hannah also serves on the Board of the Edmonton Chapter of the International Live Events Association.
Lauren Malchuk
Administrative Assistant
Lauren Malchuk is an Administrative Assistant with 3 years of experience working alongside the Executive Administrative Assistant at her two previous jobs and currently working alongside the Conference and Event Services team at NAIT. She specializes in administrative technology in the Conference and Events field. Lauren’s educational background includes an Administrative Assistant Diploma from MacEwan University, as well as an Event Management Certificate from NAIT. Lauren prides herself on her exceptional verbal communication and organizational skills.
Nela Kovacovic
Event Lead
Nela has extensive experience in designing, planning and delivering events. Prior to joining NAIT, Nela has planned events for government, corporations and not-for-profits in Europe and Canada. Nela’s experience is supported by her education – a Masters of Arts in TV & Movie Production, as well as being a certified special event professional (CSEP), a certified meeting professional (CMP), and having a virtual & hybrid event director certificate. Nela is also an immediate past president of the International Live Events Association – Edmonton chapter.
Nina Browton
Event Lead
Nina has a passion for and wealth of experience in special events, project management and business operations. Before joining the Conference and Events team, she spent three years with NAIT Student Recruitment and was responsible for the coordination and execution of all operational aspects of NAIT Open House and Program Previews, NAIT’s largest student recruitment events. Prior to coming to NAIT, Nina provided leadership in the planning and delivery of the International Children’s Festival, supervised the theatre operations team at the City of St. Albert and was a Human Resources Lead with the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
Tracy Waritsky
Manager
Tracy has over 15 years of progressive leadership experience at NAIT including roles of coordinator, executive chef and assistant manager. She holds her Blue Seal certification as well as project management and leadership certificates. Tracy brings a tremendous level of experience and passion for the events and hospitality industry and has been pivotal over the past 2+ years in developing Conference and Events Services as we know it today. Currently, Tracy is the Western Vice President for the CCUFSA organization (Canadian College and University Food Service Association).