Our Team

The strength of BUKSA is our team. Professional, qualified, smartly-turned-out, polite, customer-centred, current, attentive, anticipatory – these are some of the words used by clients to describe BUKSA team members.

To contact BUKSA team members:

• Email address format: firstname@buksa.com
• Phone extensions are included below and follow +1 780.436.0983

CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT

Jewel Buksa BA MBA, President
780.436.0983 ext. 224  

Jewel’s devotion to BUKSA and its employees places her in an ideal position to effectively lead the BUKSA team. Dedicated to development of BUKSA’s strategic aptitude, Jewel constantly seeks new challenges and opportunities for the team. Since founding the company in 1994, Jewel has molded BUKSA’s approach to become the trustworthy conference planning service it is today. Her energy, intuition and commitment to her work make her remarkable to work with. She holds a BA from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from the University of Alberta. Jewel enjoys travelling with her family, volunteering at school and engaging in a book club when time allows.

Sean Antonson, Director - Vancouver Division
604.216.0983 (Vancouver)| santonson@buksa.com  

Sean’s comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry is a strong asset to BUKSA’s business development. Heading up BUKSA’s Vancouver Division, Sean provides local service in close collaboration with the proceedings of the Edmonton office. Sean’s passion towards customer service motivates him to surpass client expectations while making it an enjoyable experience for all involved. Since 2010 Sean has applied his hotelier training to conference planning with BUKSA, giving him added perspective on facility use. A dedicated father of two ambitious little boys, Sean takes time to travel, read and explore Vancouver whenever possible.

Kate Bailey BAH, Director - Operations
780.436.0983 ext. 235  

Kate is adept at articulating conference objectives and delivering on their performance. Her innovative problem solving ability instills confidence in the client and her project team to implement an event that exceeds expectations. Kate’s background offers a depth of experience in collaborating with board members, senior executives, managers, health professionals, patients, clients, families and the media. Starting in 1999, Kate has a long standing history with BUKSA exemplified by her extensive knowledge of strategic conference planning. Being on-site to see the pieces of planning come together, and having occasion to meet the outstanding people involved is particularly gratifying for Kate. In her spare time Kate enjoys giving back to the community; volunteering with the Royal Alexandria Hospital Foundation, coaching ringette and helping out with the International Triathalon Union. Kate holds an honours degree in English Literature from Queen’s University.

Erin Christopher BSc MSc, Outreach Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 222

Erin applies her background in managing people and scientific research resources to successfully manage outreach communications and educational sessions. Erin is highly respected for her level of professional when interacting with clients along with her poise and good humour. Working in the human health domain, Erin strives to transition physician offices to a more efficient level of practice. Erin has a background in animal science stemming from a love of the outdoors, and volunteering as a search and rescue dog handler. Erin has a background in animal science and loves exploring the outdoors and volunteering as a search and rescue dog handler.

 

 

Maureen Melnyk BAH MA, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 257

Maureen’s consistently clear communication eliminates uncertainty for clients and participants throughout the conference planning process. Her level headed approach is not only reassuring, but allows for her to see situations with clarity and proceed accordingly. Past experience teaching classes and hosting academic conferences is reflected in Maureen’s attention to detail, multitasking efficiency and thoughtful organization. Bringing together people with different backgrounds from around the world is fulfilling to Maureen as a conference planner. Eager to learn, Maureen has earned both her Bachelor and Masters in Arts and is currently pursuing her PhD. When time permits, Maureen takes pleasure in skiing, cooking, gardening and exploring the outdoors with her dog.

 

 

Darcy Lipsey BA, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 231

Darcy’s meticulous organizational skills add to her strength as a conference coordinator. Her enthusiasm towards working with people alongside her professional approach makes her a pleasure to work with. Starting with BUKSA in 2012, Darcy brings valuable experience in event planning with her to the team. Darcy enjoys the process of seeing projects grow from start to finish and the interactions involved. A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Victoria and a Conference Planning Certificate supports Darcy’s proficiency in coordinating people. Outside of work Darcy is partial to gardening, practicing yoga, exploring the outdoors and appreciating the arts.

 

 

Pat Rodenburg CMP, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 234

Pat’s calm, reassuring manner combined with an attention to detail ensures clients can feel confident during the planning process. Obtaining her Certified Meeting Professional designation in 2002 was a personal achievement. Past experience as a Director of Catering and Conference Services at a large hotel chain gives Pat a broad breadth of experience in organizing multiple events at the same time, food and beverage knowledge, and on site coordination. The past three years working at BUKSA have given her many opportunities to be a positive impact for client events. After months of planning she always finds the “on site” experience to be satisfying, seeing the event come together. In her spare time you can find Pat spending time with a new granddaughter, reading, cooking, or at her sewing machine.

 

 

Sarah Prince BA, Assistant Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 222

Sarah’s ability to adapt to any team and her willingness to learn new things makes her ideal for the position of assistant conference coordinator. With her attention to detail, her ability to see the big picture and her sense of humour Sarah loves to be challenged and given the opportunity to develop informed, positive solutions. Starting at BUKSA in 2012, Sarah brings with her a degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Alberta which has prepared her with both a sound understanding of the theory in her discipline and the opportunity to develop the skills required to take thoughtful action. She is a big proponent of work-life balance and to balance out the work side of her life, Sarah loves volunteering in her community, camping, crafting and road trips.

 

 

Mouna Jbali, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 231

Prior to joining BUKSA, Mouna enjoyed her experience of working with students as an ESL teacher and a students’ supervisor. Mouna was also an exchange student in a Department of State Leadership Program, where she met people from all over the world and enhanced her leadership skills. For fun, Mouna loves travelling, home staging and décor, cooking, having friends over and sharing delightful life experience stories.

 

 

DATA, REGISTRATION AND HOUSING MANAGEMENT

Sean Jones BAH, Information Systems Manager
780.436.0983 ext. 229  

Sean brings his astute understanding of technology and its applications to bear on conference processes from beginning to end. With a keen ability to create an efficient balance between the human element and a technical environment, Sean finds satisfaction in making processes run smoothly and providing answers quickly. Starting with the company in 2003, Sean has experienced most aspects of the BUKSA environment, which further enhances his ability to assist with solving complex problems. Meeting delegates, speakers and clients face to face after months of virtual communication is Sean’s favorite part of conference planning – he wishes it worked the other way around. Outside of work Sean is active with soccer, gaming (video and board) and volunteering in his community league. Sean earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Theatre and English from York University in 2003.

Angela Forte Dip Mktg, Registration Coordinator
778.574.3575 (Vancouver)

Angela’s keen awareness of conference registration procedures and information management benefits her role as a Registration Coordinator. Especially when organizing accommodation for participants, her strong attention to detail is critical to keeping details aligned. Angela’s background in marketing and conference management, including a marketing diploma from NAIT, gives her an attuned sense of appealing to the consumer, in this case the delegate. Angela has been working with BUKSA since 2008 and enjoys seeing each project through from start to finish. Feeling the intensity of a conference getting close and exceeding client needs are the primary driving factors of Angela’s enjoyment of conference planning. On a personal note Angela is interested in travel, camping, spending time with family and occasionally jumping out of planes (two-time skydiver!).

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

Jim Nelson BA, Vice President
780.436.0983 ext. 225

Jim’s responsibilities within BUKSA keep the company operating smoothly and allow an ease of communication internally and externally. The computer network, website and online access to information for clients all receive his diligent maintenance. Jim received his Bachelor of Arts in Washington State and Alberta. Outside of work Jim maintains a healthy lifestyle, enjoys landscaping and loves to talk politics.

 

 

Barb Eglauer CMA, Accountant
780.436.0983 ext. 232

Barb’s diligent and conscientious work with client finances gives ease and confidence to clients having BUKSA manage their project budgets. Barb’s qualifications as a Certified Management Accountant translate into the complete and accurate financial reporting our clients expect and receive. Having been with the company since 1998, Barb has detailed knowledge of BUKSA processes and governs resources accordingly. Outside of work Barb manages a busy household, volunteers at school and enjoys skiing when she gets the chance.

 

 

JOINING OUR TEAM

Career Opportunities
info@buksa.com

Interested in a career with BUKSA? Send us an email describing why you want to join our team and attach your resume.