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 
As president and chief project manager, Jewel brings unparalleled energy, intuition
and commitment to her work and clients. She is an accomplished strategist, communicator
and program developer. Prior to founding BUKSA Strategic Conference Services,
Jewel worked in communications and education at the former Alberta Healthcare
Association and Health Unit Association of Alberta. She holds a BA in International
Relations from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from the University
of Alberta. For fun? Rides her cruiser bike to work (no, not in the winter),
enjoys travelling with her family, helps out at school, and 'book club'.
Sean Antonson, Director - Vancouver Division
604.216.0983 | santonson@buksa.com
Sean oversees BUKSA's new Vancouver division, and works closely with the Edmonton
office in business development. He is passionate about customer and guest service
and always endeavours to raise the bar, exceeding client expectations. A hotelier
by training, Sean started his career stocking mini-bars (his least favourite
hotel job), and worked his way up to the Director of Group Sales for the Sheraton
Vancouver. Sean is currently serving a three year term for CSAE's Honours and
Awards Committee. At one time or another he has lived in Tallinn, Estonia, Edmonton,
Calgary and Edinburgh. For Fun? Expeditions to far-away places, train travel,
reading, walking Vancouver and chasing his two year-old son Riley until they
are both exhausted.
Kate Bailey BAH, Director - Operations
780.436.0983 ext. 235
With
nine years of experience at BUKSA, Kate is ideally suited for the role of Director
of Operations. She is an excellent communicator whose exceptional financial
management skills and ability to multi-task are essential for her varied responsibilities
in project management, business development and client relations. Kate previously
worked as Contracts Administrator and Regional Project Planner at the Northern
Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre(NACTRC) and she holds a honours
degree in English Literature from Queen’s University. For fun? Starts each day
with Starbucks, teaches young ringette players to pass to their own team (not
the opposition), and promotes her sister Jenna’s bestselling book "Can
Any Mother Help Me?"
Rebecca Swanson BCom, Project Manager
780.436.0983 ext. 233
Rebecca has climbed the ranks at BUKSA Strategic Conference Services. The fact
that she knows the ins and outs of all the roles at BUKSA makes her a very effective
project manager. Medical groups and associations supported by Rebecca appreciate
her organization, preparedness and her skills at budgeting. Her roots are in
small town, southern Alberta, and she’s an alumnus of the University of Alberta,
For fun? Never staying home, buying heaps of groceries for hungry summer-camp
teenagers, going to concerts, challenging Sean, and running every chance she
gets.
Erin Christopher BSc MSc, Outreach Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 222
Before joining BUKSA, Erin managed people and resources relating to scientific
research. Now she applies those skills to the human health domain, managing
outreach communications and educational sessions. Erin is respected for her
discrete and professional interactions with clients, and her ability to do her
job with both poise and a great sense of humour. Her background is in animal
science. For fun? Volunteering as a search and rescue dog handler, spending
time at the lake, and enjoying the outdoors.
Jacqueline Solc BCom, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 234
After
getting an early start on event planning throughout her time in school, Jacque
planned an international conference last year. A recent graduate from the Alberta
School of Business, she is a motivated and energetic individual who strives
to ensure the successful execution of all projects. For fun? Travelling, learning
new languages, yoga, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Maureen Melnyk BAH MA, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 257
Before
joining BUKSA, Maureen taught classes and planned several conferences in the
academic world while taking graduate studies in philosophy and the humanities.
Now, she applies her thoughtfulness, efficient multitasking and high level of
organization to a new set of challenges, and clients appreciate her enthusiasm
for new projects and eye for detail. For fun? Skiing, cooking, tending the vegetable
garden, and chasing after her very large dog.
Maria Robson BA, Conference Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 226
Maria brings eight years of event planning experience to BUKSA, along with a
great sense of humour and a desire to learn. Her ability to quickly determine
what’s needed and make sure the job gets done makes her a valuable team member.
For fun? Travelling, reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.
DATA, REGISTRATION AND HOUSING MANAGEMENT
Sean Jones BAH, Information Systems Manager
780.436.0983 ext. 229
Sean officially joined BUKSA in 2003 as a summer student. After that experience,
he just wouldn’t leave, and since then has worked through the ranks. Sean enjoys
challenging himself and his co-workers to be innovative and creative in their
use of technology in problem-solving. He is responsible for data management,
including building databases and designing processes to handle large amounts
of information. Sean has (reputedly) studied in Australia, Ontario and BC. For
fun? Playing on multiple indoor and outdoor soccer teams, playing on multiple
gaming platforms, serving on the executive of his community league, and being
married to Jewel's kids' former babysitter.
Angela Forte Dip Mktg, Registration Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 226
Angela is a dedicated team member, who loves managing information, excels at
the details, and enjoys exceeding client needs. Prior to joining us, she explored
different areas of marketing, including market research and internet marketing
in addition to event planning. But right now Angela is enjoying motherhood for
a second time! For fun? Diaper changing, teething baby, hiking and the outdoors,
and visits to the BUKSA office.
Matt Tang BSc, Registration Coordinator
780.436.0983 ext. 227
With
a background in computers, event organization, and design theory, Matt brings
to BUKSA a colourful set of skills, personality, and wardrobe. His enjoyment
of customer service has proven his need for human interaction beyond that of
a code monkey, and so he offers his services with a warm smile. For fun? Advanced
board games, dance choreography, social video games, judging and competing in
tournaments for Magic the Gathering - he’s only the city’s most active higher
ranking Judge – no biggie.
ADMINISTRATION
Jim Nelson BA, Vice President
780.436.0983 ext. 225
As Vice-President, Jim is responsible for many things: the computer network,
website and online access to information for clients; office management; and
the ju-jube jar. Jim is originally from southern BC and was educated in Washington
State and Alberta. For fun? Keeping fit, managing all the ‘pink’ in his life,
landscaping, and talking politics.
Barb Eglauer CMA, Accountant
780.436.0983 ext. 232
Project budgets and clients' funds receive intense care and attention at BUKSA;
we handle clients’ funds as carefully as we handle our own. Barb’s qualifications
as a Certified Management Accountant translate into the complete and accurate
financial reporting our clients expect and receive. Barb hails from a farming
community outside of Edmonton. For fun? Skiing, volunteering at school, and
managing a busy household.
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.