From a touring exhibit commemorating the life of Princess Diana
to the 2005 Grey Cup in Vancouver, Greg Albrecht’s experience in event
management runs the gamut, and he brings that experience to his new position of
general manager for Events Whistler.
“This position will be a key to Whistler’s success from an
event perspective, and Greg is a seasoned professional with a vast range of
industry experience,” Tourism Whistler President Barrett Fisher said in a
release announcing Albrecht’s appointment Monday. “We believe high profile
events are more important than ever in growing Whistler’s awareness and
preparing for 2010,” Fisher added.
Albrecht, who started in his new position Monday, has 14 years
of event management experience across Canada and internationally, including
running his own company, Barque Communications Inc., which produces outdoor
festivals, concerts, athletic events and corporate meetings.
The UBC graduate will be responsible for identifying event opportunities
and liaising with third party event producers. He will report to Tourism
Whistler and will be accountable to the Events Whistler Board of Directors,
comprising John Rae from the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Rob McSkimming
from Whistler-Blackcomb and Oliver Flaser from Tourism Whistler.
The RMOW, Whistler-Blackcomb and Tourism Whistler are jointly
funding Events Whistler, which evolved from the Whistler Events Bureau and took
the new name in January. Events Whistler will act primarily as a facilitator of
third-party events, while also serving as an event producer for select events
driven by the resort.
Events Whistler will not serve as a funding body, but will
provide a centralized point of contact for those interested in pursuing event
opportunities in Whistler.
A press release states the organization “will help attract,
deliver and facilitate resources for events that will thrive and drive room
nights to Whistler. It will assist event producers who may require help
navigating through unfamiliar territory in Whistler, which will ultimately
result in all round event success.”
Events Whistler will also play a major role in facilitating international events in Whistler during the years leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
