About CAY VII INC

Empowering Visionary Leaders Through Strategic Solutions

Founded in 2019 by Connie Cay-Santos, CMP, SEPC, VEMM, CSM, CSPO, CAY VII INC is a strategic consulting firm dedicated to delivering tailored experience design, engagement solutions, and special project management. As the Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Connie seamlessly blends creative entrepreneurship with a human-centric approach, helping clients align strategic actions with their business objectives to achieve meaningful results.

CAY VII INC holds profound meaning and is rooted in Connie's Chinese heritage. It symbolizes balance and renewal, inspired by two Phoenixes representing the Libra ideal of innovation harmonized with human connection. Beyond that, the name consistently reminds us to remain authentic to the legacy we are building—one centred on meaningful impact, shared success, and timeless values.

Through strategic insights, creative storytelling, and impactful collaborations, we specialize in delivering solutions that help businesses thrive.

Our Philosophy: Be Human First

At CAY VII INC, humanity is at the heart of everything we do. In a world increasingly driven by technology, we prioritize mindful, people-first approaches to foster authentic relationships. Whether designing event strategies or leading teams, we pride ourselves on deeply understanding stakeholder motivations to create truly connected and impactful experiences through:

Strategic Engagement
Authentic Storytelling

This philosophy guides every decision, ensuring we remain aligned with our values and deliver meaningful results for our clients and partners.

Signature Initiative: HER Seat at the Table

HER Seat at the Table is a cornerstone project of CAY VII INC, celebrating Honoring, Empowering, and Resilience within the Hospitality and Events industry.

This initiative fosters a dynamic community of leaders focused on collaborative problem-solving, professional growth, and amplifying diverse perspectives. Through intentional engagements, HER Seat at the Table empowers women to navigate career transitions while confidently driving meaningful change.

We believe in creating opportunities for strategic conversations that spark innovation and broaden horizons—together, we shape a future where every leader has a seat at the table.

Visionary Leadership at CAY VII INC

As Founder and CEO, Connie Cay-Santos brings a powerful blend of corporate expertise and technological innovation to CAY VII INC. With over two decades of leadership experience, including 14 years in corporate retail leadership and 5 years at the forefront of the tech industry, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive transformative growth and pioneer innovative solutions.

Key leadership roles in the Event Technology sector have shaped Executive Experience Connie's strategic vision:

Senior Director of Growth and Engagement at Quest Audio Visual, where she spearheaded initiatives that redefined client engagement
Head of Strategic Partnerships at Engamio, forging valuable industry alliances and driving business development
Vice President of Special Projects at Nextech AR Solutions, leading breakthrough augmented reality implementations

Industry Association Leadership & Impact

Connie's deep commitment to the events industry is exemplified through her extensive involvement in professional associations, most notably with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Toronto Chapter. Over the past five years, she has held progressive leadership roles that have shaped the organization's direction and impact. Beginning as Marketing Chair, she advanced to Director of Strategic Partnerships and VP of Communication and Strategic Partnerships. Now serving on the Leadership Selection Committee, Connie has consistently contributed to initiatives strengthening the industry's foundation.

Her active participation extends across multiple industry associations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the events ecosystem. This multifaceted exposure enables her to bridge gaps between industry segments, fostering collaboration and innovation. She has championed professional development initiatives through her leadership roles, mentored emerging industry leaders, and contributed to setting industry standards and best practices.

Recognition and Impact

Connie's influence and achievements have been widely recognized through prestigious industry accolades:

2024 Eventex Index -Named among the Top 100 Event Professional Influencers in the Events Industry and Top 20 Event Professionals in Canada.
2024 Volunteer of the Year Nominee by Canadian Special Events Magazine
Featured in the 2023 Women to Watch List by Courtney Stanley
Selected among 2022 Top 55 Event Experience Leaders by Bizzabo
Awarded 2021 Future Leader of the Year by MPI Toronto Chapter

Under her guidance, CAY VII INC continues to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry, combining technological innovation with strategic vision to deliver exceptional value to clients and partners.

Ready to Transform Your Vision?

Let's discuss how CAY VII INC can help close the gap in your project plans. Contact us to explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about our special projects.