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About Connie Cay-Santos

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Founder & Chief Experience Officer of CAY VII INC.​

Connie Cay-Santos, CMP, SEPC, VEMM, CSM, CSPO, is a human-centric industry leader with over 20 years of professional management experience. As the Founder and Chief Experience Officer of CAY VII INC., established in 2019, Connie brings a creative entrepreneurial approach to special project contracts, helping clients align their strategic actions with their business vision and objectives.

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The CAY VII INC. Story​

CAY VII INC. is more than just a company name - it's a reflection of Connie's personal journey. As the seventh child in her family, Connie chose this name to honour her roots. The brand design incorporates elements of her Chinese heritage and her Zodiac sign, Libra, symbolized by two Phoenixes that represent her commitment to balancing innovation with a human touch.

Philosophy: Be Human First

Even in high-tech environments, Connie's guiding principle is to "Be Human First." This approach ensures mindful consideration in team leadership and client projects. Her emotional agility allows her to understand stakeholders' motivational drivers, creating more connected experiences through engagement strategies and authentic storytelling on social channels.

Community Involvement and Leadership

 

Throughout her career, Connie has embraced various transitions, each contributing to her unique perspective and drive to empower others. Her community involvement includes:

  • Co-founder of HER Seat at the Table, a new community that Honors Empowerment and Resilience for female leaders. This initiative aims to create change-makers by addressing obstacles collectively and building a stronger collaborative community for Hospitality and Events professionals.

  • Leadership Selection Committee Member at MPI Toronto Chapter

  • Community Engagement and Inclusion Volunteer at PCMA Canada East Chapter

  • SOW Sister, empowering and uplifting female entrepreneurs, SOW Victory Fest

Connie's commitment to fostering supportive communities reflects her belief in the power of collaboration and mutual support in overcoming industry challenges.​

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Experiences

Connie's diverse background spans corporate, association, and tech start-up environments, equipping her with a unique blend of skills to serve clients across various domains.

Her core competencies include:

  1. Strategic Engagement & Marketing Solutions

    • Developing comprehensive marketing strategies

    • Implementing data-driven engagement campaigns

    • Optimizing customer journeys and touchpoints

  2. Branding, Content Creation & Storytelling

    • Crafting compelling brand narratives

    • Producing engaging multimedia content

    • Implementing effective storytelling techniques across platforms

  3. Experience Strategy, Market Research, Project Planning & Execution

    • Conducting in-depth market analysis and trend forecasting

    • Designing immersive and memorable event experiences

    • Managing complex projects from conception to delivery

  4. Executive Coaching & Personalized Consultation

    • Providing leadership development and mentoring

    • Offering tailored advice on industry-specific challenges

    • Facilitating professional growth and strategic decision-making

  5. Partnerships, Sponsorships & ROI Optimization

    • Identifying and nurturing strategic partnerships

    • Developing innovative sponsorship packages

    • Implementing metrics and analytics for ROI measurement

  6. Incentive Travel & Reward Experiences

    • Designing motivational incentive programs

    • Creating unique reward experiences that drive performance

 

In recent years, Connie has held respected senior executive roles in the Event Tech Industry:

  • VP of Special Projects at Nextech AR Solutions

  • Head of Strategic Partnerships at Engamio

  • Senior Director of Growth and Engagement at Quest Audio Visual

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Industry Recognition

Connie's contributions to the event industry have earned her numerous accolades:

  • 2024 Eventex Index - Top 100 Event Professional Influencer Nominee

  • 2024 Volunteer of the Year Nominee, Canadian Special Events Magazine

  • 2023 Courtney Stanley's Women to Watch List

  • 2022 Bizzabo's Top 55 Event Experience Leaders

  • 2021 Future Leader of the Year, MPI Toronto Chapter

 

Connect with Connie

Are you looking to elevate your special projects or join a community of empowered professionals? Connie's unique blend of experience, innovation, and human-centric approach could be the key to your success. GET IN TOUCH to explore how Connie can help close the gap in your project plans or to learn more about joining HER Seat at the Table.

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VEMM
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Certifications
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Associations | Communities
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