Leading with Purpose.
Building with Intention.
About the Founder
CONNIE CAY-SANTOS, CMP, SEPC, VEMM, WILC, CSM, CSPO
Founder & Chief Experience Officer, CAY VII INC
Founder & CEO, HER Seat at the Table
Leadership Rooted in Empathy, Strategy, and Human Connection
“Empower Together” is more than a philosophy — it’s the way Connie leads, designs, and builds. With over 20 years in corporate retail, association management, event strategy, and experience innovation, Connie has dedicated her career to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
She believes meaningful experiences happen at the intersection of clarity, trust, and intentional design.
CAY VII INC:
Strategic Experience Design & Leadership Advisory
As Founder & CEO of CAY VII INC, Connie partners with organizations to align business goals with human-centric experiences. Her consultancy blends strategy, innovation, and operational excellence to help leaders:
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Design transformative events & experiences
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Build purpose-driven partnerships
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Strengthen organizational culture
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Translate vision into measurable, ROI-driven outcomes
Her work spans national conferences, leadership retreats, hybrid experiences, and community-building initiatives — always anchored in clarity, purpose, and impact.
HER Seat at the Table:
A Leadership Community for Women
Connie is also the visionary behind HER Seat at the Table, a community that supports female leaders navigating growth, transition, and leadership evolution. Built on the pillars of Honouring, Empowerment, and Resilience, HER Seat reflects Connie’s belief that:
Leadership is not a solo act — it is strengthened when we rise together.
A Brand Rooted in Heritage & Meaning
CAY VII INC draws inspiration from Connie’s Chinese heritage and the symbolism of the phoenix — resilience, renewal, and strength. Its signature royal blue represents calm strategy, integrity, and trust.
Every touchpoint of the brand reflects her commitment to designing moments that matter.
Core Expertise
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Experience Design & Innovative Event Strategies
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Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
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Market Research & Data-Driven ROI Optimization
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Authentic Brand Storytelling & Messaging
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Partnership & Sponsorship Development
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Strategic Advisory for High-Impact Transformations
Industry Recognition
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2025 CMEE Hall of Fame – BIG IDEAS Finalist (HER Seat at the Table)
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2025 InEvent – 50 Influential Female Voices in the Events Industry
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2024 Eventex Index – Top 20 Most Influential in Canada & Top 100 Global
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2024 MPI Toronto – Mentor of the Year Nominee
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2024 Canadian Special Events – Industry Volunteer of the Year Nominee
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2023 Women to Watch
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2022 Bizzabo Top 55 Event Experience Leaders
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2021 MPI Toronto – Future Leader of the Year
Professional Certifications
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Women in Leadership Certificate
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Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
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Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC)
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Virtual Event & Meeting Management (VEMM/DES)
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Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
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Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Guiding Principle
When you lead with intention and design with heart, you create lasting impact.
Connie’s mission is rooted in one belief: empowered leaders build empowered communities. Through CAY VII INC and HER Seat at the Table, she creates spaces, strategies, and experiences that help people evolve with life’s seasons, rise with resilience, and lead with purpose.
Celebrating Leadership. Amplifying Impact.
Explore featured speaking, awards, and events that showcase Connie Cay-Santos’ leadership in action. Each recognition reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and building transformative experiences through CAY VII INC and HER Seat at the Table.
Speaking & Thought Leadership
Awards & Recognition
Signature Experiences
Empowered Voices. Shared Impact.
From clients and partners to industry leaders, these reflections highlight the power of collaboration, trust, and purpose-driven work that transforms ideas into lasting impact.
Clients
Trusted Partners
Industry Leaders
Let’s Create What’s Possible Together
Let’s explore what’s possible together.
Every meaningful collaboration starts with a conversation. Whether you’re exploring event strategy, partnership opportunities, or community leadership, I’d love to hear what impact you’re looking to create. Let’s explore where clarity, care, and purpose can take us.