Leading with Purpose.
Building with Intention.
Connie Cay-Santos is a visionary strategist, experience designer, and community builder—on a mission to transform how people connect, grow, and lead with authenticity.
SPOTLIGHTING VOICES. ELEVATING IMPACT.
Explore our featured speaking engagements, media highlights, and strategic collaborations, which showcase our leadership in action and amplify stories of innovation, inclusion, and community transformation.
SPEAKING
MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS
EVENTS
MEET Connie Cay-Santos, CMP, VEMM, SEPC, CSM, CSPO
Founder & Chief Experience Strategist | CAY VII INC & HER Seat at the Table
Connie Cay-Santos is a strategic experience designer, purpose-led entrepreneur, and connector of people and ideas. With over two decades of leadership across corporate, retail, association, and event industries, she brings a rare combination of operational rigour, creative insight, and human-centred strategy to every collaboration.
As the Founder of CAY VII INC, Connie helps organizations reimagine how they build trust, drive engagement, and lead transformation—whether through experience strategy, intentional event design, partnership development, or thought leadership. Her consultancy exists to create not just significant events, but meaningful momentum rooted in clarity, care, and purpose.
Connie also leads HER Seat at the Table, a growing community and leadership platform for women navigating transition and growth. Built on Honouring Empowerment and Resilience values, HER Seat is a living blueprint of what Connie believes in most: leadership thrives where trust is built, voices are heard, and space is made for others to rise.
Her work is guided by one core principle: when you lead with intention and design with heart, you don’t just create experiences—you create lasting impact.
Industry Recognition & Lifelong Learning
Connie’s impact extends beyond her ventures—she is an active leader shaping the future of the events and hospitality industry. Her work has been recognized by global organizations and peer communities alike, including:
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2025 – 50 Influential Female Voices, InEvent
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2024 – Top 100 Global Event Professionals, Eventex
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2024 – Volunteer of the Year Nominee, Canadian Special Events
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2023 – Women to Watch, Courtney Stanley Consulting
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2022 – Top 55 Experience Leaders, Bizzabo
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2021 – Future Leader of the Year, MPI Toronto
She also holds industry-recognized certifications, including CMP, SEPC, VEMM, CSM, and CSPO—a reflection of her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and impact-driven leadership.
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A Legacy of Balance & Impact
“My legacy is rooted in designing trusted spaces—whether through consulting or community—where clarity and care guide every conversation.
At CAY VII INC and HER Seat at the Table, I lead with the intention to empower others, turn transitions into transformation, and create meaningful change that lasts.”
– Connie Cay-Santos
CAY VII INC is built on the values of identity, resilience, and intentional leadership. Inspired by Connie Cay-Santos’ Chinese heritage and the symbolism of the phoenix—a mark of renewal and strength—the brand embodies balance, authenticity, and trust.
The signature royal blue represents Connie’s calm, strategic approach. It reflects the clarity and integrity she brings to every partnership, project, and community experience.
VOICES THAT SHAPED THE JOURNEY
Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with visionary clients, trusted partners, empowered team members, and respected industry leaders. Their reflections speak to the impact of purpose-driven work, meaningful relationships, and our shared commitment to creating transformative experiences.
Clients
Trusted Partners
Industry Leaders
WORK WITH CONNIE
Strategic Vision. Meaningful Connection. Transformational Results.
As the CEO and Founder of CAY VII INC and HER Seat at the Table, Connie Cay-Santos brings over 20 years of human-centered leadership to every collaboration. Whether you’re seeking support with experience strategy, inclusive event design, or community-building initiatives, Connie partners with you to translate bold ideas into real impact.
From keynote speaking and advisory sessions to curated programs and brand storytelling—every engagement is guided by clarity, trust, and intention.