For much of the past decade and a half, Carrie Cussons has helped shape Events East Group — the organization that operates the Halifax Convention Centre and the Scotiabank Centre — into one of Atlantic Canada’s most influential players in the events, tourism and hospitality sector.

Today, Cussons — who will step away as president and CEO effective March 31, 2026 — leaves the organization poised to double down on that mandate and forge an even brighter future as a key driver of the region’s economic and cultural life.

During her tenure, Events East’s two flagship venues together hosted more than 1,500 events, welcomed over 3.2 million guests and generated more than $550 million in economic impact. Beyond the numbers, the organization also deepened its relationships with governments, industry partners and the community, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted steward of two of the region’s most important public venues.

“The significant performance of both the Scotiabank Centre and Halifax Convention Centre is a testament to Carrie’s strong leadership, her command of responsible governance and her long-term vision for the community,” said Norm Mensour, chair of the Events East Group board of directors.

That broader impact is something Wendy Luther, president and CEO of Halifax Partnership, has seen firsthand. “Carrie championed the role major events play in shaping a city’s economic and cultural identity,” Luther said. “Under her leadership, Events East became a powerful engine for Halifax and a key contributor to the region’s growth.”

“Carrie championed the role major events play in shaping a city’s economic and cultural identity.”

 —Wendy Luther, President and CEO, Halifax Partnership

That understanding is reflected in the organization’s recently released Five-Year Strategic Plan, a roadmap to 2030 developed under Cussons’ leadership. The plan outlines how Events East intends to build on its momentum, with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence and expanded economic impact while adapting to a changing events landscape.

The release of the strategic plan highlights a defining feature of Cussons’ approach to leadership — a focus on building systems and momentum that endure. Rather than being tied to any single milestone, the work she led was designed to position the organization for long-term success, committing Events East to delivering exceptional event experiences, championing community and industry impact, and cultivating an engaging, safe and inclusive workplace.

That leadership has been widely recognized. In 2024, Cussons was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful CEOs and received the Fellow designation from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia, honours that reflect both her professional achievements and broader contributions to the community.

As Events East looks ahead, it does so with a clear sense of direction, supported by modern venues, proven leadership practices and a strategic plan shaped by years of careful development and firmly rooted in the foundations Cussons helped establish.

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