DIRECTOR

Christine Ho – Founder

Prior to jump-starting BRIEFCASE LIVE!, Christine spent the past few years transforming a knack for corporate and business development problem-solving into a savvy for creative event-planning. She is responsible for the brainstorming, concept development and execution of some of Toronto’s most noteworthy events. In fact, her special blend of innovative tools, inspiring ideas and business know-how help bring the BRIEFCASE LIVE! brand to life. Christine was a member of the Quick Win Team at TELUS where her business and technical know-how identified opportunities to improve business processes for this major telecommunications brand. She has a double degree in Business Administration and Computer Electronics from Wilfrid Laurier University.

ADVISORY BOARD

Bryan Davies – Creative Director of ZASwonderwords

BRYAN DAVIES joins us the BRIEFCASE Live! team as one of three business case developers. He is a full time professional writer, researcher and creative strategist. Experience includes 17 years as a civil and criminal litigation lawyer. In 2006, he was the principal author to the Gale Publishing text, The World of Sports Science. Providing 420 articles for a 1st year / second year university audience. Contributions to the 2008 LernerMedia text Infectious Disease which won a prestigious award as a top 2008 science text. As the Director of Content for Permacharts, a leading reference guide publisher, I have written and edited a part series on Canadian legal titles.

BRIEFCASE TEAM JUDGE

Ira Baptiste – Vice President of Blitz Promotions, Division of Cossette Communications

IRA BAPTISTE has been working on promotions for the past 18 years. During that time she has worked with Labatt’s, Molson, Miller Brewing Company, Kellogg’s, American Express, Gillette, Disney, Kraft, Famous Players, Effem and many other blue chip companies. The objective of all of the above companies was to increase sales for a specific product over a specific time, with a great team this objective was reached time and time again. Some promotions have been ground breaking like the Polar Beach Party in the North Pole where 500 winners were transported to the shores of the Artic Ocean for a concert featuring Metallica, Hole, and Veruca Salt.

BRIEFCASE TEAM JUDGE

Ed Drass – Columnist for the METRO News

Toronto-based freelance writer Ed Drass covers transportation issues, with the intent of easing the journey for local and long-distance travelers. Readers of his regular columns in Metro Toronto can express their commuting frustrations or learn more about transit and traffic problems in greater Toronto. The open discussion of larger planning and funding challenges may even allow commuters and travelers to have a say in transport policy on the municipal, provincial or national level. Then there is the joy of traveling -- internationally savouring the voyage, especially by rail or water. Readers who appreciate the trip itself can use travel stories as planning tool or chance to get away without moving.

BRIEFCASE TEAM JUDGE

Martha Fell - CEO of Women in Capital Markets

Martha Fell is the first CEO of Women in Capital Markets where she has been a member since 2002. Martha was with CIBC World Markets for 15 years in the Debt Capital Markets (DCM) division where her role grew from Manager of the Retail Bond Trading & Sales Desk to Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, and most recently as a member of the Debt Origination team. She was also a member of the CIBC World Markets Employment Equity and Diversity committee. In 2006, Martha co-founded the CIBC Women’s Network, the bank’s largest affinity group. Martha received a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and the CIBC Chairman’s award in 1998.

BRIEFCASE TEAM JUDGE

Adam Giambrone – City Councillor and Chair of the TTC

Adam Giambrone is a Toronto City Councillor and Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC.) As well as being an elected official, Adam is an archaeologist specializing in North African and Middle Eastern studies. As Chair of the TTC, Adam has led an ambitious program to increase ridership and improve service. In early 2007, he announced the acclaimed “Transit City” plan for a network of 7 new light rail lines across the City. He has also announced plans for cleaner and better-designed stations, a new fleet of modern streetcars, and electronic features to make transit more user-friendly. In addition to his work as a City Councillor, Adam served as the National President of the New Democratic Party of Canada.