Hall of Fame – Exposition Category – Michael Dargavel

Presented by Heather MacRae

This honouree has played a pivotal role in advancing professional development within the Canadian exposition industry. A driving force behind bringing the CEM Learning Program to Canada, they were instrumental in securing an affiliate agreement with IAEE and encouraging CAEM members to pursue certification. Thanks to their leadership, the program has become a cornerstone of CAEM’s culture—empowering the next generation of professionals and growing a strong base of Canadian CEMs.

They worked closely with IAEE to ensure Canadian-certified professionals could also teach CEM courses, reducing the reliance on U.S.-based instructors and building local expertise.

A longtime CAEM member, they’ve organized hundreds of successful trade shows and events across the country, always with a strong commitment to health and safety. Their contributions extend beyond logistics—they were part of the original team that helped develop CAEM’s Health and Safety Guidelines, laying the foundation for safer, more professional event environments nationwide.

The recipient of the 2025 Hall of Fame Exposition Member is Michael Dargavel of Association & Events Management International