Lifetime Achievement Award – Laurie Paetz

Presented by Bianca Kennedy and Mike Klemm

Bianca:

Life’s greatest rewards come not only from what we accomplish, but from the people who walk beside us — shining their light, lifting us higher, and making the journey even more meaningful.

Our next award recipient is one of those very special individuals whose impact — built on passion, resilience and connection — echoes in our hearts forever.

Today, it is our privilege — to honour, celebrate and remember — our precious colleague and friend: Laurie Paetz.  A remarkable woman, who elevated our industry, strengthened our association, and touched everyone around her.

Mike:

Laurie built an amazing 20-year career in show biz — defined by both hustle and heart. Known for her creativity and vision, she consistently turned bold ideas into unforgettable experiences — a legacy that continues to shape our community.

Her superpower was the ability to make everyone around her feel like they mattered. Whether it was a security guard during move-in, a first-time exhibitor, or a waitress at Phil’s on Glenmore Trail—every day, in every interaction, she made people feel appreciated.

And you could always count on a conversation with Laurie ending in the same memorable way:  with a smile, a kind word, and a gentle reminder that “what we do, we can’t do alone.”

Bianca:

Laurie wasn’t just admired by her peers — she was deeply adored. For many in this room, she was more than a colleague, more than even a friend — she was family.

She valued connection and treasured relationships. Whether you were new to the industry or decades into your career, Laurie was there — with wisdom, time, understanding and support.

Her energy was magnetic, her laughter infectious, and her presence effortlessly uplifting.

As a dedicated CAEM volunteer, Laurie was all in. She chaired countless committees, served on the Board of Directors, and championed membership growth in Western Canada. A leader, a problem-solver, a loyal friend — if you reached out to Laurie, she reached back. Always.

The first time I met Laurie was at the Red Piano Bar, at the CAEM Conference, in 2014. We danced our hearts out to Crocodile Rock, and I was smitten. Over the years, our friendship took flight.  We laughed, we cried, we strategized, we dreamed. We got silly, we got serious — and we had so much fun. Because of her, I’m a better person today— and I know many of you feel the same way.

Mike:

Laurie faced cancer with the same fierce strength and determination that defined her life. Her courage was unwavering, her optimism constant, and her generosity never faded.

Anyone who’s been through cancer — or stood beside someone who has — knows it touches everyone around them.

One evening in late March, I was sitting in a dark parking lot, waiting for my son’s football practice to end. In that moment, I felt a nudge to check in on Laurie’s daughter — Brittany — to make sure she was okay. Because that’s what it means to be family — we show up, we care, we stay connected.

On the drive home, my newly licensed (and overly confident) son blasted his playlist. I braced for another track with lyrics that rhyme with “fashizzle” — but then, unexpectedly, a different song came on.

It was one of those moments when the universe gives you exactly what you need.

The lyrics reached right into me — a perfect reflection of Laurie: powerful, memorable and full of heart.

I, I did it all

I, I did it all

I owned every second that this world could give

I saw so many places, the things that I did

Yeah, with every broken bone

I swear I lived

Today, we present this Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of Laurie’s outstanding professional accomplishments, and as a tribute to the profound impact she had on her colleagues, clients, family, and friends.

Bianca:

Laurie, we miss you more than words can say, we honour all that you gave, and we carry your light forward — always.

Thank you for showing us what it truly means to lead with heart, to lift others with grace, and to live fully — no matter the challenges.

Accepting this award on Laurie’s behalf is her daughter Brittany — known to so many of us as a valued colleague and dear friend. Brit, please join us on stage to celebrate and honour your incredible momma.