Rose Passante

Rose's formal education was in Theatre Arts in Pasadena, CA at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and in Winnipeg and Nelson, BC. Her career in the arts and cultural industries includes stage manager, events coordinator, executive director, production manager, volunteer coordinator, producer and a variety of other roles at major events. Rose was campaign manager for both of Glen Murray's winning mayoralty bids. She was the Mayor's Chief of Staff from 1998 to 2002. As Chief of Staff, she was able to inform and promote cultural policy and initiatives such as the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, the Public Art Policy and increased funding to festivals and the arts in general.

Karen Mott

Karen's diverse background began in retail then grew in scope to become Vice-President Marketing and Promotions with Kemper Snowboards, a Toronto-based company that was one of the largest snowboard firms in the world. After formal Conventions and Meeting Management training in Ottawa, Karen moved to Winnipeg where she managed a wide range of events for a diverse clientele, both as an employee of one of Winnipeg's leading event management company's and later as an independent contractor. As Special Events Liaison for the City of Winnipeg, she worked on numerous major conferences, festivals, events and even the Queen's Golden Jubilee visit. Karen's previous contract work with the City also included the event management for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference, the Winnipeg Wave Grey Cup party in Regina and Creative Cities. Contract work with Strauss Event and Association Management included such projects as the Rotary Career Symposium, The Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg's Annual Awards Dinner, The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation Annual Gala and the 60th Anniversary of VE Day.