Film & Events Manager joins District of Squamish

The District of Squamish has welcomed a new member to the team; Ms. Devon Guest has come on board in the newly created position of Film & Events Manager.  

"This new position represents a significant opportunity for Squamish to further harness the economic benefits of its growing events and film industries, providing a vital link between producers, the community, and District staff," says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “We are very pleased that Devon has joined the District team and welcome her talents and experience to take the world of film and events at the District of Squamish to a new level. Squamish has seen a growing number of events held on District property, with 72 events facilitated in 2012. This new position will play a key role in this ongoing evolution as attention on Squamish continues to grow.”

Guest, a Squamish resident, brings 10+ years of national and international experience in event development, broadcast and project management, as well as a designation in Project Management and a Bachelor of Sport Management to the position. She worked with both the Vancouver 2010 Games and the London 2012 Games as a Broadcast Venue Manager and Broadcast Logistics Manager, and has used her marketing, design and event management skills to produce TED Conferences.

Guest spent six years with the Canadian Football League (CFL) in Toronto as Manager of Championships and Events, working on key properties such as the Grey Cup and Touchdown Atlantic before being recruited to join the BC Lions Football Club as Director of Operations in 2008. As Director of Operations she was responsible for the Club’s stadium operations including game day and stadium production, and was a key member of the team responsible for the construction and move from BC Place to Empire Stadium while BC Place was under construction; no small feat!

“Live event experiences can shape us, providing us with connections and memories that last a lifetime,” says Guest. “I love being a part of providing people with those experiences. I also love Squamish and our community, and the film and event industries both represent further potential for economic growth here. To have the opportunity to combine all of this into the next stage of my career is something I’m very excited about.”

Interest in the Film & Events Manager position was very high with 120 applications submitted for the position, many of whom were Corridor residents. “We took a different approach to shortlisting for this position by conducting a pre-qualifying interview with a larger group of people than you would typically shortlist, based on the incredible number of qualified resumes we received,” says Corien Speaker, the District's Chief Administrative Officer. 

The Film & Events Manager position was created to further develop and leverage Squamish’s growing event and film industries through forging lasting relationships with film and event industry providers and managing the District’s interests of events and filming held on municipal property. This role provides a direct link to internal District departments, as well as a resource for event organizers and the film industry.   

Guest has lived in Squamish for two years and takes advantage of all the recreation opportunities that the area offers. She is also a Board Member of the Howe Sound Women’s Centre.

September 19, 2013