NEWS

For Immediate Release


Ownership change at Venue West

(Vancouver, B.C., 22 July, 2005) - Nils and Sue Daugulis have acquired all shares and assets of Vancouver’s preeminent conference management firm, Venue West Conference Services Ltd..Sue Daugulis

Earlier this year it had been announced that Sue Daugulis, a travel industry veteran and long-time friend of Venue West and its founder, the late Betty Fata, had joined the company in the capacity of vice-president, marketing, and a member of the Board of Directors. She now becomes president, succeeding Lou Cox, one of Venue West's founders. Her husband Nils, a partner in the law firm of Bull, Housser and Tupper, will serve as chief executive officer, while continuing in the practice of law.

"We view this as more of a transition than a departure from Venue West's legacy," Sue Daugulis said. "The three surviving partners will remain as consultants, available as needed, and it will be business as usual for the outstanding staff, clients and international networks."

Venue West, founded in 1970, has been instrumental in attracting to Vancouver and managing all services related to some of the most prestigious international congresses ever held in Western Canada. Betty Fata, who died early in 2004, was the most publicly prominent member of this professional team, a past-president of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO). With partners Lou Cox, Mae Yee and Olga Nazarchuk.

Betty and Venue West developed clients, friends and associates all over the world. For many years, it was the only Vancouver firm with IAPCO's prestigious Professional Conference Organizer accreditation. Venue West is also a member of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) and remains the sole member in Canada of the International Conference Network (INCON Group).

"Because we all know and respect each other so much, this change will be seamless," Sue Daugulis said. "A priority will be to introduce ourselves to the international partners and clients, ensuring them that the best of everything Venue West has always delivered, will remain. But we have some exciting plans in progress that will not be unveiled until this fall." Venue's West's office in Toronto will remain but dynamic plans in development include offices in other centres as well.

During the interim, Nils and Sue Daugulis will be the sole directors. Donald L. King, a long-time friend of the company, who has served as Chair of the Board of Directors, has resigned.

Vancouver tourism leaders were pleased with the news:

“Venue West has long been one of our destination's most instrumental firms when it comes to building the business of conventions. To know that their established clientele will have such a high standard of continuity is important to all of us,” said Rick Antonson, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver. "Sue Daugulis brings an energy, professionalism and range of experience that will contribute immensely to Vancouver’s strong reputation as a destination with unparalleled meeting expertise and efficiency.”

Barbara Maple, the general manager of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, added: "We are delighted to have Sue Daugulis back as a partner in our industry, and are looking forward to the corporate strength and commitment she and her husband Nils will bring to Venue West. Our convention industry consistently scores top marks with clients and delegates from around the world and it's the professionalism of highly competent congress organizers like Venue West that makes the difference."

Sue Daugulis was a psychology graduate of the University of Western Ontario whose early career evolved in the management of large housing projects in both Ontario and British Columbia, including social and seniors housing for thousands of residents. Her experience with high profile events began in 1975 as Accommodation, Registration & Accreditation Co-ordinator for the United Nations Habitat Conference held in Vancouver in June, 1976. Since that time she has held tourism marketing positions, full-time and consulting, with multiple clients, including Gray Line of Vancouver and several well-known Vancouver restaurants, including Frank Bakers and the Bud Kanke group (the Cannery, the Fish House, Mulvaneys & Viva's).

She and Nils have two teen-aged sons.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Venue West Conference Services Ltd.
Suite 645 - The Landing, 375 Water Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6B 5C6
Tel. (604) 681-5226 E-mail: congress@venuewest.com
www.venuewest.com

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