Engaging entrepreneurs…to develop young entrepreneurial talent…

Wes Nicol
Founder
Email: wes.nicol@nicol-award.com
Office: 613 232-4241

Wesley M. Nicol is the founder of Tartan Homes, builder of thousands of homes in the Ottawa area and the United States, and Nicol & Lazier, an Ottawa-based legal firm practicing in real estate and commercial law.

Over the last 15 years, Wes Nicol has played roles as Chairman, Director and President of AutoSkill International Inc., a company that develops educational software solutions. He has also served on the boards of numerous other companies and non-profit organizations and is well known in the Ottawa area as an angel investor.

Wes Nicol is a graduate of Carleton University (BA/54), and was a longtime member of Carleton's Board of Governors. In 2001, he received the University's Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year award, in recognition of outstanding entrepreneurial achievement. Wes Nicol is also a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School of York University and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1958.

Wes Nicol is a generous philanthropist. He has used much of the proceeds from his businesses to establish the Wesley and Mary Nicol Charitable Foundation, which allocates donations to charitable organizations and is the sole provider of funds for the program.

In 2006, Carleton University awarded Wes Nicol the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of his contirbutions to the governance of Carleton University, the health and spirit of the Ottawa community, and the nurturing of Canadian entrepreneurship. He delivered his convocation address at Carleton University on Novemeber 3, 2006.

Alison Canavan
Co-Producer
Email: alison.canavan@nicol-award.com
Office: 613 290-4456

Alison Canavan is the founder of ACE Event Management and carries more than 15 years experience in the event planning, tradeshow and meeting industry. Overseeing all facets of the operation, Alison is responsible for inspiring creative ideas, organizing tactical details and managing the production of both small and large multi-million dollar events. Before starting ACE, Alison worked for several hi-tech corporations (Corel Corporation, Hemera Technologies and Zip.ca) in the Capital region where she was primarily responsible for strategic development and implementation of 150 key industry events per year, corporate meetings, conferences, road shows, special events and large scale Gala events.

Alison also has significant expertise in brand development, marketing communications and online advertising. She is also a proud member of the Independent Meeting Planner Association of Canada and serves on the Executive Committee for the National Capital Region Chapter.

Pelly Heighton
Co-Producer
Email: pelly.heighton@nicol-award.com
Office: 613 798-9894

Pelly came to Next Wave Events from the High Tech Industry, where she spent fifteen years managing multi-million dollar, time critical programs with resounding success. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills are a natural fit for the Events Industry.

Pelly has extensive experience in Project Management and Hospitality Industry Research, and also has a successful track record in Marketing, Business Development, Supplier & Customer Relationship Management, and Event Planning for both the community and corporate markets.

Pelly now oversees the company’s day-to-day operations as well as getting personally involved in many of the larger special events. She is dedicated to ensuring superior customer service and only works with like-minded vendors.