Events East Group and Suzanne Fougere named 2027 Halifax Business Awards Finalists

October 22, 2026

Today, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce has announced the Finalists for the 2027 Halifax Business Awards.

Following one of its best performance years yet, Events East Group has been named as a Finalist for the Business of the Year Award, which recognizes standout organizations in the Halifax Regional Municipality that demonstrate exceptional overall achievement, operational excellence, leadership, and a strong positive impact on the local economy and community.

Events East first placed a Finalist for Business of the Year in the 2025 Halifax Business Awards.

Events East's President & CEO Suzanne Fougere has also been named as a Finalist for the Business Leader of the Year Award for her demonstration of exceptional leadership, vision, and strategic direction within our organization.

Both nominations follow Events East's exceptional performance in 2025-26, with the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre serving as key drivers of economic growth in our region while improving Nova Scotia's reputation as a destination for memorable events, meetings, and conventions.

Since 2018, the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre combined have hosted over 1,900 events, welcomed more than 3.5 million guests to Halifax and generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact for the city and province.

Under Fougere's leadership and her implementation of Events East's Five-Year Strategic Plan, the organization is on track to generate $730 million in economic impact over the next five years. Suzanne's vision and leadership have positioned Halifax as an incredible host destination; her strong business acumen, strategic focus, and collaborative approach continue to strengthen our city and create community vibrancy and impact.

Her commitment to the community extends beyond Events East in her work as the Board Chair of the QEII Foundation, on the Board of Directors for United Way Maritimes, and as a member of the YWCA Women's Leadership Collaborative.

Suzanne has been nationally recognized for her achievements and leadership in the industry. She was awarded the 2025 Sport Tourism Industry Champion Award, named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women of 2025 by WXN's Top 100 Awards and one of 2026's Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.

The 2027 Halifax Business Awards take place on January 28, 2027, at the Halifax Convention Centre.

Quotes

“Events East continues to demonstrate the significant role that major events play in growing Nova Scotia's economy. Through the Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre, the organization is attracting visitors, showcasing our key industries, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for communities across the province. Congratulations to the Events East team on their continued success in helping make Nova Scotia a destination of choice for events, meetings, sports and entertainment." - Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development, Province of Nova Scotia.

“The world wants to be here in Halifax — and the results show it. The Halifax Convention Centre and Scotiabank Centre are bringing more people downtown, supporting local businesses, and raising our region’s profile across Canada and beyond. I want to thank Events East for helping ensure Halifax is ready to meet this moment, with the kind of civic infrastructure a confident, connected city needs.” - Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality