When you shine, we shine.

Our Story

…a common problem

After years in the conference-planning world, we recognized scientists and their associations were struggling. Many were trying to manage their societies and conferences off the side of their desks — taking on planning and administrative burden without the tools (or time) to build success.

a global solution…

Podium was created to answer this challenge. With offices in Europe and North America, we partner with societies wherever they are to plan their meetings anywhere in the world.

We make our clients the conference hero and take associations from ‘survival mode’ to strong, sustainable organizations.

Our goal is to be the name shared on the sidelines of outstanding conferences and cited by those who trust us as part of their extended teams.

…why we’re here

We’re real people who love what we do. We never forget why we’re here: to help scientists connect and researchers mobilize knowledge — setting the stage for breakthroughs that change the world.

Our Values

We build TRUST through honesty, transparency, integrity, accountability and reliability.

We have a STRONGLY CONNECTED TEAM because of communication, collaboration, responsibility, and the freedom to take ownership.

Our staff are PROFESSIONALS WITH PERSONALITY — authentic, relaxed, flexible and warm.

We provide QUALITY services because of our care, attention to detail, love of planning, broad range of skills and responsive team.

Our Commitment

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS because we identify with our clients, support their goals, treat our network of providers as one team and genuinely enjoy seeing our clients have fun.

WE NURTURE CONNECTIONS between delegates, vendors, sponsors and scientific associations to create stronger communities. Our vision is that these connections result in future scientific breakthroughs.

WE MAKE OUR CLIENTS THE CONFERENCE HERO so they can relax and do what they do best – science and research.

Meet the Team

Marischal De Armond

Founder & CEO

There’s no greater thrill than embracing the confidence of our clients and partnering with them to build success for their society or conference.

Cendrine De Vis

Senior Conference & Association Manager

When it comes to planning and organizing conferences, I’m a master of detail. I love putting all of the pieces together, and strive to create a unique, custom experience for each conference. I enjoy seeing months of hard work pay off at an event — and delegates having a wonderful time.

Tori Lunden

Junior Conference Manager

I believe that strong working relationships are the best foundation for any undertaking. I came to conference management through the non-profit sector and continue to find it a challenging and rewarding career. I deeply enjoy the process of planning and organizing, especially when combined with my love of working with others towards a meaningful goal.

Josh Duncan

Technical Support Specialist

My background in computer engineering and interests in music and music-making gadgets have enabled me to support my clients with a creative approach to solving their technical problems.

Hunter Fraser

Finance Manager

Whether it be reviewing contracts or compiling financial statements, our client’s goals and interests are at the heart of my work. I ensure our client finances are sound and that our buyers and suppliers needs are met on time, as well as on budget.

Brian Groos

Conference Manager

I have 30 years of quality experience managing international, national and local events and put it to work helping our clients achieve their conference goals.

Rachel Waller

Conference Assistant

I love all of the detail orientated work that goes into planning a conference. With my background experience in marketing and event planning, I’m excited to be apart of the Podium team and to be able to put my skillset to the test!

Alaina Laflamme

Social Media Manager

I specialize in amplifying our conference planning efforts through dynamic social strategies, combining my expertise in digital marketing with a strong understanding of conference logistics.

Jude Ross

Senior Conference Manager

I love the challenge of conference management — guiding client projects and keeping things on track from start to finish, culminating in a successful event. I collaborate closely with our clients and aim to be a reassuring presence in our work together.

Sarah-Kate Burke

Junior Conference & Association Manager

My passion for conferences and events comes from my love of relationship building and the opportunities it provides to bring people together. I love taking a project from early discussions, through the entire planning stage and seeing the finished product come to life at the live event. The satisfaction at the end of a conference from delegates, suppliers and most importantly clients is what drives me and makes me passionate about my work in this industry.

Adianne Askew

Bookkeeper

Brandon Au

Product & Marketing

My flexibility and desire to learn enables my ability to support the team during any situation.

Michelle Smith

Senior Conference Manager

Working with clients to deliver their vision, I take pride in managing both strategic society initiatives and minute conference logistics. Seeing happy delegates, proud committee and board members, and satisfied sponsors and exhibitors at the end of a conference gives me a sense of accomplishment and delight.

Sébastien Lavoie

Conference Assistant

Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets planning. With many years under my belt in the banquet industry, and my business acumen, I strive in providing utmost care in preparing conferences for our clients. My schooling and experience complement my desire for success.

Jessica Cullum