Our Story
Discover the 55-year journey that transformed Venue West Conference Services to Global Planning Solutions.
Strong Foundations
Founded in 1969 as Venue West Vancouver by four visionary entrepreneurs—Betty Fata, Mae Yee, Lou Cox, and Olga Nazarchuk—the company began as a small catering and service business. In 1970, the team shifted focus to organizing meetings for local associations, marking the beginning of a new direction.
That same year, they famously cancelled their travel plans to Mexico and instead invested the funds to formally incorporate as Venue West Executive Services Ltd. Despite early discouragement—being told secretaries would always manage meeting logistics—the founders persevered. By 1973, Venue West secured its first major contract, setting the stage for longterm success.
Growing Momentum
By 1974, Venue West employed four fulltime and 20 parttime staff and had successfully planned 12 international conventions, with events hosting up to 5,000 delegates.
Stepping onto a Global Stage
Venue West became a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Founder Betty Fata represented both Venue West and Vancouver at ICCA’s 14th General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participating on an international panel of meeting planners and convention bureaux.
A Global Vision
Recognizing the future of the industry, Venue West joined IAPCO—the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers, affirming its commitment to international meetings.
Expanding Reach
Throughout the 1980s, Venue West continued to bring international conventions to Vancouver while organizing meetings of all sizes across North America.
Hosting the World
Venue West hosted IAPCO’s 20th General Assembly at the Westin Bayshore, welcoming 40 members and guests from 16 countries for four days of knowledgesharing, industry dialogue, and collaboration.
A New Name
The company officially changed its name to Venue West Conference Services Ltd.
Industry Leadership
Betty Fata was elected President of IAPCO for a twoyear term, becoming the first North American to hold this role and reinforcing Venue West’s leadership on the global stage.
Celebrating Excellence
1995 - Venue West celebrated its 25th anniversary.
1997 - Betty Fata received the Tourism Vancouver Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the region’s tourism and meetings industry. Known for her ability to “sell her city,” her impact on Vancouver was profound and lasting.
Honouring a Pioneer
On January 18, 2004, Betty Fata passed away following treatment for breast cancer. Widely regarded as a pioneer of international meetings in Vancouver, Betty’s tireless dedication, global perspective, and passion for the industry shaped Venue West’s legacy and inspired generations of professionals worldwide.
Continuing the Legacy
After serving as Vice President, Marketing in 2004, Sue Daugulis, alongside her husband Nils Daugulis, acquired all shares and assets of the company. A close friend of Betty’s for more than 25 years, Sue’s leadership ensured the continuation of Venue West’s values, reputation, and vision.
That same year, Destination Vancouver established the Betty Fata Award for Conference Leadership, recognizing individuals who bring major conferences to the city she championed.
Resilience and Innovation
Venue West proudly participated in the Local Organizing Committee for IAPCO’s 51st General Assembly and Annual Meeting, welcoming 140 delegates from over 30 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre—one of IAPCO’s highestrated annual meetings.
Just one month later, the COVID19 pandemic prompted an immediate shift to remote work and virtual conferences. Venue West successfully retained all staff and adapted its services, supporting clients through unprecedented change before safely returning to facetoface events.
In November 2020, Venue West celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Leadership and Renewal
2021 - Venue West announced the appointment of Richard Carlisle as Chief Operating Officer, a strategic move to support growth and innovation.
2022 - Richard Carlisle assumed the role of President, helping to shape the company’s vision and future direction. That same year, the company refreshed its brand identity and logo, signaling a renewed commitment to excellence and forward momentum.
55 Years of Impact
On November 18, Venue West Conference Services proudly celebrated 55 years of shaping exceptional events—honouring a remarkable history while looking confidently toward the future.
A New Chapter
The company formally renamed to Global Planning Solutions, a strategic evolution that reflects its international scope, expanded service offering, and forward-looking direction. The new name signals a shift from a legacy identity to one rooted in global strategy, purposeful planning, and meaningful connections—positioning the company for its next chapter of growth.
Strong Foundations
Founded in 1969 as Venue West Vancouver by four visionary entrepreneurs—Betty Fata, Mae Yee, Lou Cox, and Olga Nazarchuk—the company began as a small catering and service business. In 1970, the team shifted focus to organizing meetings for local associations, marking the beginning of a new direction.
That same year, they famously cancelled their travel plans to Mexico and instead invested the funds to formally incorporate as Venue West Executive Services Ltd. Despite early discouragement—being told secretaries would always manage meeting logistics—the founders persevered. By 1973, Venue West secured its first major contract, setting the stage for longterm success.
Growing Momentum
By 1974, Venue West employed four fulltime and 20 parttime staff and had successfully planned 12 international conventions, with events hosting up to 5,000 delegates.
Stepping onto a Global Stage
Venue West became a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Founder Betty Fata represented both Venue West and Vancouver at ICCA’s 14th General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participating on an international panel of meeting planners and convention bureaux.
A Global Vision
Recognizing the future of the industry, Venue West joined IAPCO—the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers, affirming its commitment to international meetings.
Expanding Reach
Throughout the 1980s, Venue West continued to bring international conventions to Vancouver while organizing meetings of all sizes across North America.
Hosting the World
Venue West hosted IAPCO’s 20th General Assembly at the Westin Bayshore, welcoming 40 members and guests from 16 countries for four days of knowledgesharing, industry dialogue, and collaboration.
A New Name
The company officially changed its name to Venue West Conference Services Ltd.
Industry Leadership
Betty Fata was elected President of IAPCO for a twoyear term, becoming the first North American to hold this role and reinforcing Venue West’s leadership on the global stage.
Celebrating Excellence
1995 - Venue West celebrated its 25th anniversary.
1997 - Betty Fata received the Tourism Vancouver Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the region’s tourism and meetings industry. Known for her ability to “sell her city,” her impact on Vancouver was profound and lasting.
Honouring a Pioneer
On January 18, 2004, Betty Fata passed away following treatment for breast cancer. Widely regarded as a pioneer of international meetings in Vancouver, Betty’s tireless dedication, global perspective, and passion for the industry shaped Venue West’s legacy and inspired generations of professionals worldwide.
Continuing the Legacy
After serving as Vice President, Marketing in 2004, Sue Daugulis, alongside her husband Nils Daugulis, acquired all shares and assets of the company. A close friend of Betty’s for more than 25 years, Sue’s leadership ensured the continuation of Venue West’s values, reputation, and vision.
That same year, Destination Vancouver established the Betty Fata Award for Conference Leadership, recognizing individuals who bring major conferences to the city she championed.
Resilience and Innovation
Venue West proudly participated in the Local Organizing Committee for IAPCO’s 51st General Assembly and Annual Meeting, welcoming 140 delegates from over 30 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre—one of IAPCO’s highestrated annual meetings.
Just one month later, the COVID19 pandemic prompted an immediate shift to remote work and virtual conferences. Venue West successfully retained all staff and adapted its services, supporting clients through unprecedented change before safely returning to facetoface events.
In November 2020, Venue West celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Leadership and Renewal
2021 - Venue West announced the appointment of Richard Carlisle as Chief Operating Officer, a strategic move to support growth and innovation.
2022 - Richard Carlisle assumed the role of President, helping to shape the company’s vision and future direction. That same year, the company refreshed its brand identity and logo, signaling a renewed commitment to excellence and forward momentum.
55 Years of Impact
On November 18, Venue West Conference Services proudly celebrated 55 years of shaping exceptional events—honouring a remarkable history while looking confidently toward the future.
A New Chapter
The company formally renamed to Global Planning Solutions, a strategic evolution that reflects its international scope, expanded service offering, and forward-looking direction. The new name signals a shift from a legacy identity to one rooted in global strategy, purposeful planning, and meaningful connections—positioning the company for its next chapter of growth.
