Jeff Apregan

For over 25 years, Jeff Apregan has professionally produced, promoted and managed live events throughout North America. From 70 city concert tours to extravagant once-in-a-lifetime productions, Apregan Group has presented events in clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and motor speedways with audiences ranging in size from 500 to over 300,000. In addition to talent buying and event promotion, Apregan Group provides venue consultation and strategic planning services to a number of facilities in North America.

Recent projects:

• Neil Diamond – “2005 North American Tour”
• Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert
• Classic Rock’s Main Event – featuring Journey, Styx and REO Speedwagon

Gilles Paquin

For over 30 years, Gilles Paquin has been entrenched in the entertainment industry as a promoter and manager; he has also produced over an estimated 1000 live events, featuring the likes of Billy Joel, Alabama, David Bowie and Tina Turner. In 1980, Paquin Entertainment Group was established. Gilles oversees four divisions: Agency, Artist Management, Special Events, and Film/Television productions out of two Canadian offices in Winnipeg and Toronto. Paquin Entertainment currently represents a diversified group of highly respected national and international artists, including: Randy Bachman, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tegan & Sara, Corb Lund and the Road Hammers.

Recent projects:

• Bachman-Cummings – “First Time Around National Tour”
• 2005 JUNO Gala Dinner and Awards
• The Queens Golden Jubilee

Andrew Prince

A savvy music business professional in an innovative environment, Andrew Prince holds extensive knowledge of the live entertainment industry. As the Promoter Representative for Neil Diamond, Andrew's common sense approach and diplomatic, considerate attitude has earned him the respect of facility managers, artist managers, promoters, producers, agents, city officials, and vendors alike.

Today, Andrew is the Director of Operations for Apregan Group and is directly involved with talent buying and program execution on a number of varying levels. More recently, Andrew was named Vice President of Operations for VenueCoalition and has been instrumental in identifying new business and programming opportunities for its participating member venues.

Recent projects:

• MammothMountain Blues & Brews Festival / Jazz & Wine Festival
• Dixie Chicks “Accident and Accusations Tour” - 2006
• Paul McCartney's “Ecce Cor Meum”
• StrongMania

Sara Monique (Administration)

Already a world traveler at 18 years old, Sara naturally pursued Sociology at the University of Manitoba. With a zest for law and desire for further education, Sara continued her studies and graduated with honours as a Corporate Paralegal. Working with corporations across Canada, Sara played an important role in supporting businesses with all their annual filings.

Sara proudly started working with Paquin Entertainment in July, 2006. She has quickly adapted to her new challenging and multi-titled position, including Executive Assistant, Legal Assistant and Artist Relations. Sara is also a production assistant and has worked on five made-for-television features and special production projects such as the Bachman/Cummings First Time Around Touring documentary DVD. Sara thrives to gain further knowledge and experience as she proceeds to wet her feet in the ever-changing and exciting entertainment world.

Michelle Szeto (Public Relations/Marketing)

Hailing from a diverse background in the arts, Michelle Szeto brings her creative know-how to Venue Coalition as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

Involvement in the entertainment industry at an early age, Michelle, while living in Hong Kong, worked in concert production for international stars such as Oasis, Celine Dion and Prodigy. Recently Michelle has settled into one of the premier agencies in Canada, Paquin Entertainment, where she's had the distinguished pleasure of working with musical icons including, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Randy Bachman.

In addition to the world of contemporary music, Michelle also oversees marketing for KOBA Family Entertainment (a member of Paquin Entertainment Group), a leading producer in live theatrical productions for popular children's characters such as The Backyardigans, Big Comfy Couch, Franklin the Turtle, Caillou and Max & Ruby.

Shelly McGown (Graphic Design)

Since graduating with a Graphic Design diploma and receiving the Gold Medal award for her work, Shelly has worked in a variety of graphic design environments, using her strong visual sense and creative problem-solving skills to create strong design solutions. Her work has already been recognized through her young career in several design competitions. Combining her passions for design and music, Shelly provides in-house design services to Paquin Entertainment as well as KOBA Family Entertainment.

A strong conceptual thinker balanced with a talent for project management, Shelly strives for consistency and creativity in her approach to every project.