HAC Spotlight: Husvini Poolay on Shaping a Conference for Uncertain Times

In this month’s HAC Spotlight, we sit down with Husvini Poolay, HAC’s Conference and Event Manager, to discuss her vision for the upcoming HAC Conference 2025. With a strong academic foundation and over a decade of experience in event management, Husvini shares how her expertise and passion are shaping this year’s theme—“Thriving in Uncertainty”—to deliver an impactful experience for attendees and drive industry advancement. 

1. You hold a Higher National Diploma in Hotel Management, a BSc (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Event Management from Humber College. How have these academic achievements helped shape your approach to planning and executing events for HAC? 

Answer: My academic background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to planning and executing events for HAC. The Higher National Diploma in Hotel Management gave me a strong foundation in operations and service excellence. My BSc (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management expanded my understanding of the broader industry, helping me think strategically. And my Postgraduate Certificate in Event Management from Humber College provided hands-on training in logistics, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination. 

Together, these qualifications allow me to approach each event with both a practical and strategic lens—ensuring that HAC events are not only well-organized but also meaningful and aligned with our goals. 

2. With over a decade in event management, which past roles or experiences have been most formative in preparing you for your work at HAC? 

Answer: Several roles have been particularly formative in preparing me for my work at HAC. Early in my career, working in hospitality operations as a Food & Beverage Coordinator, and a Hospitality Training Officer gave me a deep understanding of service delivery and guest experience for a diverse market —skills that are crucial when planning seamless events. My experience within luxurious 5-star resorts in Mauritius as well as a Relais & Château property in Avignon, France, brought so much perspective to my thinking, especially when it comes to navigating change and planning with intention. 

Later, I held event planner roles where I managed large-scale conferences, signature events which taught me the importance of stakeholder communication, risk management, and adaptability under pressure. One of the most impactful experiences was leading cross-functional teams on FCM’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, where I learned how to manage diverse expectations, tight deadlines, and complex logistics. 

All of these experiences have equipped me with the confidence, creativity, and resilience I now bring to HAC events—ensuring they are not only well-executed but also reflective of our values. 

3. What fuels your passion for creating events that are both meaningful and inclusive?  How does this commitment shape your planning process? 

Answer: My passion for creating events that are both meaningful and inclusive comes from a deep belief in the power of connection. Events have the unique ability to bring people together, foster dialogue, and create shared experiences that resonate long after they end. What drives me is ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or identity—feels welcomed, seen, and valued in those spaces. 

I think about who the event is for and how we can ensure everyone feels included—whether that’s through accessible venues, diverse speakers and content, or culturally respectful details. I also actively seek out feedback and collaboration, because inclusive planning isn’t a one-person job; it takes listening and intention. 

At the end of the day, I want every event I create to feel like a space where people belong, and that mindset influences every decision I make along the way. 

4. As you look ahead to the upcoming HAC Conference 2025, what are you most excited about bringing to this year’s event, and how does your background inform your approach? What innovations or new strategies are you focusing on to ensure the HAC Conference continues to deliver exceptional value and support industry advancement? 

Answer: I’m especially excited about the opportunity to bring this year’s theme—“Thriving in Uncertainty”—to life in a way that resonates with our community. In a time when our industry continues to face rapid change, shifting expectations, and ongoing challenges, this theme couldn’t be more timely or relevant. I’m passionate about creating a space where attendees not only gain tools to adapt, but also feel inspired, supported, and energized to lead through uncertainty. 

My background across hospitality, tourism, and event management has taught me that resilience is built not just through strategy, but through people-centered planning. I draw on this foundation to craft experiences that are both practical and empowering—bringing together diverse voices, sharing real-world solutions, and fostering meaningful dialogue that goes beyond surface-level insights. 

This year, we’re focusing on innovation that supports adaptability: on the field workshops, session topics that enhance engagement, and programming that tackles real-time industry issues with honesty and action. We’re also embedding sustainability and wellness into the event design—because thriving, even in uncertainty, means taking care of both our communities and ourselves. (don’t forget to sign up for the walk/run!) 

My goal is to ensure that the HAC Conference continues to be a beacon of leadership, connection, and progress—even in the most unpredictable of times.