Melissa Radu
BComm, (Hotel and Food Administration) '12
Sustainability Manager, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
As sustainability manager at the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, Melissa manages the long-term sustainability strategies for both the Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre. Stressing the importance of data and measurement in sustainability, Melissa works closely with these teams to set the benchmarks for year-after-year improvement and works to empower event professionals to collaborate outside of industry boundaries to drive positive change for future generations. These event venues are accountable to high sustainability standards that differentiate us among other convention centres in North America and help position the ECC and EXPO as hubs for community education around sustainability.
Holding a masters in Sustainable Regional Development and Tourism, as well as a Commerce degree from Lang, Melissa brings her international experience to the Edmonton Convention Centre’s sustainability program. While living in Spain, Melissa conducted research on the social unrest that came from over-tourism and gentrification, sustainable tourism strategies and heritagization projects. Before returning to Edmonton in 2018, she worked in Manchester at a sustainable events firm where she attracted, supported and provided training to a community of sustainable events associates. Melissa’s main motivation in this work is to help all of us to be more courageous and optimistic about protecting our earth’s natural systems.
