Inducted in 2018
Since his first industry experience over 30 years ago he has striven for and achieved excellence, while leaving a lasting impression on which ever festival, event, or community he has worked with. Stephen Hollingshead is a true leader in the festival, events, and tourism industry.
Stephen opened his own Event and Consulting business which landed him a position as Sales and Marketing Manager for North Ontario Regional Tourism Association. He became Manager of Special Events and Sports Tourism for Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and then moved on to be Director of Tourism for North Bay.
He managed various special events such as: Raid the North – Outdoor Adventure Racing, Ontario Cup Cycling Events (Road, Mountain, and Criterium bike races), CSRA Snowcross Racing, ISDRA Sled Dog Racing Championships, The North Eastern Ontario Regional Extrication Challenges, NHRA Canadian Drag Racing, Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Finn Grand Festival, CARHA Hockey World Cup and various individual concerts and local special events.
He has held positions on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, Sport Alliance of Ontario and currently with Festivals and Events Ontario. He has a CFEE designation through the International Festivals and Events Association.
