Biography
Christopher Mei
I specialize in medium to grand-scale events. Working closely with organizers, planners and committees, I see to it that all of your planning, budgetting and timing is exectued with the finest level of professionalism, energy and impact.
My Career So Far....
1997 – 2000: I worked for 4 years on board cruise ships within the Royal Caribbean International fleet. During this time I hosted literally thousands of live and television broadcast events to audiences ranging in size from 10 to 1500!! There is no forgiveness in the eyes of those paying big money to enjoy a vacation that they may never get the chance to experience again; for this reason I was counted on time and time again to deliver the “big show” that no one would ever forget.
2000 – 2006: I worked as the Marketing and Promotions Director for commercial radio station Wave 94.7fm in Hamilton. With a very small on-air staff and having already established myself as an accomplished public speaker, I was counted on as the station’s primary On-Location Personality. During this time I hosted concert festivals, world class equestrian competitions, international polo tournaments, high profile charity galas for major hospitals as well as dozens and dozens of movie premiere screenings and various client functions.
2001 – 2005: I worked as the television host for Cable 14’s daily magazine show: “South 905”. This is where I really began my school of hard knocks into the world of broadcast television. I spearheaded the hosting of that Monday to Friday program for the majority of my 4 years at Cable 14, TV Hamilton. I was also counted on as their live-location representative to host events anywhere in the community.
2006 – Present: I continue to work as a live National On-Air Host for Canada’s “The Weather Network”.
2010 - present
Commercial Theater
2005 – Present: For 10 years I have played host/moderator for a collection of performances each season at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. In advance I am given the list of shows I will be attending and then lead in discussion afterward. It is here that I begin preparing my lines of questioning. These post show "Artist Chats" normally take place at the nearby Paradiso Restaurant Wine Bar where guests are invited to a complimentary glass of wine with delicious hors d'eurves while I host a very spirited and interactive talk-back session. Playing on some of my most influential journalists and entertainment hosts, I drive each session the way a television show would run, therefore really making the artist/group feel respected and accomodated while also entertaining the audience in attendance.
I have interviewed a wonderful collection over the years that include: Sloan, Kim Mitchell, Dave Thomas, Ian Thomas, Colin Mocherie, Jacob Moon, Joe Bonomassa, Jim Cuddy, I Mother Earth, Daryl Streumer and many many more. My challenge is always to research deep enough to have questions that will not take away from what an audience member might potentially ask. I run a fast paced, intriguing and fully audience involved evening that everyone enjoys.
2009 – Present: Ontario Arts Council’s “Dance Outreach Coordinator” for the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts – For this I am formally contracted to assume the role of coordinator and facilitator for all Ontario Dances events that take place in Oakville through the theatre. I build, from the ground up, a program that is designed to best profile each act or artist while they visit the community. I coordinate, through direct marketing and multimedia initiatives, a promotional package that involves community groups to take part in a variety of different “Outreach” events with each touring group while they are in town. This culminates in being invited to the actual scheduled performance at the Theatre where, afterward, I host an interactive talk-back information session between the artist or group and all in attendance. This program includes 2 Outreach Projects per year.
2015 - Ontario Arts Council’s “Dance Outreach Coordinator” for the Milton Centre for the Arts - After 6 successful years working with the akville centre on this project, I have been contracted to take on the same role in Milton. Milton Centre for rhe Arts is only 5 years old and a beautiful facility in a very fast growing multi-cultural community. I have already set in motion the components for a very progressive Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 Outreach Program.
2010 - present
Corporate Work
2014 - Present: Mohawk College Fall Convocation DAY "Graduate Name Announcer", Hamilton, ON.
2013 - Present: Ancaster Wedding Show at the Ancaster Fairgrounds
2012 - Present: Region of Halton "Physicians Appreciation Night" Gala Dinner, Oakville Conference Centre.
2011 - Present: Otello's Banquet Hall: Open House Invitational Dinner gala
2010, 2012 - Present: Rotary Club of Oakville West’s Annual "Oakville Awards for Business Excellence" Dinner Gala
2009 - Present: Oakville Chamber of Commerce Annual “Presidents Dinner” gala.
2009 - Present: Town of Oakville “Sports Recognition Awards”
2008 - Present: Town of Oakville: “Community Spirit Awards.
2016 & 2017: Mohawk College "Celebrate Learning" Dinner and Awards Show, Carmens Banquet Centre, Hamilton, ON.
2016: Chairperson and Coordinator for "TUDS: OAKVILLE URBAN DANCE FESTIVAL" - September 22-24 (Inclusive of Warm-Up and Promotional events: May 7- QEP Community and Culture Centre, May 18th- Oakville Centre, July 10th- Childrens Festival @ Coronation Park, July 15- Downtown Oakville "Midnight Madness Festival", August 5-6- Downtown Oakville Jazz festival, September 17- Oakville Summer Cultural Connection @ Towne Square)
2016: Mohawk College "DAY ONE", Mohawk College Main Campus, Hamilton, ON.
2016: “Lakeside a La Carte” Fine Wine and Food Charity Fundraiser in association with Rotary International.
2016: "Brilliant Minded Women" Dinner and Gala, Mississauga ON.
2015 & 2016: Mohawk College Spring Convocation WEEK announcer. Hamilton, ON.
2015 & 2016: Hamilton's “Charity of Hope” Fundraising Dinner and Concert Gala at the Carmens Banquet Centre.
2015 & 2016: Cogeco Cable Canada's Social Committee Dinner and Dance at Michaelangelo's Banquet Centre in Hamilton
2015 & 2016: Oakville's “Charity of Hope” Fundraising Dinner, Concert & Fashion Show Gala at the Oakville Conference and Convention Centre.
2015 & 2016: Enrico Gallante and Friends concert event at St. Michael's College Theatre, Toronto, ON.2015: Special Dance Outreach Spring Series with "GADFLY", Oakville On.
2015: 2015 PanAm Games Town of Oakville Oakville "Torch Relay Ceremony", Centennial Square.
2015: "Cause for Paws" Fundraiser Gala Dinner, Appleby College, Oakville, ON.
2015: Grenville Pinto and Friends Concert Event. Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON.
2015: Hamilton Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase, Michaelangeo's Banquet Centre.
2014: CFUW Christmas Dinner at the Oakville Harbour Club
2014: Grenville Pinto and Friends Concert Event. St. Michael's Centre for the Arts, Toronto, ON.
2014: Habitat For Humanity's Charity Fundraising Gala "1954 Sock Hop". Oakville Conference Centre.
2014: "Chef Wars", Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conferene Centre, Mississauga,. ON.
2014: Hamilton Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase, Michaelangeo's Banquet Centre.
2014: 2-day "Super Crawl Festival 2014" Performing Arts Stage. Hamilton, ON.
2014: Pan Am Games 2-day "One Year Countdown Festival. Pier 4 Park, Hamilton, ON.
2014: Halton Environmental Network 10th Anniversary Gala at Oakville Conference Centre2013: Fotografia Boutique "Colours Of Love" International Night of Music VIP Party Night and Concert Night at the Rose Theatre in Brampton.
2013: Purolator Courier "Top Chef" Corporate event at Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Resort Spa.2012 - 2013: Hamilton Sheraton Hotel's Corporate Open House gala
2009: Cogeco Cable Canada’s “State of the Union” dinner and gala
2005 - 2013: Welcome Wagon Canada’s Bridal and Baby Shower Showcase and Fashion Shows (8-10 showcase events per year)
2010: “Charity of Hope” Fundraising Dinner, Concert & Fashion Show Gala at the Oakville Conference and Convention Centre.
2008: Downtown Oakville BIA “Fashion Week” Fashion Show.
2008: Laidlaw Trucking Corporate Summer Picnic.
2008: Siemens Canada Corporate Summer Picnic.
2008: September Wedding Show at McMaster University Convocation Hall, Hamilton
2008: Sunshine Foundation: “Dreams for Kids” Charity Fundraiser and Auction.
2008 - 2009: “Children of Christmas Past” Holiday Fundraiser and Concert Event.
2007: Entertainment Coordinator and Host for the Entertainment Lounge at the “Toronto Wine and Cheese Show”, International Centre, Toronto.
2007 - 2008: Suzuki of Oakville seasonal new car launch event.
2007 - 2008: Dover Industries Corporate Summer Picnic.
2007: Paddock Trucking Corporate Summer Picnic.
2007 - 2008: “Lakeside a La Carte” Fine Wine and Food Charity Fundraiser in association with Rotary International.
2007: Bell Canada Corporate Summer Picnic.
2007 - 2008: Geneva Centre for Autism Annual Fundraiser.
2006 - 2008: “Fortinos Summer Jam” at Confederation Park, Hamilton, ON.
2006: “Bonk” the Game show Road show with Brian Michaels Entertainment (3 performances)
2006: “Ontario Wine Awards” Gala Dinner, Niagara on the Lake.
2005: In-Stadium Announcer for the 2005 Season: “Mississauga Ice Dogs” Hockey Club of the American Hockey League.
2001 - 2008: City of Hamilton: “Bridges to Better Business” part of Canadian Small Business Week.
2001 - 2007: Coordinator and Instructor for “Cruise Training Centre”, in association with Cruise Services International, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON (6 Sessions) & Durham College, Whitby, ON (5 sessions).
2000 - 2007: Canadian National Autism Foundation’s Annual “Spring Brunch and Auction” and “Fall Dinner Gala and Auction”.