From Local Influence to Global Spotlight: Introducing Steph Bagnarol

Steph Bagnarol exemplifies a quiet yet confident leadership style, underscored by her unwavering dedication to her team and community. As the Director of Partnerships, Sponsorships & Events at ventureLAB, she plays a pivotal role in key initiatives, including high-profile government roundtables and the globally recognized HardTech summit.

Although not originally from the tech sector, Steph's career has deep roots in community service. Before joining ventureLAB, she dedicated eight years to the City of Markham, where she led major public engagement events through the Corporate Communications team. Her tenure there was marked by pivotal moments, especially during the pandemic, when her team was crucial in delivering urgent information to the community. Unfortunately, budget cuts led to her departure from the city while she was on contract, a moment that prompted her to re-evaluate her career path.

During her time with the City, she maintained a partnership with ventureLAB, which ultimately led her to a job opportunity. Although the position was filled, the hiring team recognized her potential and invited her back for a conversation that would reshape her career into the realm of partnerships. She quickly established herself within ventureLAB, leveraging her extensive experience in logistics, stakeholder engagement, and government relations to build an effective partnerships function.

Steph's contributions extended to events, eventually leading her to head the Events & Sponsorships portfolio. Her leadership was instrumental in transforming HardTech from a local pitch competition to an internationally renowned conference, a highlight of her career being the expansion of HardTech to new venues. She firmly believes in creating value for participants, stating her satisfaction comes from hearing success stories from founders and partners who benefit from her initiatives.

Leading a growing team, Steph orchestrates high-profile events, including the G7 Semiconductor Point of Contact Group, which unites key government and industry leaders. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes respect and collaboration, rejecting a hierarchy when tasks need attention. She models this hands-on approach, recalling her early days in event management at just 16. Those formative experiences at Spectrum Catering led her to continue working alongside that same company for ventureLAB events.

Steph's education in Visual Merchandising Arts and Event Management at Seneca College laid her foundational skills, but it’s her practical experience and adaptability that have propelled her career. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is actively involved in her community as a board member and coach for local sports organizations, including Georgina Minor Hockey and Lake Simcoe Soccer. She manages youth programming and events alongside her children, who share her passion for sports.

Whether organizing a hockey championship or enjoying family hikes in Banff, Steph embodies dedication and a desire to make a positive impact in every aspect of her life. She acknowledges that career paths are rarely linear and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth. Ultimately, she is confident that she is exactly where she is meant to be. Steph encapsulates the idea that meaningful success comes not just from achieving goals but from the connections and impact one creates along the way.