"I went to 138 dinner parties last year and wasn't invited to one."

Maglan Pillay
Banquet Manager, Edmonton Expo Centre

Meet Maglan Pillay, Banquet Manager of Edmonton EXPO Centre. The man we turn to for everything from putting the bubbly in your toasts to the bride to pleasing Her Majesty's regal taste buds during the Royal Visit. Maglan is just one of the 3,600 proud employees and volunteers behind the graduations, concerts, trade shows and 2,500 other annual events that we create to make our city even more exciting.

Q & A

Maglan Pillay

What's your connection to Northlands?
I've worked at Northlands for nine years. In my current position, I oversee operations for all catered events, whether it be a graduation, wedding, Christmas party, smaller concert or one of the special events at Capital EX like SIP.

What's been your favourite Northlands moment?
It's a tie between two experiences. First, serving and meeting Queen Elizabeth II during the royal visit was a huge career highlight for me. Second, catering the Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium and getting to be at ice level at that once-in-a-lifetime event.

What was your first concert at Northlands?
Boys II Men was my first concert. I remember being overwhelmed by how big of a show it was and the incredible production value. It was amazing.

Corn Dogs or Mini Donuts?
Mini Donuts all the way.

How has Northlands changed your life?
Northlands has given me an opportunity to be part of so many unique experiences that no other career could have. To be able to meet and shake the Queen's hand. To be at ice level for the Heritage Classic, seeing the players up close and hearing 60,000 cheering fans. To see the joy on the faces of new brides and grooms before they walk into the hall as newly married couples.

What's the one thing about Northlands you want to tell Edmontonians
that they might not know?
We do grad ceremonies. This year we have 15 scheduled. We cater to some of the largest schools in Edmonton and surrounding area, like Ross Shep, who will host nearly 2,300 people at this year's ceremony.