Author Archives: David

About David

David Bednar is the General Manager of the Canadian National Exhibition. He moved to Canada from Dallas, Texas in 1970 to attend Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec, where he graduated with a B.A. in theatre and business administration. His career has included ten years as Director of Operations at Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake and nine years with Live Entertainment Corporation (Livent), where he was involved in the development and operation of theatre projects in Toronto and New York. David was appointed General Manager of the CNE in 1998 and became a Canadian citizen at the 2000 CNE. He served as President of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions in 2007. Happily married to Alexandra, he has four children, two step-daughters, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and grandchildren Chloe, Mathieu, and Toby, all of whom are above average.

A Presidential Day

Posted on August 30, 2009 by David

The big day has come and gone, and what a big day it was.  Once again, the CNE staff pulled off a difficult event and made it look relatively easy.  For me personally, it was very big deal to get … Continue reading →

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My Car

Posted on July 31, 2009 by David

Being the shameless self-promoter that I am, I am sharing the following link for those of you who are nutty enough to want to know more about me: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/… As mentioned therein, the truck is not for sale, so don’t … Continue reading →

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One Month to Opening Day 2009

Posted on July 21, 2009 by David

How the time flies; here we are only one month from Opening Day.  Almost everything is set, programs and activities all ready to go, all we have to do is actually make it happen, and the Sun goes and causes … Continue reading →

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General Manager’s AGM Speech

Posted on October 22, 2008 by David

2008 Canadian National Exhibition Association Annual General Meeting Fountain Dining Room, Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place Thursday, October 16, 2008; 10:30 a.m. David Bednar, CNE General Manager, to Members, Directors and Guests Members and Directors, staff and guests, thank you … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Scenes 2008 | 1 Comment

Citizenship

Posted on August 26, 2008 by David

Last Thursday morning was the citizenship ceremony.  Over the past few years, it has settled into an annual event at the CNE in which the immigration officials get out of the office for a ceremony here to swear in some … Continue reading →

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Hippike (“Hip-Eeeeeeeccckkk”)

Posted on August 25, 2008 by David

Horses and Acrobats.  We started throwing this idea around a couple of years ago.  We were concerned about what we would do if the RCMP actually accepted our invitation to perform here.  The last time they were here (2004) was … Continue reading →

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EX-posed

Posted on August 21, 2008 by David

This “EX-posed” project will be one to watch to see if it turns into a new CNE tradition.  Our Youth Action Group (YAG) was pretty charged up about it everytime the idea was discussed.  I am sure almost everyone has … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Scenes 2008 | 1 Comment

Opening Day by the CNE’s GM

Posted on August 15, 2008 by David

            6:15 am Friday August 15th – We have worked all year for today to arrive and here it is.  Thankfully, the weather looks good.  Provincial Minister of Tourism, Peter Fonseca, will officially open the … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Scenes 2008 | 2 Comments